Chapter 93 Luna Pack

Soare-Luna Pack

Nikolai

"Oh, my fucking Goddess," Dimitri said under his breath when we entered the gates of the palace and started walking past the gardens.

After making love in our new home and then fucking like starving rabbits, Ava and I made our way back to the Montana Pack. Without any sort of illusion or difficulties.

The piranha river was still there, sans the piranhas, with a curved stone bridge built over it to cross it. A trail was also there that lead us back to the pack through the easiest route. I suspected that the lady had something to do with this.

I had informed Dimitri that Ava and I would be going for a little trek but he was still very worried, along with the rest of my family because we had been gone for more than twenty-four hours. That's when I told them about our whereabouts and what exactly had happened on top of the mountain, including the silver-haired lady and how we put our blood over the doors and how we made an entire palace.

My brothers first thought that I was messing with them. Even Javier didn't truly believe us but he knew that the mountain was filled with strange powers and anything was possible.

After that, I had contacted my architectural company and told the wolves to be on the mountain today, we have lots of things to build. Starting with concrete roads and houses made out of cement and bricks that don't catch fire easily. No wooden house from now.

The entire day Dimitri, Max, Natalia, Javier, Ava, and I were busy planning the landscape of the pack in a way that would be easy to build, strategically superior, and aesthetically appealing. I signed contracts upon contracts with the suppliers, contracted workers, and pack members who would either like to build their own homes or would like to buy one of the houses from me at a subsidized rate.

I also contacted Mikhail and Andrei to announce the news in the Rogue pack and that anyone who wished to move was welcome. I also told them that they could choose whether they wanted to live there or here. Both of them instantly said that they wanted to come and live here, with family and that the kids were excited to meet us again too.

The next day, much to Dimitri's pleasure, we, along with a lot of curious pack members— which was most of them, hiked up the mountain to see the peak of the mountain no one had yet dared to explore and of course our palace.

The work had already started but it will take at least a couple of months to finish everything. I could feel everyone buzzing with excitement when their eyes fell on the palace which was still a couple of miles away.

"Dibs on the biggest room." Dimitri's eyes sparkled.

"The biggest room is ours." Max smacked his head and Nat snickered when Dimitri turned to glare at him.

"Your rooms are already allotted," I informed them. "Ava and I have made them and there will be no further discussions." Those two grown men argued more than teenage girls.

"It's beautiful," Nat said in awe while the rest were rendered speechless. They couldn't help but stare at the palace, mesmerized. I could also see the bewilderment in their eyes and sense that they were shocked that it wasn't freezing here. Well, it was colder than the Rogue Pack where it was warm all year round but this was the perfect temperature.

"Thank you." Ava smiled.

I took Ava's hand in mine and we climbed up the steps of the entrance before turning to look at the pack that had gathered near the entrance.

"This is a new beginning." I started, looking at my people. All of them looked up to us with love, respect, and adoration. "This isn't just a palace, this is our home. This isn't just a mountain, it's our land. This isn't just our pack, it's our family. The Rogue Pack, the Montana Pack— both of them. To celebrate this union, Ava and I have decided to rename our pack, finally making them one."

I brought Ava's hand up and kissed the back of it. "Would you like to tell them the name?"

She nodded, smiling.

"This mountain is sacred for us. It has given us the gift of home. This mountain is home to not only werewolves who worship Goddess Luna but also vampires who worship God, Sol. And in honor of this mountain and all of us, the new name of our pack is Soare-Luna Pack." Ava announced and everyone burst into excited cheers.

******

Avalyn

3 months later.

"You look ravishingly beautiful, Moya Lyubov." Nik leaned again a column and looked at me through the mirror in front of us.

I had worn ivory grown with intricate golden patterns on the top bodice that hugged my figure and the bottom puffed a little, ending in a long trail to give it more of a princess look. The dress was beautiful and so was the perfectly done makeup. Tessa helped me put on a red royal mantel with delicate white and gold handwork that went amazingly with my dress.

Grinning at him through the mirror, I turned around and walked to him. "You look extremely handsome as well." Nikolai was wearing a charcoal grey tuxedo with a more masculine version of my mantel. It went well with his tuxedo.

