Fed up, Dawn wanted him to take her away from there, claim her, be there only for her. When she pulled herself away, she found his black smoldering eyes peeking under those thick eyebrows. He was the most beautiful person she had ever seen. Her mate. Her lover. Big, strong, hers. And if he accepted her, she would love to be his forever. He held her at the small of her back and guided her out of the hall, devouring her with his eyes.

The guests started leaving the hall. It was such a high charged up drama that no one wanted to be a part of. It was time for the pure bloods to distance themselves from Maya and her family. They had made themselves utter fools. The Silver Clan was standing tall and with Dawn Wyatt with them, it just became better. Also, no one wanted to mess with the Silvers.

​​

Gayle was content. His eyes glowed with warmth. They were gentle and tranquil and yet they gleamed with deep wisdom. He was the Chief of the Silver Clan, father of Daryn Silver. Today he felt dignified at the way both Daryn and Dawn conducted themselves. They saved the day for him and the way things segued, it made his respect for Dawn grow more. But he had to face a new problem – Caleb was no longer his successor of the clan. With Daryn finding his mate, it automatically pushed him at a higher level. Now Daryn would be the heir.

Dawn pulled herself away from Daryn and smiled looking in his eyes.

"You did well Dawn," Gayle said in a low voice when his gaze landed on her.

"Thank you, Mr. Silver," she breathed.

Gayle said, "And from now on, you will stay at The Silver Manor. I welcome you with an open heart."

Dawn stared at Gayle with an open mouth. "Thank you again." She was ecstatic on the inside. Her cheeks became pink.

Gayle glanced at Daryn and then saw how he still held her hands in his. His smile became wider. "I am happy for you Daryn. Get your mate in our manor, which is her right place."

A smile tugged his lips as he looked over the side to see Dawn before he looked back at his father. "Thank you father. I hope things only turn better now."

Gayle nodded. "You declaring Dawn as your mate is going to be an important event. I will be calling the traditional gathering of all the werewolves so that you make a formal Rede'vota to her. I want the ceremony to be held in the presence of every werewolf for them to witness her transformation into your Luna." Who knew that Dawn Wyatt of all the women in this world would be his son's mate? Daughter of Luke Wyatt – Luke, the man he hated for deceiving him. He blinked his eyes and then walked out.

Daryn stared behind him. The ceremony that Gayle had just talked about was one of the most sacred amongst the werewolves – The Ulfric. He could feel goose bumps lining his skin. It was held, only once in a year. As he stood there stunned, Neal came and gave him a bear hug. "Congratulations big brother!" Daryn was bereft. Neal laughed at him. He could understand his state of mind.

Neal looked at Dawn and shook his hand with hers. "You deserve my brother," he said with a formal smile.

"Thanks Neal," she replied with gratitude.

No longer able to face all the shame, Brad and his wife went back inside to their bedroom.

Azura thumped his fist on the table he was leaning on making Jason and Niall jump with fear. He hurried out with the two of them trailing him. People heard him saying, "I am sorry Azura, but that bitch Dawn provoked me." Azura stayed quiet as he suppressed a wave of fury that was revolting inside. He wanted to shift, he wanted to go back to the days when he had brought Dawn back, to the day when he had seen her again in the University. He had loved her the day he had seen her while playing on the golf course. He wanted to go back in the time and reverse what he did. He hailed the spirits to give him one more chance. He would have never let Dawn meet Daryn. Who would have known that he was pushing her to her mate? He looked up at the sky. Was this predestined? He had an empty feeling in his heart. He hated Daryn, he loathed him for stealing the woman he loved. He abhorred him for being her mate.

With Jason and Niall walking behind him, he felt stifled. He turned back to look at them and growled. "Stay away from me," he said pointing his finger at Jason. "If I see you near me for the next few days, I am going to sink my claws in you personally." Jason flinched and stopped. Azura turned sharply and walked to his car. There was no denying that tonight he would shift and wander around the Ensmoire Forest.

Inside the party hall, Daryn intertwined his hands around Dawn's and said, "Let's go."

Suddenly a loud voice from across the room boomed. "You bitch!" Maya shouted and lunged towards Dawn with her claws out. "I will slaughter you!"

Dawn was taken by surprise. She stumbled back and was about to get hit when a strong force pushed Maya and she was thrown twenty feet away on the ground. She slid on the floor and hit the table where a three-tier cake was placed. The cake toppled and fell on her head. Every wisp of air swooshed out of her lungs. She panted, "Dawn!" and passed out.

Daryn caught hold of Dawn before she could fall. Her body quivered as she clung to him and watched Maya sliding on the floor. A menacing gnarl emanated from him. He had punched Maya with all his might before she could attack his mate. There was so much rage he felt against her that it manifested in his dangerous punch.

Only a few bystanders were left – those who were close to the family. While Daryn, Dawn and Neal walked out of the house, these pure bloods helped Maya to stand up.

Daryn caught hold of Dawn's shoulders to stop her from trembling. When she couldn't stop, he picked her up and walked to the car. Throughout the journey back to The Silver Arcade, she sat silently as her head rested against his arm. He caressed her back smoothly to sooth her down. So much had transpired that evening that she needed all the rest she could get. When they reached home, he helped her change into a soft chemise, covered her with a blanket and then slipped beside her in her bed, after wearing his pajamas.

Life had changed in a few hours after they declared that they were mates. It was so much more comforting. Dawn nuzzled his arm sleepily and then brought her head on his shoulder. He held her closer. He had had so many lovers earlier but now he didn't want any other woman in his life ever. The only person he ever needed was right there, with him, beside him. He kissed her head and said, "I am so sorry about Maya." How dare she attack his mate? He would slaughter her limb by limb and then burn her on the stakes.

She circled her fingers on his chest and then inhaled his smell. Closing her eyes, she said, "It's fine Daryn. She is gone from our life. We don't have to look back."