Chapter 6 The bonding ceremony was about to begin . I stood in front of the mirror , dressed in a full ceremonial robe - deep crimson with silver thread embroidery , the markings of my birth pack glowing faintly under the light . It was the traditional Luna's attire for a mating bond in our kind . Regal . Powerful . Binding . Very different from the Western - style wedding Logan and I had once planned . Richard had only informed me last night that the ceremony would follow ancient Pack traditions . I was surprised . Not because he insisted on the old ways , but because he even cared . After all , last night , I'd watched Logan walk away without once looking back . That familiar ache had flared for a second ... and then faded . I wasn't his choice - never had been . Fine . Let it be this way . I had just turned the corner to head home when a fleet of matte - black SUVs rolled into the courtyard , flanked by warriors of the Crimson Claw Pack . The lead vehicle stopped , and Richard stepped out - tall , composed , eyes always calm , always watching . A strange mix of guilt and curiosity filled me . Had he seen Logan ? Did he know ? He spoke , his voice low , warm, with that quiet power only an Alpha born could carry . " Why are you still outside ? " I gave him a faint smile , brushing away the unease . " Just needed some air . What's going on here ? " " I've come to deliver the dowry . " Dowry . That word felt almost ancient . Before I could react , I heard my mom's voice calling from inside the den . " Richard's here ? Rae , what are you standing there for ? Bring him in ! " Still dazed , I led him into the main house . He sat down with my parents like he belonged there , like he'd always been part of the family . Watching the scene unfold , I couldn't help but feel like the whole thing was surreal - like the Moon Goddess was playing some twisted joke on me . Outside , the murmurs from the other packs were getting louder . Our kind may not use social media , but no gossip travels faster than a pack's collective howl . " I heard Logan ran off with Emma , said she twisted her ankle and needed healing overseas . Can you believe that ? Skipping his bonding ceremony like that ? " " Everyone knows Emma's his chosen one . Rae's just the fallback . " " She was once the most desirable Luna candidate among the Eastern Packs . Proud , beautiful . Look at her now . " " And get this - Logan's family said the ceremony's canceled . But then the Silver Ridge Pack turns around and says it's still on ? Who's even the Alpha in charge anymore ? " 1 kept walking , the words sharp but not wrong . Logan never did care how our bond , or my name , would be dragged through the mud because of his precious Emma . In his eyes , her twisted ankle outweighed our years together . Time passed I stepped out of the ceremony den , face serene , spine straight . The wolves outside hadn't realized the groom had been replaced . They were all waiting for the show . When Richard appeared , dressed in the red and black Alpha robes of the Crimson Claw , the crowd gasped . There was a beat of silence . Then chaos . But Richard didn't flinch . He raised one hand , and when he spoke , his voice cut through the murmurs like a blade Chapter 6 +25 BONUS " The one who is standing beside Rae tonight - who has always stood for her - is me , Richard of the Crimson Claw . From the first howl to the last moon , this bond was always meant to be ours . " The crowd hushed . Then came the chorus of howls and blessings . The bonding ritual went smoothly . The Circle of Elders chanted under the full moonlight , and the ancient runes burned with recognition as Richard and I clasped hands , letting our scents blend and souls knot . This date - August 20th - we had once chosen as a promise of happiness . I used to think I'd share it with Logan . But tonight , I stood beside Richard . And to my surprise ... I wasn't scared . I was calm . After the ceremony , I changed into a soft ceremonial robe for the toast round . The Luna duties began immediately - greeting Elders , acknowledging allies , receiving offers from other packs . My feet ached from standing , my head buzzed from wine , but it was manageable . When it finally ended , Richard scooped me into his arms and carried me back to the Alpha quarters of the Crimson Claw stronghold . I soaked in the hot spring - bath carved into the mountain cave , letting my limbs go limp . Who knew bonding could be this exhausting ? I nearly forgot I wasn't alone until I heard the door open . Richard entered , holding a sleep robe , his presence calm but commanding . I sat up sharply , suddenly aware again . Tonight was our bonding night . My face burned . He glanced over , robe still in hand , and smiled gently . " Relax . I'm not here to rush you . " He crossed the room to the other side of the bed , leaving space . " This bond was sudden . I know you're not ready yet . That's okay . We'll go at your pace . I won't back out , Rae . You have my word . " I nodded , something tight in my chest loosening . He knew . He understood everything without me saying a word . Maybe I was a fool for jumping into this . Maybe I'd regret it one day . But for now ... I felt safe ! 242