Chapter 19

Taking everything I need into the spare bedroom down the hall, I hoped that the ceremony wouldn't be long. I don't like having attention on me.

A knock on the door got my attention.

"Come," I said.

Ashley came bounding in, looking very well-dressed. She bought a beautiful mint colored dress, coming to just above her knees, with small straps, and a V-neck. I was in awe of my best friend; my brother was a lucky wolf. "Hey, Dak!" she beame, hugging me tightly.

"Ash." Hugging my friend back, she was squeezing the life out of me.

Separating, she put down a ton of make-up, a curling iron, and come pins. Rubbing my temples, I already don't want to do this. Granted, this was necessary, but it seems like a lot of work for a couple hours.

"Come sit here." She patted the chair by the vanity. Cracking her knuckles, she was ready to make me into the best Luna I could be.

Opening her palettes, I cringed at the thought of having all this make-up on my face. Damn all the damn formalities. Rather than bitch about it, I stayed still and allowed Ashley to make me over. It's been so long since we did this sort of thing. Ashley used make-up; still don't know why. She's a beautiful girl, one of the many reasons that Devon is so in love with her. Other than the fact that they are mates. From the time we were young, Devon always had a thing for her. It was coincidental that she was my best friend.

"Alright, all done," she said, finishing up my mascara. "Time for hair." The smile that came across her face instilled some fear in me. "When I'm done with you, Dak, no one will be able to look away."

The heat from the curling iron made me uncomfortable. Please don't burn me, Ash. Another ten minutes went by before she turned me to face the mirror. I was in awe of how I looked. Tears threatened to escape. "Oh my goddess."

"You hate it?" she asked, slumping her shoulders.

"No, Ash! I love it!" Jumping up, I pulled her into a hug. "You're the best."

Another knock pulled us from our moment. "Dakota, it's time to go down." The voice belonged to Anthony.

Ashley stepped out, and bounded down the stairs. Anthony came forward, looking good. No wonder his son is good-looking. He gave me a soft smile. "Are you ready?"

Butterflies started in my stomach, and I started to feel queasy. "I'm nervous." I let out a nervous chuckle.

Offering me the crook of his arm, I took it. "Don't worry. You'll do beautifully." His reassuring words made me smile, and he patted my hand.

Chatter came from outside which was silenced when Anthony and I stepped out. Jaws dropped. Looking to my parents, my mother was crying, and my father swelled his chest in pride. Devon was nodding his head at me. Further up, Jason was standing on the stage with his mother. Damn, he looked good. He was wearing dark jeans, a white button down with the top two buttons undone.

Walking up the stairs, I had to stop myself from drooling gazing at my handsome mate. Holding his hand out, I took it. Anthony took his place next to his wife.

"Members of the Black Forest Pack, and Moon Goddess Pack," his voice boomed, "we are gathered here to celebrate my mate, and our New Luna, Dakota Mayfield." All the wolves howled in response. "In the short time that we have been together, she has made an impact on myself, and the members of this pack. Now she is here to officially take her place at my side." Howls resounded through all the wolves, my brothers included.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jason reach into his pocket, pulling out a small box. Oh my, goddess. Getting down on one knee, I gasped at him. "Dakota Mayfield, would you do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Jason Morgan? I promise to honor, and love you all the days of my life until my death. I promise to make you the happiest woman on Earth, give you as many pups as you want--"

"Jason, stop." I abruptly stopped him, I couldn't contain my emotions anymore. "Yes, yes, I will marry you."

Tears filled his eyes as he slid the ring onto my finger. Bringing it up, tears fell. It was the most gorgeous solitaire diamond I had ever seen. Jason stood up, bringing his lips to mine in a sweet, passionate kiss.

Every wolf howled in happiness seeing their Alpha with his mate.

Turning to Diedre, and Anthony, I smiled. Diedre cried seeing how happy her son was, and Anthony remained stoic, but he was ecstatic to see the two of us together. "Thank you both for accepting me."

Diedre cupped my cheek, "Oh sweetheart, you are most welcome. We are so happy to have you here with us. I don't think I've ever seen Jason this happy before." Embracing me, I felt like I gained another mother at the same time. "Don't take too long in giving me grandpups."

"Good lord, Diedre. Give the girl some time; they just got engaged." Moving toward me, Anthony wrapped me in a warm hug. "I know you'll do great things as a Luna."

"Thank you."

"Dakota!" a voice from the crowd came.

"Mom!"

Going down into the crowd, she embraced me. "I'm so proud of how far you've come."

"Not bad, kiddo," Devon said, from behind me.

Turning to face my brother, I could see that he was hiding his emotions, as usual. Ashley smacked his arm. "Ouch," he faked cried.

"Say something nice to her, you ridiculous wolf!"

Rubbing the back of his neck nervously, it was strange for me to see my brother like this. There was never a time that he didn't have something to say. "I'm proud of you too, Dak. You have a good mate, and a good wolf at your side." Ashley was tapping her foot. "Alright, woman, relax." I giggled at the two of them. "I love you, sis. You're the best little sister I could have asked for."

Laughing at my brother, it always made me laugh when Ashley could get him to do things. She was a big part of why Devon, and I even still spoke to each other. There were times I wished that he wasn't my brother, but not today. Putting my arms around his neck, I hugged my brother lovingly. "I love you too, Dev."

"Luna! Luna!" some of the pack children came running up to me.

