Shadows of the pack novel Chapter 49

The soft glow of twilight filtered through the window, casting a warm hue across the room. Sophia stood in front of the mirror, her reflection adorned in an elegant dress woven with delicate silver threads. Keena entered the room with a gentle smile on her face, her eyes filled with both pride and nostalgia.
"Sophia honey," Keena said, her voice laced with affection. "You look absolutely stunning. The day has finally arrived."
Sophia turned to face her mother, a mixture of excitement and nerves dancing in her eyes. "Thank you, Mother. I can hardly believe it's time for the mating ceremony. I've dreamed about this day for so long."
Keena stepped closer, her hands instinctively straightening Sophia's dress. "You have grown into such a remarkable wolf. I remember when you were just a playful pup, and now you're about to embark on this journey of love and companionship." She paused letting the moment set in, "I know things didn't go the way you originally intended.
Sophia's gaze met her mother's, a blend of anticipation and gratitude shining through. "I know but here we are and I'm ready. I've never been more ready for anything else in my life. Mark is so kind and sweet and I think I heard him say he loves me. I feel like we're meant to be together. it might not be fated by the moon goddess but I feel it is fated."
Keena's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she embraced Sophia in a tight, motherly hug. "I have no doubt that you and Mark will create a bond that will stand the test of time. May your union be blessed with love, happiness, and prosperity."
Sophia pulled away slightly, a twinkle of excitement in her eyes. "Mother, can you believe it? Mark and I will be able to communicate through our bond, to understand each other on a deeper level. It's a gift I've longed for."
Keena nodded, her expression tender. "Indeed honey. The bond between mates is a rare and precious connection. Cherish it, nurture it, and let it guide you both in the years to come."
Sophia took a deep breath, a mix of anticipation and nervousness coursing through her veins. "I will. I will do everything in my power to make this bond flourish. I'm ready to embark on this new chapter of my life."
Keena's smile widened, a proud glimmer in her eyes. "I know you will honey. I know how much it hurts you when he chose another but your strength and resilience impressed me. I never experienced rejection and it is not a fate I would wish on anyone, especially not my own daughter. I wanted to banish him from the pack but your father knew better."
Sophia smiled sadly, "It's a good day. Let us not dwell on the past. At least I know he will sit among the crowd and watch someone else choose me. That is more than enough."
Sophia took one last look in the mirror, her reflection radiating both excitement and a hint of nerves. She closed her eyes, calling out to her wolf, "Are you ready?" Her wolf growled.
Sophia took a deep breath as her mother led her to the world outside where everyone was present ready to witness the blossoming of their bond.
As Sophia walked out into the open, a hush fell over the crowd gathered for the mating ceremony. All eyes were on her, their gazes filled with a mix of curiosity and admiration. She could feel the weight of their expectations, but also the warmth of their support. Her heart fluttered with a combination of excitement and nervousness.
The soft breeze caressed her face, carrying with it the scent of the forest and the anticipation of the evening. The moon shone brightly above, casting a gentle glow on the gathering. Sophia took a moment to savor the serenity of the moment, feeling the presence of her wolf spirit beside her.
Kira and Tyler stood together on the outskirts of the crowd. They watched Sophia intently, their voices hushed as they whispered to one another.
Kira glanced at Tyler, her cheeks tinged with a delicate blush. "Tyler, can you believe how beautiful Sophia looks? She's radiant. I can't help but imagine what my own mating ceremony would be like one day. If I will look just as beautiful."
Tyler's eyes softened as he gazed at Kira, his voice filled with warmth. "Our" He corrected her.
Kira nodded, her eyes never leaving Sophia's figure as she walked towards the center of the gathering. "Our" She repeated with a smile.
Tyler placed a gentle hand on Kira's arm, his touch comforting. "I'm sure it will be just as perfect."
As Sophia reached the center of the gathering, her father stood proudly beside Mark, her chosen mate. Knox stood beside them, his expression giving away nothing. Her eyes met with Mark and a mix of nervousness and determination flickered between them. The anticipation in the air was palpable as her father raised his voice, addressing the pack.
"Ladies and gentlemen, wolves of our pack, we gather here today to witness a sacred union—the bonding of two souls, the intertwining of two destinies. Let us honor this moment with love and respect."
Bones cracked as Sophia shifted into her wolf form. She tapped into the bond.
"Mark, can you hear me?" She asked as she wiggled her tail in the air. Mark smiled as his own bones cracked.
Sophia let out a howl before off into the woods.
Mark growled knowing exactly what she wanted before giving her a chase.
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Aria stood in her room as she stared at herself in the mirror just like she had been doing since she returned. Nothing had changed yet she felt so different. It had been a beautiful ceremony, it reminded her of the one she could have had. Her wolf growled, reminding her of the one she could have.
