Chosen

34

The send off for Golden Moon was much more pleasant than the welcome. Well, honestly, it was just as tense and awkward, and the heat of the pyre seemed to scorch my back, but at least I knew Alaina wasn't going to try to make a move on my Mate.

My Mate. That's right. Mine.

After our...moment in the house, Alaina had excused herself, returning to her quarters to finish getting ready. I hadn't seen her again until we'd both been seated at the table, and we'd exchanged only quick glances since then. Rykor, too had been giving me looks all night, as we'd not had a chance to speak before the send off began. I knew he wanted to ask me what happened, but trusted me enough to wait until I brought it up first. The feel of his trust made me gooey inside.

Goodness, what doesn't this male do to reduce me to a gooey mess?

The Gathering had been successful, with seven pairings occurring between the packs. Most couples, unsurprisingly, had chosen to remain in Black Moon; Golden Moon was notoriously strict with their rules and rituals and it was rare that an outside Lycan was willing to move there. Rykor and I were introduced informally to the Lycans who wished to move to our pack, and though I'd told Rykor that, technically, he should be the one welcoming them, he'd stated that I was the Luna, whether official or not, and he needed me by his side.

Well, how could a female say no to that?

The Hurns returned to the house to change into their golden robes for the travel back to their pack. The rest of Golden Moon had returned to their lodgings to pack their belongings and wait for the cars to pick them up – it would forever be strange to me how Golden Moon refused to travel as Lycans between packs.

As I made my way into the house, I saw Alaina again.

She was standing in her golden robe, her glittering dress replaced by khaki colored slacks and a cream sweater. She looked casual, cozy, yet elegant, and every bit the Alpha female she was.

She shot me a small smile, then, with a glance towards the stairs, glided to my side. "Thank you for your kindness, and the hospitality you've shown." At my answering, tentative smile, hers grew. "I know this is going to sound...weird, but I am so glad he has you. You are the perfect female for him, and it is clear how much he loves you."

It was weird to hear my male's true Mate proclaim how happy she was to see us together, and yet a part of me felt almost relieved to have her approval. It was like an affirmation that our mating was right, even if it hadn't been destined.

Alaina took my hands in hers and brought them up in the air. Then she closed her eyes, tilting her face upwards. "Moon Goddess, bless this pairing, bless these Lycans and their chosen bond. Though it was not your plan, let it bring happiness, joy, fertility, and strength to the pack as these two Lycans celebrate their union."

I watched her for a moment as our hands hung in the air, then I too closed my eyes and sent my own silent prayer to the Moon Goddess. I didn't pray often, but I felt caught up in the moment that Alaina had given me, so I prayed to the Moon Goddess for forgiveness for defying her wishes, and for good fortune in my chosen mating. And then I prayed for Alaina.

When the moment ended, she slowly brought our hands back down. They were clasped together between us, and after a brief hesitation, I launched forward to embrace her. Her arms came around me in a tight embrace, and we didn't move until we heard the unmistakable footsteps of her parents descending the stairs. We broke apart quickly, but we'd already been seen.

Rykor stood in the doorway, staring at the both of us with a softness in his gaze. When our eyes met, he held his hand out for me and I rushed to him, curling into his side immediately. He pressed his lips to my hair, then lifted his head to look at Alaina. She gave him a watery smile, and he returned it with a slight tilt to his lips.

The Hurns left as quickly as they'd come, and then it was just Rykor and me, pressed against each other. Although we hadn't seen much of each other in the past couple of days, we didn't speak as we ascended the stairs to our room and readied for bed.

In the silence of our home, we embraced each other, and we slept.