42

Confusion.

That is what floods my senses as I look around the battle field and see no none battling, but instead the are kneeling and positioned in my direction. I look in Max's direction where I see him in shock but then content when we make eye contact. A smile or a smirk crosses his face as he kneels too.

I didn't understand this feeling that overcame me, belonging. My wolf knew her position the moment Max declared me his mate, but it took myself the human half to understand our role, position, and importance to the pack. Now that I have established this feeling my wolf and I are now stronger since my recognition. No one will dare cross a Luna queen who is keen on her responsibilities and power.

Spinning around, I see Desmond's pack kneeling. In respect, recognizing their queen, but I always feared. I have just killed their Luna, they are most likely wondering if they will follow the same fate. Or may the follow the fate of their Alpha.

I smirk at that, pure joy to see an enemies on pack kneeling down to me, cowards. Cowards, they are just like their Alpha.

Stepping over the body of Sophia I walk towards my pack. Max's head raises and he calls for something to cover my body. Once in his arms that wrap around my neck, he whispers softly.

"I thought you were going to die," he whispers.

As did I.

Pulling away, he allows me to shift back to my human body and cover myself with the robe. My body goes into shock when his hands cup my face and kisses me. It's a soft and tender kiss full of emotion. He pulls away swiftly before looking me dead in the eyes and smiles.

"I love you," he confesses.

My eyes widen and my wolf howls in approval as those same words leave my mouth as well, "I love you, too."

Did I truly have feeling for him? Do I truly love him? I didn't allow those words to leave my mouth but it was all true, I loved him. Yes, I love him. It felt weird to say it aloud, but the fear of rejection wasn't there because he confessed first.

He lets out a sigh, more of relieved sigh. His hands cup my cheeks again and pulls me in for another kiss. I could hear the pack cheering behind us, the excitement of finally having a Luna and a Queen. Not only that but the bond is almost complete but the pack's strength is complete. The pack is now stronger with a Luna.

One threat was terminated now we need to rid of the other one, Desmond. Thankfully they did not mate as they would have been harder to defeat.

"What are we going to do about them," I ask and motion to what is left of Desmond's pack.

"They have a decision to make. Join another pack, nominate a new alpha, or become rogues. It is their decision. I already have an idea of what it will be, but they have a few days to discuss their choice as a pack," Max tells. "It will be a difficult one for sure."

"Of course it will be. They are deciding the future of their pack without a clear leader."

"And that is why an Alpha will be come through. There is always a leader in decision making and they will make it known during this process. It is the fate the Moon Goddess has put into play."

We cannot deny it or run it from our destiny the Moon Goddess has chosen for us. It is set in stone from the moment we are born. It is impossible to change as she has looked at every possibilities and paths we may chose to take.

Although many do not have a strong connection with our Moon Goddess, I do. Some wolves completely disregard her and do not believe she exists or she has the power over our decisions. Which is somewhat bizarre to me, I understand where they are coming from. Yet, how can you disregard her existence when her daughter walks with us here on earth.

Today we saw how there was two paths for me to chose, allow my self to die at her hands or fight. Either way both destines were thought of and only one was going to play out, it all depended on what decision I made at that point in time.

Now it is up to this leaderless pack to decide their fates and be guided to the right one. An alpha will emerge during this period of confusion and lostness. He will guide them in the right direction in which the past Alpha as unable to do. Blinded by revenge and jealously, that is not what an alpha is. An alpha puts his pack above his own selfish needs. I am sure this alpha will. After, the new alpha will take his seat on the council and they will regain the respect the once had. I am sure of it.

"Until they have decided their path I will have a camp set up for them. I have to approve this decision and help with the relocation if they chose that option. I do not want them to leave this territory until so, so make sure they are watched," Max orders.

"Understood," Ryder responds.

Max's hand rests on the small of my back as he guides me off the battle field and back to the mansion. "I believe it is time to start making arrangements for our ceremonies," he teases.

"Agreed." I smile.

A week had passed since I killed Desmond's mate and the pack had accepted me as the Luna. Due to this unforeseen event, the Luna and marking ceremony was rushed. Obviously it was rushed as they all accepted me and were eager to make me their Luna right away. Which is what I was in the middle of being prepared for.

