Chapter 64 The Mating Ceremony of Ethan and Diana

*Ethan*

"Bring the Elder! She needs to officiate Diana and Ethan's mating ceremony," Lucas yelled at Andrew and Colt. He then turned to Diana who was wearing his coat. "Diana, a mating ceremony is quite different from a wedding. Of course, you and Ethan can get married after in accordance to human laws so everything is legally binding. But right now, under wolf laws, Ethan here is going to place his mark right here." He pointed at the end of his neck where it meets the clavicle. "After he places his mark on you, in the eyes of every wolf, you and Ethan are bound as mates, forever. Basically, husband and wife under wolf laws," he explained.

Andrew had left Colt and the Elder in the middle of the lawn and rushes towards us. "Alpha Ethan, I would like to suggest that your mating ceremony be held at the view deck. It's quite beautiful there at night and it will provide a romantic backdrop for your mating," he said.

"That's a really nice suggestion. Thank you, Andrew," I told him. He bowed.

"I will set it all up. Unfortunately, the kitchen staff has been sent home, so a reception is out of the question," he said.

"That's okay, Andrew. We can grab a bite to eat along the way. Reception at Arby's. Can't get any nicer than that," I tell him, jokingly. Diana's face lit up at the thought of roast beef sandwiches.

"There is no Arby's in Rhode Island. If we go through Connecticut or Massachusetts, we will find one." Andrew bows and walks away. I didn't know that.

"Should I change? I'm not really dressed for our mating ceremony, Diana." I gaze at her. She, on the other hand, was lovely. Her thick luscious golden blonde hair cascaded behind her back, some of the tendrils curling at her cleavage. She had on a long white backless lace dress that didn't hide much to the imagination. Hence, Lucas giving her his coat.

"How long will it take you to get dressed?" Lucas asked.

"Five maybe ten minutes. I just need to put some slacks on and dressier shoes. And of course, style my hair."

"Alright. You get dressed and we'll set up the venue. Diana, you don't have any shoes." Lucas noticed her bare feet.

"I'll carry you, Diana so you won't hurt your feet."I swung her in my arms and she places her arms around my neck. "Light as a feather." I carry her to the inside of the mansion and gently place her  back on the floor. Aunt Daisy was waiting for us with a pair of white heels in her hands.

"I have some white slip on stilettos, Diana. This will go perfect with your lace dress. Sexy," Aunt Daisy said. "Now Ethan, scoot. You aren't dressed for a mating ceremony. I think your things are still upstairs. Hold on, let me mind link with Colt." Aunt Daisy pauses for a moment. "He said your things are still upstairs. Go now." I nod my head and run upstairs. I didn't want people to think I was the bride.

I did have one suit and this would have to do. It was a dark gray color and could fit as both office and formal attire if needed. I put on the slacks, tucked in my white button down long sleeve polo shirt and put on the jacket. Then I put on some leather loafers that I usually wear when I am in a suit.

I looked at myself in the mirror. My cheeks were still red from the cold outside and my hair was out of place. I smiled at my reflection. The past several hours were hell. Diana had suffered all afternoon. I had prayed to the Moon Goddess to lessen her suffering, even begging her to let me shoulder some of the burden. Thankfully, Diana fell asleep through most of it. She even talked in her sleep.

The worst part was the screaming. She shrieked like a banshee, high pitch and ear shattering. Since I was the closest to her and wasn't wearing anything to muffle the sound, it was excruciatingly painful to hear. Michael had to yank me up from the ground and push me back away from the tent. When the screaming stopped, I rushed back to her to check if she was okay. That's when the tent flew across the lawn to reveal the large black wolf. I stared in awe. She was bigger than my wolf, Howl, bigger than all wolves. She was definitely a queen.

Her howl announcing her rebirth was like music to my ears. It sounded alot like Mozart or Beethoven on the piano. I fell in love all over again. I inched towards her, wanting to embrace her in my arms.

Alpha Connor suddenly yelled for all us to bow, so I bowed to my queen. When I lifted my head, I was surprised to see her standing infront of me, her beautiful green eyes glowing. I extended my hand and reached for her. She licked my hand with her huge tongue and allowed me to caress her head. Her fur was so soft.

"There is no need for you to bow, my love," I heard the voices of Onyx and Diana say together. My wolf, Howl, pranced around in delight. I kissed her snout, placed my cheek against her and put my arms around her neck. I closed my eyes and hugged her. When I opened my eyes, there in my arms was a very beautiful, shiny Diana.

