“Clan Gahnoth!” Rhodack roared. His chest filled with pride as his gargoyles echoed the clan cry. In his gargoyle form, he impatiently waited for his mate to come to him. It was time for them to complete the mating bond so his beast could claim their mate.

He scanned the sea of gargoyles. Thousands were packed in the large chamber. Some were in their beast form while others remained human. Down in the depths of their underground world, he stood before his people, set to claim his mate.

The market place held a massive meeting chamber that had a stage for him to stand on in front of the gods and his people. It was built near the lowest level of the lair, providing a safe area for all clansmen to convene. On this stage, he’d seal the bond between him and Rina.

Vikuth stood by his side. The sea of gargoyles parted. Rhodack’s breath caught as his mate made her way to him.

Murmurs filled the air. The throng of people took in their future clan leader’s mate.

Rina, dressed in a translucent royal-blue gown, walked down the aisle created by the sea of people. Her sun-colored hair fell in waves down her back. Her golden warrior crown rested on her forehead, denoting her royal blood lines. He held back a growl and marveled at all of her curves that were on display in her sexy Faery-inspired dress.

The remaining six members of the harem walked behind Rina in a show of acceptance of their clan leader’s mate. They’d support and serve not only him, but his mate as well. In their society, having the support of the clan leader’s harem was vital.

There was nothing that the harem wouldn’t do for Rina. She had them in the palm of her hand along with him and everyone who met her.

She was loved by all and was the perfect mate for him.

The perfect clanswoman to lead his people.

Their people.

He moved to walk toward the edge of the stage but was held back. He turned to find Vikuth with a smile on his gargoyle lips.

“Tradition,” Vikuth murmured.

Rhodack growled low, anxious for his mate to come to him. Calista and Ajuki flanked her sides, taking her hands and assisting her up the stairs. Manga and Dese gathered her train and carried it up the steps while Cyan and Manea walked behind them.

The harem was to present his mate to him in front of the entire clan. He greedily eyed her as they moved across the stage.

They guided her to him. The murmurs decreased, the crowd captivated by the sight of their lord about to take his mate.

“My lord,” she greeted him with a smile on her lips. She paused in front of him and waited.

Calista, now the head of the harem, turned to the crowd. His gaze held Rina’s, and he refused to break their connection.

“We, the lord’s harem, are here to give blessings to the union between Rhodack Gahnoth and Princess Larina Omaris of Faery. The union between these two is stronger than I’ve ever seen before,” Calista announced. She stepped back and turned to Rhodack.

He tore his attention from Rina and met the gaze of Calista.

“Do you honor Rina and pledge yourself to her as you have done to me?” he asked.

“I do, my lord.” Calista bowed and stepped to Rina’s side.

Ajuki stepped forward with a bow.

“And you, Ajuki? Do you honor Rina and pledge yourself to her as you have done to me?” he asked.

“I do, my lord,” she replied.

Each member of the harem stepped forward, pledging themselves to Rina before the clan. After the last female, the crowd roared their approval. Rina smiled at the assembled guests and turned back to him.

His harem had pledged themselves to her.

The clan loved her.

It was time.

“And you, Rhodack Gahnoth, clan leader of Clan Gahnoth,” Vikuth’s voice echoed through the chamber.

The audience quieted, captivated by the ritual.

Rhodack’s chest rumbled. He stepped forward, his fangs aching, and he reached for Rina. He pulled her flush against his body. Her trusting eyes closed, and she leaned back, producing her neck for him.

Anticipation filled the air as the crowd waited.

He leaned down and placed his face in the crook of her neck, breathing in her delicious scent.

“You will belong to me forever,” he murmured against her skin.

“Then claim me, Rhodack,” she whispered back, putting her trust solely in him. “I’m yours.”

A growl rose from his chest, and he sank his fangs into her soft flesh, sealing their fate together. The second her blood filled his mouth, he felt the final link between them forge together, sealing them together as mates for all eternity.

He pulled away, throwing back his head, a mighty roar escaping his mouth.

Cheers went up and echoed all around them. He glanced down at Rina, afraid he may have harmed her but was met with her large smile.

The stone around his heart no longer existed. Instead, an elf held it in the palm of her hand.