Chapter 14
Adam didn’t hesitate, nodding eagerly. He barely slowed, piloting his customized transport as if in a race, the wind roaring past. They arrived at the Skytalon’s Landing, leaving their luggage behind, their minds focused solely on finding Lanie. Every second felt critical. As dawn broke, their airship lifted off.
Anxiety gnawed at them, a palpable tension in the air.
Meanwhile, Lanie hadn’t slept well. She woke early, preparing herself. Today was her wedding day–her blood bond to Zoe Jackson. Ironically, she’d only met Zoe a handful of times. She hadn’t expected him to her intended mate!
His name often arose in conversations with her parents and the family elders. He was considered one of the most outstanding young he–wolves of their generation. Her parents had always spoken of him with great admiration. Her memories of him consisted of a cool, aloof older brother figure who liked to pinch her cheeks when they were pups. Even if the mate were someone else, she couldn’t help feeling nervous. It was her first time.
She checked her attire in the mirror. At nine o’clock sharp, she took Zoe Jackson’s arm and headed to the Pack Council chambers. Sensing her nervousness, he produced sweets from somewhere and slipped them into her palm.
“Nervous? Sweets help.”
His gentle gaze, his unwavering expression, calmed her. She was lost in his tenderness, almost entranced. Her mind was fuzzy; she mechanically unwrapped and ate the sweet. The sweetness seemed to seep into her soul.
This arranged blood bond wasn’t so bad, she thought. Everything felt surreal, like walking on clouds.
She let Zoe Jackson lead her through the process: signing the blood bond documents, posing for the ceremonial photographs.
Seeing her stiffness, a smile played on the corner of his lips. The seal was applied. Two bright crimson blood bond certificates were issued. She felt like she was dreaming.
Then, two distinct voices called her name.
“Lanie!”
“Lanie!”
Benjamin and Adam stood before her, chests heaving, gasping for breath.
The bright crimson blood bond certificate pierced their eyes. Their gazes narrowed, settling on that crimson hue. Benjamin’s voice was hoarse, disbelief etched on his face.
Lanie… you… you’re blood–bonded?”
They couldn’t believe it, but her hand clasped in Zoe Jackson’s, the blood bond rings on their ring fingers, left no room for doubt.
Benjamin’s Guardian Wolf howled silently within him, a mournful cry of loss.
