Luna's Ascension

The crowd erupted in merriment and excitement. It filled the atmosphere. It was discernible. Even though many members were missing from tonight's ceremony, those out on missions and currently patrolling providing security, the crowd was still large.

Consisting of the remaining community members after the attack.

Those present were totally captivated by their soon-to-be Luna, thrilled for their Alpha, and eager for the changes to come because of their beliefs. You can see the expressions on their faces.

Hope filled the atmosphere.

A rush of happiness ran through Aubrianne at the crowd's response, and she smiled brightly. She was almost giddy right now, which showed in her twinkling eyes.

She recalled her worries the day she arrived and wanting them to accept her, and they did.

She was relieved and overjoyed at that fact, and Zayne's heart swelled with pride for his people and his Mate. He was also quite elated that they were so welcoming to his Mate. He knew he had their blessing.

"So please, let's get started." Elder Mortimer continued, turned, and, with a flare, grabbed a thick white leather book with the words 'Luna's Ascension' inscribed in gold.

He laid it down on the lectern, opened the book, flipped through some pages, and began to read. "A Luna is a mother to her community, caring for and nurturing them to the best of her ability…A Luna must be kind at heart…A Luna must be warm and welcoming…A Luna is the backbone of her Alpha…A Luna must respect her Alpha..."

And it was so that Elder Mortimer took his time reading out all the rules and what was expected of a Luna. His eyes slid between Aubrianne and the guests.

Soon, it was time for the vows.

Aubrianne had stood there and held her head high while she listened to every rule and all that was required of her, and she felt confident in carrying out her duties.

She was not nervous or even afraid. She felt a wholeness, certainty, power, and full of strength while up on this podium, especially with the looks she received.

The looks of complete acceptance, adoration, pride, respect...Her eyes teared up.

The community was in total awe of Aubrianne, and they were confident she could uphold her vows. Just by her simple display last night at the bonfire spoke volumes to the community, which is why they eagerly and quickly warmed up to her and welcomed her with open arms.

Aubrianne felt like she was born to do this, and with her experience and knowledge of finance, she was fully capable of handling the affairs of this community and its finances.

Aubriane was more than ready to say her vows and pledge her unwavering loyalty to Alpha Zayne and his community. She was prepared to rule by his side and serve their people together.

Stepping from behind the lectern, Mortimer picked up the book and turned to face Aubrianne again. Elder Mortimer directed her to hold up her left hand and place her right on the book, a warm smile on his face.

Then his voice boomed while the crowd looked on eagerly and intently as the event unfolded. "Aubrianne Ivanov Thornton, do you agree to uphold all the rules and laws of the Ragnuff Crescent Community?"

"Yes, I do," Aubrianne answered without hesitation, her voice resolute.

"And so you shall. Aubrianne Ivanov Thornton, do you agree to be responsible when it comes to managing the affairs of our humble community?"

"Yes, I do." Again, she answered, not missing a beat, her voice sure.

Elder Mortimer read a few more vows that Aubrianne agreed to with no delays in her answers, "Finally, would you, Aubrianne Ivanov Thornton, accept the mark and claims of our dear Alpha Zayne Steele?"

Aubrianne's sparkling eyes instantly found Zayne's, "I do." She answered, gazing into his eyes while his eyes bore into her hungrily.

He was so turned on by his Mate right now, up there so sure of herself, brave and confident, all her declarations unwavering. Her strength shone through, 'Goddess, you have truly blessed me,' he thought.

He wanted to sink his canines into her neck, claiming her that instant.

"Well then, tonight, we welcome our Luna into our community, further strengthening our society. Let us extend the connections, Alpha?" Elder Mortimer gestured for Alpha Zayne Steele to step in and do the next part.

Zayne quickly obliged as he took a step forward. Mortimer moved out of the way, and Zayne took his place, then gently held Aubrianne's hands; he stared deep into her dazzling brown eyes, Aragorn coming to the surface.

"Aubrianne Ivanov Thornton, I, Alpha Zayne Steele, officially welcome you into my community and accept you as my mate and Luna."

At his words, David, who works in the kitchen, quickly stepped up, holding a tray consisting of two gold chalice-looking drinking cups that were a quarter full of something.

He held it out to Zayne and Aubrianne, and they each took one. The liquid in the gold cup was shimmering, a gorgeous purple hue emanating magnificently.

Elder Mortimer then stepped back up, facing the crowd now while his stance was full of pride, and Aubrianne and Zayne stood in front of him, facing each other.

He said, "And now we open the connection to our Luna Aubrianne Ivanov Thornton, as they drink in the essence of the blessed Moon Flower in preparation to receive the full blessings of the Divine Moon Goddess, our Mother."

Then he directed them to drink the liquid, all of it.

Zayne and Aubrianne looked at each other. They both reached for their essence, slowly brought it toward their lips, and drank it all, eyes never leaving each other.

Soon, Aubrianne's eyes changed to her wolf's because she instantly heard hundreds of voices in her mind. She faltered a bit, and Zayne reached out and steadied her.

Aubrianne focused; they were all greeting her at once, and she responded to her people through the mind link after calming them and garnering their attention.

They welcomed her and offered her congratulatory words.

Even some of the younger ones screamed out for her attention, which she gave them.

Aubrianne refused to be rude. Usually, her first instinct would be to put up her mental block, locking the voices out. Indeed, she would be tuning them out; however, at this present time, she felt it was not called for.

She tapped into the connection and strengthened her ties to the community.

And Zayne knew what she was doing, and his heart warmed; he gestured for Elder Mortimer to give them a minute. However, it seemed as if Mortimer as well was locked in there.

When Aubrianne finished her greetings and her little chatting, Zayne motioned for Elder Mortimer to continue.

"Now for the writing of the name next to Zayne's and solidifying the union of Zayne Steele and Aubrianne Ivanov Thornton as Alpha and Luna of the Ragnuff Crescent Moon Community," Elder Mortimer then pulled out another thick book.

However, this one was brown leather. Elder Mortimer opened it, flipped through the pages, and placed the book on top of the table behind them, further onto the podium.

Zayne and Aubrianne stepped up, and Aubrianne signed her name and title next to Zayne's. When completed, Elder Mortimer said a few words in their native language, and Aubrianne watched in amazement as their names disappeared into the page with a gorgeous golden hue puffing out of it.

And she felt her connection to the community intensified.

Aubrianne beamed, her heart whole, and she felt like they were her extended family. She was more than ready to be there for each one of them who needed her, even looking out for those who did not.

And more importantly, she does not think she would ever feel alone again.

Elder Mortimer stepped up again to wrap things up for them to all head out on the run as a community, but Zayne interrupted him. "Excuse me, excuse me, goodnight again to all my co.." He looked at Aubrianne, "Our community members." She smiled up at him.

"Before we head to the next step, two things: hear me out." He wagged two fingers, holding up his right hand. " Firstly, I would like to carry my Luna on my back for our community run tonight, and I hope that is okay with you all."

Aubrianne was surprised to hear of the run in their wolf form. However, Zayne had stepped in and declared she would be carried on his back. She knew what he was doing; he was protecting her true identity.

And Aubrianne swoons at her Mate's words. Knowing the hidden reason behind it.

And he did it so they would not question it or think she was too prim for a run with his community because that was far from the truth; goodness, she loved this man.

Then, suddenly, she wondered what the second thing was, and she eyed her Mate curiously as he continued, only to see him watching her like a hawk...