The ceremony began at dusk. The new moon was rising, a time when a werewolf's power is at its purest.

I stood under a simple, undecorated archway.

Next to me, on the other side of the glass, Serena's vows had just concluded.

Suddenly, a hushed gasp rippled through the back of the chapel.

The werewolves turned their heads, some instinctively tensing their shoulders—the primal reaction to a powerful Alpha's approach.

The side door on my half of the chapel opened.

A tall, commanding figure stepped inside.

Lucas.

He was wearing a deep blue custom suit, his blond hair slightly disheveled, but it did nothing to diminish his raw good looks. The moment his deep blue eyes landed on me, his pupils dilated violently.

He froze, his nostrils flaring as if he'd been struck by lightning.

It was the magnetic pull between fated mates. Even without my shift, my soul and my scent were calling to him.

He strode toward me, ignoring all decorum, and stopped directly in front of me.

It's you… His voice was hoarse, laced with a tremor he couldn't control. That scent… It's really you.

He wasn't just recognizing the girl who saved him; he was confirming his mate.

Lucas, I said softly, it's been a while.

Lucas's eyes were turning red at the edges. He suddenly reached out, cupping the back of my neck and pressing his forehead to mine, inhaling deeply.

Eight years… I've been looking for you for eight damn years… he whispered, his voice thick with the euphoric terror of finding something he almost lost forever. I almost… I almost missed you.

The guests gasped. In werewolf etiquette, such a public display of intimacy was a powerful declaration of possession.

Continue the ceremony, the officiant prompted awkwardly.

When it came time to exchange vows, Lucas didn't use any of the tired old lines.

He stared into my eyes, each word a brand he was searing into my soul.

Elena, you are mine. I don't care who you are or whether you can shift. From this moment on, anyone who wants to touch you will have to tear my throat out first.

I swear on my wolf, you are my Luna, my one and only mate.

When he said the word mate, I felt a jolt of warmth shoot through my spine.

I met his gaze. I accept you, Lucas. And I swear on my life, I will be your sharpest claw.

This time, we would not be each other's tragedy.

On the other side of the chapel, Serena was preparing to board her helicopter.

She glanced back and saw the possessive fire in Lucas’s eyes as he looked at me. A flash of shock and jealousy crossed her face.

But she quickly turned away, climbing into the aircraft that would fly her toward power.

Goodbye, Serena. Enjoy your trip to hell.