The Assassin’s Mate

After I had released my wolf on the entire pack, the atmosphere around us had become a lot more admirable. No one stepped out of line again but instead worked hard to make sure that everything was right for our coronation today.

I had been pampered since I woke up this morning and I wasn't complaining one bit. There were tons of people running around making sure everything was perfect and that everything was in its place. The sacrificial alter was adorned with a gold tablecloth and the same antique wooden bowl that had been used since the first coronation. It also held the dagger with which we would use to cut our hands and was to be guarded until that time.

The reception area was set and ready for its guests and my bridal room was full of attendants eager to get me whatever I wanted. My dress was hand selected by a team of experts and I couldn't wait to see what it looked like, although I didn't care because I was marrying the love of my life, my soulmate, my other half so wearing a paper bag would have been enough for me.

I hadn't talked to Tanner all day but I knew he was ok just from the little feelings I was getting through our mate bond. He already had roses delivered and sent a bottle of champagne for Olivia and I to enjoy while getting ready and he told me I should be expecting one more so when there was a knock at the door I knew exactly who it was. The door was opened and in walked an attendant holding a big black box with a note attached. I grabbed it and placed it on the bed then returned to the chair to finish my make up. I knew what it was but he was in for a huge surprise when he saw how I would use it.

The closer we got to the ceremony the more my stomach twisted into knots. I was so scared that I would mess something up but everyone assured me that I wouldn't be alone and that someone would always be there to help me along the way. But I was more nervous to see Tanner and to finally become his wife.

When the time came for me to put on my dress I suddenly got a burst of energy, like something was flowing through me sending me positive vibes. Three attendants came in holding my gown and I couldn't help but tear up when I saw it. It was absolutely stunning, so regal and so elegant that I probably never could have picked a better dress myself. They all surrounded me as I watched them pick it up to place it over my head. I disrobed and lifted my arms as the satin material slid down my body and clung to my curves while the train dragged behind me.

Everyone started making little gasping noises and telling me how beautiful I looked and Olivia just stood their speechless as she looked me up and down approvingly. We were just settling down when we were told it was time to get going.

After everyone left I stood alone for a few moments staring in the mirror at myself, wishing that my mother could have been here to see me, wondering why my father had to be so evil when he could have been the one to give me away, hoping that I wouldn't inherit his parenting skills. I smoothed put my dress one more time when the door opened and Damon walked in. I turned around and couldn't help the smile that broke on my face as he walked in and held out his arm.

"Ready?" He said as gestured to the door.

"Never been more ready in my life!"

He squeezed my hand and led me out the door down the hall to the massive archway that separated us from my horrible past and my bright future. The music started to play and we were given our que to proceed down the aisle. There were unfamiliar people everywhere but the only one that mattered was standing on the other end. His beautiful brown eyes were sparkling with love and adoration for me and I could feel his happiness wrapping around me, helping me feel peaceful in a sea of problems all around us.

We finally made it all the way to the front where Tanner was waiting to take my hand from Damon. They exchanged a manly hug then he kissed my cheek and turned to take his seat in the crowd as my mate and I joined hands.

The reciting of vows was beautiful and when we each placed our rings on each other's hands the electricity between us was palpable sending a tingling feeling up my arms. We continued to listen to the officiant as he spoke in the old Latin language of our people and prayed blessings upon us and our pack. We sat intently as he continued to address the congregation and finished with a sprinkling of a special insence that was believed to invoke fertility, although we hadn't talked about starting a family just yet.

Once we pledged our love for each other we were brought to the alter and placed directly across from one another. We were directed to wait until the moon was directly above us before we each sliced our palms and let our blood drip into the bowl sealing our bond as the Moon Goddess shed her light upon us. This part of the ceremony was for her honor, an oath that we were forever loyal to her and that our blood belonged to her.

When the moon aligned with the alter and it was sitting high above us, a strong beam of light shined down and illuminated the bowl. Tanner took the dagger and cut my palm then hand it to me to cut his. The blood began to drip and we locked our hands together letting the conjoined blood mix as it ran into the basin. It was the most beautiful iridescent red color I had ever seen and then as if it was magical, it began to swirl around.

A bright light enveloped us and off in the distance was a beautiful woman standing there in a long flowy dress. She floated up to us and smiled at Tanner then took my hand.

"My beautiful Queen! I have been waiting to meet you. This day has been etched in your path since before you were born. You are more powerful than you can imagine yet I sense such self restraint when I look into your eyes. Why so weary my child?"

I was so captivated by her beauty that I almost didn't reply but she squeezed my hand and my mind suddenly opened. There were flashes of images from my childhood and ones that hurt me but then there were others from the future showing Tanner and I happily traveling the world, leading our people with such great authority that we were praised by anyone who knew us.

The pictures in my mind cleared and I was staring back into her eyes. She smiled and said "As long as you rule justly, I will always protect you. And thank you for keeping my people safe! You may not have known it but there was a purpose all those wolves were brought to your doorstep, even Julius."

She kissed my cheek then she was gone. All that was left was the moons beam of light shining down on us as our blood evaporated into a beautiful red dust and drifted up into the sky. The crowd behind us erupted in cheered and applause as the officiant invited us to kiss bringing the ceremony to an end.

What gift did Tanner get her??? And what did she mean when she said how suprised he would be when he saw how she used it???

The Moon Goddess was proud of her for doing her work on Earth! Wow I didn't see that coming at all!!!