By Hook or by Wolf

I want this moment to be something thoughtful.

My brothers and I move around Natasha. She smiles, knowing exactly what’s going to happen. I love that she’s human, but she’s not afraid of this moment. Soon we’ll have a mating ceremony that our friends and family members can come to. We’ll present her with our Tokens and, if my mother gets her wish, Natasha will present us with the Gem of Malice as her chosen Token.

Tonight, though, is the night when we mark her as our own. After tonight, every wolf, bear, and lion in Starton will know exactly how much Natasha is adored.

I go first.

“Natasha,” I whisper. “I didn’t know how fantastic I could feel until I met you. You are the sun in the sky: a bright light whenever I’m feeling down. These past few days of talking, of chatting, of getting to know you have been the best of my life. My wolf feels calm when you’re around in a way I didn’t think was even possible. Please accept my mating mark.”

“I accept,” she whispers, and she offers me her wrist.

It’s the opposite one from Henry’s mark. That’s important. None of us wants to take away the importance or the value of her relationship with her late mate. He loved Natasha, cherished her, and his memory will live on in his mark. Instead, I take the other wrist, and I bite down until I break the skin. She hisses slightly at the pain, but just as quickly, I run my tongue over the wound to seal it.

And she is marked.

My brothers repeat the treatment, each with their own words of value and kindness and importance. I have to admit that I start to tear up because honestly, this is the most important moment of our lives. This is a moment none of us will ever forget, no matter how hard we try.

“I’ve never thought much about being a father,” Lee tells her. “But with your blessing, I’d like to do my best to be an incredible stepfather to Rebecca. I’d love to cherish you and help guide her into her future. I will support both of you, love both of you, and honor both of you. Will you accept my mating mark?”

“I will.”

Lee bites her and, as I did before, seals her wrist with his tongue. One of the most wonderful things about being a shifter is that our tongues have healing properties. No, we can’t heal all wounds instantly, but we are very powerful and can heal many injuries without a problem.

Then it’s Cody’s turn.

“I thought you had betrayed your mate,” he starts. “But I should have known that you are a woman of honor. You are loyal and strong, brave and true. Natasha, will you accept my mating claim?”

“I will,” she whispers.

Then he bites her, seals the wound with a kiss, and pulls her into his arms. We all move forward, wrapping our arms around Natasha and surrounding her with love.

This really is it.

This is the first day of the rest of our lives.

And to think that it all started with our mother’s interference.

Suddenly, a knock sounds at the door and we all turn.

It sounds again.

Knock-knock.

Knock-knock.

“Uh, come in?” Lee says, and to our surprise, Mother peeks in.

“Is it safe to come in?” She asks. “Everyone dressed?”

“Yes,” Natasha calls out. “It’s safe.”

Mother walks in like she owns the place. Was she listening outside of the door? I have no idea. Then again, perhaps we were loud when we were having our little freak-outs over Natasha’s supposed infidelity.

“Hello, boys,” she says. “I have some news.”

“News?” I glance at the clock on the wall. “At midnight?”

Mother chuckles and waves her hand as though it’s no big deal at all.