Alpha's Regret: The Seventh Time was Forever

Chapter 349: Chapter 349 - A covenant made with blood and stone lasts forever

Voren’s gaze never wavered from hers, the silver moonlight casting a sacred glow across his strong features.

There was no teasing smile now, no playful remarks, just pure sincerity and unwavering certainty. Seraphine felt her heart swell with a powerful wave of emotion that nearly stole her breath.

Without hesitation, she nodded. ”I do.” Her voice trembled with feeling as she looked straight into his eyes. ”I agree to become a member of the Grimroot Pack, its future Luna, its protector and defender, and to cherish every blessing that comes with it.”

The smile that spread across Voren’s face was radiant. Relief, deep happiness, and fierce pride all flashing through his eyes at once. Slowly, his claws extended from his fingertips.

Seraphine watched in quiet fascination as one sharp claw pierced the center of his palm. Crimson drops welled up, and he lowered his hand toward the ancient rocks beneath them, letting the blood fall onto the stone.

The night breeze stirred gently around them, and the atmosphere grew heavier, older somehow, as if the mountain itself was listening and bearing witness. ”A covenant made with blood and stone lasts forever,” Voren declared, his deep voice echoing softly through the hidden sanctuary. ”Under this moonlight, I hereby welcome Seraphine Walker as a member of the Grimroot Pack.”

His eyes locked onto hers with intense emotion. ”In the future, she shall be coronated as its Luna.”

A strange, beautiful warmth bloomed deep in Seraphine’s chest. The words carried such profound weight, not just because they were part of some ancient ritual, but because they came from him.

From the man who had loved her through every version of herself, the one who had never stopped waiting, never given up hope.

Voren gently took her hand. Before she could even prepare herself, his claw pierced her palm with a quick, sharp sting. It wasn’t deep or serious, just enough.

A single drop of her blood fell onto the rocks, mixing with his. Then he pressed their palms together, warm blood connecting them in a bond that felt incredibly intimate, powerful, and ancient all at once.

”From this moment forward,” Voren declared, his voice ringing with the undeniable authority of a true Alpha, ”Seraphine Walker is a member of the Grimroot Pack.”

The words reverberated off the surrounding rocks and faded into the darkness beyond. For several long seconds, neither of them moved, caught in the gravity of the moment. Then Voren’s expression softened with tenderness. ”Now you have to taste my blood to seal the oath.”

Seraphine smiled. As a former Luna, she already knew the tradition well. Pack-born wolves connected automatically, but outsiders had to complete this ritual.

Without hesitation, she lifted his hand and touched her tongue briefly to the metallic taste of his blood.

The moment she finished, she expected him to release her hand. Instead, Voren surprised her by bringing her own palm to his lips and tasting her blood in return. Seraphine blinked in astonishment. ”That wasn’t part of the ritual.”

A grin tugged at his lips. ”No, it wasn’t.”

”Then why did you do it?”

His thumb brushed lightly over her wrist, sending a shiver through her. ”It helps reduce the pain.”

Confusion flickered across her face. ”What pain?”

The answer hit her instantly. A powerful force slammed into her mind like a freight train. ”Ah!”

Seraphine gasped sharply, grabbing her head as agony exploded without warning. It felt like invisible claws were ripping through her thoughts, tearing her brain apart from the inside out.

For one terrifying heartbeat, she thought she might collapse under the overwhelming pressure.

Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the pain vanished completely. Her breathing came in uneven gasps as she blinked rapidly, the world steadying around her once more.

A familiar voice suddenly echoed inside her head. ’Does it still hurt?’

Seraphine froze, her eyes widening in shock. The voice hadn’t come through her ears. It was right there in her mind. The mindlink. A slow, awed smile spread across her face.

’No,’ she mind linked back instinctively, the words flowing naturally through their new connection. ’It doesn’t hurt anymore.’

