Alethea
If the ceremony goes as planned, I’ll be in Asher’s arms before the blue moon rises in the next two hours. By then, the full heat of an Alpha female will take over-and honestly, I’m not scared. In fact, part of me is looking forward to it.
Maybe it’s because I know it’s with him-my mate.
The one who loves me.
Asher didn’t just speak the words. He dropped to two knees, right there before the entire pack. The memory still sends a flutter through my chest.
Some of the female pack members haven’t stopped talking about it since. I hear their whispers, their giggles.
“Did you see how he looked at her?”
“I swear he’d burn the world down for her…”
Their words follow me everywhere I go. there’s no escaping the gossip. Still, I can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips or the blush that creeps up my cheeks every time I hear them.
I’m sitting in front of the mirror now, and Kayla watches me closely from behind.
“You keep smiling, Ally. What is it?” she asks, amusement in her voice.
Do I really need to say it out loud? The thoughts running through my head are written all over my face. But I know she’s just teasing.
“Stay still, Luna,” Amelia chimes in as she works on my makeup.
“Do I even need blush, Amelia? I can feel the heat on my cheeks already.”
Kayla suddenly lets out a small huff.
“Hurry up, Ammy. Alpha’s practically losing his mind.”
Amelia rolls her eyes. “He needs to relax.”
Just then, Liam links me. His voice is full of urgency.
“Ally, please hurry. Asher says if you’re not ready soon, he’s coming to get you himself.” Kayla says softly.
I laugh softly. “Typical of him.”
Then I turn to the gown laid out for me. It’s stunning.
The dress is a deep, emerald green, rich and luminous, with silver threads woven through the fabric like stardust. It hugs my figure gently, flowing down into layers of soft silk that ripple like water when I move. The neckline dips just enough to feel elegant, and tiny crystal beads are sewn along the hem. The color-green, the exact shade of Asher’s eyes-is no accident.
I admire myself in the mirror. The dress hugs every curve just right, making me feel beautiful, confident, and powerful. I like the way I look, snatched in all the right places, like the dress was made just for me.
“Ready, my Luna?” Kayla asks. She’s smiling wide, and I can tell she’s genuinely happy for me.
I nod, taking one last look at myself. “Yes, Kayla. Let’s go.”
We make our way toward the temple. As I approach the entrance, the quiet murmur of voices fades. One by one, everyone rises to their feet, turning toward me in silence. I know they’re watching me, the soon-to-be Luna, but I barely register them.
Because my eyes are already locked on him.
Asher.
My Alpha. My mate. The green-eyed man who has completely taken over my thoughts, my heart, my entire soul.
The moment he sees me, I see the tension melt from his face. His shoulders relax, his lips lift in the most breathtaking smile. Relief washes over him, and the joy that spreads across his face makes my own heart race.
I smile back so wide, it makes my cheeks ache-and I can feel the heat rising in my face. I probably look like I’m glowing, but I don’t care. All I want to do is run into his arms and kiss him senseless.
I try to send him a bond-link, and that’s when I realize I still have my mental walls up. No wonder he couldn’t reach me earlier. I let the wall drop and send him a playful thought.
“You look handsome as hell.”
I know he wants to laugh-his kind of laugh, the deep one that rumbles from his chest and lights up everything around him-but he barely keeps it together.
He tilts his head back and gazes at the sky for a second, his lips twitch as he fights the grin trying to break through.
“Ally, you’ll be the death of me,” he says through the bond. “Now get your sweet arse over here and let’s get this done. I swear, if I don’t have you in my arms soon, I’ll lose my mind. And with the blue moon so close, I’m holding on by a thread.”
I laugh softly, sending back, “Chill, my Alpha. You already own my heart.”
I step up in front of him, and his eyes devour me, traveling slowly from head to toe. The green in his gaze darkens, a flash of pure desire.
