I kissed her and nuzzled the spot where I’d claimed her.
Liza was everything I’d imagined in a mate and partner. No, she was more than I ever imagined. I leaned in to kiss her again just as Mother walked into the room.
“Whoops, sorry to interrupt.” The laugh that followed told me she wasn’t sorry in the slightest. “Liza, dear, it’s time to get ready for the ceremony. I have everyone set up in the master suite.”
Liza squeezed my hand and kissed me on the cheek. “I’ll see you down there.”
I nodded.
“Diane is the best hairdresser in Texas. I told her you had some ideas you’d saved on your phone, and she said she’ll fix it however you’d like it.” Mother grabbed Liza’s hand and led her out of the office.
Sighing, I took a seat and scrolled through my phone, hoping that the stupid memes Bryce had sent me would distract me from my nerves. I chuckled at a photo of two praying mantises. They both appeared to be smiling. The male had a thought bubble above his head that saidI’m gonna get laid tonightwhile the female was thinkingI don’t have to cook dinner tonight.
After staring mindlessly at my phone for half an hour, Dad joined me in the office.
“There he is. The man of the moment.”
I stood and crossed the room, shaking his hand, then giving him a big hug and slapping his back. We stood in silence for a moment until I decided to address the elephant in the room.
“So, how does it feel knowing this is your last day as an alpha?”
To my surprise, Dad threw his head back and laughed hard. “What does it feel like? It feels like fucking peace. For the first time in a very long time, I can act like other retired men my age, drinking beer, watching football, maybe even getting in a round of golf without having to worry about the pack and a million other little problems.” He wiped his eyes and squeezed my shoulder. “I have a question foryounow. How do youfeelabout becoming a husbandandan alpha on the same day?”
I chuckled and mimicked his words. “It feels like peace.”
Dad followed me to my bedroom, where he sat and chatted with me while I got ready. The suit I’d chosen was very similar to what a human groom would wear, just with some extra flare, obviously. It was a deep purple suit with a blood-red shirt and bowtie that marked my new rank as alpha.
Wolves were inherently proud creatures, and that was exactly what I felt as I put on the suit and caught my reflection in the mirror. Dad stood behind me. I smirked at him, and he nodded in approval.
“It looks like you’re ready to go, son. Let’s get this show on the road. It’s time to make you the alpha.”
Time had been a strange concept today with each minute passing both agonizingly slowly but with rapid acceleration. And now it was finally time.
I took a deep breath and rehearsed the different elements of the custom in my head.
First, I would walk out, and my father would give a speech.
Then the ritual of passing the alpha powers onto me would begin.
Then Liza would come out and our mating ceremony would begin. We’d share our vows in front of the pack.
I stood at the door and peered out over the hundreds of pack members in attendance. This was an opportunity for them to dress up while showing their respect for the retiring alpha and future alpha of their pack.
The men were dressed in their finest suits, and the women all adorned in their couture gowns, their wrists and necks dripping with diamonds as they subtly tried to outdo each other.
This wasn’t like an annual event—the Oscars, for example—where people became complacent. An alpha passing his power to his son was the event of a lifetime, and none of them would’ve missed it for the world.
My heart pounded as the moon cleared from the clouds, signaling the beginning of the ceremony. Dad couldn’t pass the alpha powers to me without the energy from the full moon bathing us in its light.
I watched as Dad, in the red ceremonial robes of the alpha and crown on his head, took his place front and center at the altar. He gave a subtle nod in my direction—my cue to walk down the center aisle.
I took my time, enjoying the moment, letting everyone see me.
The static charge of power in the air felt different from anything I’d experienced before. I straightened my spine and pulled myself up taller, chest puffed outward, and walked confidently toward Dad.
The guests turned in their seats to get a better look at me. Some whispered to their partners, who nodded in agreement. No one could argue that I looked damn good, but what they didn’t know was that I felt even better.
Just a few short months ago, I’d thought I’d never find my mate and fulfill my destiny of alpha. All the years of hints and comments from well-meaning pack members suggesting I settle and choose a mate of convenience so I could take the alpha powers were behind me now. I was glad I’d waited for fate to bring Liza into my life.
