Bloodbound to the Beastly King

Adina stood before the large door, her nerves were through the roof, her palms clammy with sweat. She was nervous and anxious. One could even say she was experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder from what had happened before.

'Adina…" Kora's voice through the mind link startled her slightly. She blinked twice, drawn out of her thoughts.

'It is time,' her friend said.

It was time. This time around, Adina didn't want the whole flair from before. This time, she had decided to walk in herself.

The doors opened up, and she let out a breath she didn't even realize she'd been holding in. Slowly, she stepped into the office.

Standing at the place where the large desk would've been was Thorne, and before him was Thessara in the royal gold and black garment. At the sides of the office were Caelum, Kora, and Mason.

Perhaps it was unconventional. The king of Obsidian getting mated in his own office. None of the nobles present, none of the councilmen present. It was unheard of but not impossible.

Thorne and Adina had decided to keep it quiet, simple, and familiar. The scars of the previous ceremony were still there. At least, these were people they knew and trusted.

Adina's gaze found Thorne's, and her stiff shoulders relaxed. He stood there, watching her with the softest eyes she'd ever seen.

He looked unreal, dressed in ceremonial black trimmed with silver, the Lycan mark glowing faintly on his neck.

Adina had thought her heartbeat would triple with fear the more she walked to him, but that wasn't the case. No. It was calming, assuring, and loving.

A soft smile made its way to his lips as he held his hand out to her. Adina slipped her hand into his, her smile mirroring his.

"You're breathtaking, Adina," his voice slipped into the mind-link.

Adina blushed prettily, lowering her gaze for a second before glancing back up at him, mischief sparkling in her eyes. "You're not so bad yourself, Your Majesty," she teased softly.

Thorne's lips curved slightly at that. "I'll take whatever you give me, my queen," he whispered back.

Adina's cheeks burned an even darker shade while Thorne squeezed her hand a little.

Thessara cleared her throat, nodding to them both. "Shall we begin?"

They both nodded.

The air inside the office seemed to shift as Thessara lifted her hands. The faint scent of incense filled the room instantly.

"Before us stand two souls," Thessara began, her voice deep and firm. "Two souls who have found themselves in the midst of darkness. Two souls who have been tested repeatedly, who have overcome the many trials and pains that have been sent their way. Two souls who have repeatedly chosen each other." She paused for a second. "The bond of a mate is no simple vow. It is blood, spirit, and eternity. It is sacrifice and devotion. It is life and death intertwined."

Kora sniffled quietly at the side, unable to keep her tears at bay. Mason nudged her slightly while Caelum stood with hands behind his back, his expression unreadable as he listened.

"Today, in the presence of those who matter and care for them, we have come to join these two souls as one for eternity," Thessara's voice rang.

Adina's fingers trembled in Thorne's grasp. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, grounding her.

Thessara nodded toward them. "Join arms."

Adina and Thorne turned to face each other, intertwining their arms. Thessara glanced at Mason, who had brought the blades for the procession.

Before Thorne and Adina were two silver blades, carefully and specially crafted for the two of them for this purpose only. They both picked up the blades.

"Your wolves have recognized each other as mates, and now, you both will be bonded through blood for the rest of your lives." Her gaze shifted from Adina to Thorne.

"King Thorne Rhukor of Obsidian, ruler of the southern realm. Do you take Adina as your mate, as your queen, as the mother of your unborn pups?"

Thorne's gaze was fixed on Adina even as Thessara spoke. A million words he wanted to say, but his mouth could only speak, "I do."

Adina's throat constricted with emotion, eyes watering already.

"Adina, Daughter of Virelya. Do you take Thorne as your mate, your king, and father of your unborn pups?"

Adina swallowed hard, memories of the past weeks flooding her head, and yet…she wouldn't change one single thing if it meant standing here with Thorne again. Her lips stretched into a shaky, tear-filled smile as she whispered,

"I do."

Thorne's eyes never left hers as he brought the blade to his palm, slicing without hesitation. Adina mirrored him, slicing her palm.

They pressed their palms together, their blood mixing. A faint light began to glow from their joined hands. Thessara poured the sacred mixture into a golden chalice. "Drink."

Adina's throat tightened as she lifted the cup with Thorne. Together, they drank.

Her eyes shut tight, warmth exploded in her chest instantly. She could feel him, and it was nothing like what it was before. It was like she could see what he was seeing, could sense every emotion, every breath, every heartbeat. It wasn't overpowering at all. It was exhilarating.

When she opened her eyes, Thorne was already staring at her. He smiled, leaning closer to her.

"You're mine," he said softly.

Tears pricked her eyes. "Always," she whispered back. The two of them not noticing the single stripe mark that was now wrapped around their wrist like a tattoo, like their fates had been sealed together.

They turned to face those present, meeting wide smiles, teary eyes, sniffling.

"Congratulations, your majesties," they all said in unison as they bowed.

Adina couldn't help her smile. Not only was she mated to Thorne, she was now the queen of Obsidian. She leaned into Thorne, placing her head on his shoulder as he squeezed her hand again.

This was real, and there was nothing taking this away from them.