Chapter 217: A Promise Kept
Chapter 217: A Promise Kept
(Matthew’s POV)
I stood in the middle of the road, my heart hammering against my ribs. The Winter Pack SUV approached, and I knew Celeste was inside. My silver–gray wolf surged beneath my skin, filling
me with determination.
Several pack members walked past, giving me curious glances. I didn’t care who saw me.
The SUV slowed at the boundary between Winter Pack territory and neutral lands. I planted my feet firmly, directly in its path. The driver hit the brakes, stopping just feet away.
The window rolled down, revealing Celeste’s startled face. Her violet eyes widened.
“Matthew? What are you doing?”
I took a deep breath. This moment would define our future.
“I made you a promise,” I called out, loud enough for the gathering onlookers to hear. “I swore I would never abandon you, and I’m here to prove it.”
Wolves passing by stopped to watch. Some whispered among themselves, but I ignored them
all.
“I know what you’ve been through,” I continued. “I know you starved yourself for my father’s freedom. I know you ate silver–laced meat to secure his release.”
Her expression flickered with pain. Guilt stabbed through me.
“You think I’m rushing this decision because of what happened,” I said, my voice softening. “You’re worried my family will suffer because of our relationship.”
I stepped closer to the vehicle, my wolf howling within me to reach her.
“I know you’re worried about my family, but I’ve already planned everything. Whether it’s the
Winter Pack or Jason Moore, I can handle it. Please trust me again!”
I stood with my arms open, afraid the vehicle would simply drive away.
“You asked me once if I dared to be your mate,” I reminded her. “My answer then was yes, and
it remains yes today.”
Several more wolves had gathered to watch our exchange.
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Chapter 217 & Promise Rapt
“So now I ask you, Celeste Winters – do you still dare to be my mate?”
(Celeste’s POV)
The sight of Matthew standing before our vehicle took my breath away. His words washed over me, each one striking deep within my heart. My silver–scarred wolf stirred beneath my
skin.
“Stop the car,” I instructed Nina.
“Miss Celeste, there are many witnesses,” she cautioned, scanning the growing crowd.
I smiled, surprising myself with the lightness I suddenly felt. “Good. Let them see.”
I opened the door and stepped out. The murmurs increased, but their voices faded as I
focused solely on Matthew.
He looked tired, with shadows under his eyes, but his silver–gray eyes blazed with intensity.
His wolf’s aura radiated strength and determination.
I approached him slowly, savoring this moment. The smile on my lips felt natural, unforced.
“I do,” I said simply, my voice clear.
Matthew’s expression transformed from nervous anticipation to pure joy. His silver–gray wolf howled with happiness inside him I could sense it.
For a moment, he stood frozen, as if afraid to believe. He stepped toward me but stopped just short of making contact, his eyes darting to the crowd.
I laughed softly at his hesitation and closed the distance between us.
“If you don’t even dare to hug me, how can you say you dare to be my mate?” I teased, loud enough for those nearby to hear.
A few chuckles rose from the onlookers, and someone called out, “She’s got you there,
Sterling!”
Matthew’s face flushed red, but his arms finally encircled me, pulling me against his chest.
His wolf’s protective aura enveloped me, warm and secure.
“I’ve missed you,” he whispered against my hair.
I closed my eyes, sinking into his warmth. For the first time since my return from Moon
Shadow Prison, I felt truly safe.
(Matthew’s POV)
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Chapter 217. A Promise Kept
My knees pressed against the hardwood floor of my parents‘ home. The formal kneeling position was uncomfortable, but necessary for the traditional gesture of respect.
My parents sat across from me, expressions guarded. Celeste stood slightly behind me.
“Father, Mother,” I began solemnly. “I come before you to formally announce my intention to
take Celeste Winters as my mate.”
My wolf submitted beneath my skin, showing proper deference.
“She is the one I have chosen. The one I vow to protect for life,” I continued. “I ask for your
acceptance.”
Before my parents could respond, Emma stepped forward, her face twisted with worry.
“Are you insane?” she burst out. “The Winter Pack nearly had Father executed! And now you
want to mate with one of them?”
I had expected this reaction.