Unlike humans the Alpha and Luna are allowed the stay in the same room the night before. Which was what you'd expect from my mate, one annoying night. Unlike me, he was the one worried about preparation. Which is normal because I have no idea about any of their pack or royal customs.

Rising with the dawn I stretch out my body and notice Max is already gone. He most likely is getting ready and is in a different room so he didn't disturb me. Running a shower I clean myself and prepare for the long day ahead of me. Was I dreading being up for so long, yes. Yes I was. Although it is a joyous day, it's a long one.

A gorgeous dress the color of ice was laid out for me. The bodice was fitted while the rest flowed like the ocean. It had a deep V neck but was covered in mesh with intricate lace designs. This nude color mesh went up to my neck and to my shoulders. Where it stopped for the sleeves to start. They were the same color as the dress and came to a point at the cuff. I put in simple diamond stud earrings as the rest of the accessories would be added later in the ceremonies.

I left my hair in it's natural curly state and my makeup was quite simple. I didn't want too much.

The ladies helping me get ready approved of such and left after their work was done. Now I had to wait. Breakfast and lunch were brought to me as I waited in our bedroom. I don't know what Maxwell was doing as I haven't heard from him all day. Surely he is busy with final preparations, I wish I could help but with me getting ready would really be cutting on time. It's quick and easy for a King to get in his traditional garb for a wedding or ceremony.

A knock at the door catches my attention as I glide towards it. Opening it, the handsome face of my mate is smiling down at me.

"You look breathtaking, my love," Max tells and kisses my forehead.

"You don't look so bad yourself. You clean up nice," I tease.

He huffs and crosses his arms like a child. "How dare you! I am the King."

I smirk and grab at his collar. "And I am to be your Queen."

"Damn right." He smirks, "are you ready?"

I nod. "Think so."

He offers me his arm in which I accept and he guides the way to the ceremony venue. I was nervous. I could hear my heartbeat in my ears and my stomach was in knots. My eyes avert to my mate's when his hand rests on top of mine and gives a reassuring squeeze.

Opening the car door he follows in behind me and gives the address to the chauffeur. I calmed down for a little while as we drove to the destination. Maxwell was occupied by his phone with responding to emails and texts.

"Are you nervous," he asks, still looking at his phone.

"A little," I confess.

"I can feel it. It's suffocating you, isn't it?"

I nod. "Yes. I am admit I am nervous."

He shakes his head. "Don't be. I'll guide you through it. Just keep your eyes on me the entire time."

"What exactly should I expect from this?"

Turning off his phone and tucking it in an inner pocket of his jacket, he cups my hand and traces circles on my palm.

"First we will make an appearance and walk together down the isle. My father, the previous King will be waiting for us. This isn't like a human wedding. Instead we are getting "married" at the reception area as well. Guests will already be seated at their tables."

"Okay."

He continues. "My father will conduct the ceremony. The first of the ceremonies will be the marking ceremony in which I'll be up there with you. This is similar to a human ceremony as we'll have vows and what not. At the end I'll mark you first then you'll mark me. It'll hurt, I can promise you that. Just breath in through your nose and out through your mouth."

"Then what?"

"I'll leave you, you'll be in front of my father where he'll conduct the Luna and Queen coronation. I won't be far as I'll be seated on my throne. After I'll retrieve you. You'll kneel before me as I place your crown on your head. You'll proceed to your throne next to mine and that'll be it."

"And that mating ceremony?"

"Will happen in private. A moon priest and priestess will be in our bed room when we return home tonight. My parents and yours will also be accompanying them as the bless our bed room and what not."

"Will they be in attendance for when we mate?"

He shakes his head. "No. Tomorrow we will emerge and just by your scent it will confirm we mated. A big celebration will take place as the mating process has completed and a new Luna and Queen has been confirmed. That is it."

"Sounds easier said then done."

We went pretty far away from the packs capital as it felt like we drove for hours until we reached the venue.

"We are here," he tells and assist me out of the vehicle.