Chapter 53

ARIA

I woke up the next morning in our bed, still wearing yesterday's clothes. The memory of being carried by Jace made me smile. The thought of becoming his Luna, officially, sent butterflies through my stomach.

Then I remembered—I was pregnant.

Dr. Maya confirmed it during my check-up yesterday. The news still hadn't fully sunk in.

"You're definitely pregnant," she had said, her eyes widening as she examined me. "And the development seems accelerated. This isn't uncommon when humans and werewolves conceive."

I sat up in bed, placing my hand on my still-flat stomach. This baby would be a bridge between two worlds—half human, half werewolf. A Moon Child.

Jace entered the bedroom carrying a tray. "Morning, beautiful. How's my Luna feeling today?"

"Hungry," I admitted. "And a little overwhelmed."

He sat beside me, setting down a breakfast of eggs, toast, and fruit. "Dr. Maya stopped by. She says your pregnancy will progress faster than normal human ones. About four months instead of nine."

"Four months?" I nearly choked on my toast. "That's so fast."

"For werewolves, it's usually six," Jace explained. "The Moon Goddess blesses our kind with shorter pregnancies." He paused. "Maya says you and the baby will be fine during the Full Moon ceremony. We'll proceed as planned."

I nodded, trying to process everything. "Did Phantom... say anything about it?"

Jace's expression softened. "He's protective, but agrees there's no danger. This baby is special, Aria. A true Moon Child."

The days passed quickly. Gabriel found fifteen warriors for the Sacred Moonlight Gathering, all eager to represent the Moon Shadow Pack. After the Full Moon, they would be tested to select the final four.

Aurora proved to be the most excited about the baby. Every day after preschool, she'd rush home and talk to my stomach.

"Hi baby! It's your big sister!" she'd say, pressing her ear against me. "Can you hear me yet?"

"The baby's still too small," I explained gently.

"But they can feel love," she insisted. "Dr. Maya told me."

Jace was attentive in ways I never expected. He arranged for people I trusted to accompany me whenever he couldn't. Hunter acted as my shadow during pack meetings, while Eliana joined me for walks through the territory.

My hormones were completely out of control. One minute I'd cry over spilled milk, the next I'd feel an overwhelming need for Jace. We found creative uses for his office desk, the storage closet, and every corner of our bedroom.

The morning of the Full Moon arrived. Sunlight streamed through our windows as Jace insisted I relax.

"Today is about you," he said, drawing me a bath with fragrant oils.

I soaked in the warm water, trying to calm my nerves. After my bath, Eliana arrived to help with my hair and makeup.

"Natural waves," she decided, working her fingers through my damp hair. "And makeup that enhances your eyes. You'll stun everyone tonight."

Aurora bounced around the room in her new red dress, twirling to make the skirt flare out.

"You look beautiful, Aurora," I told her, and she beamed.

"You'll look even more beautiful, Mom!"

Mom. The word still caught me off guard, but filled my heart with warmth.

Later, I stood before the full-length mirror, struggling with the zipper of my ceremonial dress. The silver fabric sparkled, illuminated as if it were actual moonlight.

"Damn zipper," I muttered, contorting to reach it.

The bedroom door opened, and Jace entered. His gaze found me instantly, a mix of concern and desire in his expression.

"Need help?" he asked, crossing the room.

"Please."

His fingers brushed my skin as he slowly pulled the zipper up. When finished, he placed a kiss on my bare shoulder, his presence immediately calming my frayed nerves.

"Ready, beautiful?" he whispered, his nose trailing up my neck before his lips found mine.

The kiss left me dizzy with want. "Yes, thank you."

He raised an eyebrow at my smile. "What's that smile for?"

"Just thinking about how your touch affects me," I admitted.

Jace grinned. "Sorry, baby. I'll make it up to you later."

With Aurora in his arms and my hand in his, we left our bedroom and headed for the Moonlight Lake, where the ceremony would take place.

The ceremony site took my breath away. Torches lined the path to the lake, casting golden light across the water. At the center stood an ancient stone altar, surrounded by more torches. The entire scene pulsed with ancient power.

"Wow," I whispered. "I've never seen anything like this."

Jace squeezed my hand. "All for you. The Moon Shadow Pack has missed having a Luna."

He led us through the gathered pack members toward the altar. As we stepped onto the raised stone platform, everyone fell silent, waiting for their Alpha to speak.

"Good evening, pack," Jace's voice carried across the lake.

"Good evening, Alpha," they responded in unison.

"As you know, I've found my second chance and mate. Five years ago, when our previous Luna left our pack, we all felt that loss. Tonight, I'm proud to introduce you to the Luna you deserve."

His voice swelled with pride. "Aria is strong-willed and brave. She'll help manage pack affairs and stand beside us when we need protection. Her heart is big enough not only to accept me, but to give Aurora the motherly love every child deserves."

Jace paused, his hand finding mine. "I'm also announcing that Aria carries our first Moon Child, possibly our future Alpha."

The pack erupted in cheers and howls. When they quieted, Jace took an ancient silver chalice and a ceremonial dagger from Elder Thorn. He reached for my hand, helping me stand from the stone chair where I'd been seated.

"Aria, do you accept the responsibility and honor of becoming Luna of the Moon Shadow Pack, to stand with me as Alpha and uphold our traditions?" he asked.

My heart hammered. "I accept."

Jace raised the dagger. "I, Alpha Jace of the Moon Shadow Pack, accept you as my Luna. Together we will lead and keep our pack safe and strong."

He sliced his palm, then mine. Our hands clasped together over the chalice, blood mingling as it dripped into the silver cup.

Power surged through me, stronger than anything I'd felt before. When our wounds healed, Jace lifted my hand to his lips and turned to face the pack.

"Moon Shadow Pack, I present your Luna."

The pack cheered again, but suddenly fell silent as a beam of silver moonlight broke through the clouds, illuminating Jace and me on the altar. Every pack member dropped to their knees.

"ALPHA JACE, LUNA ARIA!"

As their voices echoed across the lake, I felt a flutter inside me—actual movement, not nerves. I gasped, placing my free hand over my abdomen.

Jace's eyes widened. "Aria?"

"The baby," I whispered. "I felt it move."

His expression transformed into joy as he placed his hand over mine. The Moon Goddess hadn't just accepted me as Luna—she'd blessed our child.

"The human girl who became a Luna," Elder Thorn murmured from beside the altar. "The prophecy begins."