CHAPTER 53

CHAPTER 53
RAUL'S POV


As I sat beside Marissa, I couldn't help but feel relief wash over me that she was finally awake. The days and nights spent by her side, worrying, praying, and hoping, had taken their toll on me. But seeing her eyes open, her lips forming words, was a balm to my weary soul.




As I stayed by her side, watching the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest, my mind raced with thoughts of our future.



The sight of her fragile but slowly recovering form filled me with a feeling I had never felt before. I wanted to make Marissa mine forever. I don't want to have any regrets again.





The depth of my love for her was undeniable, and I knew that I needed to take the next step, to make her my Luna, my mate, officially.





If it was left to me, I would mark her right this moment and make her my Luna but it was important to speak to the council first, and inform them for the sake of formality and coronation.




I eagerly waited for the next day to inform Benjamin of my plan and have him organize a meeting with the council.




Early in the morning, before Marissa woke up, I mind linked Benjamin to meet me outside her room, telling him it was a matter of life and death. He groaned annoyingly but I knew he would come.




It took a while but he did come, with a grimace on his face. I excused myself from the room and led him to a quiet corner of the hospital.



"Why did you want to meet me so early, Raul? And I hope it is something worth sacrificing my morning sleep for," Benjamin grumpily asked, his brow furrowed.



"I've been thinking a lot, Benjamin. About Marissa, about our future," I began, my voice steady but filled with emotion. "I want to do a coronation. I want to make Marissa the Luna of our pack and mark her as my mate."




Benjamin's eyes widened with surprise, and then a smile replaced his surprise look. “ This is a wonderful idea, Raul. And you both deserve this happiness. I'm glad you finally want to make it official, Marissa has proven herself time and time again. She deserves this honor.”





I felt a wave of relief wash over me knowing I have Benjamin by my side as I take this step.




"Thank you, Benjamin. I don't want to waste more time, I want the coronation to take place as soon as possible. I need you to organize a meeting with the elders. I want to inform them of my decision," I said to him and he nodded in agreement.




“I agree with you, it's better to inform them and get their blessings. I'll do that now and inform you when they are all around,” Benjamin responded. I patted his shoulder in appreciation and he just smiled and walked away.



I mind linked Sabrina to come look after Marissa as I stepped out to the meeting.





The moment I stepped into the council room, I was hit with the scent of old wood and lingering tension as the elders assembled around the table. I stood in front, my eyes scanning the room to be sure everyone was present.




Elder Santos, a stern figure with a weathered face, was the first to speak.




"Why have we been called here, Alpha?" He asked, his voice carrying the weight of his years.


I took a deep breath and stood tall. "I have called this meeting to inform you of my intention to introduce Marissa as our Luna to the entire werewolf community,” I let out, my voice firm.




Despite our pack's current status as a rogue pack, we still have alliances with many other normal packs due to our past.




There was a murmur of surprise and discussion among the elders. Some had skeptical looks on their faces while some looked like they were okay with my decision.





What caught my attention most was my mother, sitting at the end of the table. Her face held so much disappointment and she abruptly stood up, her face a mask of disapproval.



"I disagree with this decision, Raul," she said, her voice firm. "We need someone strong and worthy of the Luna position, not someone who is wolfless and unstable. Marissa can't take the responsibility of a Luna , and our pack needs better,” She continued.




I met her gaze, disappointed that my mother couldn't support my decision. She had always been like this towards me so I wasn't that hurt.





"Mother, Incase you have forgotten, let me remind you that Marissa is still in the hospital because she saved me and many others from the deadly wolfsbane weapons. She has proven her worth and her strength countless times but you seem to be blinded by your dislike for her. She deserves to lead this pack and she will,” I declared, leaving no room for arguments.




Elder Morales leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Raul, are you certain about your decision ? The pack is vulnerable, and the decision to make Marissa Luna will not be without its challenges, are you sure you can handle it?" He asked.




"I understand your concerns, Elder Santos," I replied calmly. “And I'm certain about my decision to make Marissa my life partner. Marissa's leadership and bravery have already brought us through some of our darkest times. I have no doubt that she is the right person to lead us into the future. I am not seeking your permission but informing you of my decision out of respect. I want to ensure that you do not think I have become disrespectful or impulsive.”




The room fell silent, the weight of my words hanging in the air. After a moment, my mother sighed and sat down, a reluctant acceptance in her eyes. She knew she couldn't change my mind and I'm glad she wasn't persistent.




The other elders nodded slowly, acknowledging my resolve.



“It seems your decision is final, Alpha. And I hope this union is the best for this pack,” Elder Santos said and the others nodded in agreement.




“Thank you all and the coronation will be taking place as soon as possible,” I announced and excused myself.





Benjamin followed behind me and when we had gone far, I turned to him.
“I will talk to Marissa before we start the main preparation for the coronation. For now, start making invitation cards that will be sent out,” I ordered and he just nodded and walked away.




I strolled back to the hospital, my heart pounding with anticipation. I hoped Marissa would agree with my proposal.





When I reached the door to her room, I let out a shaky breath before finally mustering the courage to enter the room.
I smiled as I found her awake, but she seemed to be discussing something with Sabrina. I cleared my throat, and their attention turned to me.



"Am I interrupting?" I asked, a small smile playing on my lips and they both nodded in disapproval. "Can I speak with Marissa alone?"




Sabrina nodded and excused herself, leaving us in a comfortable silence. I sat beside Marissa, gently taking her hands into mine, feeling the warmth of her touch.




"Marissa, there's something I need to tell you," I began, my voice soft yet filled with purpose.




She nodded, her eyes locked onto mine. "What is it, Raul?"



"I want to make you the official Luna of our pack," I said. “I want to mark you as my mate.” I added, my heart pounding as I gaze at her.



Her eyes widened in surprise, but then a shy smile spread across her face. "I... I would love that, Raul."




Her words filled me with an indescribable joy. I immediately pulled her into a tight hug, feeling her warmth and presence, a testament to the strength and love we shared.




She chuckled softly and hugged me back. A knock on the door made us pull away, and Doctor Edwardo entered with a smile.



"How are you feeling, Marissa?" He asked, his tone professional but warm.



"I'm feeling better," Marissa replied, her voice steady.



Doctor Edwardo nodded approvingly. "I must commend your strength, Marissa. You were able to overcome the wolfsbane in your system. It's all out now, and you're on the path to full recovery. If you're ready, we can discharge you today."




I turned to Marissa, a hopeful look in my eyes. "What do you think? Ready to go home?”




She smiled, a light returning to her eyes. "Yes, Raul. I'm ready."




"Thank you, Doctor Edwardo," I said, shaking his hand firmly. He nodded and excused himself, leaving us alone once more.



As we prepared to leave the hospital, the reality of the situation began to sink in. Marissa was coming home, and soon, she would be our Luna. I couldn't wait to see her take her rightful place by my side, leading our pack with the strength and grace I knew she possessed.




The journey back to our home was filled with quiet moments of reflection and the occasional squeeze of Marissa's hand. She looked out the window, a soft smile on her lips, as if she was savoring every moment of her return.



When we arrived, Benjamin and Sabrina were already there, they had prepared the house for Marissa's homecoming.
"Welcome home, Marissa," Benjamin said, his voice filled with warmth. Sabrina helped her into the house while I brought her things inside.




"Thank you," she replied, her voice steady but filled with emotion. Sabrina helped her freshen up and we spent the rest of the day talking about random things and enjoying each other's presence.