CHAPTER 150: Beneath the Blood Moon

CHAPTER 150: Beneath the Blood Moon
Alora’s POV

The day for my mating ceremony had finally come.

There was an array of gowns with colorful patterns to choose from. I struggled with making a decision until my eyes caught one.

It was a purple-colored plain lace gown that accentuated my figure and complimented the color of my skin. The gown shimmered under the soft light, purple threaded with silver that only I could bear against my skin.

There were also different displays of jewelry, but the silver necklace with hoop earrings was all I saw.

Chloe had come in early to help with my make-up and also help me dress up.

She stood behind me, his eyes radiating warmth and happiness. “You look like a goddess, Luna,” she said softly.

“I feel like one,” I breathed.

Chloe wore a sheer silver dress that clung to her exotic curves.

As we walked out of the room, Jones was waiting on the balcony.

On sighting me, his eyes lit up, and he walked close with a wide grin on his face, followed by Mike, whom I noticed frequented the packhouse a lot with an excuse to visit Leo, but ended up spending all his time with Jones cooped up inside his room while poor Leo would be sent out to stay with Selene or sleep in my room.

“Jones, you look great,” I complimented.

“Thank you, Luna, you look absolutely stunning yourself,” he replied. Then he tilted his head to the side, held my hand and twirled me around.

“Mikey, did you see the glow on this woman?" He asked, turning to Mike, who also had a grin on his face too.

“Yes, the glow is blinding," he replied, licking his lips, but his eyes remained trained on Jones the whole time.

Just then, Chloe caught up with us. ‘The Ceremony is about to begin,” she said, hooking her elbow with mine, and taking me away, but I didn't fail to notice how close Jones and Mike had become. The longing guess they threw at each other when they thought the other wasn't looking.

I watched as Mike instinctively reached out for Jones, and intertwined their fingers together as we all moved to the beach where the ceremony would be held.

By the time we arrived, the beach was alive with wolves from every allied pack. Faces I knew, faces I didn’t, all turned toward the circle. Some looked proud, some wary, and some guarded. But they had all come. They came for me. For us.

My grandfather, King Lucien, walked over to me and Chloe handed me to him. “I never thought I would see this day,” he whispered.

I smiled

You look so beautiful, just like your mother. I wish she was here to see you today,” he cooed, taking my hands in his and kissing the back of my palm.

“Thank you, Grandfather, I am sure she is watching us right now,” I replied, tightening my grip on his arm.

Then he led me through the clearing to the beach where every wolf in the region was waiting.

When we stepped onto the beach, every head turned in our direction.

Leo stood at the edge with his camera pointed at us and a beautiful smile on his face while Jones had his hands on his shoulders. Mike and Phoebe stood close to them.

Harry stood beside Morgan who was at the front, waiting for me.

But all of them faded when I saw him.

Morgan

He stood at the center of the arena looking breathtakingly handsome. He was dressed in a black tuxedo trimmed with silver, his hair pulled up in a ponytail. His deep blue eyes locked on mine. He looked every bit the Alpha King, exuding power and beauty and love. And he was mine.

A smile broke out of my face as we strode towards him.

As soon as we were a step away, he reached for my hand.

And then the drums began.

Selene moved forward. She looked every bit like a high priestess, her presence steady, her voice carrying across the circle. “We gather beneath the Moon’s light, to witness a bond not of convenience, but of devotion and destiny. The Goddess calls us to honor the beginning of a new era in our region. A day to remember. A day when the alpha chooses his Luna. We call on our leaders that were here before us, the gods of our land and the moon goddess, to guide us and bless this union.

There were cheers, howls and gunshots to mark the beginning of the mating ceremony after that.

The little pups and the omegas knelt around us, putting us in a circle and chanting a song that they alone knew the interpretation.

It was part of the blessing ritual for fruitfulness, love and commitment, and they all sang a different tune according to the leading of the moon goddess.

Selene’s gaze was fierce when it fell on us. “Step forward, and swear your vows.”

Morgan and I stepped into the circle, the full moon bathing us in its glow.

His thumb traced my wrist as he spoke, his voice low but audible, meant for every ear present. “Alora Lance of the Crimson Order Pack, before the Goddess, before our pack, I pledge my life to you. My strength will shield you, my blood will answer yours. I will love you in fury and in peace, in sickness and in health, and I will protect you until my last breath.”

My throat tightened at his words, but I willed the tears away. I forced a shaky smile on my face as my eyes remained locked on his. “Morgan, Alpha of Bloodfang, I swear my life to stand with you, to guide and protect our pack as your equal. I give loyalty not only to you, but to every soul here who calls this land home. I am yours, as you are mine.”

After that, Selene cut both our palms with the ceremonial blade. It stung as the blood swirled up. We pressed our hands together, blood mingling, sealing what words could not.

And then, it happened.

The sky darkened. The full moon bled red, a sudden wash of crimson light spilling over us.

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd, and some of the guests began to shift to their wolf form.

There was a smile on Selene’s face. “The Blood Moon had come out to bless this union.”