(Ruby)
The sun hit my face through the crack in my curtain. I never felt more rested in my entire life. I rolled over to see the time: 9:45am. Shit, I overslept. I could hear my twins in the kitchen laughing. I got up and immediately headed for my shower. I was starting to get more and more comfortable around Karson each day.
I entered the shower, letting the hot water seep into my skin as last night's event replayed in my head. The movie, Karson with the twins, me asking him to stay.
He’s a real prince charming- Flora purred.
Yes, he definitely played the part well. I could feel myself getting aroused as I remembered his fingers gently gliding down my body last night, the taste of his lips on mine, he had me completely head over heels.
Smells like love- Flora sang.
I smiled at her comment. She was right. I was falling in love, something I didn't think I was capable of doing since Collin. The thought of his name made Flora hiss. I can't blame her, when she finally came into my life she felt all my emotions hit her at once. My feelings for Collin, Alpha Michael’s banishment, and of course, my dad’s cold shoulder.
Now that I was happy, I didn’t need to be on edge anymore. I wrapped a towel around my hair and slender body, I grabbed my lotion and began to smooth it out on my skin. I was thankful I got my mother's olive toned skin. I was finishing up with the lotion when I noticed Karson in my mirror.
“Good morning Princess. Did you sleep well?” He asked, kissing my shoulder. It sent chills down through my body. I liked that. I turned around to wrap my arms around his neck.
“Hmmm. Yes, I slept like a baby.” I responded. Karson leaned down to kiss me. I could feel Flora pushing through, she too wanted attention.
“Good morning to you too, Flora,” Karson said with a laugh. I couldn’t help but laugh as Flora pushed back.
“You should get ready, my mother will be here soon.” I looked at Karson with an eyebrow raised.
“You're going dress shopping, for the fundraiser.” He responded. I dreaded shopping, even more so for a dress.
I finished getting dressed. I chose shorts and a simple t-shirt with some flip flops. By the time I got downstairs, I noticed that Hope was already sitting in my living room talking with Rini. I grunted, I really hated shopping. Flora laughed in the back of my mind.
You hush- I told her
I’m enjoying this so much. She laughed out loud.
I greeted Hope with a smile. She stood to give me a hug and glanced at Karson. “OK, so don’t wait for us, this may take all day.” Hope said with a smile.
Oh no. I was dreading this already- I thought to myself, but apparently Karson heard me and only laughed.
Have fun, Princess- He mind links me.
The drive into town was actually not that bad. Hope and I discussed the twins and their birthday coming up in the next few weeks. It was hard to believe they were going to be four soon. We talked about the fundraiser and how all the council members were going to be there. I was actually looking forward to it. That was until I asked where it was being held.
“It's the biggest pack in the northern territory, the Emerald Forest pack. Alpha Collin and Luna Heather are hosting this year.”
My face went pale just then, I could hear Flora whimper, my hands felt clammy and I was starting to get a bit dizzy.
“My goddess Ruby, are you all right?” Hope asked with such concern.
Lie to her, stay calm. We will talk to our mate later and confirm it- Flora said.
“I.. I’m good, just a bit exhausted.” I replied dryly.
We arrived at the mall, stepping out of the car and instantly my eyes shot up to the tall building reading:
Richmond Mall and Plaza
“Oh my, I take it Karson didn’t tell you. He also owns the largest shopping mall in the south.” Hope said cheeky.
We stopped at many different stores and no matter how many dresses I tried on I couldn’t find one I liked. I was starting to feel anxious but Flora kept reassuring me that everything was going to be OK. I hoped she was right.
“I wonder if Antonio is there today? He might have what we are looking for.” Hope said as we walked up to a store I was familiar with.
Antonio Russi, designer dress maker. I remember a time in school when I dreamt of owning one of his dresses for prom. Unfortunately, I never got to go. Jordan, my little brother, ended up sick and I had to watch him since my mother and father were on patrol that night.
“Luna Hope, I thought that was you.” A man appeared from the shop, he had such a feminine look to him, instantly I knew who he was. I couldn't keep my excitement contained as I looked from Hope to Antonio.
“Antonio, good to see you.” Hope said, kissing both his cheeks.
“And who is this lovely lady with you today?” Antonio asked, looking and pointing up and down at me.
“This is the future Luna of Sunset crest pack, and my son Karson’s mate, Ruby Hale.”
I shook his hand, never averting my eyes. His hands were softer than I imagined.
“OH MY GODDESS. I am such a fan.” I said, still shaking his hand. I could feel Flora laughing but I didn’t care, you were lucky if you could get one of his dresses, let alone have him custom make one for you.
“Stop, you're making me blush.” Antonio said, motioning his hand in such a girly way.
“She needs a dress fit for a Princess for the Alpha fundraiser she’s going to” Hope said delicately.
“You're just in luck, I have a dress never seen on the runway. Would you like to try it on?” He asked, looking away from Hope to me.
