Bonus Chapter*

Years Later – The Wedding

The grand hall was bathed in golden candlelight, illuminating the faces of pack members, allies, and friends who had gathered from all across the werewolf world. The air was thick with anticipation, filled with whispers of admiration as Lydia walked down the aisle, her dress flowing like silk over the polished stone floor.

She was breathtaking. Her hair cascaded in soft waves, adorned with delicate silver ornaments that shimmered in the light. Her eyes, filled with determination and love, locked onto mine as she made her way toward me. I stood at the altar, dressed in ceremonial robes embroidered with the symbols of our ancestors, my heart pounding as if I were stepping into battle. Only this time, there was no fight—only victory.

Vanessa stood proudly at her side, beaming with excitement, while Caleb, ever the composed warrior, observed solemnly. Fabian and Lea, now leading their own thriving pack, watched with knowing smiles. This moment was not just ours—it belonged to all of us. A testament to what we had endured, what we had fought for, and what we had built together.

When Lydia finally stood before me, the world around us faded. It was just her and me. The elders began the sacred rites, their voices carrying the weight of tradition, but all I could focus on was the way Lydia's hand fit so perfectly in mine.

"Do you, Alpha King Derek, take Lydia as your mate, your queen, and your partner in this life and the next?"

"With every breath in me, I do."

"And do you, Lydia, take Alpha King Derek as your mate, your king, and your protector for all eternity?"

She squeezed my hand, her voice steady. "I do."

The elder nodded, slicing a small cut on both our palms, allowing our blood to mix—binding us together in the most sacred way known to our kind. As the final words of the ritual were spoken, I cupped Lydia's face and kissed her, sealing our union.

The hall erupted in celebration. Wolves howled, music filled the air, and the echoes of joy reverberated through the walls of our kingdom. I pulled Lydia close, my forehead resting against hers. "You are mine, and I am yours. Forever."

She smiled up at me, her eyes gleaming. "Forever."

And as the moon shone high above us, I knew—this was only the beginning of our eternity together.

FIN.