“Winter Pack merchants are still whispering about what Jason Moore plans to do to our
family,” she continued. “And you’re bringing the source of his anger right into our home!”
I took a deep breath, maintaining my formal posture.
“I’ve arranged for all of you to relocate to Northern Ridge territory. My friend Thomas has agreed to house you until this situation resolves. You’ll be beyond Jason Moore’s reach.”
My father’s eyebrows rose slightly.
Emma wasn’t satisfied. “So you’re sending us away? Abandoning us for her?”
The accusation stung, but I kept my expression neutral. “I’m protecting you. There’s a
difference.”
“It feels the same to me,” Emma retorted. “You’re choosing her over your family.”
I looked up, meeting my sister’s hurt gaze. “My wolf has chosen Celeste as my true mate. I cannot live without her. But that doesn’t mean I love my family any less.”
I turned back to my parents.
“I have always been the obedient son,” I said, my voice lower. “I have followed your guidance in
all things. But in this, I must follow my heart.”
I bowed my head once more, my silver–gray wolf whimpering softly. “I ask for your forgiveness for this single act of defiance, and for your blessing.”
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Chapter 217: A Promise Kept
The silence felt eternal. I braced myself for rejection.
(Celeste’s POV)
I held my breath as Matthew kneeled before his parents. His words filled me with warmth, but also with guilt. His family had suffered because of their connection to me.
I expected hostility – sharp words, accusing glares, rejection. Instead, Sarah Sterling rose and approached me with deliberate steps.
I tensed instinctively. To my surprise, she took my hand in hers. Her touch was gentle, her
palm rough from years of work.
“When my son came home after you rejected him, he broke a chair against the wall,” she said
softly. “It was the first time I’d ever seen him truly angry.”
My eyes widened. Matthew had never mentioned such an outburst.
“That’s when I knew,” she continued. “A wolf only rages like that when their heart is engaged. I
knew you would return to his life.”
Sarah withdrew a small silver pendant hanging from a leather cord. The pendant bore ancient
pack symbols, worn smooth from generations.
“This has been passed down through Sterling females for centuries,” she explained, placing it
around my neck. “It’s not as fine as your Winter Pack jewelry, but I hope you’ll accept it.”
The metal felt warm against my skin. I touched it with trembling fingers, overwhelmed by the
gesture’s significance.
“Mrs. Sterling, I can’t accept this,” I protested, my silver–scarred wolf whining. “This is a pack
heirloom.”
“You can, and you will,” she replied firmly. “If you are to be my son’s mate, then you are a
Sterling woman now too.”
Matthew rose quickly, his eyes bright with emotion.
“Thank you, Mother,” he said, his voice thick. “Father?”
Daniel Sterling remained stern, but I could see the softening around his eyes.
“You made quite a spectacle, stopping her vehicle so publicly,” he said gruffly. “Make sure you
treat her well, or you’ll damage her reputation further in the pack hierarchies.”
Sarah continued to hold my hand. The warmth of her touch brought a sense of pack belonging
I hadn’t felt in a long time.
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Chapter 217: A Promise Kept
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Emma stepped forward, her initial hostility fading.
“Where exactly is Northern Ridge territory?” she asked reluctantly.
Matthew explained the location and mentioned the journey would take about two days by car.
An idea formed in my mind. “Perhaps there’s an alternative solution,” I suggested.
All eyes turned to me.
“I could purchase a house near the Winter Pack boundary for your family,” I offered. “The proximity would provide protection, and the appearance of Winter Pack support would deter
threats from Jason Moore.”
The Sterlings stared in surprise.
“We couldn’t possibly accept such generosity, Daniel began, his pride evident.
“It’s too much,” Sarah agreed, though hope flickered in her eyes.
I touched the silver pendant at my throat, feeling its weight – symbolic of our connection.
“We’re family now,” I said simply. “There’s no need to be so formal.“.
The word “family” sent unexpected warmth through me. For so long, I had been without a true family, cast out by the Winters and viewed with suspicion by others. Now, standing in this modest home, I felt a sense of belonging that my silver–scarred wolf had yearned for.
Matthew’s parents exchanged a glance, then slowly, genuine smiles spread across their faces.
