My Destined

Chapter 13

Adriel

How will today go? I have been thinking about our introduction event all day; I will finally introduce my mate and Luna to the whole pack. For some reason, I felt nervous even though I had talked to the pack with no problem before. Should I have tried to get to know Leia more before today?

I finally finished getting dressed for the pack meeting and looked at myself in the mirror. I wore a burgundy button-up shirt, leaving the top two buttons undone, black slacks, and a pair of black shoes. Good enough. I nodded in approval before heading to the living room to meet with Leia.

Leia's back was turned as I entered the kitchen, and whatever perfume she had used made her smell delicious. I cleared my throat to get her attention and pushed down the urge to hold onto her and not let go.

"You look beautiful." I gave her a half smile as I walked closer to her while she turned toward me. Leia is dressed in a black halter dress with red and purple paint-like flowers that end just above her knees and a pair of black velvet strappy heels. She wore a necklace I've noticed as an accessory she keeps daily. Is there any meaning behind it?

"Thank you. You look good, too, Adriel." She smiled brightly at me, which gave me a strange feeling as my chest tingled under my tattoo. "Go to our mate!" Nero was restless, desperately wanting to connect with our mate.

"Nervous?" Leia nodded her head in response. "Don't worry, Cleo, Selene, and I will be up there with you." I grabbed her hand firmly as I guided her outside the front door.

We walked together silently, holding hands as we made our way to the central area. Most of the pack members stood around waiting for us to arrive and for things to start. Once we were close enough, people stopped their conversations from looking at us - the Alpha and new Luna. Strings of yellow, round lights lined up the stage and the area for guests directly in front. Off to the side stood a line of tables already set with food and refreshments.

I could feel the nerves coming back slightly and sensed tension in Leia. She's probably more nervous than I am. I gently squeezed her hand, hoping to reassure her and wishing we could easily mind-link. Mind links typically work within established packs, marked mates, and amongst Alphas. Cleo, Selene, and Nico stood on the stage off to the side and smiled or waved at us as I led Leia up the small steps onto the stage.

"Attention, everyone. Thank you for meeting here today; I have some important news. And as always, I will introduce all new members to our pack." I stood before the microphone with Leia on my side, our hands still together. Any other side conversations that were going on had ceased as all focus shifted to me, and my voice boomed.

"First, I'd like to introduce my mate and your new Luna. Leia Aldrich from the Crescent Sky pack." The crowd was mostly filled with cheers and hollers as they clapped.

I turned to Leia with a slight smile before gesturing for her to take a small step toward the mic. I could feel her shaking arms and watched as she nervously pushed some dark brown hair behind her ear. The crowd quieted down once I gave them a gesture to stop, but hushed whispers could still be heard.

"Hello, everyone. It's nice to meet all of you." She cleared my throat and looked around the crowd with expectant eyes. I let go of her hand and placed it on the small of her back, hoping to help calm her down. "My name is Leia. Thank you all for welcoming me, and I hope to work with everyone soon. Please come to me if you need anything, and I will try my best to help."

The crowd cheered, and Leia took a deep breath as we both turned toward each other. I gave her a small smile and nodded as if to say, 'Good job,' making her smile brightly again. I then called Cleo to introduce Selene as her mate. Cleo was overly excited and making jokes with the crowd before pulling Selene into her and kissing her cheek. Selene's face reddened as the crowd cheered and laughed. They all seem excited to see Cleo and me finding our mates.