Tessa and a slave stepped forward with a cushion each in their hand. On them, sat the crowns that we had received in Mozog. This was the true symbol that this pack was not just for wolves but vampires as well.

Nikolai took my crown and place it on the top of my head with a soft smile. I took his crown and he bowed a little before I placed his on his head. When he straightened up, my heart thudded like the first time I had seen his beautiful face. I had thought that he was my dark prince. But he turned out to be the king who made me a queen. His queen.

The heels helped my height so I tipped my chin up and kissed him. He kissed me back softly, his thumb and forefinger holding my chin.

"What about your lipstick?" Nik rasped after I broke the kiss.

"It's smudge and stain proof." Thank you, Tessa.

A smile grew on Nik's lips and he kissed me again. "Let's go, it's time."

Nodding, I put my hand in his and we made our way to the ballroom.

Today was officially the first day of our pack. Well, not exactly the first day, but the first day after which all the pack members will start living on the mountain. The final construction work had been finished last week and for this entire week, we had been doing paperwork of the families that had shifted here.

The only reason we were able to do all of this so quickly was that every member of the pack had volunteered to help us. They saw the wonder Nik's leadership had done in Montana in such a short period and they trusted him deeply.

We had thought that there will be friction between wolves from both the pack but then that misconception flew out of the window when several wolves met their mates and realized that either one of them was not bad.

Also, Nik's promise of punishment to bullies and discriminators worked wonders.

All of them worked together and in about three months, most of the work was finished. Now, only the small details remained like decorative pieces or gardening in the backyard.

Nik and I had decided to throw our first ball together which would mark the inauguration of the Soare-Luna Pack.

The guards standing at the entrances of different hallways bowed as we walked past them. There was a buzz in the palace instead of the usual peace.

The guards standing in front of the ballroom bowed deeply before opening the door for us.

"Soare-Luna Pack, I, Beta Dimitri, announce the arrival of Alpha King Nikolai Volkov and Luna Queen Avalyn Volkov." Dimitri, who was standing on the stage next to the band announced with a wink in my direction.

The murmurs of the people stopped and the live band music changed to a softer and delicate piece as we descended the stairs. A blush rose on my cheeks at all the attention we received. I don't know if I will ever get used to it.

"Chin up, Queen." Max grinned at us when we reached the bottom of the stairs.

"I didn't want to trip in my heels over the dress and fall down the stairs." I laughed lightly. I had been watching my steps carefully.

"I told you she wasn't nervous," Nat smirked and then hugged me. "You look gorgeous."

"So do you." I grinned.

She truly did, she had worn a solid gold dress with a slit down her thigh, showing off her long toned legs.

"We have a surprise for you." Dimitri arrived with Mikhail and Andrei.

"What is it?" I asked eagerly.

"I must admit that it has been very difficult to hide it because it is humongous and enormous—"

"Shut up!" I heard a whine and my eyes widened.

All three men split to reveal Vladimir and Sofiya— a very pregnant Sofiya.

A wide grin split my face and I launched myself on her, hugging her tightly, well as tightly as I could with the belly in between us. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too." Her voice wavered and I released her to see tears in her eyes.

She waved her hands or air her eyes, "I'm sorry, these hormones are making me very emotional."

"It's fine." I smiled softly, happy that she was here, and then hugged Vladimir. "You don't visit nearly often enough."

It had been three long months since we last saw them.

"Things had been a bit difficult in Mozog." He smiled at me.

"What happened?" I hope it wasn't anything too serious. I don't want them to face issues, especially with Sofiya pregnant. Stress isn't good for the baby.

"Nothing we can't handle," he smiled. "Everything is good now, peaceful even."

"That's good." I nodded and then turned to Nik, "you knew they were coming didn't you?"

He nodded. "They came here last night."

"You should have told me earlier!" I had been too busy in the preparations to even realize they were here. I didn't even catch their scent.

"Well, they are here now. And will be staying for a week before we need to go to the VARS together." Nik told me.

"VARS? What's that?" I asked.

"Vampire's Annual Royal Summit," Nik answered. "During the meeting, all the Kingdoms meet and discuss business and new methods to establish peace in and among the Kingdoms," Nikolai replied, his jaw clenching. "And since we are the King and Queen, our attendance is mandatory." He didn't sound very happy for some reason. But I thought that it was a fantastic idea. A place where all the rulers of a race met to discuss peace...how nice!

