Chapter 24: The Steps

The moon came up behind the registry hall, round and white.

I stood at the bottom of the steps with my hand held out.

Ronan took it.

The last man to hold my hand on these steps had smiled for the cameras the whole way up.

Ronan didn't smile for anyone.

He looked at me and climbed at my pace, one step at a time.

His sling was off, and his hand was warm around mine.

The whole pack stood on both sides.

Bloodmoon wolves and Ashfang wolves stood together.

The old woman with the cane was there, and the baker with flour still on his sleeves.

Nobody held up a phone.

At the top, I turned and faced them.

"I'm Roxanne Lowry," I said.

"I was called wolfless for eight years, and used for four. I'm done answering to either one."

A low sound went through the crowd, and I knew what it was.

It was them agreeing.

"I'll be your Alpha if you'll have me."

I let the silence run.

"I don't need a Luna to make it lawful. The stone already did that."

I looked at the man next to me.

"But I'd like a mate. And I've picked one."

Ronan's hand tightened.

"Say yes, Hartley," Hester called from the front, quite loudly. "She's been waiting long enough."

The crowd laughed, and Ronan's face went red to the ears.

"Yes," he said, and his voice cracked. "God, yes."

I didn't wait.

I bit down on the side of his wrist, over the silver crescent.

He bit down on mine.

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