Unveiling and Preparation

Addy

Myra stands on the stage, radiant with Tate by her side. My nerves are on edge as our moment to step into the spotlight draws near. What will the pack’s reaction be when they learn my true identity? What will my life become after this revelation? Will they accept me or reject me, making my life even more difficult?

“Good afternoon, everyone. I’m thrilled to see so many of you here to share this beautiful day. I’ve noticed many new pairings while mingling with you all. This gathering has been a joyous occasion for many of us, myself included. I’d like to introduce you to my mate, Alpha Tate of the Red River Pack,” she says, her smile wide and genuine.

A few gasps echo around the room, but I start clapping for them. Soon, the entire room joins in, erupting into a loud applause filled with cheers and congratulations. Sherman steps onto the stage, enveloping Myra in a warm hug. Seeing her so happy, knowing she’s found an Alpha to be her mate, fills me with joy. I no longer have to feel guilty; I was worried she’d be heartbroken if she ended up with a Beta while I became a Luna. She’s prepared for this her entire life, hoping to be a Luna, and now she is.

Sherman scans the crowd, his gaze landing on us. He gives Drake a subtle nod. My heart rate spikes as he leads me towards the stage. I’ve been dreading this moment since yesterday. This pack has despised me for years, and they’re about to find out I’m their future leader. He ascends the stage, and I try to remain grounded.

“Come on, it’s our turn.” He pauses briefly.

He gently guides me onto the stage, next to Myra and Tate. I can feel the crowd’s hostile stares before their attention shifts to Drake. My gaze lands on Macie, standing in a corner with her arms crossed. I tense up as our eyes meet, and she looks between us. Gradually, her eyes widen, her arms fall to her sides, and she slumps against the wall. Damn, she’s figured it out. I don’t want her serving me any more than she wants to serve the new Luna. I can relieve her of that duty because I have no idea what she might attempt. When Drake’s father assigned her that punishment, I vowed to keep her at a distance. She’s so cunning, there’s no telling what she might do to eliminate me and take my place as Luna.

“Good afternoon, Silverleaf. I’m pleased to see my sister find her mate tonight, something she’s been hoping for these past few weeks. Not having to wait nearly a year is a blessing for her. I’m here to share some news with you all. As you know, I’ve been searching for my mate for almost a year. As my time was running out, it finally happened. I’d like to introduce you to my mate and your future Luna, Adelaide. Most of you know her as Addy from school. We found each other yesterday morning but decided to wait until this gathering to announce it. We needed to discuss some things, to ensure we were ready for this next step. As most of you know, my father will be stepping down and handing his pack over to me next month. Now that I’ve found my mate, everything is in place for our future as leaders. My laws will be the same as my father’s; if any of you need anything, my door will always be open,” he pauses, taking in the shocked expressions on everyone’s faces. “Only a female born of an Alpha or Beta can be the mate of a pack’s Alpha. No one of a lower rank can hold this high position because they lack the necessary lineage to stand beside a ruler and maintain balance and peace in his pack. Please join me in welcoming your new Luna and my mate.”

He pulls me to his side. A few people start clapping, and soon the applause grows to match the thunderous applause that greeted Myra. Macie storms out, and I shudder at the look she gave me before leaving. This won’t end well between us. Drake must have noticed too because he leans down and whispers, “Don’t worry about her. She wasn’t supposed to be here, but we’ll handle it.”

After descending the stage and mingling with everyone who came to congratulate Tate and us, Drake nods towards the door.

“We can go now. My dad’s office is just down the hall,” he says, starting to walk.

We follow him out of the room and into his father’s office. I sink into a chair, wiping the sweat from my brow. I’m relieved that part is over, but I know the worst is yet to come.

“Drake, I need to say something before we start,” I say, wringing my hands. “I don’t want Macie anywhere near me. There’s no telling what she might do, and if she ever discovers my secret, she’ll do everything in her power to expose me.”

Tate’s eyes flash with anger. “Who is this Macie you’re talking about?”

“Long story for another time,” Drake interrupts. “First, how do we manage this so she isn’t discovered?”

