Chapter 18 Chapter 0018
•NADIA•
I stood in front of the full-length mirror and turned slowly to admire my gown.
My hair was styled in soft waves and pinned up, while the ruby pendant from my father rested against my collarbone, hidden beneath the high neckline.
No one would see it today, but I felt its presence as a quiet reminder of why I had worked so hard to reach this moment.
Everything was in place. The pack house had been decorated with white roses and evergreen branches.
Last night, Mason kissed me goodnight and said with a smile, “Tomorrow, you will be mine, and I will love you for the rest of my life."
I smiled at my reflection. Today had finally arrived.
My phone buzzed on the pedestal counter. I glanced at the screen and saw Kira’s name.
She was a friend who moved to the human territories after finding a job as a teacher. She and I had been keeping in contact ever since.
“Nadia,” Kira muttered. "You won't believe who I saw today on my way to work," she chuckled. "I saw Cassandra working with a bucket and a mop outside a small clinic. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw her, so I called you!"
I laughed softly. "She deserves what's coming to her. We shouldn't forget that she almost killed the Alpha," I clicked my tongue and rolled my eyes. "The banishment wasn't enough."
Kira paused. "You're right. The Alpha and the elders should've punished her severely. They should've locked her up in the dungeons. Cleaning floors in a small clinic isn't a punishment."
"Thank you for keeping me informed, Kira," I replied. "But she's gone now, and I will be the new Luna."
"Congratulations, Nadia," she replied, sounding excited. "Silvercrest will be a better place with you as Luna, I know it. Please enjoy your wedding, and we will talk soon."
I hung up the call and placed the phone down on the pedestal counter.
The image of Cassandra on her knees, wiping up someone else’s mess, brought a warm sense of triumph.
The once-proud Luna of Silvercrest had been reduced to a janitor in a human town. It felt like justice.
I turned toward the door and saw Rowan standing there. He wore his small black suit and looked almost adorable.
He had walked into the room without me noticing. His eyes were wide as he watched me. “Who were you talking to?” he asked.
I leaned closer and knelt in front of him. I smoothed his jacket and the shirt underneath. “Just a friend, sweetheart. It was nothing important.”
He looked up at me with a serious expression. “Were you talking about my mother?”
The question surprised me, but I kept my voice gentle. “Rowan, listen to me. The only mother you need is right here. That is me. I am the one who tucks you in at night, makes your favorite pancakes, and loves you more than anything. Cassandra is gone. She is dead to us. She can't come back, and she will not. You don't need to think about her anymore.”
His lower lip trembled, and tears filled his eyes. “But my father said she will always be my mother.”
I cupped his face gently. “I know, but today is a happy day. Today I will become your mommy in front of the entire pack. Daddy will be so proud. You want that, don’t you?”
He nodded slowly, though the tears spilled over. I pulled him into a hug and let him cry against my shoulder. His small body shook as I stroked his hair until the sobs quieted.
“Go find Gia,” I muttered. “She will lead you to the ceremonial venue. I need a few minutes alone.”
He pulled away, wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, and left the room. The door closed behind him with a soft click.
I stood up, smoothed my dress, and walked back to the dressing table. My reflection looked calm and composed.
Rowan’s tears didn't affect me. They were just part of the process. He would learn to forget her, just as the rest of the pack would forget her.
But I couldn't take any chances.
I picked up my phone again and dialed a different number. The line rang twice before a gruff voice answered.
"Who is this?"
“It is me,” I answered. “The woman I told you about is in Beverly Hills, working at a small clinic as a cleaner. I need it done quietly. Make it look like an accident. A car crash or a fall will work. No traces back to us.”
The voice remained calm. “Consider it done. Payment as usual?”
“Payment as usual,” I confirmed. “Make sure it happens soon. Before the week is out.”
I ended the call and slipped the phone into the hidden pocket of my dress.
A small smile curved my lips. Cassandra would not come back to threaten my position. Not now. Not ever.
I took one last look in the mirror, adjusted my veil, and walked out of the suite.
Mason waited at the bottom of the stairs. He looked up as I descended and offered his arm.
“You look beautiful,” he smiled.
I slipped my hand into his. “Thank you. Today is the day we have both waited for.”
He nodded, and we walked together toward the courtyard doors. The pack rose as we stepped inside the hall.
The elders stood at the front near a raised platform draped in white and silver.
Rowan was already there, standing between Gia and one of the older she-wolves.
The music began with soft strings and a single flute. Mason and I walked down the aisle side by side. This was my victory.
We reached the platform. The head elder stepped forward with the ancient silver chalice that had been used for Luna ceremonies for generations.
Mason turned to me. “Nadia, do you accept the role of Luna of Silvercrest Pack? Do you swear to protect, to guide, and to stand by your Alpha in all things?”
I met his eyes. “I do.”
He offered me the chalice. I drank deeply. The wine tasted sweet on my tongue. Then, I handed it back to him. He drank as well.
The elder raised his hands. “By the will of the Moon Goddess and the pack, I declare Nadia as Luna of Silvercrest. May the bond between Alpha and Luna be strong and unbreakable.”
The pack howled in approval. Mason pulled me close and kissed me. The kiss was slow and possessive. I kissed him back, letting the pack see their perfect union.
When we parted, I looked out over the crowd. Rowan was clapping and smiling now. The elders nodded in approval. Everything was in place.
As the celebration began with music, food, and dancing, I slipped away for a moment to the edge of the courtyard. I looked up at the winter sky.
Cassandra was finished. Her son was mine, the pack was mine, and Mason was mine.
When I tilted my head toward the crowd, my father, the Beta, smiled in approval.