19 Chapter 19 Bark
Victoria 1
Sitting across from Leo at the dinner table, I marveled at how dramatically my life had changed
in such a short time.
“You’re quiet tonight,” Leo observed, his silver eyes studying me over the rim of his wine glass. “Are you worried about tomorrow?”
I nodded, pushing my food around the plate. “I’ve never attended anything so formal before. What if I embarrass you in front of your pack?”
Leo set down his glass, his expression softening. “Victoria, you could never embarrass me. You’re my Luna.”
“A half–blood Luna,” I reminded him, voicing my deepest insecurity. “I’ve overheard the whispers, Leo. Some of your pack members aren’t happy with your choice.”
A low growl rumbled in his chest, his eyes flashing with that dangerous glint I’d come to recognize. “Any wolf who questions my choice questions me. And no one questions their Alpha.” His possessiveness both thrilled and terrified me. I’d never had anyone defend me so fiercely. “I had Rosa bring you something else to wear. That green gown stays here–it’s for my eyes only.” He changed the subject as if it were nothing. “The Hunt Festival is our most sacred
tradition. As Luna, all eyes will be on you.”
“That’s exactly what terrifies me,” I admitted.
Leo rose from his chair and moved behind me, his strong hands gently massaging my shoulders. “Trust me, little wolf. By tomorrow night, no one will dare question your position at my side.” “Now finish your dinner,” he commanded softly. “You’ll need your strength for tomorrow.”
The next morning, Rosa arrived early with what looked like an army of assistants, all carrying garment bags and beauty supplies.
“Good morning, Luna,” she greeted warmly, though I could see the tension in her eyes. “We have much to do before tonight’s festivities.”
Leo had already left at dawn for final Hunt preparations, leaving me in Rosa’s capable hands. As the oldest female in the pack, she knew every tradition and protocol by heart.
“First,” she announced, unzipping the largest garment bag, “Alpha Leo selected this for you.” She pulled out the most exquisite dress I’d ever seen–a flowing silver gown that seemed to capture moonlight itself, with delicate crystal beading that resembled stars scattered across the night sky.
My breath caught. “It’s beautiful.”
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“Only fitting for a Luna on Hunt Festival night,” Rosa replied. “Now, let’s see how it fits.”
As two assistants helped me into the gown, Rosa began what I soon realized was my official Luna etiquette lesson.
“You’ll enter on Alpha Leo’s arm, exactly three steps behind him,” she instructed.
I listened carefully, struggling to memorize every detail.
“When the dancing begins…” Rosa continued, but paused when she noticed my trembling hands. “Are you alright, Luna Victoria?”
“There’s so much to remember,” I admitted. “What if I make a mistake?”
Rosa’s expression softened. “Some traditions matter more than others. The most important thing is to stay beside Leo and follow his lead.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “And perhaps ignore any… unkind glances from certain pack members.”
of me.
So it’s true. They don’t approve of
Rosa straightened my dress collar with motherly efficiency. “Your strength will silence the doubters, Luna. Now, let’s continue with your hair.”
For the next several hours, I was primped, polished, and prepared for my debut. By late afternoon, when Leo returned to our chambers, I barely recognized the woman in the mirror- regal, elegant, adorned in silver and moonlight.
When Leo entered the room, he froze, his
room, he froze, his eyes darkening with desire as they traveled the length of my body.
“Moon goddess,” he breathed, approaching slowly. “You’re magnificent.”
cheeks flush
The pure heat in his gaze made my “Thank you. Rosa and her team worked
miracles.”
“The miracle is you,” he murmured, circling behind me. His hot breath tickled my neck as he leaned down to whisper in my ear. “Every wolf will envy me tonight.”
His teeth grazed my earlobe, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. I couldn’t suppress the small gasp that escaped my lips.
“Alpha,” Rosa’s voice interrupted from the doorway. “The ceremonial preparations await your approval.”
Leo straightened, though his hand remained possessively at the small of my back. “Of course.” As Rosa listed final details requiring his attention, I noticed her subtle warning glances toward me. When Leo stepped away to examine the ceremonial goblets she’d brought, she whispered quickly, “Remember what I told you about Gamma Carson’s mate. She’ll try to provoke you. Don’t engage”
I nodded minutely, grateful for her guidance.
