Adrian;
A year later
I stirred awake, smiling sheepishly as the early morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on my beautiful mate’s face. She was cuddled up against me, her warmth bringing me sparks, tingles, and comfort.
I grinned as I savoured the peaceful moment, but my tranquilly was short-lived as Hazal began shaking me gently.
“Adrian,” she whispered into my ear, “I need to pee, and we need to get up. We have to be ready for your coronation. You can’t be late again.”
I grumbled, trying to pull her closer. “Can’t we just stay here? I can call my parents and have them postpone it.”
She sighed, clearly exasperated. “This is the third time we’ve postponed it. Get your lazy ass up.”
“Five more minutes,” I muttered, burying my face in her neck. I started peppering her face with sweet kisses, hoping to distract her. “Just five more minutes.”
She giggled, trying to squirm away. “Adrian, stop it! We really need to get ready.”
Ignoring her protests, I continued my assault of kisses, relishing the sound of her laughter. “Five more minutes,” I repeated, my voice muffled against her skin.
“You’re impossible,” she said, finally managing to push me away slightly. “We can’t keep postponing this. You’re going to be Alpha. It’s important.”
I sighed, knowing she was right. “Alright, alright. I’ll get up.” I gave her one last kiss before reluctantly rolling out of bed. “But only because you said so.”
She smiled, her eyes twinkling. “Thank you.”
I watched her head to the bathroom, my heart swelling with love. A year ago, I couldn’t have imagined being this happy. I would have died if my mother and mate hadn’t rescued me. And now, here I was with Hazal by my side, hoping to become alpha.
I yawned, stretching as I sat up, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. Moments later, she returned with a concerned look on her face.
“Adrian, I’ve been feeling nauseous these days,” she said, rubbing her stomach lightly, and I frowned, instantly worried.
“When we get back to the pack, I’ll take you to the pack doctor for a checkup. I don’t want to take any chances.” She nodded, her expression softening.
“Thank you, baby. I appreciate it.” I pulled her into a gentle hug, kissing the top of her head.
“Anything for you, Hazal. Now let’s get ready and make this coronation one to remember.” I grinned, tapping her butt.
****
We arrived an hour later to find the pack grounds bustling with activity. Pack members moved with excitement and anticipation, preparing for the coronation, while my parents stood at the forefront, their faces lighting up when they saw us. My mother broke into a run, her arms outstretched.
“Adrian!” she cried, leaping into my arms with the exuberance of a child. I laughed, spinning her around before setting her down.
“Welcome, son,” my father, Alpha Daiman, said, patting my back firmly. “We’ve been waiting for this day for a long time.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I replied, my chest swelling with pride.
“Your sisters can’t make it as they are both pregnant but sent their apologies,” my mother grinned, while my father’s jaw clenched in annoyance. He wasn’t happy that their mates had gotten them pregnant just after a year. If not for my mother, he would have travelled to beat them up for touching his daughters.
I was about to speak further when my mother suddenly froze, her eyes widening. She sniffed the air, then turned to Hazal with a look of dawning realisation.
“I smell new life,” she said softly, her eyes filling with tears. She rushed over to Hazal and enveloped her in a warm hug. “Congratulations in advance, my dear. It’s a girl.”
I stood there, stunned. “Hazal… you’re pregnant?” I asked stupidly, and she nodded, a shy smile spreading across her face. “I guess we are.”
The entire pack erupted in cheers and applause, the sound ringing out across the grounds. My heart felt like it might burst with happiness. My parents were grinning from ear to ear, and I felt my father’s strong hand squeeze my shoulder.
“Congratulations, son. You’re going to be a father,” he said as pack members began to crowd around us, offering their congratulations and well-wishes.
Warmth from the love and support of our pack members spread through me, and I looked down at Hazal, my mate, my love, and soon, the mother of my child. “Thank you,” I choked, fighting back my tears. “For everything.”
She smiled up at me, her brown eyes shining brightly-the same eyes I hoped our daughter would inherit. “This is just the beginning, Adrian. Our beginning.”
“It’s time for the coronation,” my father announced, raising his hand and commanding everyone’s attention. The chatter quieted as all eyes turned to him.
“We will continue the celebration later. Son, I’m glad you are back. It’s time for me and your mother to take a break.” He stepped aside, gesturing for me to take the stage.
I nodded eagerly, taking a deep breath as I felt the weight of the moment settle over me. With Hazal by my side and the pack’s support, I felt ready to embrace my destiny as their Alpha.
As I stepped forward, the crowd parted, forming a path that led to a grand stage decorated with symbols of our pack’s rich history. My parents, Alpha Daiman and Luna Ruby, stood proudly at the front, their eyes glistening with pride and happiness.
I ascended the steps to the stage, Hazal by my side, her hand firmly in mine. The gathered pack members fell silent, their eyes fixed on us. My father stepped forward, his voice strong and commanding, as he began the ceremony.
“Today, we gather to witness the coronation of a new Alpha and Luna. My son, Adrian, and his mate, Hazal, have shown their strength, courage, and dedication to our pack. It is with great pride that we pass on this mantle to them.”He handed me a ceremonial dagger, a symbol of leadership and protection.
I took it, the cool metal reassuring in my grip. I turned to face the pack, my voice steady as I spoke the sacred oath. “I, Adrian, swear to protect and be loyal to this pack for the rest of my life. I will lead with honour, courage, and integrity. I will serve you, my family, with unwavering dedication and love.”
The crowd murmured their approval, their faces alight with trust and hope. I turned to Hazal, who stepped forward, her eyes shining with determination and love. “I, Hazal, swear to stand by my mate and serve this pack with loyalty and love. I will support Adrian in all things and lead with compassion and strength. Together, we will guide this pack to a future of prosperity and unity.”
A cheer rose from the pack, their voices lifting in a unified cry of support. “All hail Alpha Adrian and Luna Hazal!”
I turned to my parents, the former Alpha and Luna, and knelt before them. They stepped forward, placing their hands on my head, their touch both comforting and grounding.
“We bless you, our son,” my father said, his voice thick with emotion. “May you lead with wisdom and strength. May your reign bring peace and prosperity to our pack.”
“May you always find love and support in each other. Your bond will be the foundation of your leadership. We are so proud of you both.” My mother added, her voice soft and full of love, and I looked up at them, my eyes meeting theirs.
“Thank you, Mother. Thank you, Father. I will do my best to honour you and our pack.”
They smiled down at me, stepping back as I rose to my feet and turned to face the pack once more. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers. Hazal squeezed my hand, her eyes shining with tears.
“We did it, Adrian. We’re ready for this,” she said, her voice brimming with excitement.
I nodded, feeling a profound sense of fulfillment. “Yes, we are. Together, we can face anything.”
“Congratulations, brother,” came a familiar but weak voice I hadn’t heard in a long time. I looked ahead and saw Anna standing beside a man, her mate. She looked as if she had aged ten years since I last saw her. The toll of the magic my mother had used against her, combined with her own dark magic, had left a visible mark on her.
Her mate was an omega, her second-chance mate. Knowing it was her last chance at love, she had no choice but to accept him. Although she smiled, it didn’t quite reach her eyes. I could tell she was still regretting everything she had done to me. Even though I had forgiven her and only demoted her as punishment, it was hard to forget.
“Thank you, and congratulations on finding your mate,” I said to her. She nodded before walking away, her mate following closely behind.
I felt Hazal squeeze my hand sadly. I looked at her, grinning, before lifting her off the ground and spinning her around.
“I love you so much, Hazal. You are my Luna forever.”