Everything moves too quickly, and before I know it, Lucas and I are standing in front of the entire pack.
All the scouts are back for the occasion. Even the humans who lived in this community before our arrival are here.
This place was long ago chosen as a safe place in case of invasion, though I'm sure previous alphas never believed such a day would happen.
Lucas stands before the pack, his presence a palpable force that washes over the gathered crowd. I can't help but marvel at the sheer power he exudes, even without his mories. His alpha aura blankets the area, and I watch as it affects both wolves and humans alike.
The weaker mbers of the pack bow their heads, unable to et his gaze; it's a stark reminder of the hierarchy that exists within wolf society. But it's the stronger wolves that catch my attention, their eyes glittering as they watch Lucas. A mix of pride and unease churns in my stomach. How many of them are eyeing his position, waiting for a mont of weakness?
Lucas's voice rings out, clear and commanding. "I have found my mate, your new Luna."
The cheers that follow are halfhearted at best, a ragtag chorus that lacks true enthusiasm. My heart sinks a little. I knew this wouldn't be easy, but the lukewarm reception still stings.
"Ava," Lucas says, gesturing for to join him.
I step forward, my legs feeling like lead. As I look out over the crowd, I'm not surprised to see several faces twisted with discontent. Their disapproval is written plainly across their features, and I fight the urge to shrink back.
Lucas continues, his voice steady and sure. "Ava has been working tirelessly to bring allies to our pack. She understands the threats we face and is dedicated to our survival."
I keep my expression neutral, though inside I'm a ss of nerves. It's also strange to hear Lucas speak about this way when I know he doesn't rember our history.
"In fact," Lucas says, his tone taking on a note of pride that makes my heart skip, "it was Ava who brought Sister Miriam to us. As we know, her actions have saved countless lives."
The change in the crowd is imdiate and startling. A loud cheer erupts, catching off guard. The sound washes over , a far cry from the tepid response from before.
Sister Miriam saved many of the wounded, including those still in the hospital, Selene says, sounding rather proud of the vampire she once bickered with.
I scan the faces before , trying to gauge the sincerity of their reactions. So still look doubtful, but others nod in approval. It's a small victory, but I'll take it.
Lucas's voice takes on a more serious tone, and I can feel the shift in the atmosphere. "I know there have been rumors circulating about Ava not having a wolf."
The crowd falls into an unnatural silence. Every eye turns to , scrutinizing, judging. I force myself to stand tall, my chin lifted. I et their gazes head-on, refusing to cower or look away. My heart pounds in my chest, but I won't let them see my fear.
"I want to address these rumors directly," Lucas continues, his voice firm and unwavering. "Ava is no defect. She is not wolfless."
A ripple of surprise moves through the crowd. Whispers start up, quickly hushed as Lucas raises his hand for silence.
"Ava is unique," he says, his eyes scanning the faces before us. "She is one-of-a-kind, but her wolf stands among us."
Confusion replaces the surprise on many faces. I can almost hear the questions forming in their minds: How can this be? What wolf? What is he saying?
Lucas turns slightly, gesturing to his side. "I'd like to introduce you to Selene."
On cue, Selene trots forward, her movents graceful and deliberate. She takes her place beside , her presence a comforting warmth against my leg. The crowd's confusion deepens, their gazes darting between and Selene. After all, she's a husky. I'm sure they think it's a big joke. They've all seen her around.
She's just a dog to their eyes.
Ask Lucas to formally bring you into the pack as Luna, Selene's voice echoes in my mind. It's ti.
I take a deep breath, steeling myself. This is it. The mont that will cent my place in this pack, for better or worse. I turn to Lucas, my voice steady as I recite the ritual words I've been taught.
"Alpha of the Westwood Pack, I stand before you and our people. I offer myself as your Luna, to serve and protect this pack with all that I am. Will you accept as your mate and as Luna of the Westwood Pack?"
Lucas's eyes lock with mine. His voice is strong and clear as he responds.
"Ava Grey, I accept you as my mate and as Luna of the Westwood Pack. May your strength be our strength, your wisdom our guidance, and your love our shelter."
As the last word leaves his lips, I feel it. A sharp, sudden snap inside , like a rubber band breaking. I gasp, my hand flying to my chest. It takes a mont to realize what I'm feeling—or rather, what I'm no longer feeling. The pack bond, the one I'd never truly felt before, has broken. It was brittle and frayed, barely existing within my soul.
But before I can fully process this loss, a new sensation floods through . It's warm and golden, spreading from my core to the tips of my fingers and toes. It feels like coming ho, like finding a piece of myself I never knew was missing. This, I realize, is what a true pack bond feels like.
The wolves in the crowd begin to cheer, but it's hesitant, uncertain. Their confusion is palpable, a living thing that hangs in the air between us.
Suddenly, Selene's voice rings out, not just in my mind, but in the minds of everyone present. We will serve the Westwood Pack as Luna with our very life. This is our vow, our promise, our destiny.
The shock on the faces of the pack mbers is almost comical. So stumble back, others shake their heads as if trying to clear them. A few of the stronger wolves growl, their instincts rebelling against this strange intrusion.
But Selene stands strong against the confusion, and I can feel it.
A presence stronger than any wolf here, pulsing from her.
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