I finished styling my hair, dabbed some cologne on myself and stuffed my used clothes in my bag. Done, in ten minutes. Time for me to be mated with my queen.

I ran back downstairs towards the view deck where everyone was already waiting with their smartphones. Apparently, Alpha Connor handed their gadgets back to record our ceremony. I tapped Wyatt on the shoulder and instructed him to bring my things downstairs into the car. I walked to the Elder who was waiting in the center of the view deck with Colt behind her and took my position by her side. She coughed.

"I think you took a shower in expensive cologne," she said.

"I think you took a shower in ointment, Elder," I commented.

"I see. All of you are conspiring against me. How about I don't officiate your mating ceremony?" She threatened.

"How about Onyx takes your forked tongue?" I chuckled. "Honestly, Elder, I like you. You have witty clapbacks. I'm just practicing some of mine. So, don't be offended."

"Clapbacks? You mean retorts? You kids have your own language," she scoffs.

"Welcome to the 21st century, Elder. Let's play nicely now. Diana is on her way towards us." I straightened my jacket and I saw how Diana looked at me appreciatively. At least, I was dressed the part. Her father escorted her to where I and the Elder stood. He put her hand in mine then, placed his mouth near my ear.

"Ethan, take care of my daughter. If you hurt her, I will hunt you down and have Michael break your neck," he whispered. Before I could reply, he patted me on the back so hard that I took the threat as a promise. I glanced at Michael who was watching nearby beside Andrew and he nodded his head at me, giving me a stern look. Andrew waved at me and smiled meekly. Michael and Andrew are friends now? Wow.

"Lucas, stop threatening Alpha Ethan. It's the  black wolf you should all fear. Now get back and let me officiate the ceremony before rogues enter the estate," Elder Allen said.

"Don't worry, Elder Allen. The rogues won't be able to get to us anytime soon. Let's just say, they are dealing with illness," Diana sweetly said. "After the ceremony, we can all drive at a nice pace to New York with any obstacles. That even includes my grandfather's men." Lucas, nodded his head in understanding. Onyx and Diana had incapacitated our enemies. Nice.

"Very well then. Let us proceed." The Elder nudged her head for Lucas to get out of the way. Lucas chuckled and moved to stand beside Michael.

The Elder coughed to clear her throat. "Family and friends, we are gathered here today to witness the mating of Ethan Crowne, Alpha of the Sacred Moon Pack and Diana Lockwood, Queen of the Wolves. This is a momentous occasion, for tonight under the Blood Moon, the black wolf of legend has been reborn and will now take a mate." Colt hands her an old leather bound book. "Place one hand on the ancestral book of the wolves written by our forefathers then join hands." Diana and I placed one of our hands on the book and held each other's hand with the other. The book began to glow.

"Alpha Ethan Crowne, do you intend to take this she-wolf whose hand you hold to be your mate and do you pledge before the Moon Goddess and wolf, to love, honor and protect her through sunlight and darkness alike, keeping yourself unto her alone until death?" The Elder asks me

"I do," I answer. Diana smiles at me.

"Do you, Queen Diana Lockwood, intend to take this wolf whose hand you hold to be your mate and do you pledge before the Moon Goddess and wolf, to love, honor, and protect him through sunlight and darkness alike, keeping yourself unto him alone until death?" The Elder asks Diana.

"I do," she answers. I smile at her.

"State your vows before the book of our forefathers," the Elder instructs us. I nod my head.

"I, Ethan Crowne, take you Diana Lockwood, to be my mate, to have and to hold, to love and cherish, through sickness and health, wherever our lives take us, until death separates us. I want you to be with me always, Diana. I know you deserve a courtship and I was willing to wait and woo you, but I will promise you this...Love me now and I will court your forever until the day I die. I love you, Diana." I saw her lips tremble and when I gazed into her eyes, I saw tears beginning to fill them. She smiled at me and I knew I had made her happy.

"I, Diana Sullivan-Lockwood, take you Ethan Crowne, to be my mate, to have and to hold, to love and cherish, through sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live. Ethan, you make me so very happy. You, my love, complete me. I will be forever content with you in my arms. I love you, Ethan." Her vows were so simple, yet it moved me. I also started tearing up with happiness.

Suddenly, a light from the book flashed and when we looked down at our hands which were still placed on top of the book, we saw we both had gold rings.