Across from her, Voren’s smile deepened with visible relief. For a moment, Seraphine simply marveled at the sensation. It felt strange yet completely natural and comforting, like an invisible thread now wove them together even more deeply than before.

Curiosity quickly got the better of her. ”Do you do that with every new pack member?” she asked, her tone innocent. But her mind immediately betrayed her as an image of Jasmine flashed through her thoughts.

Seraphine crossed her arms, but she couldn’t fight the smile tugging at her lips. Finally, Voren shook his head, his voice softening. ”No. Only you.”

Her eyebrows raised with surprise. ”Only me?”

”For every other new member, I let them suffer through the pain.” Amusement danced in his eyes again. ”It usually lasts anywhere from one to five minutes.”

Voren chuckled deeply. ”But yours lasted what? Five seconds?” Seraphine nodded slowly, realizing he was right. The pain had disappeared almost immediately. Warmth flooded her chest. He had done that for her, always her. The realization made her smile softly.

Voren glanced reluctantly toward the exit, duty pulling at him. ”Alright,” he said, his expression growing serious once more. ”If I run into any issues, I’ll contact you through the mindlink.”

Seraphine nodded, still fascinated by the mind link. ”Okay.”

He gently squeezed her hand. ”You’ll be safe here. No one is allowed inside this place.” Pride crept into his voice as he added, ”Besides my parents and my Beta, nobody even knows it exists.”

Seraphine looked around again, the secret feeling even more precious now. ”If there’s an emergency and I need to send someone, it’ll be Kael,” he reassured her with a smile. ”You’ve already met him.”

Seraphine nodded. Kael had seemed trustworthy enough.

”Still,” Voren continued, ”I’m hoping to come back with the shaman myself.” The thought of finally breaking the spell burned with determination in his eyes. They were so close now, painfully close.

Seraphine smiled warmly. ”I’ll be waiting.”

For a brief, charged moment neither of them moved. Then Voren leaned down and kissed her forehead tenderly. The simple gesture made her heart flutter wildly. ”Don’t miss me too much.”

She rolled her eyes playfully. ”No promises.”

His laughter followed him as he finally disappeared through the exit.

Silence settled over the cabin afterward, peaceful and safe, like a private world hidden away from everything else. For the first time, Seraphine had a real chance to explore.

After wandering around and soaking in the cozy details, she moved into the kitchen and checked the ingredients. The shelves were surprisingly well stocked. She smiled to herself. Simple was best, especially after everything they’d endured lately.

Soon she was cooking, the familiar routine helping her relax as vegetables sizzled in the pan and the rich scent of garlic filled the air. Before long, a hearty spaghetti stir-fry sat ready on the counter. Satisfied, she cleaned up and glanced toward the entrance.

Still no sign of Voren.

Her smile faded a little. He should’ve been back by now. Trying not to let worry creep in, she decided to take a quick shower.

The warm water soothed her muscles, and afterward she changed into comfortable clothes and dried her hair. When she returned to the main room, the food remained untouched and the cabin was still empty.

A small frown creased her brow. She checked the time. It had been too long, definitely too long. Maybe he’d gotten caught up in pack business. That happened all the time. Using the mindlink seemed easier than calling.

Closing her eyes, she focused on their fresh connection. ’V, are you coming back soon?’ A smile curled her lips. ’The food is ready.’

There was no response. She frowned and tried again. ’Voren?’

Still nothing. The connection felt strangely blocked or muted. Her heartbeat quickened. That wasn’t normal. Voren wouldn’t ignore her, not tonight, not after everything they’d shared.

She tried once more, but again, nothing. A strange unease settled heavy in her stomach. Immediately, she grabbed her phone. Maybe the mindlink was acting up. Maybe he was with the shaman. Maybe...

The phone rang three times before it was answered. Relief flooded through her instantly. ”V—”

The word died in her throat. Because the voice that came through the phone wasn’t Voren’s at all.