Chapter 17

**Marilyn**

"Jasmine, hi honey," Rick said smiling at her.
"Don't honey me. What's going on here? Why is this poor girl crying and why haven't I met her?" she said crossing her arms and shifting her weight to one foot.
"She's Daniel's mate. You were going to meet her eventually," he said shrugging leaning back in his seat. She glared at him and turned her attention to me.
"I'm sorry. Let me introduce myself. I'm Jasmine and that cocky guy behind the desk that I'm sure you've met is my mate."
"You know you like it," Rick said smirking. She rolled her eyes and he just made a kissing noise and winked at her.
She turned to me annoyed extending her hand.
"Nice to meet you Luna," I said shaking it and giving her a weak smile.
"You'll have to excuse Rick. He means no harm. I hope he didn't do anything to upset you."
"No, no. He just gave me a bit of bad news, but I'll be fine," I said hoping those words were true.
"Of course you will. You're mated to one of the strongest men I know next to Rick and the beta of course. He'll take care of you. No need to worry. I am a little upset that he didn't bring you to meet me though," she said sending him a glare. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly and muttered what sounded like 'sorry Luna' .
I laughed a little at the change of atmosphere. I went from crying my eyes out to feeling relaxed all within five minutes of her walking in. I could see why she was the Luna. She went to sit down in a chair in front of Rick's desk and crossed her legs nonchalantly. He watched her every move.
"Jasmine come here," he said in a lower voice than before.
She shook her head no giving him a teasing look.
"So when is your ceremony ummm..."
"Marilyn," I informed her.
"It's tonight and I asked you to come here," Rick cut in. I could tell he was getting irritated. She just ignored him.
"Oh wonderful. Do you need any help preparing?" she asked sweetly.
"Jasmine!" Rick yelled with authority.
"That's our cue," Daniel said grabbing my hand leading me to the door and closing it behind us.
"Just in time," Daniel said once we were far enough away.
"What do you mean? " I asked curiously.
"You don't want to know," Daniel said smiling shaking his head. "Besides you need to get ready you don't have long." I nodded in agreement. I was surprised he didn't ask me about what happened and who my uncle was. But I had a feeling that would be coming later.
"I'll mind-link Grace and she can help you if you want," he offered.
"Yeah sure that's fine." He walked towards the door, but instead of just walking out like I expected, he stopped and turned to look at me.
"Just so you know, after this ceremony you have a lot of explaining to do. You will tell me everything and I do mean everything," he closed the door leaving me speechless. Looks like this was going to be another long night.
Five minutes later Grace showed up. She was her normal cheerful self as she searched through the closet looking for something I could wear. She pulled out a peach colored dress that was pretty, but not too revealing which I was grateful for. That's all I needed was to be introduced to all these people and have them think I was a slut.
She tried to make light conversation inviting me on a shopping trip and out to lunch. I agreed and tried to nod and smile when in reality my thoughts were all over the place.
I was nervous about being a new member but most of all I was nervous about discussing my past with Daniel. Sure I trusted him, but it didn't make things any easier. All I wanted to do was go somewhere far away and forget, but that was pointless and impossible. I had to stop being afraid. I had to stop being what I had been my whole life, a damsel in distress.
My aunt protected me before things changed, sheltered me from the world so I wouldn't have to know about the evil that was all around me. After that Ryland was there to build that same fortress, always coming to my rescue making sure that no one got close enough to hurt me after my uncle. Now I had my mate who undoubtedly would try to do the same. The way I broke down, the way Daniel comforted me said a lot. I was prepared to do anything to have others protect me because I was afraid to face my uncle on my own. Daniel wanted to know everything so that he could make sure I was safe. Yes that's what mates were supposed to do but my feelings had nothing to do with Daniel. It had more to do more with me needing to know for myself that I was strong enough to take care of myself. That I wasn't so weak and defenseless that I would always have to rely on other people. I wanted to know that if the time came that I could protect Daniel as well. I didn't want to just go into a corner and cry or run to the nearest person with outstretched arms. I would be Gamma female eventually and I wanted to be more than just a pretty face.
"You ready?" Grace said bringing me out of my thoughts.
I had put on the flowing dress and she was waiting to put my hair up and do my makeup. I nodded and sat down in the chair and she got to work. A half hour later she was done and we headed down stairs right on time.
She led me into the large back yard and I couldn't help but notice the rows of chairs with people in them. Daniel came and took my hand and everyone watched as he guided me to the stage where Rick stood. Some of them held curious expressions while others just stared. Some of the females glared. I knew it was because I was with Daniel. I could only imagine what they would have been like if I was being introduced as his mate instead of a new pack member.
I took a seat next to Daniel and Rick stood making even the smallest noise none existent. It was like some of the members stopped breathing as he made his way to the podium. Daniel was right, he wasn't like other alphas.
"You all know why you're here tonight. We're here to induct a new member. Marilyn if you will join me," he looked at me and I stood up taking a deep breathe. Jasmine gave me a reassuring smile and I was glad she was there. Rick was intimidating.
I walked up the stairs onto the stage and he turned to look at me.
"Do you accept me as your alpha? Do you pledge your allegiance to this pack and this pack only and vow to never betray it? "
"I do alpha" I responded.
"Do you understand that betrayal of this pack is punishable by death at my discretion. Failure to comply with pack rules will result punishment as I see fit?"
"Yes alpha."
"And you agree to each of the terms without hesitation? "
"Yes alpha."
"Hand me your right arm"
I did as I was told and tried not to hyperventilate as he pulled out a knife.
He sliced his forearm without so much as a flinch. He did the same to mine and needless to say it was painful.
"I Alpha Ricardo DeMarco Rivera accept you Marilyn into the West Lake pack."
He put his forearm against mine blending our blood together. I felt the change as my wolf recognized her new alpha and the pack link.
I heard applause and Daniel just grinned. It was official. I was a part of the West Lake pack.