---- Two moonstone rings touched, letting out a crisp, clear chime in the air. "This is my mate," I said with a smile. "His name is Bill." David froze. His eyes filled with disbelief, pain-loss. "No... you're lying. You have to be lying!" he stammered. "You two just met-how could you already be getting claimed?" "IT know I messed up. I messed up horribly. But please .. don't do this. Not like this. I can't take it." I looked him straight in the eye. "Bill and I have known each other for over twenty years. He waited for me for five." "He loves me. And I love him." Then I turned my face toward Bill and kissed him gently. Not once did I spare David a glance... Two weeks later, on the night of the full moon, Bill and I stood beneath the stars, surrounded by elders and loved ones. ---- We completed our Marking ceremony. We exchanged our Mating Vows. We promised to protect each other for the rest of our lives-until death, and even beyond. It was the hundredth time I had worn a wedding dress. But for the first time... I had found my true fated mate. For the first time, I received blessings from every single guest. And as the ceremony continued, I noticed someone lingering at the edge of the clearing. David. He stood outside the circle, alone. Watching. Still convinced I would change my mind. Still believing I loved him so much that I couldn't be claimed by other alpha. But what he didn't realize was-my love for him had long since been extinguished, snuffed out by every time he turned his back on me. Only when he saw Bill and me exchanging moonstone ---- rings-only then did he finally walk away. That night, Bill and I form bond. Our bodies pressed together, hearts entwined. He held me with such gentleness, such reverence. And in his arms, my wolf stirred-alive again. Through his love, through our bond, I was finally healed. Later, I heard what became of Amy. They said David's punishment had driven her to madness. One night, she snapped. With a blade in hand, she tried to stab David in the dark. If not for a werewolf who heard the struggle and called the mediator, David would have died. He survived. But he would spend the rest of his life dependent on herbs . One year later, I gave birth to twins-a boy and a girl. ---- Bill held them in his arms, tears in his eyes, and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. "My mate, May," he whispered, voice trembling with emotion, "thank the moon I never gave up. I waited... and in the end, I found you." I smiled, heart full. So did I. Ihadn't missed my one true love after all. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!