a/n hey everyone this is a super long chapter for me. We are coming close to the end of this book only a couple of chapters left i hope you are all liking it. <3

Everything seemed to return to normal very quickly after Epiales's departure. I seemed to be the only one that missed him. No one in the pack said anything or asked where he had gone, life just returned to how it was before he came. It's been almost a week since he told me. Thatcher was brighter now that he was gone. The kids had asked about him once but accepted the lie I had told them about him searching for his family. I didn't know where he was and it seemed I was the only one that cared.

My place in the pack had also changed slightly. More pack members came to me for things now. As the alphas partner I knew it would eventually happen but it was much quicker than I thought. Especially since we had not completed the ceremony. I still bore the mark of my mate in my human form but we had not even planned the mating ceremony yet. The ceremony was mostly held for higher ranked members of the pack such as alphas, betas and third in commands. It was held on a full moon and all of the pack would be there to witness us promise ourselves to each other forever. Then after that our animals would meet and mark each other in that form.

In my clan it did not happen but I had learnt about it after moving here and having some of the other mothers question me when my ceremony would be. Even my mate's mother had approached me and asked if I was considering it. Of course I was, I wanted everyone to know how deep my love for my mate was. He was my everything along with my kids. I wanted the pack to see me as an equal to him even if I was the submissive partner. Thacher had told me that I would be the luna of the pack after we had the ceremony which would give me a lot more responsibility. I was afraid some of the pack would oppose this but no one had so far. I knew I was an outsider. I was the only hyena in this pack.

I had decided I should bring up the ceremony with Thatcher and start setting up the necessary preparation if he wanted to go through with it. I hoped he would. So I left the kids in the care of the other mothers I had been sitting with at daycare and went to seek him out. I followed his scent to his office and knocked on the door hesitantly.

"Come in Cas." His deep voice still sent shocks through me even now. I entered the room that was a deep wooden colour. It had a couch for the kids and I, a huge desk for Thatcher. Behind him was a large window that gave a stunning view of the pack lands and forest that hugged the village and surrounding the room were cabinets filled with records of the pack and every pack member. I looked at my beautiful mate. His strong form in the black chair. His large arms held by the button up shirt he was wearing. His dark brown hair was longer than when I had first met him and he still had the thick dark beard along his jaw. His piercing dark eyes settled right on me making my knees weak. I loved the effect he had on me. He was my alpha and my mate and he made me feel so warm inside.

"Did you need something baby? Also you know you and the kids don't need to knock this is your place too. Speaking of which, where are the little ones?"

"There is something I wanted to talk to you about. The kids are with the daycare mothers. I believe it's Fay and Jennifer today."

"Of course baby what is it? Come here." he patted his lap and my legs started walking before I could even comprehend his words. I cuddled into his lap, his large hairy arms wrapping around my waist. "Why do you seem stressed baby?"

"I just wanted to talk to you about," I took a deep shuddering breath before continuing, "Maybe us having a mating ceremony? Completing our bond?"

His arms tightened on me and then we were standing and he was spinning me around laughing joyously. "Yes Cas! Of course I would love to complete that with you!" his smile was nearly splitting his face in two. Mine was much the same. I had thought he would want to, but there were still small seeds of doubt. I held that I wasn't good enough for my mate.

"Well then Thatch we should probably start preparing, the full moon is four days away."

"I will call my mother to help you prepare for the party. She is going to love that we are finally doing this. Thank you for loving me baby. I can't wait to be yours and the kids forever. We are already a family but this will cement that for the pack." he kissed me softly and i kissed back. He was the best mate I could ask for and I was going to make this the best ceremony for us. Thatcher mind linked his mother. I heard the scream through the mindlink, laughing at the excitement. He said she was on her way and couldn't wait to help us both prepare.

"I'm sorry for interrupting your alpha duties Thatch, I didn't expect we would start to plan immediately."

"Nonsense, this is just as important as that. I can finish the rest after my mother leaves, but be prepared she will probably be here for a few hours. Should we go get the kids or leave them at the daycare?"

I thought for a moment, "Zar was excited to play with his friends and Aria was excited to boss hers around.'' We both laughed. Aria was a very headstrong little girl. She wasn't a bully by any means but she knew what she wanted and nothing would stop her from getting it. "I think they should be fine. If we are still sorting this out with your mum in two hours ill go get them." Thatcher nodded.

