In The Beginning, Chapter 88
I turned to Daniel, hoping he could tell me what was happening, but he was staring at my head. “What is it?” I asked aloud, but Daniel appeared momentarily lost for words.
“Diana is signalling her approval.” Theia called, sharing a laugh with Hyacinth and my mother.
“What?” I asked, still unaware of what had caused the shift in mood. She pointed at the crown, which I removed to look at. Interwoven with the daisies and apple wood, was a vine of the purest white moonflowers I had ever seen.
“Who is Diana?” Someone from the pack asked, earning snickers from a few people.
“Your Moon Goddess, who else?” Theia asked, and everyone grew silent for a moment, until Richard's chuckles cut the tension. Slowly, the pack started joining in on his amusement, while Daniel placed the crown back on my head.
“Do you claim this woman as your mate Alpha?” Richard asked him, when everyone had composed themselves.
“Yes.” Daniel immediately responded, and even I had to stifle a chuckle.
“Is she your Luna?” Richard asked.
“Yes.” Again, Richard had barely finished the question before Daniel answered.
“Then let the pack greet their new LUNA!” Richard bellowed cheerfully, amid a chorus of cheers, and howls. Daniel kissed me passionately, and I felt my cheeks flush again. When he released me, as Beta, it was Ben who was the first to welcome me, placing his forehead to mine, he whispered the words his wife had expressed in private. After Ben, Richard did the same, as did Alex, then Robert. Hyacinth and Theia were directing the older teenagers of the pack, who were handing out hors d'oeuvres and drinks. With the pack as large as Applewood, it would be impractical for over a thousand wolves to each welcome me personally, the leader of each rank officially welcomed me as part of the ceremony instead. It took over an hour to get through all the elders and leaders, but once that was done, I was able to relax a little. There was music playing, and more food was brought out, making it feel more like an enormous backyard barbecue, than a regal affair. Daniel and I mingled with the pack so they could express their well wishes. Floating fire pits seemed to form out of the ground as the chairs moved as if on their own, creating a less formal atmosphere, and creating a space for the pack to approach us. I got to know some of the pups better, the leader of the pack’s childcare centre had helped them make cards and paintings for me, and the pack gave them space so I could thank each of them individually. The last of the pre-schoolers left with their parents and teachers, when Alpha Kasa approached us with a petite brunette on his arm.
“Alpha, Luna, it is an honour to witness your ceremony.” The contrary man said with a warm smile, as he wrapped a protective arm around the women. She was the smallest Lycan I had ever seen, at maybe 5’3”, her petite frame and peaches and cream coloured skin made her look as delicate as a China doll. “This is my mate, Astrid.” He said with a proud smile, encouraging her forward gently.
“Hello Astrid, I’m Charlie.” I said warmly, and Daniel snaked an arm around my shoulders.
“The ceremony was beautiful, you are very lucky.” She said looking around in wonder, a serene smile on her face. Her big brown doe eyes were sparkling with childlike wonder around her, but I saw Kasa unable to tear his eyes away from her. “I would love to know how those orbs were created? Wouldn’t you Kasa?” She asked, blushing furiously when she saw him staring at her, it increasing as she saw both Daniel and I watching them. “I’m being rude, I’m sorry.” She blanched, and all three of us rushed to reassure her, making her almost glow she was so embarrassed. Thankfully Lander approached us with his mate and son, all three of them looking a little uncomfortable, but the boy was visibly scared, clinging to his parents as they nestled him between them protectively.
“What did we miss?” He asked, attempting to smile but not quite managing it.
“Lander.” Daniel nodded. “Mia, Leif. This is Charlie.” Daniel took half a step forward to introduce me, but it felt like he was being careful around them. That’s when it hit me, the Luna and pup that had been kidnapped, as I looked closer I saw small patches of greenish skin on the boys face, and beneath the mother's makeup. “Charlie, you remember my cousin Lander, this is his mate Mia, and their son Leif.” He said softly, his eyes scanning my face as he focused on my emotions, his eyes narrowing slightly when he felt me understand, like it hurt him.
“I’m so glad you could join us.” I smiled, and I saw Lander visibly relax, letting out a ragged breath.
“Thank you, Luna, but I fear we will not be able to stay long. Leif tires easily these days.” She said with a tight smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“That’s alright, the pack house is just up there.” I pointed in the direction of the house. “There are plenty of rooms upstairs, or if he would like a nap in the living room, I can personally attest to how comfortable that couch is. And with the fire, and a blanket! Heaven, plus... there’s the added security we have around the house. And I had a goddess check the barrier, and the Queen of the Witches.” I said low enough for Mia and Leif to hear, but not everyone around us, with the chatter rising amongst the packs.
