~A Different Feeling~

EIRA

The door swung open and Elrich stepped in, and for a moment, the air between us changed. He didn’t stare, not like Kian used to, all possession and pride. No.

Elrich looked at me like he was mesmerized. Something he wasn’t sure he deserved to keep.

“You look…” His eyes traveled over me slowly, almost reverently, before locking on mine. “Elegant.”

I arched a brow. “That’s an interesting choice of compliment.”

“It’s the truth.” His mouth curved, not quite a smile. “And… beautiful too.”

I hated that my pulse betrayed me, kicking harder. I didn’t want this flicker of something warm when I’d sworn I was done feeling for anyone. I folded my arms, like that could shield me from it. “You didn’t come here just to… flatter me, did you?”

He stepped closer, close enough that I caught his scent. “No. I came to tell you something.”

I swallowed hard, but my voice was calm. “Go on.”

“I know you’re hurt,” he said quietly, searching my face. “And I’m not here to be another trauma. I’m not Kian. I’m not out to take anything from you that you’re not ready to give.”

Something in my chest softened before I could stop it. “I don’t trust easily anymore,” I admitted.

“I’m not asking you to. I’m asking you to see me for who I am… and maybe, eventually, warm up to me.” His gaze didn’t waver. “Until then, I’ll be waiting by the stone altar. We don’t want to miss the full moon’s advantage.”

Before I could respond, he left a peck on my forehead and walked out of the room.

I stood in front of the mirror one last time, adjusting my gown. The fabric felt heavy, but the weight wasn’t from the dress. It was from everything about tonight. My hair had been braided and pinned, gold pins catching the light every time I moved. The jewelry on my wrists jingled softly when I reached for the door handle.

I hesitated for a heartbeat, then pulled the door open.

Elrich was already standing in the hallway. Apparently, he didn't go to the stone altar to wait. His clothes looked sharp against his skin, the silver clasp at his shoulder catching the torchlight.

His eyes ran over me slowly, but it didn’t feel like he was judging, it was more like he was taking it all in, piece by piece.

“You’re ready,” he said.

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied, keeping my voice even.

He stepped forward, offering his arm. I didn’t take it at first, but after a moment, I let my hand rest lightly on his. His warmth was immediate, and I hated that it made my chest feel less tight.

The walk through the rogue camp was quiet. People were already gathered near the altar, their voices were low. The smell of burning wood hung in the air, mixing with the cool night breeze. The sound of drums was faint, more like a slow heartbeat than a song.

The altar sat in the clearing’s center, a slab of pale stone surrounded by torches. The full moon hung overhead, bright enough to make the shadows sharp. Elrich let go of my arm only when we reached the steps.

His pack was now my pack, at least by title, their attention locked on us. I could feel their curiosity. Some looked pleased while others were harder to read.

Elrich turned to me. His voice was low, meant only for me. “You’re not alone.”

It was simple, but it reached somewhere deep. I nodded without answering, because I didn’t trust myself to speak.

The elder stepped forward. He was tall, his gray hair pulled back. “Under the full moon, the bond is acknowledged. Tonight, the fates align.”

My fingers were cold, but Elrich’s hand was steady around mine.

The elder looked between us. “Seal the bond.”

Elrich didn’t hesitate. He tilted my chin up with one hand, his touch felt light, his eyes searching mine before he moved closer.

His lips met mine in a kiss that wasn’t rushed or forceful. It was slow, giving me the space to pull away if I wanted. I didn’t. My wolf stirred in recognition, sending a wave of warmth through me.

The crowd cheered, a few voices calling out in approval. I stepped back slightly, putting some space between us, but my skin still felt warm from where he’d touched me.

The elder raised his arms. “The bond is made.”

That should have been the end, but tonight, the mating ceremony was only the first part.

The wedding began almost immediately. Rogues moved quickly, lighting more torches around the clearing and stringing lanterns between the trees. The air filled with the sound of drums, joined by stringed instruments and the occasional burst of laughter from the crowd.

Elrich guided me to the center of the space. We stood facing each other while two pack members approached, carrying a crown made of gold leaves and a long strip of red silk.

The crown was set gently on my head. The silk was wrapped around our wrists, binding us together in two loose loops. The elder spoke again, “This silk represents unity. As long as it remains unbroken, so shall your bond.”

We repeated vows after him. They weren’t complicated promises, no flowery speeches or endless declarations. Just clear, direct words. We spoke of protection, loyalty, and strength. When it was my turn, my voice didn’t shake.

“I will stand with you,” I said. “Through whatever comes.”

When the vows ended, the elder removed the silk but left our hands joined.

The pack erupted into clapping, howling, stomping their feet in the dirt. Someone pushed a cup of wine into my free hand, the scent warm and sharp. Lantern light swayed above us, throwing gold over everything.

Elrich leaned closer so only I could hear. “Whatever this is between us… I’m not running from it. Even if you try.”

I didn’t respond. But I also didn’t let go of his hand.