He’s wearing his ceremonial robe-a deep charcoal black, embroidered with silver thread in ancient runes. The robe fits his broad frame perfectly, the sleeves are long and regal. Around his waist is a thick belt of leather and silver, and on his chest is the insignia of the Redwood Pack-a proud wolf head, eyes glowing with emerald stones.
He look like royalty. Like power. Like the man fated to rule beside me.
And goddess, he’s mine.
“Dearly beloved members of the Redwood Pack,” the priest begins, his voice echoes through the temple. “We are gathered here to witness a sacred union-a mating ceremony ordained by the Moon Goddess herself.”
Every eye is on us.
“Here before you stands the one chosen to be our Luna, she has vowed to love and cherish not only our Alpha but every member of this pack. She will be a mother, a guide, and a shining example for all women who walk this path after her.”
My heart pounds as I listen, the honor of it-it makes my chest swell with pride. I feel the bond between me and Asher humming, alive and electric.
“Now, to seal this bond, stretch your hand forward,” the priest instructs.
I do as he says, holding my hand out with a calm I barely feel. A swift nod from the priest is all Asher needs. He knows what to do.
He gently lifts my wrist, bringing it to his mouth. I see his fangs extend. Then, with a careful bite, he pierces my skin.
The sensation Is quick, but intense. A sting at first, then warmth. I watch his lips wrap around the wound as he draws my blood slowly. His eyes flutter closed for a second, like he’s savoring the taste. Then he lets go, his mouth stained with a hint of red.
Now it’s my turn.
Asher extends his hand to me, and I follow his lead. I lean in and bite his wrist just like he did mine, drawing his blood with slow, careful precision. But the moment the blood touches my tongue, something shifts inside me.
Desire. Intense, wild, and sudden.
It rushes through me like a storm. I clench my thighs together, trying to control the need that threatens to show itself-knowing every wolf here could catch the scent if I don’t.
Asher’s eyes meet mine, with concern in his gaze. He feels it too. The pull. The craving.
“By the power vested in me,” the priest announces, “you may now mark each other.”
Asher steps forward without hesitation.
I bare my neck for him, tilting my head to the side in offering. His breath fans against my skin, warm and teasing. Then-his fangs sink in.
A soft gasp escapes my lips. It’s not pain I feel. It’s something else. A wave of pleasure so deep it makes my knees weak. His lips move slowly as he sucks gently, drawing from me before his tongue sweeps over the bite, sealing it with tenderness.
My fingers rise to touch the spot, and when I look into his eyes-goddess, I feel like I’m flying. Xena, my wolf, purrs with deep satisfaction inside me. This is bliss.
Now it’s my turn.
Asher bares his neck to me. He’s taller, so I rise on my toes, steadying myself with a hand on his chest. My fangs slide out, and I bite him gently. The moment his blood touches my lips, the bond explodes inside me-pleasure, connection, and power all wrapped into one.
I drink in just enough, then pull back, my mouth tingling, my heart soaring.
Around us, the temple erupts with howls and cheers. The pack is celebrating. They feel it too-the unity, the bond, the beginning of something powerful.
Asher takes my hand, strong and sure, and we turn to face the crowd.
“I now present to you our Alpha and Luna, bound by the Moon Goddess, heart to heart, soul to soul.”
And just like that, I know my life has changed forever.
I am his.
He is mine.
And we are one.
“May your time as Luna bring the light we need,” the priest declares, voice full of pride. “A light that will guide our path into a new era.”
“Long live the Luna! Long live the Alpha!” the The crowd roars in unison.
Just then, Asher pulls me into his arms. His grip is strong, urgent-like he’s been holding himself back all this time.
Then he kisses me.
Not gently. Not shyly. But with a fire that’s been burning deep inside him. His lips crash into mine, and it’s like the world stops. Every heartbeat, every breath, every sound fades until all I feel is him.
The bond. The heat. The hunger.
It’s overwhelming.
Then, in the middle of our kiss, I feel him pause. His nostrils flare slightly as he inhales deeply.
“It’s happening,” he whispers.
Before I can ask what he means, he does something that makes my breath catch in shock.