Chapter 75
Aurora stayed with me all day, twirling around in her new red dress that matched my ceremonial gown.
Do you think Daddy will think I’m pretty?” she asked.
“He’ll think you’re the most beautiful girl in the world, I assured her, helping her adjust her dress.
The ceremony was ancient, binding me to the pack beyond my relationship with Jace. As a newcomer, I needed this connection to be accepted as his equal
Almost time to go, I stood at the mirror fighting with my dress zipper. I couldn’t reach it no matter how I tried. The frustration reminded me how different I was from the werewolves with their strength and agility.
Jace entered the room. Without a word, he stepped behind me, sliding the zipper closed before kissing my shoulder. “Need some help, beautiful?“.
I relaxed against him. “Thanks.”
‘Ready?” he asked, watching me in the mirror.
I nodded, then smiled, thinking about his touch on my skin.
“What’s funny?” he asked.
“Nothing. Just that you know exactly what your touch does to me.”
He grinned, wrapping his arms around my waist. “Sorry, baby. I’ll make it up to you later.”
“You better,” I whispered, turning to face him.
He picked up Aurora, who had been watching us from the doorway, and took my hand. ‘Let’s go make it official.”
The ancient arena took my breath away. Torches lined the walkways, casting warm light across stone structures that had stood for generations. A central platform waited for us.
“Wow,” I breathed. “It’s incredible.”
“All for you,” Jace told me. “The pack hasn’t had a leader’s mate for five years. They’ve missed having a female influence.”
He guided us through the assembled crowd. Everyone went silent as we approached. Jace lifted me onto the platform first, then Aurora, before climbing up
himself.
“Good evening, everyone,” he called out.
“Good evening, Alpha,” they responded in unison.
Jace began speaking about how Vanessa had rejected her role and left the pack five years ago. He mentioned the darkness they’d endured, especially Aurora. Then his tone changed as he talked about me.
“The Moon Goddess brought Aria into our lives,” he said. “She is strong–willed and brave, a trained fighter who will help protect our pack. But she also has a heart big enough to love a man with a complicated past and a daughter who wasn’t hers by birth.”
Emotion welled up inside me at his words. Then he turned to the crowd with his next announcement.
“And now, I have the honor to announce that Aria is carrying our child. The next generation of Moon Shadow leadership grows within her.”
The crowd erupted in cheers. When they quieted, Jace picked up a silver cup and ceremonial dagger from the altar.
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Chapter 75
“Aria Silverbrook,” he said formally, taking my hand. Do you accept the responsibility and honor of becoming the mate of the Stoon Shacons protect and help maintain our traditions, together with me?
My voice came out clear and steady. “I accept.”
1, Jace Carter, Alpha of the Moon Shadow Pack, accept you as my mate. Together we will lead and keep our pack safe and strong.
He cut his palm, letting blood drip into the cup. I did the same without hesitation. When our blood mingled, something incredible happened. Warmilk sore as through me, more powerful than when I first joined the pack. It felt like energy flowing from the cup into my veins, connecting me to something angle and powerful.
Jace bandaged my hand gently, kissed it, then turned to address the crowd.
Moon Shadow Pack,” he announced, “I give you your Alpha’s mate.”
The full moon broke through the clouds, bathing us in silver light. As one, the pack knelt, voices rising:
“Alpha Jace, Alpha–Mate Aria!
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Chapter Comments
Visitor
she’s already responded to Jace once before when she was in the shelter with Aurora
Yenitza Reyes
they said wolf pregnancy lasts for 6 months where did this 9 come from?
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