Chapter 106: Be one with me

Chapter 106: Be one with me
On the eve of that day, the Wildings and werewolves had chosen a spot deep inside the forest and decorated it. 

Lit lanterns hung from tree branches, illuminating the forest in a warm glow. Flowers were strewn about, leading a path from the edge of the clearing to the front. 

Gwendolyn stood by the window in Kieran's bedroom, staring at the shimmering lights in the forest. Kieran had insisted on celebrating her coronation again, since the first one had been interrupted. 

She was in a white gown this time, an elegant gown which clung tightly to her curves. Her hair flowed freely down her back, reaching her waist. 

Golden ornaments adorned her arms and wrists, and a golden tiara perched on her hair. She wrung her arms nervously as she gazed outside. 

The door opened and she turned her head, thinking it was Kieran. But it was Ryder. 

He paused at the door, his eyes fixed on her, his lips parted. 

"Ryder." She whispered his name, turning around to face him. 

"I don't think I've ever seen anyone as beautiful as you." He rasped. 

"Don't say that." Gwendolyn replied with a soft smile. "You shouldn't say such things to me."

"But it's the truth." Ryder murmured. "Aren't I allowed to say the truth?"

Her smile widened. "You know what I'm talking about, Ryder. Kieran won't like it."

He chuckled. "Yeah, I know. My mistake for falling for my Alpha's mate. I should have known better."

Gwendolyn walked up to him and held his hand. "One day, very soon, you'll find your mate. And she's going to be the most beautiful girl."

"She won't be you."

Gwendolyn sighed. "Yes, she won't. But she'll be better. And you'll love her."

"I don't think I'll love someone else like I love you."

"Ryder, don't do this." Gwendolyn said softly. "Don't ruin this day. Please."

Ryder shut his eyes and turned away. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't even be here. I just... I had to see you one last time before you became my Luna."

"You can always see me."

"True." Ryder nodded. "But I wouldn't dare confess my feelings once you become Luna. It will be considered treason."

He took her hands and pulled her close. "I'm glad you're going to be the pack's Luna, even though we can't be together."

Gwendolyn smiled and kissed his cheek. "Be happy, Ryder. Please. One day, you'll find your mate. And the feelings you have for me will disappear. Trust me."

Ryder smiled and nodded. Then he looked up sharply and turned towards the door. 

"Kieran is coming. I should leave. I promised I wouldn't come close to you like this anymore."

He stroked her cheek softly and walked away without another word. A few seconds later, Kieran appeared. 

He had changed into an immaculate black jacket and pants. Dark boots adorned his feet. His long hair lay in loose waves over his shoulders. 

When he saw her, his eyes lit up. A slow smile curved his lips as he pulled her close. 

"Moon of my heart." He whispered against the curve of her neck. "You're absolutely beautiful."

"My sun and stars." She whispered back, sighing softly at the feel of his lips. 

He kissed down her neck to the swell of her breasts, groaning thickly. "I can't wait to get you out of these clothes."

A feeling of deja vu swept over Gwendolyn. This was exactly how it happened the first time. His desire about taking off her dress was similar to the words he spoke the last time. 

"I'm scared." She murmured. 

Kieran lifted his head and stared at her. "You're thinking about the last time, aren't you? When Julian and Ragnar attacked."

She nodded. "What if something goes wrong again this time? We still don't know if Ragnar sent word to the Immortals. I... I don't want to lose you, Kieran." 

"Listen to me, my love. I promise you, nothing will happen. If the Immortals wanted to attack, they would have done so. Ragnar wanted to capture you for himself, before turning you over to them."

He cupped her face and leaned his forehead on hers. "You trust me, don't you?"

"With my life." She whispered. 

"Then believe me this time. The Immortals won't find out about you. And after you're crowned my Luna, we'll rescue your mother from Tartarus. You have my word, Gwen. I promise."

He kissed her, then embraced her tightly. 

"I love you so much." She whispered

"I move you much more. More than life itself."

He held her close for several minutes, until he was sure she felt calmer. Then Ryder's voice broke into his thoughts through the mind link. 

\[Alpha, it's time.\]

He pulled back and held her waist. "Ryder said it's time. Let's go."

Gwendolyn smiled up at him and nodded. As they stepped out of the room, she sighed. "He was here, you know? Ryder."

"I know." Kieran murmured. 

She looked at him in shock. "How did you know?"

"I saw him when he went into the mansion."

"He didn't do anything. He just... confessed his feelings and swore not to act on them. I told him he would find his mate someday. You're not angry at him, right?"

"Of course not. I trust Ryder more than anything. I know he will never betray me."

"I just wish he would find his mate." Gwendolyn sighed. "I think he has been alone for too long."

Kieran didn't reply. Instead, he leaned down and scooped her into his arms. 

"Forget about Ryder, my love. Tonight is for you and I. Hold on tight."

She wrapped her arm around his shoulder just as his wings burst out. He took off, flying straight into the clouds before heading towards the direction where the celebration would hold. 

An odd feeling remained with Gwendolyn, that familiar feeling of foreboding. She could only hope to the moon goddess that nothing would happen to ruin the night. 

... 

She stood at the edge of the forest, staring at the path that led to where Kieran stood. 

On either side of the path, the Wildings and werewolves gathered. There were no hateful glares anymore. She had been accepted as the Luna by every one of them. 

Kieran stood on the other end, waiting for her. As the solemn sound of a flute began to play, Cae appeared beside her. 

"You're finally going to take your rightful position, child." She smiled. "I'm so honoured to have you as our Luna."

Gwendolyn smiled and softly squeezed her hand. "Thank you for everything, Cae. I hope I can be the Luna you all deserve."

Cae caressed her cheek, then handed her a golden staff and a goblet of wine. 

"What do I do with them?" Gwendolyn whispered. 

"You'll know." Cae replied with a smile. "Just walk to your mate."

She stepped back, and Gwendolyn turned to Kieran. With her heart pounding, and with the sound of the flute echoing in the night air, she started to walk. 

She kept her eyes on Kieran all through, ignoring everything else around her. All she could see was him, his hypnotic eyes and his heart melting smile as he waited for her. This was almost like a wedding. 

After what felt like hours, she reached the end of the path and stood beside Kieran. 

"Kneel, my love." He whispered. 

She slowly fell to her knees and handed the staff and wine to him. 

Kieran took the staff from her, then lifted the goblet of wine. Next he slit his palm and held it over the cup. A drop of his blood fell, mixing with the wine while the cut healed up. 

Then he lowered the goblet to Gwendolyn's lips. "Be one with me." He whispered. 

As she drank the wine, he lifted the staff and rested it on her shoulder. 

"By decree of the realm, right under the moon goddess's blessings, I crown you Gwendolyn Bowen, Luna of Nightshade pack."

The crowd cheered loudly as Kieran helped her to her feet. Then he pulled her close and kissed her, sealing their union. 

Gwendolyn smiled happily, her heart pounding wildly. It was all over. She was finally his Luna.