What I thought would take just over an hour turned into Thatcher's mother coming over with a large album tucked under her arm. It seemed like she wanted to sort every last detail out right this instant. I did have to go and gather the kids. Then feed them dinner and get them to bed all whilst answering questions on what I wanted our ceremony to be like. She was ecstatic that I wanted to do it this coming full moon and not wait till the next one. We had decided on a black and red theme. The flowers were going to be the typical rose with hints of black petunia starlets. Thatcher was all for me taking over that part of the organising whilst he focused on the foods and inviting neighbouring packs higher ups to come. It was normal for several different alphas to be there for the witnessing of the ceremony. It was a bonding experience and strengthened pack ties with our allies.

We were expected to wear our nicest clothes and for me that meant having the pack tailor come and measure me neck to toe for a suit. I felt very exposed during those moments that had happened the next day. She promised that the suit would be ready and congratulated us on the momentous occasion. It was slowly all coming together, my mate and I spent many of our moments awake either with the kids or planning for the ceremony. He had already received word back from three of the four invited packs and they would be arriving the morning of. We would house them for the night in the spare rooms of the pack house and they would return to their packs the next day. They would also be bringing several of their unmated young adults to see if their mates were within our pack.

The kids would also be playing a role in our ceremony. They would be throwing flowers into the crowd and up the aisles and would be standing with us on stage as we said our agreement to one another. The previous alphas of the pack, Thatcher's parents would be officiating it and then taking the little ones and we would continue into the forest in animal form.

---------------------------------------timeskip-----------------------------------------------------------------------

It was the day of our ceremony and I was beyond nervous. I didn't want to mess up in any way. I was currently getting pampered and ready for the big day. I had scrubbed myself head to toe in the nicest smelling soaps that made my skin shine. I had brushed out my hair and put off the right oils and products in. It was laying nicely halfway down my back thick and luscious. Some of the women I have gotten closer to in the pack were with me helping me get ready. I had already finished getting the kids ready. Zar was in a little black suit and looked so adorable. My little girl was in her nicest pale blue dress with butterflies on it and little white shoes. Her afro had little blue clips in it. I had brushed out Atticus's fur and it was now shiny and healthy. All that was left for me to do was get ready myself but every time i looked over at my perfectly tailored red suit with maroon shirt i felt a little sick. This was it there was no turning back. I didn't want to, I loved Thatcher with all my heart. It was still terrifying however.

"You should really be getting ready now." Jace's voice came. "Not long now till the ceremony." Jace was now very pregnant. He was going to pop any day now, his original apprehension of being pregnant is long gone. He was glowing. His large belly was very obvious in the suit he was wearing. He still remained the closest person to me in this pack aside from my mate and kids. He was looking at me with a sad smile on his face. "Don't tell me youre getting cold feet?"

"No!" I exclaimed "Nothing like that. I love Thatcher with all my heart Jace. I'm just nervous I guess. I know it's silly but this is so permanent, what if he decides i'm not the one for him after this it will break me." My voice had lost volume the more I spoke my fears out loud. My eyes were now on the ground and my fears out in the open and the room was remarkably quiet.

"Cas, Thatcher loves you more than life itself. I think he would rather kill himself than ever think about leaving you. He looks at you like you hung the moon and stars. There is not a single chance on all of the moon goddesses lands that he would leave you. You will be assured after the ceremony. Your mate bond will be at full capacity and you'll see just how much he and his wolf care about you I promise."

Jace was so sure about everything he was saying it was hard not to believe him. If I focused on my mate's bond I could only feel the outpouring of love from it. There was not a doubt or hint of anything other than undying love. It made me feel much more confident. I often forgot I could check in with my mates emotions and reassure myself.

I walked over to my suit and excused myself to put it on. As I pulled it on, I appreciated the fabric work even more. The tailor had truly outdone herself this time. It fit my body so well, every curve was hugged and it fell to just the right length. I looked at myself in the mirror. My dark skin makes the deep red pop and reflect off my eyes. I had to admit I looked really good in this. If I looked like this I couldn't imagine how good my mate looked in his. He looked beautiful in everything and I had no doubt this would be no different.

As I exited the changing room I felt eyes on me and as I looked up there were several small smiles and glossy eyes. "Oh Cas." Thatcher's mother Edna stated "You look simply beautiful, there is no way Thatcher isn't going to shed a tear."

