Defy The Alpha(s) novel Chapter 238

Chapter 238: Mate Bond - 2

"Now, I know that some of you are curious about the marking ceremony," Radcliff said, his voice carrying the same reverence as before. "It is a significant rite in werewolf culture, the process by which a male wolf shifter bites his mate to embed his scent into her flesh, and the female reciprocates."

"While this might sound primitive, strange, childish or even animalistic to outsiders," he continued, "it is, in fact, a deeply sacred ritual, honored by the Moon Goddess herself. It is through this act that the binding rune appears on the skin of both mates, a proof of their eternal bond."

Violet, suddenly perked up, her mind catching onto that last part.

So, the Moon Goddess gives them a permanent tattoo for fucking and biting each other?

Cool.

Radcliff gestured toward the electronic board, tapping the display where sketches of runes appeared. "The binding rune," he explained, "varies from couple to couple. It is as unique as the bond itself. No two couple marks are the same."

"It can appear anywhere on the body," he said, scrolling through the images. "Though, over time, we have documented the most common spots which are the neck, the arms, the shoulder, the chest, the thighs, the stomach —"

"Or on the butt." Abel, Roman’s beta interrupted him with a cocky grin. "Now that’s a spot I’d love to check out on my mate."

The class exploded into laughter at once. Violet rolled her eyes as she caught Roman slapping Abel a high five, the two of them looking way too pleased with themselves. Of course. Fools.

Mr. Radcliff exhaled deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Ha ha, so funny," he said dryly, trying to rein it in. "No more jokes. We’re discussing something of importance."

At least the man was trying to act like a responsible teacher today instead of his usual petty self of being partial towards the wolves. It was almost impressive.

Clearing his throat, Mr. Radcliff moved on. "The mate bond is sacred to our people. It is a divine gift, meant to be cherished, which is why interfering with another’s mate is considered a grave offense."

The laughter died down as his tone turned serious. "Even rejecting a mate bond is frowned upon, but at the end of the day, everyone has free will. Some choose to embrace the bond. Others... walk away."

"However," Radcliff went on, "what makes the mate bond even rarer now is the loss of pureblooded she-wolves during the Great War. Their numbers were decimated, and with them, many future bonds that may have formed."

A quiet tension passed through the room at the mention of the war, but no one dwelt on it. It was quite obvious that conversation was still a sore one for both species.

"But fear not," Radcliff said, lightening his once grim tone, "the Moon Goddess is merciful. Over the years, she has extended this grace to humans, which is why we now see wolves and humans being bonded together. It remains uncommon, but it is possible."

"In fact," Radcliff added, "Lunaris Academy even had a fated couple about three years ago. But since then, no new student has been bonded. So yes, it’s rare, but it does happen."

There was a long beat of silence as the class absorbed everything. Then Radcliff turned from the board, sweeping his gaze across the room.