I dropped the goblet as the magic coursed through me, making my knees weak. The world spun and I closed my eyes Donovan held me to his chest to keep me from hitting the ground as the Wayfarer bonds snapped, leaving me feeling adrift for a second before the Irish pack bonds slammed into place. I pressed my forehead against Donovan’s chest as I focused on breathing. As the new bonds settled in, I tried to get my bearings.

Donovan was right. His pack’s ties were weak and tattered. They’d been neglected for a long time, but they’d heal. We could fix it.

You all right? Donovan asked as he tilted my chin up to look into his eyes.

Yes. I smiled up at him. I’m fine.

I couldn’t believe the pack that was so notoriously unwelcoming had actually accepted me. I’d only had to battle a fey monster and get half of them kicked out to win their favor.

Cheers echoed into the night. Max whistled and I laughed at him. Even if I wasn’t a Wayfarer anymore, my family would always be in my heart.

My father stepped up to us. He brushed a quick kiss on my forehead and whispered in my ear. “I’m so proud of you.”

I laughed. I nearly died getting here, but I’d survived. I was kind of proud of me, too. “Thanks, Dad.”

“Have you both approached of clear heart and clear mind?” he asked.

“We have,” Donovan and I said together.

“Tonight we witness the joining of Donovan Murry with my daughter, Meredith Molloney. Both have been through many ups and downs in their lives. Through every hardship, my daughter has shown her true mettle. She’s made me proud as her father and Alpha. Having her leave the Wayfarers for another pack—especially one as troubled and notorious as this one—isn’t easy, but I’m confident that Donovan will care for my daughter in a way that I would approve. And if he doesn’t? Well, he’d better hope that day doesn’t come.” Dad said that with a smile and the crowd laughed, but Donovan nodded.

He took my father’s words seriously, his usual grin absent. “That day will never come.”

Dad nodded. “It’s time for the exchange.”

Donovan took my right hand in his left and lifted it to his mouth. I took his left hand in my right and did the same. My heart was racing with equal parts excitement and nerves.

But I was ready to be Donovan’s mate. More than ready. “On three?” I said to Donovan.

He nodded. “One.”

“Two,” I said.

We bit down at the same time. I ignored the sharp nip to my arm as I swallowed the hot coppery gush of his blood. Together, we said the binding oath.