"The emergence of the gold rings seals the purity, value and commitment of your vows throughout eternity. But with blood, the pact will flow through your veins, into your hearts and sear into your minds." The Elder hands the book back to Colt and takes from him a small gold dagger. "With this dagger, I seal your mating vows forever. What the Moon Goddess has joined together, let no wolf put asunder." She takes the dagger and places a small cut on each of our palms. The Elder hands back the dagger to Colt and takes the red ceremonial scarf that draped her arm and binds are hands together. "With the powers invested in me as an Elder of the Council of Wolves, in accordance with Wolf Laws, I pronounce you both as mates. Alpha Ethan, you may now place your mark on your new Luna." The Elder unbinds are hands and I move behind Diana, both of us facing the crowd. I move her hair away from her neck and run my finger down her long neck until it meets the flesh of her clavicle. I draw out my wolf, Howl, and feel my fangs come out. I move my mouth close to the spot and I could feel her pulse quickening with anticipation. I lick her skin and bite down, making my mark.

Her blood tasted sweet, pure, and untarnished. Her scent and her taste made me lightheaded. I felt a warmth around my neck in the area where I had just placed my mark on her. I ran my fingers on my neck and felt puncture wounds. I had a mark as well.

The Elder clapped her hands. "It is an honor for me to introduce you all to Alpha Ethan Crowne and his new Luna, Luna Diana Lockwood-Crowne."

Everyone applauded and cheered. I made a mental note to call my mother. I know she'll be mad at me for not being here, but she'll understand. I hope.

"Okay people. It's time to go." Alpha Connor said, while wiping his nose and brushing the tears from his eyes. "Congratulations you two. Sorry, something blew into my eyes," he lied.

"I didn't know mongrels could cry. Amazing!" Elder Allen said, before sticking her tongue out at Alpha Connor as she walked back inside the mansion. "By the way, Andrew, make sure everything is locked up and the security alarm is on. Colt, dear, let's go."

Colt shook his head and looked at me like it was torture. Lucas, who was congratulating us, taps Colt on the shoulder and dangles the car key of the Tesla infront of him. Colt's eyes instantly lit up. "You get to drive the Tesla," Lucas said. Colt took the car key from Lucas and walked to Elder Allen so he could guide her out.

"I hate to say this, but that old hag is growing on me," Alpha Connor said. "Ethan, here's your phone. I think your mother tried to call you." He handed me my phone.

"Thank you, Alpha Connor," I said. Alpha Connor nodded his head then turned around to instruct everyone for our departure. "Diana, we need to call my mom." I decided to make a video call and dialled. My mother answered almost instantly. I guess she was waiting for my call. I saw her move from her bedroom to her bathroom. Then she put on the shower so no one could hear our conversation.

"Ethan, dear, your father called and is still looking for you. I can see Lucas is with you. Everything okay?" My mother asked.

"Yes, Mom. I'd like to introduce you to my new Luna, Diana." I turn the phone to Diana.

"Hello, Mrs. Crowne," Diana greeted her.

"So lovely to meet you, dear. I'm sorry, Diana, but may I please speak to my son?" I turn the phone back to me.

"Mom?"

"YOU HAD A MATING CEREMONY WITHOUT ME?! HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO YOUR OWN MOTHER?!" She screamed. "WHERE ARE YOU?! I AM FLYING THERE TONIGHT!" Lucas popped his head beside mine.

"Hi Harriet! Are you, by any chance, going to the Christmas Ball tomorrow night?" He asked.

"No, but I am now. I am flying to New York. TONIGHT! Ethan, do you need me to bring some of your men with me? I'll charter a private plane." Lucas nodded his head so, I nodded my head. "Okay, give me a list. I'll round them up."

"Mom, is it possible you keep this a secret?" I ask her.

"What do you think I've been doing all this time?! I even have your sisters lying for you. Ethan, sweetheart, I am so happy you found your fated mate, but to leave me out of the ceremony is unforgivable. You, young man, have some explaining to do. Let me see Diana again. I would like to apologize to my new daughter in-law." I turn the phone back to Diana. "Diana, dear, I am so sorry. I am so happy my son has found you. Starting now, you can call me Mom," my mother said sweetly.

"No need to apologize, uhm, Mom. We have had some people chasing after us so, we kept everything a secret," Diana explained.

"Well, I'll be meeting you soon, personally. Ethan?"

"Yes Mom?" I place my head beside Diana's so she could see me.

"Don't forget the list. Send it right away. I gotta go now. I have some packing to do. Love you." She disconnects our phone call.

"Someone's in trouble," Diana said, giggling.

"I know. My mother is going to tan my hide."