I blushed deeply at this comment, thankful for my skin that no one could really see. I glanced at the clock and realised it was nearly time for me to see my mate and confess my love for him in front of the entire pack, our friends, family and our guests from other packs. They had arrived while I was getting ready. Thatcher had told me this morning they would arrive just before our ceremony. I looked around at all the people that were helping me get ready and my heart was full of love. I had come to this pack seeking refuge and now I was mated with all of these amazing people around me willing to help me and Thatcher on one of the biggest nights of our life.

I gathered my children and we began to walk out of the dressing room and towards the back of the packhouse. The ceremony was set up in the back of the pack lands where the forest met the village. There was a clearing we had visited as a family several times and it held a special place in our hearts. It was set up with benches and chairs for the pack and guests. As we neared I heard the soft music being played and smelt the flowers that were hung up all around the trees and chairs. I let the kids run ahead. They were meeting up with Thatcher's father, Brad. All of the people I had with me in the dressing room went ahead of me to be in their place for us to start.

I was taking deep breaths and walking in small circles. Cackles were falling from my lips and my hair was growing slightly longer with my shift being close to the surface due to nerves. Jace was the last to leave me. He gave my shoulder a squeeze and told me to keep breathing and remember my mate and pack loved me.

You okay my love? Came my mate's voice. We had tried to avoid talking today due to the customs of the pack but had snuck in several secret words.

We aren't supposed to be talking Thatch.

I can't leave you like this, I can feel your nerves through our bond and they are very very strong baby. I'm here for you whatever you need.

I'm just nervous babe. I'm okay.

Not long now my mate and you will be walking towards me and the rest of our lives. I can't wait for it. I'm so in love with you Cas and i can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you and our kids.

My mate was able to nearly quell all of my fears at this moment. This was my mate. The love of my life. I couldn't wait to promise myself to him forever. I was still nervous incase i messed up but I also couldn't wait to be with him in front of our family and start our forever.

It was only a few minutes later I heard the song start. That was my que to start walking up the aisle. I took a final deep breath and began to walk. As I walked passed the large evergreen trees and got my first view of my ceremony my breath was taken away. It looked perfect. The black chairs covered in red roses and the black aisle that lead to my beautiful mate. I almost missed the way everyone in the pack stood up and turned to me. I was taken aback with how beautiful my mate looked. He was in the same coloured suit as me but his was tight on his large muscles. His dark hair styled to perfection. I looked beside him to where my kids were standing and still throwing flowers into the crowd with large smiles on their faces.

As I got to the stairs that led up to the large stage Brad met me and helped me up the stairs with a kind smile as he handed me over to his son. As I looked at Thatcher my eyes glossed over at just how perfect today and he truly was. I noticed his eyes too had a watery haze. As I held onto my mate's hand and sparks ran up my body I realized this was it. This was my family. My pack. My everything.

"We are gathered here today to witness the mating ceremony of Alpha Thatcher and Luna Casius." Brad began but i couldn't tear my eyes away from my mate to spare him with even a look. There was a quick applaud from the crowd before they fell silent again. "The moon goddess blesses this ceremony on the night of the full moon. She watches over us all as her children and brought these two together. Both alpha and luna will now say their promises to one another, in front of you and the moon goddess as witness, before being bound together in this life and the next. For eternity. Alpha Thatcher if you will."

"Casius, my love, my mate. I promise to always be there for you and our children in this life and the next. I promise to care for you all for forever and a day. I promise to love you for even longer than that. You're my better half, my sunshine, my everything. I promise to always be a shoulder to lean on, a listening ear. I promise to be everything I can be for you and our children in this life and all the ones following. My wolf and I will never love another in the way we love you. That is our promise to you."

We were both crying at this point. The love in our bond shining bright and burning us inside and out. Thatcher reached up to rub the tears from my cheeks but more followed in their stead.

"Thatcher, my alpha, my mate, my everything. I promise to love you in this life and the next. I promise to be a voice of reason, to be there for you through thick and thin. I promise to do what is best for our pack and for you. I promise to the best of my ability to be the best mate possible for you. I promise to be there when you need someone, I promise you will neer walk in this life alone. I promise to never leave and love you with everything I have within me. My hyena and I promise to love you in this life the next and all the ones following, we promise to find you over and over again for you are the only ones for us. Now and forever this is our promise to you."

Thatcher was bawling his eyes out at this point he gathered me into his arms and kissed me until there was no air left in either of our lungs. We smiled throughout the whole kiss. Our bond is nearly complete. Our ceremony was complete. We were bound under the moon goddesses watchful eye now. This was our promise. Our eternity.