"I'd love to attend." I smiled. "Where is it?"

"Bellehaven Isle." Sofia chimed in. "It will be my first time too."

"It's going to be a first for all of us except Vladimir," Dimitri said. "But it won't be the last."

"True," Nik nodded. "Please enjoy the party, Ava and I have people to meet."

With that, Nikolai swept me away from them and we made rounds around the ballroom, socializing with everyone present here. I met and talked to so many new people that my head was buzzing with names and information.

But I was happy to know more about my pack. It was always a pleasure to know just how much difference you had made and over how many people.

"Tired?" Nik asked me.

"Nope." Talking to our pack almost... energized me.

"Good." He smiled and then took my hand and led me to the dance floor, in the middle of the people who were already dancing.

He put his other arm around my waist and then danced with me before twirling me around myself a couple of times and then dipped me before pulling me up again and placing his lips on mine. All of this happened so fast that I hardly understood what just happened.

Everyone laughed lightly and clapped at the little show Nik performed.

A blush rose on my cheeks once again and I rested my forehead against his shoulder. He chuckled lightly. "Having fun?"

I nodded and put my arms around his neck and his arms came around my waist and we swayed lightly to the music.

"I love you, Nikolai. You have put all my nightmares to rest and turned my wildest dreams into reality." I whispered against his neck, so lightly that no one else could hear.

His hold on me tightened. "And I love you, Ava. For being everything I've ever dreamed of and more."

My heart squeezed. I had never thought that feeling so much love could fill your heart so much that it hurts. But it was the good kind of hurt. One that I didn't mind at all.

The song ended and Papa approached us.

"Can I have a dance too?" He smiled, extending his hand towards me.

"Of course."

"She is all yours."

Nik and I said together and Papa chuckled before he took Nik's place.

"Being a Queen suits you, Ava." He smiled down at me.

"Thank you." I smiled. "I wasn't sure you would agree to come to live here."

"Why wouldn't I come?" He asked.

"Because all your memories with Mama are there, it's the only thing that binds you to her," I admitted softly.

"I have those memories in my heart, Firefly." He gave me a crooked smile. "And the only one that binds me to her is you. You are half of her. How can I leave you? Again, after all these years? Especially after I've just got you back."

I only smiled at him in return. He tapped my dimple with a smile. "You look so much like Valerie. She had these same dimples."

"I miss her, Papa." It wasn't every day I admitted that. One would say that you can't miss someone you've never met. But I've never felt anyone's loss more sharply than hers.

"I miss her too, kiddo. Every day, every second. More than you can imagine." A tear flickered in his eyes before he blinked it away. "Enough of this," he forced a smile on his face, "many people want to dance with the Queen." And then he passed me on to Andrei.

A couple of days after Andrei had arrived, I had managed to get him alone and apologized to him about that day on behalf of Nik and me. I understood Nik's reasoning but I still felt guilty.

Andrei just smiled and shook his head. He said that he deserved it and would not change anything about it. He knew it was coming the second everything went wrong. It was his responsibility, those people were his responsibility and he had failed not only his Alpha and Luna but the entire pack when those men lost their lives. He had said that he had not been careful when he was chosen his phase members. All possibilities were to be considered and he had forgotten one of the biggest angles— mates of mateless wolves could be found. It was a given that in ambush-type scenarios, mated wolves were to be chosen. He said he had grown too confident of our plan and he slipped. He still felt guilty and had apologized.

Dimitri then admitted that he had gotten six lashes once too— all because he was too reckless when he was young; he still is but he knows his responsibility well now, especially after the lashes. Mikhail was very smug in admitting that he has never been punished because he was better than both of them at his job which led them to take their fight outside.

Nat and I decided to make all three of them sleep on the couch in the living room that night.

Mikhail took Andrei's place in the next dance and then Dimitri and then Max.

I also danced with acutely dressed Adrian, Finn and Lucas. I was happy they had become fast friends. Lucas's little sister Viktoria and Vanessa instantly became best friends too.

Vanessa was perched on my hip as I was moving us around the dance floor and her giggles filled my ears.