Looking down, there was a very cute, blonde hair girl with blue eyes and a green dress before me. Next to her was a little brown haired boy with brown eyes, wearing jeans, and a red polo. Kneeling down, their faces lit up. "Luna, will you sit with us?"

"Of course," I answered. They held out their little hands for me to take. "What are your names?"

The boy answered for both of them. "I'm Landon, and that's my twin sister, Layla."

"There you two are," a woman's voice sounded; it was Tamara. "Oh, Luna. I'm so sorry."

"Are they yours?" I knew she was Sadie, and Andrew's mother, but she never mentioned anything about young children.

"Oh, no. I took them in after their parents were killed in a rogue attack a couple years ago. They were new pack members, not familiar with our borders. The kids came up crying, and bloody. My husband and I petitioned to take care of them. Andrew has been wonderful with them. Sadie, well," she paused, "she wasn't as thrilled." Thinking about it, Tamara never mentioned her husband.

"Is your husband here?" I asked.

Dropping her head, she shook her head. "N-no. He was a warrior, still serving under Alpha Jason. He was killed by vampires a year after we took them in." My heart broke when she said that. It must have taken every ounce of her being not to succumb to death herself. When a wolf loses their mate, it's said the pain is unbearable. Like ripping out your heart. "These two keep me going."

Leaning down, I cupped a cheek each of theirs. "Why don't you guys stay with your Mom? I'll come and see you in a bit." They shook their heads at me, taking their mothers hands. Tamara gave me a sympathetic look, and I smiled at her.

A light growl startled me from behind. "Jason, really?"

"You were bent over. I couldn't help myself." Taking me into his arms, he kissed my forehead. "You were good with them. I remember when they came crying onto our land; Tamara's heart broke. We never found the rogues that killed their parents, but we've been taking care of them ever since they appeared on our land."  Sighing, I leaned my head onto Jason's chest. "Are you alright?"

"I'm sad. For children to lose their parents so young, it's heartbreaking." Watching them from across the way made me smile though. "They seem happy, and well-adjusted, though."

A sudden caught my attention. It smelled of honeysuckle, and oranges. Peeking around Jason, there was Sadie. Moving protectively in front of Jason, I let out a small growl. "What do you want?"

"To apologize," she simply said.

Confused, I cocked my head at her. "Is this some kind of game you're playing? If it is, don't bother."

"I promise you, it's not," another male voice rang. It was Andrew. "I had a long talk with Sadie.  I promise you that she will not interfere ever again."

Andrew gave her a pointed glare, and immediately, she bowed at my feet in respect. "I deeply apologize for my actions, Luna. They were selfish, and foolish. Please accept my deepest regret."

Jason let out a rumble, but I put my hand up to stop him. "I accept your apology." She rose to her feet. "But know this, if you cross me, even once, look at me in a way that I don't like, do not think for one moment that I won't hesitate to banish you from this pack. Am I understood?" My Luna tone was forceful; I could sense Jason's satisfaction towards my words.

"Understood," she replied, at almost a squeak.

Despite Andrew being her brother, he sent me a prideful look. Sadie took off towards the alcohol. Andrew stood next to me. "Thank you," he whispered.

"What for?"

"Making her fall in line." Peering down at me, he had a serious look on his face. "She's always been a wildcard. When she started sleeping with Jason, I was angry with her. Not that I don't love my sister, but she never wanted to follow the rules. You're here now. There is no way she can contend with your power, being the daughter of an Alpha, and now mated to one. I'm proud to have you as my Luna."

Bowing in respect, I lifted his chin with a finger. "I know you'll serve us well. You're a good man, and a good wolf. You have my respect, Andrew." Standing straight up, I gave him a small kiss on his cheek.

A guttural growl came from across the way. 'Take it easy, Jason. He was just giving me his allegiance, and respect.'

'Doesn't mean you have to kiss him,' he retorted with a growl.

'I only have eyes for you, Alpha.' I winked at him, and as I turned, I gave him a slight shake of my rump.

The party progressed, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. People were laughing, drinking, and dancing. It made me happy to see my pack, and my former pack getting along so well. Devon, and Ashley were loving on each other. Ronnie had fallen asleep on a lounge chair. Brian and Alexander were with their mates. Willie and Andrew we sniffing around unmated females, looking at them with lust in their eyes. Jason linked them to behave themselves; it looked like they were struggling to follow their Alpha's orders.

I'm not sure how much time went by before people started to file out. Most went back to their respective homes, or to the pack houses. My mom managed to wake up Ronnie, and he sleepily stumbled inside. Tamara left carrying Layla; while Sadie had Landon.

Jason patted his lap for me, and I curled up. "Have a good time?"

"It was fun. Everything went beautifully." Crawling off his lap, I yawn deeply. "I'm ready for bed."

Jason winked, walking towards me. His steps stopped, and his eyes widened as he looked over my head. "Jason?"

His lip curled in a snarl, "Vampire," he growled.

Turning, Trevor was standing there with another younger looking vampire. His clothes were torn, and his skin was red and swollen. "Trevor," I whispered.

Flitting towards me, Jason took a protective stance. "Stay back!" he roared.

"Jason, that's my brother. Please don't hurt him." Looking back at my brother, he seemed distressed. "What's going on?"

"We have a serious problem."

A loud gasp caught my attention. "Trevor!" my mother's voice held surprise, and her eyes were wide with tears. Just then, my father fell in behind her, with the same look of shock.

"It's time to tell them," Trevor said.