*Duncan's POV

To my dismay, it took several weeks to complete the first part of the process, as quite a few of the Alpha commands did not take the first time. Typically, an order can only be given to a Blood Alpha when it's emerging during a first shift. The Mahani had to use more power than they ever had to before, or at least that was what they told me. My beautiful mate and I completed the marking as soon as the last command was given since we were holding out because of that, or we would have been mated the first week she stayed with me.

The power transfer was rough on everyone as it took all seven Mahani Blood Alphas to accomplish. It felt like my skin was on fire. I can now pass through an Alpha ring and manipulate water. Doc taught me to use her powers by playing with warm water and ice. I was surprised by how easy it was to learn, but I did notice quite a bit of information was still pouring through the mate bond.

My pack took to her readily. Doc's personality is fun-loving and friendly, even with the work she does. She always smiles and laughs for everyone, even when I feel her pain through our bond. She is amazingly strong.

I still call her Snow in private, as my personal endearment, but everyone else calls her Doc. She is everything I could ever have wanted in a Luna. I couldn't be happier.

We are having our ceremony today. I watched a video of her sister's, so I know what it entails. We have something similar to those who want it, but we have yet to use it within my lifetime. I believe my Luna will change that.

Our meeting hall, which can hold double my pack of 250 souls, is decorated in soft blues, white, and silver. My black tuxedo is accented with silver instead of white. My stunningly beautiful Luna is dressed in white with a silver accent, like a human wedding. We took on the color of our wolves.

We walked together down a central aisle, up to a podium where Mahani Blood Alpha Cooper stands. His eyes are glassy, and I know this is hard for him and his Luna. They lost two of their daughters and one of the girl's best friends to mates within a month.

"Thank you all for coming, and welcome to all," Blood Alpha Cooper begins. "We have come together today to celebrate the love the Moon Goddess bestows on us when our wolf finds 'that one person.' That one person who compliments us to make us the best we can be—that one person who we will love forever, fated or choice. I ask you all to take a moment to understand that while fate can be cruel, it can also bring us great joy and that one person who completes us. We will begin by letting Beth 'Doc' Cooper-Kincaid and her mate, Blood Alpha Duncan Kincaid, recite their chosen prose to show their love and devotion for each other."

My mate told me we could change her name back to Beth if I wanted, but within the Mahani, she will always be Doc. I am okay with her keeping Doc, as long as she is now known as Dr. Kincaid.

My mate was to speak first, and all eyes were on her; however, her baby blues never left my face.

"If a picture paints a thousand words, then why can't I paint you? The words will never show, the you I've come to know.

If a face could launch a thousand ships, then where am I to go? My place will always be home with you.

You're all I'll ever need, and when my love for life is running dry, you come and pour yourself on me.

If a girl could be two places at one time, I'd always be with you, tomorrow and today, beside you all the way.

If the world should stop revolving, spinning slowly down to die, I'd spend the end with you.

And when the world was through, then one by one the stars would all go out. Then you and I would simply fly away, on our never-ending love." 

My breath hitched as she finished. The love pouring through the mate bond matched her face, and I was overwhelmed. I took a moment to thank the Moon Goddess for giving her to me.

*Doc's POV

It's beyond my wildest dreams that I am standing here at my mating ceremony. My mother and sisters would not allow me to do anything or plan the ceremony. I was just told to pick out a white with silver gown. 

I can feel Duncan's reaction to my prose. While I had difficulty choosing one, I'm confident that he understood everything I was trying to convey. I love him so much.

"Duncan," my father whispered when my mate didn't start his prose immediately. 

"Of course." I watched him recenter his focus on me as he spoke.

"What would I do without your smart mouth, drawing me in, and then pulling me out.

You've got my head spinning; no kidding, I can't pin you down.

What's going on in that beautiful mind?

I'm on your magical mystery ride and I'm so dizzy, I don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright.

My head feels like it's under water, but I'm breathing fine.

You're crazy and I'm out of my mind — Because all of me, loves all of you.

I love your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections.

You're my end and my beginning. Even when I lose, I'm winning.

How many times do I have to tell you? Even when you're crying, you're beautiful too.

When the world is beating you down, I will be around through every mood.

You're my downfall, you're my muse,

Because I give you all of me, and you give me all of you."

Several chuckles could be heard throughout, but the meaning behind it all held my heart. I felt a tear slide down my cheek, and my mate wiped it away as he leaned in and kissed me with all the love we shared. The cheering was loud, but didn't care. I could spend my lifetime in this moment.

"Thank you all for coming. Please give us a moment to move the chairs back to the tables in the back. A buffet is set out on my left, and we will have some dancing soon. Enjoy yourselves, and congratulations to the happy couple!" My dad broke me out of my daze as people approached to wish us well.

Within minutes, all the chairs were gone, and Duncan and I were pulled over to the buffet table by a very excited Grace.

"I have a surprise!" My sister screamed, causing most people in the room to look our way. Since she doesn't like all eyes on her, this behavior had my attention.

"Are you ready?!" She didn't even wait for a reaction before yelling, "Tada!" She pulled a white cloth away to reveal two heads carved into the ice of me and my mate.

Just heads. It looked like someone had decapitated a complete sculpture.

While we stared in shock, she rolled in laughter. Wait. Did she just prank me?

Oh, my Goddess! Grace pranked me!

My smile was huge as I laughed along with her. Once I had my bearings, she informed me we could only dissolve them after the party, like her word was law. I let her have her fun as she ran back to her mate.

"How's it feel to be on the receiving end?" My mother asked with laughter.

"I love it." But it didn't stop there.

Will and Debra pranked me when, halfway through dinner, the two stood in their chairs and yelled my name. When all eyes turned to them, they did something I never dreamed of.

"Flick a boogie!"

It was followed by Nicolas' exclamation that maybe I shouldn't have taught them that. Once the Kincaids saw me laughing, they released their own.

It was hilarious. I regret nothing.

When it was time for the dance with my mate, I was sure I would get pranked again. I couldn't wait to see what song they picked out. I was a little let down when the music I requested came on.

"I love you, my snow wolf." Duncan knew exactly how to bring my head back to the present. His love flowed through the bond as we swayed side to side.

"I love you too, my Blood Alpha."

As he leaned in to kiss me, I heard a click that I was very familiar with.

Oh, no.

I glanced up quickly before putting my head down as the glitter fell from the bomb directly overhead.

Cheers went up, and my smile was huge. I looked over at Leah, who was holding up the trigger device so I could see it.

I've never felt so loved. Duncan kissed me as the glitter landed all over and around us.

Once the dance was over, I turned to my family.

"So who is cleaning this up?" I asked loudly.

All fingers went immediately to their noses, even the Littles.

I look at my serious mate to find he is also touching his nose.

Alas, I taught them well. My smile couldn't get any bigger.

"Oh well, I'll get to it later."

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Doc's prose adapted from If by Bread.

Duncan's prose adapted from All of Me by John Legend.

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Thank you all for reading!