“One hour until the festivities begin,” Leo announced, returning to my side. “Will you be ready,
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little wolf?”
“She will be perfect,” Rosa assured him before I could answer. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have final touches to complete.”
When Leo returned to escort me to the festival grounds, he was resplendent in a silver–gray suit that matched my gown perfectly. The colors of the Hunt Festival–silver for the moon, gray for the wolf.
“Ready, my Luna?” he asked, offering his arm.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
As we walked toward the grand hall, I rehearsed Rosa’s instructions in my mind. Three steps behind Leo during the entrance. Right hand over heart during the blessing.
“You’re overthinking,” Leo murmured. “Just follow my lead.”
“What if they don’t accept me?” I whispered.
Leo stopped abruptly, turning to face me. His expression was fierce, almost frightening in its intensity. “I will rip out the throat of any wolf who dares question your position,” he continued, his voice a dangerous growl. “Is that understood?”
I nodded, both terrified and oddly comforted by his protective ferocity.
“Good.” His expression softened slightly as he brushed his thumb across my cheek. “Now smile, little wolf. Tonight we celebrate.”
As we approached the grand entrance to the ceremonial grounds, the sounds of celebration reached us–music, laughter, the occasional playful howl. But before we could enter, a familiar voice called out from the shadows.
“Leo! A word, please.”
My blood ran cold. Enzo. My half–brother, the man who had sold me to Leo to pay his gambling debts.
Leo’s arm tightened around my waist protectively. “You’re not welcome here, Enzo.”
My half–brother stepped from the shadows, looking desperate and disheveled–a far cry from the intimidating figure I’d grown up fearing. “Please, I need to speak with you. It’s urgent.” “Whatever debt you’ve accumulated now is your problem,” Leo replied coldly. “Now leave before I have you removed.”
Enzo’s eyes darted nervously. “It’s just another small debt. I swear I’ll pay it back this time.” A bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Like you paid back the last one? By selling me?”
Enzo had the decency to look ashamed, though I suspected it was merely for show. “Victoria, please. I made a mistake. You have to forgive me.”
“I don’t have to do anything” I replied, finding courage in Leo’s protective presence.
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“The new debt collectors aren’t as patient as Leo was,” Enzo pleaded. “They’ll kill me if I don’t
pay.”
Leo’s expression remained impassive. “That sounds like a personal problem.”
“Please!” Enzo’s voice cracked. “I’m begging you. For family’s sake.”
“Family?” I echoed incredulously. “You call what you did to me something a family member would do?”
Enzo fell to his knees dramatically. “I was desperate! I’ve changed now. Please, Victoria, tell him to help me. I’ll do anything.”
A dangerous idea formed in my mind–a chance for a small measure of justice. “Anything?”
“Yes, anything!” Enzo insisted.
I exchanged a glance with Leo, who seemed to understand my intention and gave a slight nod.
“Bark,” I said quietly.
Enzo blinked. “What?”
“You heard me,” I continued, my voice stronger. “Bark like the dog you are. On all fours.”
Enzo’s face flushed with humiliation. “Victoria, please-”
“You said anything” Leo reminded him, a dangerous edge to his voice. “My Luna has made her request.”
After a moment’s hesitation, Enzo dropped to his hands and knees. The proud Alpha’s son, now groveling in the dirt. He let out a pathetic “Woof.”
“Again,” I demanded. “Louder”
“WOOF! WOOF!” Enzo barked, his face contorted with rage and humiliation.
I should have felt satisfaction, seeing my tormentor reduced to this. Instead, I felt hollow. “Get up.”
Enzo scrambled to his feet, eyes blazing with hatred. “There. Are you satisfied? Will you help me
now?”
I looked at him–really looked at him. This man had terrorized me for years, had sold me like property, and now expected mercy. In that moment, I realized something profound: forgiveness wasn’t always necessary for healing.
“No,” I said simply. “I don’t forgive you. And Leo won’t be helping you.”
