Ivy POV

The ceremony was supposed to be the happiest moment of my life. After everything we survived, after all the fear and running, I finally stood beside Lucien without shame. The pack watched us. Some accepted me. Some still doubted me. But I felt steady. I felt like I belonged.

Rick held onto my hand and whispered, “Mama, everyone is looking.”

“I know,” I whispered back. “Are you scared?”

“A little.”

I smiled softly. “Me too.”

Lucien stood tall beside me, giving ...