*Author’s POV*
The warm morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of Mara’s room, casting a soft glow over the two women sitting together on the bed.
Aria, her cheeks flushed with lingering embarrassment, hugged her knees to her chest, her lips curved into a shy smile.
Mara, sat beside her, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“So,” Mara began, a mischievous grin spreading across her face, “you have to tell me everything. And don’t leave out a single detail!” She nudged Aria playfully, her voice dripping with anticipation.
“I want to hear *all* about last night.”
Aria’s cheeks burned even redder as she bit her lip, a nervous giggle escaping her.
“Mara…” she mumbled, trying to hide her face behind her hands. But Mara wasn’t letting her off the hook that easily.
“Come on, Aria!” Mara teased, her laughter infectious. “You lost your virginity to my brothers! That’s something we can’t just *not* talk about.”
Aria couldn’t help but laugh, too, though her face still showed the embarrassment of the night before.
She sighed, glancing at Mara, her best friend who had been with her through every high and low since joining the pack.
“It was… amazing,” Aria finally confessed, her voice soft but filled with emotion. “I mean, it was intense, but it felt right. They made me feel so… loved.”
Mara squealed and clapped her hands together.
“I *knew* it! I knew they’d treat you like a queen. You’re so lucky, Aria. They’ve wanted you for so long.”
Aria giggled, unable to contain her joy as she recounted small bits of the night, omitting the most explicit details, of course.
“They were so gentle at first, but then…” she paused, giggling again. “Things got a little out of control.”
Mara’s eyes widened in excitement. “Oh, you have *got* to give me more than that!” she insisted, but before Aria could say anything more, there was a knock on the door.
Luna Macy’s voice came through, reminding them that it was time to start preparing for the marking ceremony.
Both women shared a knowing smile, the excitement of the upcoming event pushing the conversation aside for the moment.
Today, Aria would be officially marked as the mate of Daryl and Leo, a celebration that would bind her to them in front of the entire pack.
—
Downstairs in one of the larger rooms of the pack house, the older women were already bustling around, preparing for the special occasion.
Luna Macy, Leo and Daryl’s mother, was at the center of it all, organizing the traditional attire that Aria would wear for the ceremony.
Aria stood in front of the large mirror as Luna Macy and Elaine, the boys’ other mother, helped her into the delicate dress.
The traditional attire was stunning-crafted from the softest fabrics, the deep red and gold embroidery symbolizing strength, loyalty, and love.
The dress flowed around her, hugging her waist and trailing down to the floor, with intricate designs of wolves stitched into the fabric.
“You look beautiful, Aria,” Elaine said, her voice warm and motherly as she adjusted the delicate necklace around Aria’s neck.
“Today, you will become part of this family in every way.”
Luna Macy nodded, her eyes filled with pride as she looked at the girl her sons had chosen.
“We are so proud to have you as our daughter, Aria,” she said softly. “You were meant to be with them.”
Flora and Eloise also stood beside Aria, watching with so much joy in their eyes. Flora even teared up seeing how grown her little girl was now.
Aria smiled, her heart swelling with emotion. The bond she shared with Leo and Daryl was stronger than ever, and today would mark the beginning of their journey as mates in the eyes of the pack.
As the women finished preparing her, Mara stepped forward, her eyes gleaming.
“You look stunning, Aria,” Mara said, hugging her tightly. “My brothers are going to lose their minds when they see you.”
Aria chuckled softly, though her heart raced with anticipation for what was to come.
—
While the women prepared Aria for the marking ceremony, Daryl and Leo were gathered with their father, Alpha Liam, and Beta Greg in the pack’s council room.
The air in the room was thick with tension. Alpha Liam had just returned from the Alpha council meeting, and his expression was grim.
“I don’t understand how they could be so unreasonable,” Daryl muttered, pacing the room with frustration evident in his tone.
Alpha Liam sat heavily in the large chair, rubbing his temples as he recounted the events.
“The meeting was worse than I expected,” he said, his voice low and tired. “The other Alphas are furious about Razam’s death.”
“But Father,” Leo interrupted, his brow furrowed in disbelief, “Razam was a threat. He tried to-”
“I know,” Alpha Liam said sharply, cutting him off. “I explained everything. Razam tried to force himself on Aria, and Daryl killed him in her defense. It was justified.” His voice softened slightly. “But they don’t see it that way.”
The room was silent as the gravity of the situation settled over them. Beta Greg, standing near the window, crossed his arms and shook his head.
“What are they demanding?” he asked quietly, already sensing the answer.
Alpha Liam’s eyes darkened. “Daryl,” he began slowly, turning to his son. “The price they want… is your head.”
Daryl’s expression hardened, his jaw clenching in anger.
“Let them try,” he growled, his hands tightening into fists. “I’ll take down anyone who comes for me.”
Liam shook his head. “No, son. I won’t let them take you. You did what was necessary to protect your mate, and I will stand by that.” His gaze softened as he looked at his eldest son, pride and worry mingling in his eyes.
“But this is going to be a fight. The other Alphas are out for blood. They want retribution, and they don’t care about the truth.”
Leo stepped forward, placing a hand on Daryl’s shoulder. “We’re in this together, brother,” he said firmly. “No one’s going to take you away from us.”
Daryl nodded, his eyes fierce with determination. “Let them come. I’ll protect Aria and this pack with everything I’ve got.”
Alpha Liam stood, his expression resolute. “We’ll be ready for whatever comes. But today… today we focus on the marking ceremony. You two need to be strong for Aria. The council can wait.”
The brothers nodded in agreement, their bond stronger than ever as they prepared to face the challenges ahead. But for now, their focus was on Aria and the future they would build together.