Chapter 108: Chapter 108 We Would Face It Together
Victoria
Elder Maxwell stood at the center of the altar, his ancient face solemn with the gravity of the occasion. As the highest-ranking council member, his presence lent additional weight to the ceremony.But it was the figure standing slightly to his left that made my heart skip a beat. Elder Helena, the most senior member of the Wolf Council, had come personally to witness our union.
As Uncle Alessio and I reached the altar, Leo stepped forward to meet us. His eyes never left mine as Alessio placed my hand in his, the older man’s blessing clear in his gentle smile.
"Take care of her," Alessio said quietly, his words carrying the weight of paternal authority despite the difference in their ranks.
"With my life," Leo replied solemnly, and I knew he meant every word.
Elder Maxwell’s voice rang out clearly as he began the ancient ceremony. "We gather today not merely to witness the union of two souls, but to celebrate the binding of two powerful bloodlines, two great packs, and two hearts that have proven their devotion through trial and triumph."
He spoke of the traditions that bound our people, of the sacred nature of the mate bond, of the responsibilities we were accepting not just to each other but to all those who looked to us for leadership. His words wove together wolf lore and fairy magic, acknowledging both sides of my heritage with equal reverence.
When it came time for our vows, Leo spoke first, his deep voice carrying clearly through the temple.
"Victoria," he began, his eyes never leaving mine, "you entered my life like a force of nature—beautiful, powerful, and completely unexpected. You challenged me to become better than I ever thought I could be. You taught me that true strength comes not from control, but from trust. You showed me that love isn’t about possession, but about partnership."
His voice grew rougher with emotion. "I promise to stand beside you, not above you. To support your dreams, not limit them. To love you not just as my mate, but as my equal, my partner, and my greatest treasure. Through moonrise and sunset, through storm and calm, through whatever challenges we face together—my heart, my life, my everything belongs to you."
Tears blurred my vision as I began my own vows, my voice strong despite my overwhelming emotions.
"Leo, when I first met you, I was running from a life I couldn’t control. You could have taken advantage of my vulnerability, but instead, you gave me the space to find my own strength. You supported me when I stumbled, celebrated with me when I succeeded, and loved me through every transformation—literal and figurative—that I’ve undergone."
I paused, thinking of how far we’d both come. "You’ve shown me that true partnership means growing together, not growing apart. That real love makes us braver, not more fearful. I promise to trust you with my heart while keeping my independence. To love you fiercely while maintaining my own identity. To stand with you as we build something beautiful together—a pack, a family, a future that honors both our strengths."
Elder Maxwell smiled as he lifted the ceremonial chalice filled with blessed wine. "By the ancient laws of our people, by the power of the moon above and the earth below, I now pronounce you bound in body, heart, and soul. You may seal your union."
Leo’s hands cupped my face with infinite gentleness as he leaned down to kiss me. The moment our lips met, I felt the mate bond flare to life with new intensity—not the desperate, possessive need it had once been, but something deeper and more enduring. A connection based on choice, trust, and mutual respect.
The kiss lasted only seconds, but it felt like a lifetime of promises being sealed with a single touch.
The temple erupted in cheers and howls of celebration as we broke apart, both of us grinning like fools. Emma was crying happy tears in the front row while Tiny awkwardly patted her shoulder, his own eyes suspiciously bright. Lilith and Enzo—who had insisted on attending despite still being in recovery—were applauding enthusiastically.
But it was Elder Helena who surprised me most. The stern old woman actually smiled as she approached the altar, her usually severe expression softened with something that might have been affection.
"Alpha Victoria, Alpha Leonard," she said formally, but her tone was warm. "On behalf of the Northern Territories Council, I offer our blessing on your union. May your partnership bring prosperity to your packs and peace to our territories."
She paused, her ancient eyes twinkling with unexpected mischief. "And may you find time for happiness between all the politics and pack management."
The crowd laughed, the tension broken by her unexpected humor. As the formal ceremony transitioned into celebration, Leo caught my hand and spun me around, both of us laughing with pure joy.
"How does it feel, Luna Moretti?" he asked.
"Perfect," I said, standing on my tiptoes to kiss him again. "Absolutely perfect."
As the sun set over the temple grounds and the celebration moved into full swing, I looked around at all the faces I loved—my mother, my friends, my pack family—and felt a deep sense of completion. We had survived the darkness, fought for our happiness, and emerged stronger than ever.
The future stretched ahead of us, bright with possibility.
And we would face it together.