“I would be honored.” I couldn't contain my excitement. I’ve always wanted one of his dresses and my dream was about to come true. Antonio led me to a dressing room and started bringing me a few different dresses to try on in case I wanted more options.
I tried on a few different pieces-the first one was an off-shoulder black beaded mermaid gown. I walked out to show Hope. She gave me the thumbs up as it showed off my curves in all the right spots. Antonio also gave the thumb of approval. The next dress absolutely made me feel like a princess-it was a dark forest green woven satin sequin dress, it had an off-shoulder sleeve with a sweep brush train. I stepped out and Hope’s jaw dropped.
“That is your dress for your Luna ceremony,” She paused before continuing “If you choose to be luna.”
“Yes, I agree. Let’s try the last dress hmmm.” Antonio said. He disappeared to the back and returned holding a black garment bag. He unzipped the bag, revealing the most elegant dress my eyes had ever seen.
“Try it on, hunny, if you need help, I’m right out here.” Antonio said before slipping out.
I reached for the dress, my fingers lightly touching the fabric. I put the dress on and, without looking in the mirror, I knew that this was my dress. It felt silky, like satin. There weren't sleeves, only spaghetti straps with a sheath silhouette and a built-in bra, which was nice. It was the color of a deep red with a brush train. It had a low back followed by buttons down to the train. I walked out and both Hope and Antonio had dropped their jaws.
“This is your dress! Fitting for a Princess,” Hope stated.
“Fitting for a queen,” Antonio said. Hope didn’t disagree. When I turned around to see myself, my mouth also dropped. The dress couldn’t do it justice. At that moment, I truly looked like royalty. Hope insisted she pay for the dress, but Antonio said no, that it was on the house because no other girl could do this dress justice. This dress was made for me. He swore I looked like the moon goddess herself.
Antonio packaged up the dress along with some jewels, shoes and the most beautiful tiara I had ever seen. Antonio gave me his personal number and told me to call him when I wanted an updated wardrobe when I became Luna. We said good-bye and went on our way.
We arrived back at my house. I would need to talk to Karson before we leave for the fundraiser. Opening my front door, I spot Karson playing dress-up with Anna and Alec playing with Nate.
Now this is a sight. Pictures say a thousand words- Flora said, hinting at taking a photo.
I took out my phone, snapped a picture and as soon as I did, Nate busted out laughing and Karson looked my way, embarrassed.
“You are going to delete that… Right?” Karson asked.
“Oh no, I think I should print and blow this up.” I said, laughing.
“Daddy, sit still, you're gonna ruin your dress.” Anna said. Flora pushed out her chest with pride.
She called him daddy.
I heard that- I replied with tears in my eyes.
“Daddy is gonna go talk to mommy, pumpkin.” Karson said to Anna, placing a kiss on her cheek.
Once in my room, I turned to face Karson as he could clearly see I was in distress.
“What’s wrong, love?” Karson asked as he pulled me into his arms.
“Why didn’t you tell me that the fundraiser was being held at my old pack?” I asked.
Karson looked at me confused. I never told him where I was from, he knew I was banished from a pack but didn’t know which one, and I never told him who my twin's dad was. I sat Karson down and began to tell him about my old pack and Collin. I heard Leo growl a few times as well as some whimpers when I explained being banished after finding out I was pregnant.
Karson held me in his arms for what seemed hours.
“We don’t have to go. We can stay here, you're safe here.” Karson assured me. I contemplated taking him up on the offer to stay, but I knew I needed to talk to the council members to claim my throne.
“No. We will go together.” I said, grabbing his hand. “But you can not leave my side. I want to be your Luna. I’m willing to accept my role. Plus, I can’t keep hiding forever.” It took a lot of courage to accept the role. I still wasn’t ready, but if I was going to show my face I needed to do it now, with my mate.
Karson looked at me with proud eyes, he leaned in and kissed me with so much force it took me by surprise. His tongue wrestled with mine as my hands pulled at his waist. We were both panting for air when we pulled apart. I wanted him right here and now, I could feel the wetness between my legs.
“Tell me what you want, my Luna.” Karson says as he runs his hand through my hair. I can feel Flora panting heavily in the back of my head.
Down girl, you’ll get your chance soon- I tell her.
Karson guides me to the bathroom and starts the shower. He unbuttons my shorts and they hit the floor. He smiles when he sees I wasn't wearing any panties. He gently removes my shirt and bra, guiding me into the relaxing water. His lips find mine again, backing me up against the shower wall. A small gasp escapes my lips as his fingers reach my folds.
“Wrap your legs around me.” He said as he lifted me up. I did as he asked, I felt him harden. When he inserted himself in me, he went slowly, making me feel every inch of him. He wasn’t wolf out fucking me, he was making love to me… In my shower. He was celebrating in his own way on my decision to become his Luna and I welcomed it with open arms.
When we finished with our love making, Karson decided to hold a luna ceremony before we left so that I had my title. That meant I would have to take the oath and officially be a pack member and Luna to Sunset Crest.