She had succeeded in avoiding Knox ever since she returned. She was sure that they were mates, sure that she wanted a bond especially now that the Crystal was gone but still something held her back and she needed to figure out what it was. She began to undress, peeling away the layers that clung to her skin. Her mind was still reeling from the intense experience they had just gone through, the magic of the Crystal now shattered and released.
As she was about to remove her last garment, the door to her room swung open. Knox stood at the threshold, his presence commanding and his eyes filled with a mix of concern and frustration.
Speak of the devil and he walks in. Her wolf purred as their mate's scent surrounded them.
"Aria," he said, his voice carrying a hint of exasperation. "We need to talk. You've been avoiding me since you returned from the past. What's going on?"
Aria sighed, feeling a strange mixture of guilt and defensiveness rise within her. "Knox, we've all been busy preparing for the mating ceremony. It's not that I've been avoiding you intentionally. There's just been so much to do."
Knox stepped further into the room, his brows furrowing. "I understand that, but we need to find a moment to talk. There are things we need to discuss, things that can't wait."
Aria nodded, realizing the truth in his words. "You're right, Knox. We do need to talk. Let's sit down and have a conversation. But please understand that these past few days have been overwhelming for all of us."
Aria looked into Knox's eyes, her own filled with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. She could sense the frustration in his voice, the longing in his gaze.
He kept quiet for a moment staring at her beautiful face. Her eyes always seemed to look into his soul and he found himself spitting out everything m
"I can feel my wolf getting frustrated," Knox admitted, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "We've been apart for so long, and the pull to form the bond has only grown stronger. I want to be close to you, Aria. I want to explore the depths of our connection."
Aria's breath caught in her throat, the intensity of his words echoing through her. She reached out, placing a hand on his arm, her touch seeking comfort and understanding. "Knox, I can't deny the pull between us either. My wolf feels the same way but still I don't want to rush anything."
Knox's features softened, his hand coming to rest over hers. "I understand, Aria. I don't want to rush anything. I just needed you to know how strongly I feel, how much I long for our bond to solidify."
His eyes went to her lips as her tongue darted out and she licked them.
"Knox, are you listening to me?"
His eyes hers one more time before he let out a groan losing the war within him and pulling her towards her smashing his lips on hers.
Aria's mind went blank for only a second before her body respond to the intensity of the moment. She melted into the kiss, her fingers tangling in Knox's hair as switched positions straddling him.
She broke the kiss staring into his eyes, "I want you."
Knox stared back at her. He closed his eyes trying to fight again. Giving her one more chance to back out, he asked, "Are you sure?"
Aria grinded herself on his growing length,"I need you inside me right now."
Knox let out a growl before capturing her lips in a hard kiss again.
His hands wrapped around her waist as he carried her up, switching their position and placing her on the bed. The scent of her arousal filled the air.
 "I need to taste you."
A faint blush stained her cheek as she nodded her head. In one move Knox tore up her underwear.
He took a minute to stare. She was already dripping. He lowered his nose taking in her scent. His wolf growled wanting more. Wanting everything she could give. Without wasting a second longer, his tongue met her lips.
She let out a sharp gasp, her back arching off the bed. "Knox."
He groaned into her pussy, the sound sending another wave of pleasure through her. Her hands went to his hair as she pushed him down while raising herself to meet his tongue.
Knox continued to eat her out like a man starved.
His claws extracted and he dug them into her thighs. She let out a moan at the unexpected pain.
His claws in her skin drawing blood that stained the sheets and his mouth on her drove her crazy until she let out a loud scream, her orgasm rippling through her.
They stared at each other for a moment as they tried to catch their breath, his claws still inside her.
Slowly he removed them, more blood spilling on the sheet.
She stared down, the spot already starting to heal.
"That was amazing." She smiled her eyes hazy.
Pushing herself off the bed, she got into a kneeling position.
Knox stared down at her as her hands worked on his belt, "What are you doing?" She looked at him, giving him a charming smile, "It's my turn to taste you."
"Aria—" She cut him short when her hands grabbed his length and stroked.
"I knew you would be big but this is something else." She whispered.
Her tongue darted out tasting the precum at the tip. She wrapped her lips around his head then she sucked. His head fell backwards, a groan escaping his lips.
She worked her way down knowing she wouldn't be able to take all of him in her mouth.
"Aria." She sucked harder, stroking the base.
His hand tightened around her hair as he guided her. Knox thrust his hips forward fucking her mouth.
Suddenly he yanked her hair pulling her away from him.
"When I come I want to be inside you."
He pushed her back on the bed. Their eyes met for a brief second just as he lined himself at her entrance and then he entered her.