Luca's POV
They dress me like a sacrifice.
White silk pants that cling to every curve. Bare-chested except for elaborate silver jewelry—cuffs on my wrists, a collar around my throat with chains that drape across my chest. It's beautiful and terrifying.
"Traditional omega attire," Sara explains, fastening the final clasp. "You look incredible."
"I look half-naked."
"That's the point." She grins. "The Alpha needs access to mark you. Plus, it's symbolic—you're offering yourself to him, vulnerable and willing."
"I'm not sure about the willing part."
"You agreed to the ceremony. That's willing enough." She steps back, admiring her work. "Seriously though, Rian's going to lose his mind when he sees you."
"That's supposed to be a good thing?"
"When you're bonding? Absolutely." She hands me a ceremonial robe—sheer, barely covering anything. "Wear this until you reach the circle. Then drop it."
"Drop it in front of everyone?"
"It's tradition. Don't worry, they're not leering. It's sacred." She squeezes my shoulder. "You're going to be fine. Better than fine."
Damon arrives to escort me. His eyes widen when he sees me.
"Damn, Luna. The Alpha's going to spontaneously combust."
"Not helping," I mutter.
He grins. "Come on. Time to get bonded."
The walk through the forest feels surreal. Torches light the path. Pack members line the way, bowing their heads respectfully as I pass.
Then I see the circle.
Hundreds of wolves—both in human and animal form—create a massive ring in the clearing. Candles and ceremonial fires burn. The full moon hangs overhead, huge and luminous.
And in the center stands Rian.
My breath catches.
He's shirtless, ritual markings painted across his chest and arms in silver. His eyes glow amber in the firelight. He looks primal. Powerful. Devastating.
When our eyes meet, the bond flares. Even partially complete, it pulls us together with magnetic force.
"Approach," the pack elder commands.
I walk forward on trembling legs. At the circle's edge, Sara removes my robe.
I'm exposed. Vulnerable. Every pack member can see me.
But I only see Rian.
His eyes track over my body—hungry, possessive, reverent. When I reach him, he extends his hand.
"You came," he says softly.
"I promised I wouldn't run."
"I know. But thank you anyway."
The elder—an ancient wolf with white hair and knowing eyes—steps forward.
"We gather under the full moon to witness the bonding of Alpha Rian Blackwood and his chosen mate, Luca Carter." Her voice carries across the clearing. "This bond is sacred. Permanent. Unbreakable."
The pack howls.
"Alpha Rian, state your claim."
Rian takes both my hands, eyes locked on mine. "I claim Luca Carter as my mate. My omega. My heart. I vow to protect him with my life, cherish him with my soul, and love him until my last breath." His voice drops, intimate despite the audience. "He is my second chance. My salvation. My everything."
My throat tightens.
"Luca Carter," the elder says. "Do you accept this claim?"
This is it. Last chance to back out.
I look into Rian's eyes—golden, desperate, hopeful. I feel the partial bond humming between us, taste his fear that I'll refuse.
"I accept," I say clearly. "I accept Rian Blackwood as my mate. My Alpha. My partner." I take a breath, adding my own vows. "I don't fully understand this bond. I don't know if what I feel is real or magic. But I'm choosing to try. Choosing to trust. Choosing you."
Rian's eyes glisten.
"Then let the bond be sealed," the elder declares.
Rian pulls me close, tilting my head to expose my throat. His nose traces the existing mark, and I shiver.
"Last chance," he murmurs against my skin. "Say no, and I'll stop."
"Do it," I breathe.
His canines extend. He bites.
Pain.
White-hot, searing pain radiates from my throat through my entire body. I scream, unable to stop myself.
But Rian holds me steady, one arm wrapped around my waist, the other cradling my head. His teeth sink deeper, deeper than before, marking me permanently.
Then pleasure crashes through the pain.
Endorphins flood my system. The bond explodes open—I feel Rian completely. His love, his devotion, his absolute commitment. It's overwhelming, all-consuming, everything.
I feel his fear when he first saw me. His desperation to protect me. His guilt over forcing the claim. His hope that I'd choose him anyway.
And underneath it all—pure, genuine, devastating love.
He loves me. Completely. The bond doesn't lie.
Tears stream down my face as he releases the bite, licking the wound to seal it.
"Mine," he growls, voice rough.
"Yours," I gasp, dizzy from sensation.
The pack howls—celebration, acceptance.
Rian lifts me effortlessly, cradling me against his chest. "Are you okay?"
"I feel you," I whisper. "Everything. God, Rian, I feel everything."
"I know, baby. I know." He kisses my forehead. "Come on. Let's finish this in private."
He carries me through the parting pack, toward the ceremonial chamber. I bury my face in his neck, overwhelmed by sensation and emotion.
The bond is complete. I'm his.
Forever.