Chapter 49: You're My Mate

[Dove]

My eyes grew misty again.

Before I made a crying mess of myself, I leaned forward and captured his lips as his arms circled around my waist and pulled me close.

When we broke away, Patrick and his band played a fast piece and I laughed out at the memory of the feast and my complaints.

Scanning the faces that had long become familiar, their smiles bore new meaning for me - their acceptance of me as a member of their pack.

I had wanted to be a priestess of the Moon Goddess because I thought I would be accepted without judgement at the house of the Goddess. She cares for and protects us so I would feel accepted.

But it turns out that I was welcomed and accepted unconditionally in a place where I should feel the least kinship.

Tears welled up in my eyes once more as Cole hugged my shoulder, faced the villagers and thanked them. Once their applause faded, they dispersed to the trays of steaming food.

Cole returned to me. "I have many witnesses now." He wiped away the wet