Final Steps

Ivy's POV

Our most recent night together was the best one yet. I feel so much more connected to Nathaniel, more content and alive.

But there's one last thing I'm worried about.

Nathaniel's – and my – rise to power.

Planning for our ceremony has been underway for a few weeks now and needless to say, I've been intensely stressed about it. The invites, dress code, catering, and oh, the gown. The number of gowns I have tried on is completely mind boggling. I have yet to find one that I feel suits me for accepting my new title as Luna Queen, and I'm running out of time.

I brought Tobias and Evie with me to the dress shop that Nate's mom recommended, and I feel the nerves creeping up as I glance around the racks, feeling anxious that I still won't find what I'm looking for. My eyes scan the dresses, looking for that one colour I know I want: navy.

I see Evie a rack over from me with a few dresses of her own in her arms and I glance around for Tobias, and I don't see him right away. Giving up on the current rack I'm looking at, I make my way over to Evie and she smiles at me.

"Found anything yet?" She asks and I shake my head. "Not yet, but it seems you've found some choices for yourself." She nods and chuckles. "Yeah! I think one of these might work well." I admire her excitement and move over to the next rack over.

I continue to glance through before I hear a light whistle. I turn towards the sound and see Tobias smiling at me. "Come over here, Luna." I narrow my eyes slightly in confusion, but head over to where he's standing. He tilts his head to the left and my eyes trail over in that direction and I gasp loudly.

The most perfect navy gown graces my eyes and I smile and turn and give Tobias a tight hug. He chuckles. "I thought this screamed you, so..." He trails off as I approach the gown he placed on a mannequin. It's a lose long sleeved evening dress with a v-neckline bodice. The skirt neatly flows out from the waist and is floor length and stunning. Pleated, chiffon material... I can't keep my eyes off of it.

"It's perfect. Beyond perfect." I state happily before going to find the seamstress to arrange a fitting.

- - -

Nathaniel's POV

The final step is almost here. The day I take my official title as Alpha King and rule the entire werewolf species alongside Ivy is fast approaching. I've prepared for this role my entire life, but now that it's coming to fruition, I'm nervous.

I know with Ivy by my side, we can conquer any obstacles that come our way, but I think there's always going to be that hint of doubt in the back of my mind that I may not be cut out for this.

I sigh loudly as I sit in Ivy's music room, plucking keys on her piano mindlessly as I process my feelings. I stepped away from some ceremony planning for a little break and found my way here.

"There you are." I lift and turn my head to see Ivy approaching me, a look of concern on her face.

"Are you okay?" She asks before she sits down beside me.

I nod. "Yeah, just thinking. How did dress shopping go? Did you find one?" She smiles and nods. "Yes, it's perfect. Tobias found it."

I chuckle. "He has a good way of coming through when you need him."

"That he does." Ivy pauses slightly before continuing. "Nathaniel, what's going on? You seem off."

I sigh again and place my hands in my lap, lacing my fingers together to stop me from fidgeting. "I'm nervous, baby. I just hope that I will be a good enough King to you and our species. I guess I'm just feeling the pressure."

"That normal to feel that way, it's a big transition. I feel it too." She states solemnly. She reaches over and takes one of my hands in hers and squeezes.

"Nathaniel, you are the most thoughtful, understanding, and intelligent man and Alpha. You are going to succeed as King, and I'll be beside you the entire way."

I half smile and lean in and kiss her cheek.

"Thank you, songbird. I appreciate you so much." I pause. I should get back, there's still a lot more to plan."

"Yeah, me too. It sucks we've been so busy getting this all arranged, but it's looking like it's going to be a night to remember."

I laugh. "After everything that went into it, it better be." Ivy laughs with me before we both stand and walk out hand in hand to get back to work.