Chapter 27 Chapter 27
The Master of Ceremonies cleared his throat, smiling in a way intended to smooth the awkwardness.
“Well,” he said cheerfully, “if that isn’t a display of unity between our newly presented Alpha and Luna, I don’t know what is.”
Soft laughter rippled through the crowd. Warm. Indulgent.
Heat rushed up my neck anyway, and my face burned.
Every eye in the hall had watched me fumble with Zane’s jacket. Had seen my shaking hands struggle with the clasp, and witnessed that small, what should be intimate moment play out under blazing scrutiny.
The Master of Ceremonies gestured toward the podium. “Alpha Zane Blackthorne, if you would.”
Zane reached the podium and paused, his hands resting lightly on the edges. For a moment, he simply stood there, his gaze sweeping across the assembled wolves.
Then he began to speak.
His voice was clear. Commanding, as usual. He had this voice that demanded attention without needing to raise volume. It could still be how it felt to me, though.
“Honored Alphas, esteemed Lunas, and distinguished guests, we gather tonight under the full moon to reaffirm the bonds that unite our packs. Not through force or dominance. But through tradition, respect, and the understanding that our strength lies in unity.”
I watched him, transfixed.
He hadn’t prepared for this. I’d seen the surprise in his throat when they’d called his name. But standing there now, he looked completely in control.
“The Lunar Convergence exists as a reminder,” he continued, “that despite our differences, despite territorial disputes and political disagreements, we are one people. One lineage blessed by the Moon Goddess herself.”
His words flowed smoothly, building on each other with natural rhythm. He barely stumbled. And I wondered how he could be that eloquent because I could prepare for a speech two weeks ahead and still mix words.
Around me, wolves leaned forward slightly. Listening and probably captivated by his charm.
Sitting in that hall with hundreds of wolves, I recognized what power was.
Not the kind enforced through violence or intimidation. But earned through respect and presence. Through the ability to command a room simply by existing in it.
It was what Zane was exhibiting.
In that moment, I recalled why again I had seen him as a god.
I’d known Zane was a respected Alpha. I had seen him give orders, make important decisions while leading his pack. Of course, I had also seen that part of him that bed any women he found interesting.
But I’d never seen this him. Hundreds of royal wolves hanging on his every word. I had no awareness to the weight of regard he carried beyond the walls of Fangstain.
My chest tightened with something I couldn’t name.
Pride? Awe? Fear?
Maybe all three.
Movement caught my eye. Someone shifting at a nearby table.
Kaius.
He was watching me.
When our eyes met, his lips curved into a small smile. Then he mouthed, “You’re doing great.”
I smiled back before I could stop myself.
Then I turned my attention back to the podium.
And froze.
Zane was looking at me.
Still speaking and holding the crowd’s attention. But his eyes had found mine across the distance.
The shift was subtle. A fractional change in his expression that no one else might have noticed.
But I noticed.
His gaze held mine for just a heartbeat. Then he looked away, continuing his speech without missing a beat.
My pulse hammered in my throat.
Had he seen me smile at Kaius? Did it matter?
“—and so we honor not only the bonds between packs,” Zane was saying, “but the bonds within them. The sacred connection between the Alpha and Luna that forms the foundation of our society.”
Applause erupted as he finished, loud and accompanied with echoes.
Zane inclined his head in acknowledgment, then stepped down from the podium with the same controlled grace he’d ascended with.
When he returned to our table, his expression gave nothing away. No anger or acknowledgment of what had just passed between us.
He simply sat down beside me, his thigh pressing against mine in the confined space.
“You did well,” I murmured.
He didn’t respond. Just reached for his glass and took a measured sip.
The formal presentations began shortly after. Alphas from various packs approached the Master of Ceremonies to offer symbolic gifts, tokens of prosperity, alliance and goodwill.
I watched with fascination as each gift was displayed. All of them carrying meaning I only partially understood.
Then a voice cut through my focus.
“Alpha Zane. What a pleasant surprise.”
I turned.
An Alpha approached our table. Not so tall, broad-shouldered, with silver threading through his dark hair. His smile was warm, with his eyes holding a calculative gaze.
“Alpha Marcos,” Zane said, standing to clasp the man’s extended hand. His tone was neutral. “I didn’t realize you had arrived.”
“Oh, I have.” He chuckled. “Just moments ago. Fashionably late, as always.” Marcos’s smile widened. Then his attention shifted to me. “And this must be your Luna.”
He reached for my hand before I could react.
His grip was firm, his thumb brushing over my knuckles in an uncomfortable gesture.
“Alpha Marcos,” He said.
“Luna Tiana,” I replied warmly.
“A pleasure. I’ve heard whispers about the new Luna of Fangstain. Tell me, what did you do, to make my friend to finally settle down?”
A small unreal smile broke on my lips. “I did not do anything.”
“Oh, I believe you did.” I noticed the way his eyes shifted to my body and quickly returned to my face. “I believe I would love to know you better some other time and maybe learn a trick or two from you.”
My cheeks were beginning to hurt when I replied, “Thank you, Alpha Marcos. It’s my pleasure.”
Hoping that he would get the cue and leave.