Unrelenting Destiny

17. Beginning of Our Forever

Luciana Faith Moore

"Astral Twilight, I would like you all to meet Luciana Moore, your Luna."

Jasper's words rang through the town hall. Luci shrank down in her seat, a wild blush on her face as the attention was drawn to her. The entire pack seemed to explode in conversation. The wolves around her gave her reassuring words of congratulations and greeting. It wasn't until an elderly she-wolf nudged her shoulder, bringing her to her feet. As she stood and made her way to the stage, taking her place by Jasper's side, the entire pack bowed their heads in respect.

"Welcome, Luna Luciana." Beta Embry smiled to her encouragingly as the pack echoed his welcome.

The pack soon dispersed, still buzzing with the information they had received. A few had stayed back to question the royalty about more details. Luckily, Luci did not have to address anything regarding Orianna or Ivan. Most who approached her were more interested in her "escape" from The Claiming, a few younger she-wolves asking for the more romantic details of her first meeting with their Alpha.

"No, I didn't know Jasper was my mate until the next day. Perhaps if I had actually gone into the clearing, I would have noticed sooner." She admitted to one, a she-wolf who had introduced herself as Maeve. Her twin brother, Fighter Maverick, had been named the new Gamma. Maeve swooned as Luci recounted when they first laid eyes on each other, rambling about how she couldn't wait to meet her own mate for the first time. Luci felt herself relax at the conversation. This was the kind of welcome she was hoping to receive from Astral Twilight from the beginning.

"Luna, we will be returning to the pack house now to address Orianna's banishment." Beta Embry informed her, distracting from her conversation. She nodded feebly, wondering if she should join them. Seeing the worry in her eyes, Embry placed a hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry. We'll make sure you don't encounter her. I imagine she wouldn't take kindly to your identity."

Luci nibbled on her bottom lip, "Actually, I think it might be a good idea for me to talk to her first."

"Are you certain?" Jasper turned to join their conversation, dismissing Maverick to take Ivan to the apartment he would be moving to.

She nodded, a bit more confident now, "If I were her, I would want a proper explanation. She is losing her mate and her home in one day. The least I can do is sate her curiosity for the woman who replaced her."

Jasper walked along with her towards the pack house, taking her hand within his. He leaned down to kiss the side of her head before murmuring, "You are no replacement, Luciana. You are my destined mate and the true Luna of this pack. This is your place."

She paused, looking up at him as they reached the entrance of the house. The setting sun blanketed their figures, casting long shadows across the front lawn. Luci lost herself in his oasis eyes, drawn to him like moths to a flame. Lifting herself onto her tippy toes, she placed a kiss on his lips, whispering, "I love you, Jasper."

"I love you, too." He smiled softly, kissing her once more. Electricity crinkled between them, their bond only strengthening as they affirmed their love for each other. His large calloused hand brushed against her neck, touching the soft skin where it met her shoulder, "And soon the entire world will know it when my mark is placed here. It will be the beginning of our forever."

Her skin goosebumped at his words, imagining the feeling of being marked by the man she loved. It took all her strength to pull away from him, remembering the task at hand, "I do believe we have a few things to do before then, Alpha."

He rolled his eyes playfully, chuckling from deep in his chest, "I had to spend the last two days away from you and you only tease me further." Luci joined in his quiet laughter before turning to open the front door. She dreaded every step that took her away from Jasper and towards Orianna - but the encouraging looks she received from the bustling Omegas who had returned to the house reassured her. The entire pack was so accepting and it fueled her confidence, finally feeling like a proper Luna. She shivered a bit as she descended the stairs to the basement. Luna Luciana, Eve mused good-naturedly, rolling onto her back and swatting playfully upwards, I like the sound of that. Feels like destiny.