CHAPTER 54

CHAPTER 54
MARISSA’S POV

“I'm done with your makeup,” The makeup artist informed me, stepping back, and admiring her handiwork.



“Thank you,” I nodded, offering a small smile as she gathered her things and excused herself from the room.




I sat in front of the mirror, my reflection barely recognizable. It had been a whirlwind week since Raul proposed that I become his Luna, and today was the climax of that hectic period.




Raul had insisted on a brisk ceremony, eager to connect our bond and present me to the pack as his Luna. I couldn’t disagree with him, but the pace had been overwhelming.




Sabrina had been an invaluable help, guiding me through the process and supporting me every step of the way. Without her, I would have been lost in the chaos of preparations, especially when it came to choosing my dress.




As I gazed at my reflection, I marveled at the transformation. The girl in the mirror wore a shimmering white gown, her face radiating a beauty that seemed almost otherworldly. It was hard to believe that this was me.




"You look beautiful," Chari commented, her voice brimming with excitement. She had been buzzing with energy since Raul proposed, eager to get marked and meet his wolf.



"Thank you, Chari," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.



"Why do you sound like you’re not excited about today? Don’t tell me you are having second thoughts?" Chari’s tone shifted to one of concern.




"It’s not that I’m having second thoughts, Chari. I’m just scared. Everything is moving so fast, and I’m afraid something might go wrong. The feeling is unsettling," I confessed, voicing my anxieties.




Fear gnawed at me, a lingering doubt that I wouldn’t be accepted by the pack. Memories of the rejection from my old pack haunted me, making it hard to shake off the uncertainty.




"Stop thinking negatively, Marissa. All that matters is that you have Raul by your side, and he adores you. Don’t let your fear consume you," Chari let out, her words were comforting, a soothing balm to my worries.




I took a deep breath, ready to respond when the door swung open. Sabrina walked in, her expression a mix of surprise and admiration.




"You look stunning, Luna," she said with a playful grin, bowing slightly.




"Don’t call me that yet, it’s not official," I replied, laughing softly at her playful expression.



"Official or not, you are my Luna," she declared, moving closer. "I’m sure Raul’s jaw will drop the moment he sees you,” She added.
Her words made me blush, and I couldn’t help but smile.




"I hope you are nervous?” She asked and I nodded at her. Everything is going to be okay, I just need to calm down. Whatever I am feeling is just my nerves working up because of the wedding.




“Good, because I came to bring you down, everyone is waiting for you. Are you ready?" she asked. I took a moment to steady myself, drawing a deep breath before nodding.



With Sabrina’s support, I stood up, my legs feeling slightly unsteady. Together, we walked out of the room, stepping into the corridor where the ceremony awaited us. The air was thick with anticipation, and every step felt like a journey into the unknown.




As we descended the stairs, the sounds of the gathering grew louder. I gazed at faces I haven't seen before, the entire pack had assembled to witness this significant moment and it warmed my heart.




The ceremony was set in the grand hall, decorated with flowers and adorned beautifully.




We reached the entrance, and I paused, taking in the sight before me. Raul stood at the front, looking regal in his formal attire. His eyes met mine, and a smile spread across his face, his expression a mix of pride and adoration.




Sabrina gave my hand a reassuring squeeze before stepping aside. I took a deep breath and walked forward, each step bringing me closer to Raul and my new role as Luna.




As I reached Raul, he extended his hand, and I took it, feeling the warmth and strength in his grip. He leaned in slightly, his voice soft and private despite the crowd around us.




"You look absolutely breathtaking, Marissa," he whispered, his eyes shining with emotion.
"Thank you, Raul," I replied, my voice steady despite the fluttering in my chest



Elder Santos, standing nearby, began the ceremony with a solemn invocation. "We gather here to witness the union of our Alpha, Raul, and his chosen Luna, Marissa. This is a day of great significance, a day that will strengthen our pack and our bonds."




Raul and I turned to face the gathered pack as Elder Santos continued, "Raul, do you pledge to lead with honor, to protect Marissa with strength, and to serve with wisdom?”




"I do," Raul answered immediately, his voice firm and resolute.




"Marissa, do you pledge to stand by Raul, to support him, and to lead our pack with wisdom and love?" Elder Santos asked. I stood a bit hesitant but the genuine smile on Raul's face gave me courage.




"I do," I replied, my voice clear and confident.




Elder Santos nodded and stepped forward with a ceremonial necklace. He placed it around Raul's neck, the ancient symbol of the Alpha, and then handed a matching bracelet to Raul, who gently slipped it onto my wrist.





"With these tokens, we recognize your authority and commitment to our pack," Elder Santos declared. "May your union bring strength and prosperity to us all."




Raul then turned to me, his eyes locked on mine. "Marissa, I vow to stand by you, to protect you, and to love you with all my heart. You are my Luna, and together, we will lead this pack."




A surge of emotion welled up inside me. "Raul, I vow to support you, to share in your burdens, and to lead this pack with wisdom and love. Together, we will face any challenge and overcome any obstacle.”




With that, Raul leaned in and kissed me, a soft and tender kiss that sealed our vows. The crowd erupted into cheers and howls, their approval and support echoing through the hall.




Elder Santos stepped forward again, his eyes reflecting the seriousness of the moment. The crowd became silent as he cleared his throat to speak.




“To seal this bond completely, you must mark each other," he announced, his voice resonating through the hall.




I felt a momentary hesitation as realization hit me. This was an intimate act, one that signified the deep connection and commitment between us.




Sensing my unease, Raul leaned in and whispered, "Hey, If you're not comfortable doing it in front of people, we can skip it.”




I looked into his eyes, seeing the concern and understanding there. I sighed loudly and I knew this was an important step, one that I wanted to take. I nodded, giving him a small, reassuring smile.




Raul's smile broadened as he took my hand in his, the warmth and strength of his grip giving me confidence. He gently tilted my head, exposing my neck.




I mirrored his actions, tilting his head to the perfect angle. The moment was charged with emotion as we both sank our teeth into each other's flesh, marking each other as mates. The crowd again erupted in howls of joy, their approval echoing around us.




"You have a beautiful mark," Raul complimented, his voice soft and filled with admiration. He carefully cleaned the wound with his thumb, his touch tender and loving.




"Of course, it is beautiful. It was given to me by you," I replied, smiling at him. Sabrina came forward with a mirror, and I took it from her, mumbling a thank you.




"It's beautiful," I mumbled to myself, admiring the mark on my neck. It was a symbol of our bond, a sign of our love and commitment.



"Come on, let me introduce you to everyone," Raul said, pulling me gently with him.




We began to walk from table to table, greeting pack members and allies. It was exhausting, but the warm reception from everyone made it worthwhile.




At one table, Raul began discussing pack business with an Alpha, while his Luna looked at me with a cold, snobbish expression. I felt a pang of discomfort and gently tapped Raul.




"I want to go get a drink, my throat is dry. I'll be back," I whispered to him.



"Do you want me to come with you?" he asked, concern evident in his eyes.



"No, I'll be fine. Just continue with your discussion," I said, smiling to reassure him. He nodded, and I walked away, grateful for a moment of respite.




I reached the refreshment table and poured myself a drink, gulping it down to soothe my parched throat. I found a nearby chair and sat down, massaging my aching ankle. The relief was immediate, and I allowed myself to relax for a moment.



"Luna Marissa," a voice called from behind me, laced with mockery. Startled, I turned to face the speaker and saw Derrick standing there, his expression a mix of anger and hurt.



"Derrick," I said, my voice steady despite the tension in the air. "What are you doing here?”