Chapter 215
Rebecca’s POV
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I smiled up at him, feeling the mark on my neck pulse warmly in response to his touch. My heart swelled with a sense of completion. After months of chaos, danger, and transformation, we were finally, officially married. The ceremony had affected me deeply, the ancient words of the wolf binding ritual resonating within me as we exchanged vows beneath the tree.
As we moved toward the edge of the dance floor, I noticed Marianne Sterling approaching us. Dominic’s mother wore an exquisite silver gown that complemented her ash–blonde hair.
“You should mingle,” Dominic said, pressing a light kiss to my temple. His hands lingered on my waist, reluctant to let go. “Show them their Luna isn’t afraid.”
Before I could respond, Marianne reached us. Dominic’s shoulders tensed beside me, his jaw tightening slightly, but he maintained his composure. I felt his conflicted emotions through our bond–lingering anger at her past actions mixed with a son’s instinctive desire for maternal approval.
I’ll get us some champagne,” Dominic said, his eyes communicating that he was giving me space to speak with his mother alone. He nodded respectfully to Marianne before moving away, though I noticed how his eyes kept returning to us as he crossed the room.
For a moment, we stood in awkward silence. The string quartet began another piece, and couples moved onto the dance floor around us.
“You performed well today, Rebecca,” Marianne finally said, her voice carefully measured. “The ceremony was… dignified.”
I recognized this as significant praise from her.
“Thank you, Mrs. Sterling,” I replied, keeping my tone respectful but firm. I stood straighter, consciously embodying the Luna role I now
held.
Her gaze swept over me, lingering briefly on my slightly rounded abdomen where her grandchild grew. “But don’t forget,” she continued, her voice dropping lower, “you haven’t officially become Luna yet. That will come after the full moon ceremony.”
I nodded, feeling the weight of her words press against my chest. “I understand, Mrs. Sterling. I know this transition requires time and effort on my part.”
“The pack is watching your every move,” she said. “Some still have doubts about a human–born Luna.”
“Former human,” I corrected gently, surprised by my own boldness. My fingers instinctively touched the mark on my neck. “I’m changing, as you know.”
A flicker of surprise crossed her face before she composed herself again. “Indeed. The Gained Ones are rare, but… historically significant.”
I held her gaze steadily, refusing to be intimidated. Despite all her previous antagonism, she hadn’t actually done anything to harm me. Her concerns, while hurtful, came from a place of devotion to the pack–something I would need to learn.
“I appreciate your guidance,” I said sincerely. “I have much to learn about being Luna.”
She seemed taken aback by my response, having clearly expected defensiveness. After a moment, she inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment.
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Chapter 215
As she moved away to speak with other guests, I glanced around the ballroom, suddenly hit by a wave of longing that ached deep in my chest. On a day like this, a daughter should have her mother by her side. The absence of my mom–her warm laughter, her fussing over my dress, her tears of joy—felt like an empty space beside me that nothing could fill.
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Across the room, I could see my father chatting with Raymond, both looking slightly out of place among the wolves but making an effort. I smiled at the sight, grateful at least for his presence.
I was pulled from my thoughts by the vibration of Dominic’s phone as he returned with champagne flutes. He checked the screen, his forehead creasing into a frown, eyes narrowing slightly.
“I’m sorry, love, I need to take this call,” he said, passing me a glass. Ilis free hand touched my cheek briefly, apologetically. “It’s Blake from Nakamura Industries–that situation with Collins‘ interference hasn’t fully resolved.”
“On our wedding night?” I couldn’t hide my disappointment, my voice dropping slightly. I tried to smile but knew it didn’t reach my eyes.
Dominic leaned closer, his breath warm against my skin as he kissed me softly. “Five minutes, I promise.” His voice deepened, taking on that authoritative tone that always sent shivers through me. “I’ve worked too hard to secure our future to let Collins destroy any part of it.”
“Go,” I said with a small smile. “But I’m holding you to those five minutes.”
As Dominic stepped away, phone pressed to his ear, I suddenly felt exposed. Without him beside me, I became acutely aware of the curious glances from pack members. Some were friendly, others appraising, a few openly skeptical. I stood straighter, reminding myself that I was now Luna of the Silver Moon Clan. My hand instinctively moved to my abdomen, drawing strength from the tiny life growing
there.
“Relax, Rebecca,” I whispered to myself. “They’re just curious. You’re doing fine.”
I was about to find Sofia when a coldly familiar voice froze me in place.
“Congratulations, Miss Brown. Or should I call you Mrs. Rebecca Sterling now?”
I turned slowly to face Ronald Collins, Elizabeth’s father. His face appeared calm, but his eyes burned with barely contained hatred.
“Mr. Collins,” I acknowledged, fighting to keep my voice steady. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “A formal invitation from Alpha Sterling himself. One doesn’t decline such… commands.”
I nodded, unsure how to respond. Ronald Collins had considerable influence, and despite the incident with Elizabeth, protocol demanded certain courtesies.
“I’m afraid I cannot share in your joy today,” he continued, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “My daughter lies in a hospital bed, her future uncertain.”
I took a deep breath, willing my voice not to shake. “Mr. Collins, I’m truly sorry about Elizabeth’s condition, but that was her choice. She attacked Dominic.”
“After he rejected her,” Ronald hissed, leaning slightly forward. “After your presence destroyed an alliance years in the making.”
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“An arrangement, not a mate bond, I corrected, feeling a surge of confidence straighten my spine. “Elizabeth knew the difference.”
His eyes narrowed, gaze shifting deliberately to my abdomen. “Who knows what the future holds? Perhaps your child will someday. experience a similar… fate.”
Ice flooded my veins at the thinly veiled threat. My heart pounded loudly in my ears, and my hands trembled slightly. I was about to respond when another voice cut through our conversation.
“Ronald, are you threatening my son’s mate and child at their wedding celebration?”
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