She was thoroughly enjoying the dance— the one where she didn't have to move.

"Can I borrow my mate back?" Nik approached us, placing a kiss on both of our heads.

"No!" Vanessa showed him her tongue and then giggled louder.

"Oh really?" His eyes grew mischievous and he plucked her from my arms and threw her over his shoulder. The little girl squealed and thrashed and laughed in his arms but Nik only held her tighter.

"Come." He grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the stage.

On our way, he attached Nessa to Max's back, and like the little monkey she was, she more than happily latched on.

And then Nik helped me up the stage.

A server came in and handed us two glasses.

And without a word from us, the crowd silenced and look at us eagerly.

"I have a little announcement to make first," Nik started and I turned to look at him too. I didn't know what this was about. "All of us know that there is no Rogue or Montana Pack anymore. Only Soare-Luna. The area that was called Rogue Pack will now officially be known as Silverwitch Bay. The town of Montana Pack will now be known as Alvar, in honor of the Alvarez'." He said and a smile lit up on my and Papa's face. "And our town will be known as Emporia—the home of the Royals and the capital of Soare-Luna." The entire crowd broke into thundering cheers and applause. I kissed Nik on his cheek.

"I love the names." I smiled at him.

"I hoped so." He kissed the back of my hand before he looked at the crowd again. Instinctively knowing that their King was about to speak again, the people fell silent.

"I would like to raise a toast." Nik raised his glass and we all followed. "We all know why we are here and how much this day means to us. So I will keep it short and sweet, to Soare- Luna."

"To Soare-Luna." Everyone cheered again and emptied their glasses.

After the toast, Nik and I sneaked out before more people caught us and stopped for conversation.

We both quickly made our way to the west wing. I took my heels off in the main foyer and sighed. My feet ached, I wasn't used to wearing heels at all.

"Should have told me earlier." Nik swept me off my feet and I squealed.

"You should have known it." I tipped my chin at him.

"Oh yeah?" He smirked and started walking to our bedroom with me in his arms and the heels dangling on my fingers.

"One would say you weren't attentive enough." I licked my lips. I was waiting for this all night.

"I will show you—" a cough stopped him.

Sofiya was sitting on the couch munching on food and then Vladimir entered, bringing in more food for her.

"Want some?" He offered.

"No, thanks." Nikolai placed me on my feet. We had enough food at the ball.

I walked to Sofiya and took a seat beside her. I had missed her too much.

"How much more time till she is here?" I asked her, placing my hand over her belly.

A gasp left my mouth when she kicked right in my palm. "She kicked!"

A smile spread over Sofiya's face and her hand covered mine. "One month more."

The baby kicked again and we both smiled.

"Have you picked out a name yet?" I asked.

"Nope." She shook her head, making her blond curls bounce. "Vlad and I can't settle on one name. I think we will choose one after she arrives."

"The baby is strong and I'm sure she will choose her name." I felt another kick.

"Yes," Vladimir said proudly.

"This is the first time she is kicking so much at a time," Sofiya informed me. And simultaneously I felt another kick.

We both laughed lightly at that. "I think she likes me already."

"Of course she does," Nik said and took a seat beside Sof. He extended his hand and placed it over her tummy.

The baby shifted and the shape of her belly changed with it slightly. A stronger kick was aimed towards Nik.

"Oh." Sofiya released a puff of air. "That was too strong."

"The baby is going to be a kickass kicker." Nikolai grinned.

"Arg. Enough, my belly is hurting with the kicks." She groaned and we both took out hands away so the baby won't kick more.

I saw Vladimir frown at that.

"It's getting late, we should go to bed." Nik rose and I stood up with him.

With a final goodnight, we retired to our bedroom.

"Did you fight with Sofiya?" Nik asked me after closing the door.

"No, why?" I started undressing.

"She seems off." He said and began stripping too.

"She's been... distant. But I think it was because they were busy dealing with whatever they were dealing with in Mozog." I replied. Nik groaned when realized I wasn't wearing a bra under the dress.

"She'll come around." Nik replied and pulled me in his arms, the heated look in his eyes sending a delicious shiver down my spine, "but tonight won't," and then he slammed his mouth over mine.

THE END.