Chapter 149
Six weeks had passed.
I stood before the full–length mirror, barely recognizing the woman who stared back at me. My wedding dress–a stunning creation of ivory silk and delicate lace–hugged my curves before flowing gracefully to
the floor in a modest train.
The bodice was adorned with tiny crystals that caught the light with every breath I took, twinkling like stars against the fabric.
“You look absolutely breathtaking, Luna,” whispered my attendant, Cara, as she adjusted the final details of my veil.
Luna. The title still felt strange on my tongue, even after months of living among the Blackwood Pack.
Today would make it official–I would become Alexander’s mate in the eyes of every wolf in North America. The thought sent a flutter of nervous excitement through my chest, and I felt my wolf stir contentedly within me.
“Do you think he’ll like it?” I asked, smoothing my hands over the dress.
Cara laughed softly. “Alpha Alexander would think you beautiful in sackcloth. When he sees you in this… he might not even make it through the ceremony.”
I blushed, remembering the intensity of Alexander’s gaze when we’d parted last night. Pack tradition dictated we spend the night before our mating ceremony apart–a custom that had left both our wolves restless and yearning across our bond.
Through that connection, I could feel him now: a mixture of anticipation, pride, and that ever–present protective instinct that had only grown stronger since the incident with Lyra at the hospital. The past weeks had been a whirlwind of increased security, discreet investigations, and preparations for today’s
ceremony.
Despite the lingering threats, Alexander had insisted we proceed as planned. “I won’t let fear dictate our lives,” he’d said, his arms wrapped protectively around me. “But I will ensure nothing disrupts our day.
A soft knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. Lisa, another of my attendants, peeked her head in. “Ten minutes, Luna Summer,” she said with a warm smile. “The guests are seated, and the Alpha is already at the altar. He looks… well, impatient would be an understatement.”
I felt a flood of affection through our bond, as if Alexander had sensed he was the subject of our conversation. I closed my eyes briefly, sending back waves of love and reassurance.
“I’m ready,” I said, taking one final look in the mirror. The woman who gazed back was no longer the broken Omega who had fled from Foster’s abuse with her young son.
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My eyes held strength now–the confidence of a Luna, a survivor, a woman who had found her true mate
against all odds.
I only wished Felix could see me today.
The familiar pang of grief squeezed my heart, but I pushed it away. Felix would always be with me, and I
knew he would have adored Alexander.
Sometimes I imagined my son’s spirit watching over us, finally at peace.
“Your bouquet, Luna,” Cara said, handing me an arrangement of white roses and wildflowers gathered from Blackwood territory. Alexander had insisted on this personal touch–flowers from the land we
would protect together.
As I reached for the bouquet, my phone vibrated on the dressing table. I frowned, glancing at it. Most pack business was being handled by Lyra today, and anyone who needed me urgently would come directly to my preparation room.
“Probably just well–wishes,” Cara suggested, but something in my wolf’s reaction made me reach for the
device.
The screen lit up with a message from an unknown number. My blood ran cold as I read the words:
“We have Thea. Tell no one or the pup dies. Come to the old boathouse alone within the hour. Your mate bond will break today one way or another.”
My fingers trembled as I stared at the photo attached–Lyra’s baby daughter Thea, barely one month old, swaddled in her distinctive wolf–patterned blanket.
In the background was what looked like the boathouse at the edge of Blackwood territory–a structure rarely used since the pack had built the new marina closer to the main house.
“Luna? What’s wrong?” Cara asked, noticing my sudden pallor.
I quickly locked my phone, forcing my expression to remain calm while my mind raced. “Nothing.” I lied, feeling sick at the deception. “Just pre–ceremony nerves.”
I could feel Alexander’s concern pulse through our bond as he sensed my distress. I sent back reassurance, though it took every ounce of my concentration to keep my true emotions hidden from him.
They had Lyra’s baby. Alexander’s niece. An innocent pup who couldn’t possibly defend herself.
And they wanted me–alone–on what should be the happiest day of my life.
I knew immediately who “they” were. Foster and Natalia had to be behind this. The timing was too perfect, the target too precise. This was their revenge–to turn my mating day into another nightmare.
“I need a moment alone,” I said, my voice remarkably steady despite the panic clawing at my chest. “Just
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five minutes to center myself before the ceremony.”
Cara hesitated. “The Alpha was very clear about security today…”
“Five minutes,” I repeated firmly, letting just enough of my Luna authority slip into my voice. “I’ll stay right here in this room. I just need some space to breathe.”
Reluctantly, Cara and Lisa stepped outside, closing the door behind them. The moment they were gone, I moved to the window, assessing my options. The ceremony was scheduled to begin in minutes. The entire North American werewolf elite waited in the great hall. My mate stood at the altar, eager for our
union.
And a helpless baby’s life hung in the balance.
I knew what Alexander would say–that we could save Thea together, that walking into an obvious trap alone was foolish. But I also knew Foster. If I didn’t come alone, if I alerted anyone, he wouldn’t hesitate to harm an innocent child to punish me.
My fingers moved swiftly over my phone as I texted Lyra: “Is Thea with you?” I needed to confirm the abduction before I acted.
Her response came seconds later: “No, she’s with her nanny in the nursery. Why?”
My heart sank. So it was true.
I slipped off my heels and moved to the chest where my regular clothes were stored. With practiced movements, I changed into jeans and a sweater, keeping my movements silent. The dress would draw too much attention, make escape impossible.
Through our bond, I could feel Alexander’s growing concern. The ceremony should have started by now. Soon, he would come looking for me.
I closed my eyes, focusing on projecting calm through our connection. Just enough to buy me time. Then I took a deep breath and opened the window that faced away from the main ceremony area. The ground was only one story below–an easy jump for a wolf, even one in human form.
“I’m sorry, Alexander,” I whispered, knowing he couldn’t hear me. “I can’t let another child die because of
me.”
I slipped through the window and dropped silently to the ground, my wolf instincts guiding my movements. Then I ran toward the old boathouse, praying I wasn’t making the worst mistake of my life.
But what choice did I have? I’d already lost Felix. I couldn’t bear responsibility for another child’s suffering.
Even if it meant walking straight into the jaws of the wolves who had destroyed my life once before.
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