Chapter 6. A Sacred Ceremony

Alpha George caught the unease in the air. His voice firmed, taking on his Alpha authority.

“My beloved pack,” he said, “if you trust in my leadership, I ask that you give your blessings to Isabella and Alpha Prince Killian for this new beginning.”

It was a subtle command, but clear. Within moments, the silence broke. Cheers erupted, followed by a rising chorus of howls and growls—an ancient tradition of acceptance and celebration. The ground trembled with energy as wolves in both human and shifted forms voiced their approval.

Alpha George raised his hand slightly, signaling for calm. “I would now like to invite Alpha King James and Alpha Prince Killian to join me on the stage.”

Back near the line of tents, Killian stood still, his jaw clenched, eyes fixed on the stage. His father leaned in slightly, his voice low and firm.

“Killian, don’t do anything foolish to undo what we’ve worked so hard to build.”

Killian didn’t flinch. “Father, I gave you my word. I won’t back out,” he replied, his tone cold but steady.

Alpha James gave him a final, sharp look before striding toward the platform with regal confidence. His Beta followed closely behind.

Killian took a breath, every muscle in his body coiled with unspoken frustration. Still, he moved. Behind him Ethan followed silently—his eyes scanning the crowd like a hawk, ever alert.

As Killian approached the stage, Isabella slowly stepped forward as well. 

When Alpha James and Killian stepped onto the stage, the crowd grew quiet. Everyone watched closely, sensing that something important was about to happen.

Alpha George walked forward with a smile and hugged Alpha James. It was a strong, respectful hug—one between two powerful leaders. Then he turned to Alpha James’s wife, Luna Linda, and greeted her with a polite nod.

After that, Alpha James made his way toward Isabella. She stood quietly at the side of the stage, her head down, fingers nervously playing with each other. She looked small and unsure in her white ceremonial dress. The lights from the torches flickered around her, but she didn’t look up.

Alpha James stepped up to Isabella and spoke in a kind voice—very different from the strict tone he usually used with Killian.

“My child,” he said gently, “I am Alpha James, and this is my son, Killian.” He pointed behind him toward Killian, who stood still at the back of the stage. Killian didn’t move. He wasn’t going to follow his father like an obedient pup. Alpha James gave him a sharp look but didn’t push it.

He turned back to Isabella. “My wife really wanted to meet you, but she had to stay back at our pack to prepare for your welcome ceremony.”

He placed a hand gently on Isabella’s shoulder. She was trembling. Killian noticed it right away, and it made his wolf restless. He didn’t like seeing her so afraid.

Alpha James smiled softly and said, “Don’t worry about anything, my child. You’ll be safe with us. Trust me.”

He touched her head gently, and slowly, her shaking eased. Killian’s wolf relaxed too.

A moment later, Alpha George came to Killian and led him to the center of the stage. Luna Linda did the same with Isabella

The officiant stepped forward to begin the ritual. His voice was calm and steady as he spoke the ancient vows. Then came the moment when Isabella’s hand was placed into Killian’s.

The moment their skin touched, a spark shot through Killian’s body. He flinched slightly at the strange, powerful feeling. He looked at Isabella and saw the surprise in her eyes too—she pulled her hand back just for a second.

The officiant frowned. “You must focus,” he said sharply. “This is a sacred ceremony.”

Killian’s eyes turned red in warning, and he gave the man a hard glare. The officiant immediately stepped back, his voice lowering.

He had realized he had made a mistake—no one yelled at an Alpha prince and lived comfortably after.

Isabella slowly placed her hand over Killian’s again. Her fingers were trembling, and he could see her whole body slightly shaking. Without thinking, Killian gently wrapped his fingers around her smaller hand, trying to steady her. His large hand completely enclosed hers, and something about that moment felt strangely... right.