Mate Pull

(19) (S)

Colton POV

I waited at the altar that had been set up for Taylor and I. A flower decorated archway stood either side of me and I bounced impatiently on my toes. She should be here right now but she isn't. Where the fuck is she? We had our mating ceremony only a few weeks ago and now the cleansing ceremony was to be celebrated. The cleansing ceremony was done to make sure that my mate was pure and will always remain pure when referring to her soul and dedication to the moon goddess. 

'Taylor?' I called to her through the mind link and tried to avoid eye contact with anyone sat in the front row. "She's ready." Isla appeared behind me and whispered in my ear delicately. Before she walked away I grabbed her hand and smiled at her.

"Thank you so much." I pulled her into a hug and ignored the low growl of Maxen who was no doubt watching from a distance like a creep. Everybody filled the seats that spread at least 30ft from where I was stood. It was a long walk for Taylor I'm sure of it. I just hope the cleansing ceremony went well. The music started playing as if it were to mimic a wedding ceremony and I smiled when I heard my mother's voice.

"You'll be fine sweetheart, we'll talk to him about it after." Him? Him, being me right? Because if it's not I'll rip any guy limb from limb he dares take up my space in her mind. I'll-

"She's beautiful." The words slipped from my own mouth when I saw my future Luna follow the vined pathway towards me. The lace of the dress clung to her curves and decorated her body in my packs symbol. Taylor's hair was spiralled in a black plait around her head. Two strands falling at the side of her face to frame those mesmerising eyes of hers. I was so desperate to reach out and grab her but I caught my mother's stern glance. Ugh. Taylor was nervous and I could tell that much, her hands were shaking as she tried to keep her gaze focused on me. She reached the trail of rose petals and I final took her hand in my own.

Her fragile fingers gripped around my hand for dear life and I placed my free hand on her waist to keep her steady. "Alpha Dowry, we have welcomed your chosen Luna and Mate into your pack." The elder spoke before us and I felt the nerves that were radiating from my mate. "Offer the blood to the godess and may she cleanse your blood as one and finalise these ceremonies for years to come and in the after life." We were handed the goblet and I cut the palm of my hand before draining it into the goblet. I looked at her for a moment. I can't cut her she won't heal.

"It's fine." Her voice was quiet and the quiver in it was clear to me but the rest of the pack didn't seem to notice it. "Alpha?" Elder urged me once more and I brought the blade to Taylor's hand. I made the smallest cut possible and she placed her hand over the goblet. After a few drops, I brought the cup up to my lips and tried not to flinch because of the copper taste lingering at the back of my throat.

"We are all united with the moon godess and may she be looking down upon your love. "I'm gonna kiss you now." I said lowly, using my finger to draw her chin closer to my lips.

"I'm okay with that." She mumbled against my lips before we moulded together. When I pulled away we were greeted by claps but I got the feeling Taylor wasn't happy that I have been teasing her the last few days because we can't do anything. My pack filed towards the pack house and began to party, it was great seeing everyone having a good time and it was even better seeing Taylor finally let out the breath she was holding.

"What do you want to do now?" I whispered lowly in her ear. "Play poker with me, your dad is setting up the table!" She hit me lightly, repeatedly and excitement filling her eyes. I took her small hand in my own and walked her down the path that moments ago she had trembled down.  I joined my father and the elites who were helping to set up the poker table and dragged chairs from all over to go around it.