The Kindest

At that moment, Aubrianne was supposed to be happy. The man she loved was about to claim her, make her his Luna, then mate and mark her, making her his, and she was about to do the same, claiming the man her heart beats for.

The man that consumed her thoughts, the same man that made her come alive and her world tremble, the same man that she adored and admired, and yet here she sat while being prepped and pampered, feeling melancholy.

Aubrianne still had not gotten on to Jada, she had no way of doing so throughout the day, not even during her breaks for breakfast and lunch. Which meant Jada was not there for her big moment. Not even via video call.

As she stared at herself in the mirror, sitting on the chair while the hair stylist fussed over her, Aubrianne wondered if her dad would make it.

Aubrianne called him yesterday, told him she was going through with the Luna ceremony and that she would be marked by her mate.

And after a long pause, she asked him to be there for her. He sounded so disappointed that she did not know if he would come. She had held out hope that he was coming to terms with the idea of Zayne being her mate when he kept his word and sent the plane as promised.

But he was distant on the phone call after she’d mentioned the details, so there was that, and she had not seen any of her people, not even Shawn, her protector, always coming to her aid.

Where was he? Yes, he is not allowed to be there while she goes through her different stages of preparation.

Aubrianne felt so alone. She had not seen Zayne all day. He was still in his section, and she was in hers.

This last room was like a bedroom for her to get ready, and there were dresses selected, or should she say straps of material? Aubrianne's eyes widened. This looked like one of her ‘pieces’ back in the day.

There was also an area for hair and makeup, and they were greeted by the actual hairstylist and makeup artist upon entry.

At this stage, Mia and Josie waited to assist with the final appearance. While Cynthia smiled, as she had been doing all day.

Nevertheless, in moments like these, big moments in her life, Aubrianne always thinks of her mother and desperately wishes she was there. Always wondering if her mother would be proud and what she would say in that situation.

'You would love him, Mom.’ The words filtered through her mind. ‘He is the kindest and sweetest man I know. And he loves me, Mom... He loves me intensely. I see it in his eyes. There is no denying it.

'Because I don’t need to look in depth to notice. It is right on the surface for all to see… Oh, Mom, you should see the way he looks at me...I am sure it is the same way dad looked at you.' A small smile threatened the corner of her lips.

Aubrianne’s eyes were now closed as she conversed. However, she did not want to make any faces, as obviously she was not talking to anyone there or even paying attention to her surroundings.

She was in her mind.

'He is perfect for me, Mom, especially because I am the white wolf... I still wonder if you already knew, given the lengths you went to hide me. And keeping me oblivious.'

'But I am safe with Zayne. I know it… He would keep me safe. He would never use me for his own selfish gains, sell me to the highest bidder, or lock me in a room to only satisfy his needs because he is blinded by my alluring scent and mysterious appeal!'

'I know from the bottom of my heart that he won't, Mom... And for the life of me, I cannot understand why Father can't see him the way I do… Zayne would die for me, although I won't let him. I need him, Mom. I need him alive... with me.'

'And I am scared. We are being hunted, and I don't think I could bear to lose him. And as for Dad, I wish he could let go of the past and see Zayne for who he is and not his father.’

Aubrianne took solace in her one-sided conversation, and her spirits lifted. Because, while talking to her mother, she was reminded of her amazing mate. She could do this. She was ready, her mate was more than ready, and her soon-to-be people were over-ready.

There is no need to postpone this for someone who may never show, and as for Jada, Aubrianne knew she would understand. Even though Aubrianne was stewing that Jada would not turn her d@mn phone on.

And she could not even attempt to call her now. She was still in this no-phone zone. No distractions.

From this room, she would be taken to the field, where a section was set up for the ceremony.

Rows and rows of white chairs decorated with tendrils of purple flowers line either side of the aisle, and there is a podium when you make it down the aisle.

Aubrianne would be entering from the side, back entrance, and Zayne from the other. They would meet in the center, and that is where the two of them would start their journey together in all things moving forward, including walking down the aisle hand in hand and making it to the altar together as a union.

Nevertheless, all too soon for her liking, Aubrianne stood where she was supposed to enter to make her way to meet Zayne.

Elder Cynthia, Mia, and Josie had also gotten ready and were off to the side after they fussed over Aubrianne some more.

Aubrianne can feel the buzz in the atmosphere and the anticipation and excitement in the air. The community members were already seated and patiently waiting for their Alpha and soon-to-be Luna to start their journey.

She fidgeted nervously.

They had the perfect weather with no dark clouds, and Aubrianne could feel a light breeze on her face as it blew. The sky was at its brightest tonight as the full moon radiated brilliantly and the billions of tiny stars scattered about twinkled magnificently, lighting up the sky and adding to its appeal.

Aubrianne needed a moment as she gazed up at the full moon. Standing there in her light blue dress, which had light blue string material draped across her bust area, a string ran around her neck.

Paired with a light blue sheer thong and more of the string material wrapped around her waist and fell across her hips, singular strings ran from the top to the bottom in the back and front, but with a draped effect.

Aubrianne stood barefoot as she slipped off her slippers. Her luscious and gorgeous brown hair flowed behind her and in front of her shoulders. Her face was adorned with light, ethereal make-up, and her brown eyes were bright and mesmerizingly beautiful as they twinkled when they landed on her mate.

He was gorgeous; her breath caught in her throat. He was so hot and rugged. HERS. Her mate! Her heart pumped in elation while possessiveness found its way in, and she was ready.

Zayne stood at his side to enter, watching her intently. She took a step toward him, and he took a step toward her.

Alpha Zayne Steele's day was a nightmare. Though there were perks in between, some techniques were just downright intrusive.

He does not think he could go through such invasive procedures again. Besides, there is no other Luna for him other than Aubrianne.

To Alpha Zayne, there was no replacing her. No one can.

Nevertheless, he protested. However, Elder Marcus had told him Aubrianne was a trooper and asked why he acted like such a girl. He was lucky that Zayne was in the best mood of his life.

Zayne was happy to hear that Aubrianne was handling everything well. Last night, Aubrianne made him so happy when she agreed to do the ceremony the traditional way.

It meant the world to him and his people.

On this day, Zayne could not help but think of his mother, especially with what he really had in mind for tonight. He wished she could have seen him now, and he believed she would have loved Aubrianne.

As for his dad, Zayne did not trust his father with Aubrianne's true identity, so that detail was still unknown to Zachary, but he was happy his father was here to witness him claim his Luna.

And he had Mekhi. Zayne had felt it deeply for Mekhi. He cannot imagine what Mekhi must be going through, because the thought of him and Aubrianne in that situation has traumatized him.

Just the thought of it.