Chapter 254
A
She lifted the circlet. “Do you accept the responsibilities of Lama? Do you swear to support your Alpha, to nurture our pack, and to guard our future generations?”
I met her gaze steadily. I accept this honor and responsibility,” I replied, the traditional words flowing easily from my lips. “I swear by the moon that witnesses this night to support, nurture, and guard the Silver Moon Shadow Pack until my last breath.”
Marianne placed the circlet upon my head, the metal cool against my skin. As it settled into place, I felt something shift within me-a subtle connection forming between myself and every wolf present, like gossamer threads stretching outward from my heart.
1 gasped softly as my vision sharpened, colors becoming more vivid. 1 could feel Dominic’s pride and love flowing through our bond, but now I could also sense-more dimly-the collective emotion of the pack surrounding us. Respect, curiosity, and a cautious welcome.
“The Alpha protects us,” Marianne announced, stepping back. “The Luna guides us. Together, they lead us toward the future.”
I looked out at the sea of faces and wolf forms surrounding us, feeling the weight of their expectations and hopes. Then I looked at Dominic, finding strength in his unwavering confidence in me. As our eyes met, I felt something within me respond to the moment-a warmth that spread from my heart outward, until I could feel it in my fingertips and behind my eyes.
“Her eyes,” someone whispered from the crowd. “They’re golden.”
Dominic smiled, reaching out to take my hand. Together, we turned to face our pack as Alpha and Luna for the first time.
The celebration that followed the ceremony filled the Sterling mansion with light, music, and the joyful energy of the pack. Long tables in the great hall groaned under the weight of a feast that would have fed twice our number. Dominic and I sat at the head table, accepting the congratulations and pledges of loyalty from pack members who approached in a steady stream.
“You’re handling this beautifully,” Dominic murmured during a brief lull, his hand covering mine on the table. Through our bond, I could feel his genuine admiration and pride.
I smiled, still somewhat overwhelmed by the intensity of the night. “I’m following your lead,” I admitted. “And trying not to touch this circlet every five minutes to make sure it’s still there.”
His laugh was low and warm, sending a pleasant shiver down my spine. “It suits you,” he said, his eyes dropping to the silver band that now marked me as Luna. “As if it was made for you.”
Before I could respond, Marcus approached the table, bowing his head respectfully to both of us.
“Alpha, Luna,” he greeted formally, though I could see the hint of a smile beneath his professional demeanor. “Everything is proceeding as planned. The delegation from the Northern territory sends their congratulations and alliance renewal.”
Dominic nodded. “Thank you, Marcus. And the Collins territory?”
“Emily reports that the transition is proceeding smoothly,” Marcus replied. “The majority of the pack has accepted her interim leadership, and the Council’s final approval is expected within the week.”
“Excellent.” Dominic raised his glass in a small toast to Marcus’s efficiency. “Make sure Emily knows she has our full support.”
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14:33 Thu, Oct 2 …
Chapter 254
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As Marcus moved away, Dominic stood, drawing the attention of the room without effort. Conversations quieted as all eyes turned to their now Alpha.
My friends, my pack,’ he began, his voice carrying easily through the hall. “Tonight marks not just a change in leadership, but the beginning of a new chapter for the Silver Moon Shadow Pack. Together with my Luna- he reached for my hand, drawing me to stand beside him, -1 pledge to lead our pack into a future of strength, prosperity, and honor.”
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14:33 Thu, Oct 2 M…
Mated by Contract to the Alpha
