Arranged

Chapter Seventy

Kristin couldn't help but feel both relieved and full of joy with how well the luna celebration had went. The first half of the event flew by in a blur, which was mostly due to Kristin's nerves up on stage.

Ryder was next to her the whole time, and that had given her enough comfort to swallow her nerves and even feel a sense of confidence.

Standing up there on stage, it really had hit her that they were the alphas of an entire pack. Although it felt like a ton of responsibility and a bit scary, she somehow felt exactly where she needed to be.

She thought back to how her parents ran her old pack, and was excited at the thought of her and Ryder working together as a team. He had shown her that he was making an effort to include her as an alpha, and she was sure the marking had something to do with that. Since it had happened, they both seemed to be more glued to each other. 

Being involved with everything had actually given her confidence in their pack having to deal with Karmin and the rogues. It was still scary knowing they were probably going to try to attack again, but seeing all the measures and protocols going into place to ensure the pack's safety gave her a sense of control over the anxiety.

Standing up there on stage, she felt a strong urge of wanting to protect her pack. She wanted to make sure their safety was so secure, they never had to worry about an attack again.

Since the whole pack was together for the celebration, Ryder and his team had first gone over a few pack announcements, including addressing the recent rogue attack and the new safety protocols following.

They were also opening up fighter and tracker training to ages 15 and up. Ryder had promised Kristin they wouldn't be anywhere close to the front lines and would be solely training until they had reached at least 18 and showed successful completion of their extensive training.

The final announcement was the one the pack was most excited for, including Ryder. He had officially introduced Kristin as their luna. The pack had cheered loudly and their smiling faces had made Kristin feel warmed with support.

Our pack, she thought proudly, glancing to Ryder next to her. He looked so good in his suit she had a hard time tearing her eyes away.

Her and Ryder were now making their rounds to all the tables and groups, saying a quick 'hi' or engaging in conversation with their community.

"We're so happy to see you're marked," gushed a group of older women they were currently talking with. They all had friendly smiles on their faces, and a few chuckled in a grandmotherly way.

Kristin smiled, although she couldn't stop from blushing. She felt Ryder's arm wrap around her waist, and glanced at the signature smirk he had on his face. She couldn't be annoyed at him though, as his appearance was really making her weak today. She truly felt their bond strengthening each day since he had marked her.

"We are so excited to have new alphas," another woman continued, "the pack already feels more united, even with everything going on."

"The pack's safety is our top priority," Ryder nodded, knowing she was referencing the recent attack.

"You've already shown us we can depend on our safety, dear," she smiled sweetly, "nothing like this has happened in years, but sometimes there needs to be sacrifices to improve our future." Kristin melted at her calling Ryder 'dear.'

"You both have gone through so much too young," her smile turned more sad and empathetic, "We want you to know you have our complete trust and support."

"Thank you," Kristin smiled, taking her hand in hers, "that means a lot, and we are so grateful for all the support you've shown us already."

After they had finished making their way to all the members, Ryder lead Kristin to a private place in one of the nearby buildings.

She felt butterflies in her stomach, excited to be alone with him for the first time since that morning.

"So," he said turning to face her, the corner of his mouth turning up, "you've officially survived the celebration."

She laughed, "it actually went so well, I'm so glad," she sighed in relief, looking up into his eyes.

He chuckled, pulling her into him and leaning his face close to hers, "you did amazing," he said, sounding proud.

His eyes were swirling with dark blue hues, making her heart skip a beat. She fought the urge to immediately connect their lips but Ryder didn't.

She fought back a moan as he gave her a deep intimate kiss, his hands tightening on her waist.

He pulled away to trail his lips down to her neck and she shuddered. Her face heated up at her reaction to him and his hot breath over her mark.

"You smell good," his voice was slightly rough, and she fought the urge to shudder again.

He pulled away and smirked down at her quietness. She felt shy and excited at the same time.

"Lose your voice?" he questioned smugly, making her roll her eyes.

"Good one," she teased, finally finding a reply and leaning back up to brush her lips against his one more time. They both breathed heavily, as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She was letting her guard down around him a lot more easily lately, knowing it was the bond growing stronger.