Page 35 of Claimed By the Goalie Alpha
The mating ceremonywas held outside as the sun set. The pack gathered around us, and Caspian, the Alpha, stood at the center with us.
"Julian, this is an ancient ceremony and once mated, other shifters will recognize you as mated and under pack protection," Caspian explained. "But it will also complete the connection you both already feel. Are you both willing?"
"Yes," Renard said immediately.
The man who'd taught me about shifters with patience and care was about to be bonded to me for all eternity. He loved me and our baby with an intensity that still took my breath away.
"Yes."
Caspian handed Renard a small blade. "The marking is your choice. Traditionally it's done at the junction of the neck and shoulder, but you may choose differently."
Renard looked at me. "Where do you want it?"
"Wherever you want."
His hand came up to cup my neck and his thumb brushed over where my pulse beat. "Here. If that's okay."
I nodded, not trusting my voice.
The blade was cool against my skin and the cut was quick and shallow with a sharp sting followed by warmth as blood trickled out. Renard's eyes never left mine as he made the mark, and I witnessed love and commitment reflected there.
When it was my turn, my hand shook as I took the blade, but Renard steadied me.
"It's okay," he said softly. "You can't do this wrong."
I made a matching mark on his neck. A thin line of red appeared, and I sensed a connection I couldn't explain but felt in every cell of my body. It was as though a door opened and a thread connected us that would never break. Renard gasped and I guessed he felt it too.
"According to the laws of our pack," Caspian intoned, "I recognize this mating. The bond you now share is everlasting."
The pack erupted in applause. Renard pulled me close and gave me a kiss full of promise. "Mine," he whispered.
"Yours," I agreed. "Always."
The celebration afterward was joyful. Renard's mother had prepared enough food to feed a stadium of people, and pack members kept congratulating us. Theo regaled me with moreembarrassing childhood stories while Renard pretended to be annoyed but kept his arm around my waist the entire time.
Later, when the party was winding down, Renard and I escaped to a quiet corner of the porch. The stars were bright overhead, and the sounds of laughter drifted from inside.
"How are you feeling?" Renard pulled me between his legs as he leaned against the railing.
"Happy like I just joined a very large, very enthusiastic family."
"You did." His hands settled on my hips. "They already love you."
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the photo his mother had slipped me earlier. "Your mom gave me this."
Renard looked at it and groaned. "No."
"Yes." I grinned at the image of tiny Renard in a homemade superhero costume, complete with cape and mask. He looked so serious, like he was really on a mission to save the world. "I'm framing this. It's going on our mantle."
"Please don't."
"Too late. I already love it." I tucked it carefully back in my pocket. "You were the most adorable superhero."
"I was seven and thought I could actually fly. But I could jump really high, which seemed close enough." He pulled me closer. "Are you actually going to frame that?"
"Absolutely. Our kid needs to know their dad was once a tiny, serious dude.”
His expression went soft. "Our kid."
