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Pride swells in my chest with the easy way she’s been talking with Cora and Mack. She seems at ease and there is an obvious graceful elegance about her. She’ll be the most amazing Luna this pack has ever seen, which is saying something because my mother was exceptional.
I haven’t contributed much to the conversation, but I’m more than okay with it. I want and need Serenity to be comfortable here which includes being connected to the Beta couple as well as the rest of the pack. I’m content with listening to her voice and her laughter.
“When you go shopping, please let me come with you,” Cora begs.
My mate’s laughter fills the dining hall as she nods. Cora’s squeal of delight brings a smile to my face. I had a feeling they would get along and I’m so happy that I’m right. I wish my mom and dad were here, but they’re visiting my aunt right now in another pack. They’ll be delighted to meet Serenity when they get back.
My father wanted me to have some space, knowing when Serenity’s birthday was from the day I met her all those years ago. I’m grateful he talked Mom into the trip because she can be a little overwhelming, even though she means well. Knowing what my mate went through, I’m even happier it worked out this way.
When Serenity pushes her plate away, an Omega is there, swooping it up with a big smile on her face. “I hope you enjoyed breakfast, Luna,” her voice is filled with sincerity.
“It was delicious, thank you. If you tell me where to go, I’d be happy to take my dirty plate into the kitchen,” Serenity offers.
“It’s my pleasure, Luna.” The Omega is gone, practically floating from the brief interaction with my mate, before Serenity can respond.
That’s the effect I know my Luna is going to have on the pack. We have been without our heart for far too long, but there was no way I was going to do anything other than wait for my gift from the goddess. I knew she would be worth it.
I stand up and offer Serenity my hand, which she accepts without hesitation. Her strength is something I admire about her. She hasn’t balked or shied away from me even though her past could dictate that is exactly what she should do.
“Mate loves us. She knows there is nothing to fear with us,” my wolf sounds smug as hell.
I tug Serenity to my side and clear my throat. I notice most of the pack is still in the dining hall, even if they’re done with their meal. I’m sure they’ve stayed for this moment. I can’t disappoint them.
“I will be making a more formal announcement, but since you’re all here, I see no reason to make you all suffer in your curiosity.” Many of the pack members chuckle and others look surprised. I don’t blame them; it’s been a long time since I’ve made any kind of joke. It was hard to see the silver lining while waiting for my mate when all I had was the determination to make Blood Rising a pack to be proud of. “I have brought my mate, Serenity, home. Please welcome her into the pack and show her why I have so much pride in Blood Rising.”
The wolves in the dining hall start to howl, their song filled with celebration. Serenity snuggles deeper into my side, but when I look down at her, she’s not afraid. Her cheeks are flushed pink, and her smile is so wide and full of joy that it stuns me for a moment.
I can feel the pack and their appreciation for the she-wolf at my side. A sense of rightness, one I’ve been seeking for the last eight years, settles over me. I’m glad I waited for what the goddess granted me. It will make me stronger. It will make Blood Rising stronger.
There might be a few females I need to keep an eye on, especially since it seems like Serenity hasn’t been allowed to train in a long time. I’ll work with her and make sure she can defend herself. Challenges for position aren’t common, but they are, technically, allowed. It would be stupid for a female to challenge my Luna. Not only would I kill the offending she-wolf, but there’s no way I would ever betray my mate after waiting for her for so long, no matter the outcome of the challenge.
I hope no one is stupid enough to try something, but I also know people can be blinded by their quest for power and rank. Just look at what Alpha Thomas did to my sweet mate.
I shake my head and lean down to whisper in Serenity’s ear, “I’ll give you a quick tour of the packhouse and by then it’ll be time for our meeting.”
She smiles up at me and I can’t help but kiss her soft, upturned lips. It’s over far too quickly, but the first time I get a true taste of my mate, I don’t want to do it in front of the entire pack. I need to take this slow, and I plan to, but she’s just too delectable to stop myself completely.
Her blush turns redder and it’s adorable as fuck. Her petite frame melts against my side as I walk her into the kitchen. She smiles with kindness at the Omegas working and asks them a few questions about how much they cook, their schedule, and the ordering process. I’m more than a little amazed at my precious mate.
All the Omegas are clearly smitten with Serenity by the time we walk out, my mate waving at them with enthusiasm. As I give her a quick tour, making sure she sees all the public areas of the packhouse including the game room, theater, library, and various sitting rooms, I watch her face. She’s enthralled with the building, and I can only hope she feels at home here.
I tell her about the Alpha suite being on the top floor and promise to give her a full tour of our domain later. The Beta and Gamma floor is below ours and then two floors for pack members, mostly the young, mateless wolves. The last place we go is the second floor which houses the offices for the leaders of the pack along with some conference rooms.
When we walk into my office, I try and look at it through her eyes. I haven’t changed much since my father was Alpha. I always liked the space, but maybe it’s too masculine? The sweet smile on her face makes me wonder what she’s thinking.
“Your office is right next door, little wolf,” my voice is husky, my wolf coming out to speak to her along with myself.
She turns from the pictures displayed on the wall with a surprised look on her face. “My office?”
I nod slowly. “The Luna’s office.” I point to a door. “That door connects our offices. You can change whatever you want. My Mom and Cora have been helping me with the Luna duties since I took over as Alpha and nothing has been changed in there since it was Mom’s.”
She twists her fingers together, her voice unsure, “She won’t mind?”
I scoff and close the distance between us, gripping the back of her neck and tilting her head up to look at me. It’s kind of amazing that even though she’s small she fits against me perfectly.
“No, she’ll be thrilled that you’re finally home.”
“Home,” she echoes, a dreamy smile spreads across her face which causes my wolf to growl in my head. Her eyes focus on me as she rips out my heart. “It’s been so long since I felt like I had a home, but I do feel like I’ve found it here. With you.”