“Is it really safe? Being anywhere near you?” Mia asked, her voice breaking.
“As safe as I could make it.” I answered honestly, slightly deflated. I heard Daniel growl, it was low, but threatening, he was unhappy, and not about to hide it. I placed my hand on his, pulling him closer. “You are welcome to use the house, station your own men outside if it will make you feel better.” I informed them before turning into Daniel to calm him. Lander must have stepped closer, because Daniel’s arms tugged me into him quickly, before I heard the other Alpha’s voice.
“I’m sorry. You have to understand, she heard them talking. She’s terrified for her son.” He pleaded with Daniel to understand.
“Then why weren’t we informed? We are supposed to be sharing information. You should have told us what she heard!” Alpha Kasa bit, possibly because Daniel was too angry to form words. I encouraged him to bend down, already stretching my neck for him, so he could take in my scent without taking his eyes off of his cousin, whom he now deeply distrusted. His wolf let out a little chuff of appreciation for my small act of comfort, causing both of the other Alphas to burst out laughing, while I fought my own smile.
“What was that?” Lander laughed, and I saw the corners of Daniel’s lips twitch.
“My wolf showing his appreciation to our mate. Her scent has prevented us getting very angry.” His eyes flashed amber, and his wolf’s gravelly tone snuck in at the end. He lowered his nose and took another deep breath, allowing his eyes to melt back to his beautiful brown again. “The house is yours; we will be celebrating for a while yet.” He said tersely, before finally breaking eye contact with the Alpha, looking into my eyes like he could see into my very soul. “My Luna deserves to be praised all night.” He said with a soft smile, running his nose along mine. I saw Landers turn and collect his family, while Daniel pulled me into a teasing embrace, shimmering his shoulders slightly to rock me, as I fought my giggles at his goofiness.
“Where is Lander going?” Miranda’s voice demanded behind me, and I felt Daniel’s irritation like a hot ember.
“Mia and Leif have been having a hard time of it, since the kidnapping. Looks like they haven’t been sleeping, we let them use the house. If the kid doesn’t feel protected here, he’s not going to feel protected anywhere.” Daniel explained via the link, including me and his father, as people around us were looking and trying to listen in after her outburst had alerted them to the Alpha leaving with his family and guards.
“Oh, well the boy is young, and if he’s tired...” Miranda trailed off out loud, looking towards the Alpha and his family with a sad expression for a moment before snapping herself out of it. “Have you eaten? The food is exemplary... Maria was right about the caterer; she has outdone herself.” Miranda admitted awkwardly.
“Well, I heard you had a lot to do with this, thank you Miranda, truly. It means more than I can put into words.” I said, holding my arms out for a hug with a shrug.
“Yes, well, its not like you get more than one, and... When you don’t have a daughter, you still think about these days, and how your son will feel. You make my son very happy.” She said accepting my hug briefly and awkwardly, but placing a kiss on my cheek before she saw a passing tray of food, and dragged Richard away before he had a chance to day anything.
“Are you hungry? You haven’t eaten much.” Daniel encouraged softly as I accepted another flute of champagne from one of the circulating young wolves.
“I’m alright... Do the wolves working tonight get time off too?” I asked looking around at the thirty or so kids serving.
“Yes, we split them into three groups, each getting a set time to work, so there will be a lull in servers soon as they get relieved.” He explained with a smile.
“What?” I asked, confused by his amused smile.
“I had a bet with myself you wouldn’t be able to go one evening without asking something pack related.” He chuckled.
“What do you get if you’re betting against yourself?” I asked, still confused.
“If you had, you would have been rewarded, but you didn’t, so now you will be punished.” He purred through the link ruining my underwear. He moved me slightly, blocking my body with his almost, I looked at him questionably. “I’m trying to block your scent.” He murmured in my mind, but it was the same as if he had breathed it across my mark. “Charlie!” He warned as a tiny whine escaped me. His hands bunched the cloak still hanging off of my shoulders as he pulled me closer. “Take us into the trees, about fifty feet that way.” He linked, but it was an order, his eyes looking in the direction he meant.
“Not until you pay for my services to transport you.” I teased, and his eyes glowed softly, his wolf wanting to dominate my brat.
“Name your price.” He replied, and I licked my lips suggestively, his eyes glued to them. The rest of the world fell away when he looked at me like that. I was vaguely aware people were staring, I just lacked the ability to care, or worry, or think when he was looking at me with that hungry look. Like I was the sexiest woman in the world.
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