Tate drums his fingers on the wooden arm of his chair. “She emerges when someone is sad or in pain. This wolf doesn’t like to see anyone suffering. They’re healers; I felt it when she touched my arm. My anxiety disappeared instantly, replaced by a sense of calm. I was ready to run after finding that scent; I hid at home, trying to avoid this moment. Please don’t ask why; I can’t answer that. Now I see how foolish I was. I feel at peace now.”

‘Someone finally understands what I am. I’m eager to hear what he’s discovered,’ her tail wags in anticipation.

Tate must sense her because he turns his head. “Mystic, this is serious. She’ll be exploited until it kills her if you’re not careful. How long has it been since you were last on this planet?”

Drake raises his hand. “Wait a minute. You can sense her?”

He keeps his gaze fixed on me. “Yes. I can tell when she emerges. Not many know this, but it’s a trait from my father’s side of the family. I may not be the same as she is, but I’m very similar.”

She gets up and runs past me, examining him more closely. She bounces around in my head, causing a splitting headache. “Magic? Is that you?”

He nods, and she leaps, causing my body to lunge towards him. He catches me, hugging me tightly. Drake growls a warning, but we ignore it, holding each other tightly until I’m abruptly pulled away.

“Who the hell is Magic, and why are you hugging him like he’s your mate?” he growls.

Tate stands up. “Easy, Drake. Our wolves have a close bond. They’ve been best friends for as long as we’ve existed. When one of them is reincarnated, so is the other. They both come down to help people who need it. I’m always in an Alpha position, either by birth or by being given the role of Alpha for various reasons, while she can be in an Alpha or Beta position. It depends on who we need to be mated with. We find each other in time to become strong leaders of our respective packs. I don’t have the same abilities as hers, but I have some. She’s more powerful than I am, but when she woke up, I started sensing her. We’re here to bring balance and peace to our packs. Over time, the packs grow close, if not merge into one. If she were in a Beta relationship, that’s when they merge, but that won’t happen with ours this time.”

Myra places her hands on her hips. “How often does this happen? How long has this been going on between the two of you? Have you ever been mated?” she asks, looking at me with a hint of jealousy in her tone.

Tate chuckles, pulling her close. “No, baby. We’ve never been mated. We each get our own mate so that we can have offspring. Mystic will now remember everything since we’ve been reunited. The moon goddess erases her memory until we meet, giving her human counterpart time to bond. We’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember, since the beginning of time. When we die, there’s a long pause where we don’t come back, but my pack needs me for balance, and she’s needed for Drake. Have you encountered Phebe yet?”

We exchange a look that seems to answer his question. His eyes narrow at Drake as I fidget with my dress. Memories flood my mind as centuries of Mystic’s past rush through my head. It’s all happening so fast; I clutch my head as my body starts shaking violently. Drake is at my side in an instant, holding me close.

“Addy, love. What’s wrong? Talk to me, please. What did you do to her, Tate?” his voice is dangerously low.

He approaches, his fingers brushing my arm. “That was too much, Mystic. Too much, too soon. She’s reliving all our shared memories. They hit her all at once, overwhelming Addy. She needs to regulate her breathing; it’ll help slow everything down.”

Drake draws me into his arms, his breath steady and slow. I match my breathing to his. He inhales deeply, holding it for a moment before exhaling. As I follow his rhythm, the headache begins to fade. His hold on me is firm, keeping me close.

“We need some answers, Tate. Why did you bring up Phebe?” he asks, his gaze fixed on him.

Tate glances at Soloman, who’s seated comfortably in his chair. “Can you guide us through this journey?”

Soloman rises, his knuckles cracking as he stretches. “Of course, Alpha. It’s been a while since we embarked on something like this.”

Myra’s face registers surprise as she looks his way. “Where do you fit into this narrative?”

He taps his chest. “I’m their guardian. There was a time when Mystic was my mate, but she was taken from me when we were young. I’ll show you that part soon, but I’ve always harbored a hope for another chance at happiness with her. It hasn’t been possible because she’s always been paired with a powerful Alpha or Beta. That’s her role in life. She’s born into packs chosen by the Moon Goddess to maintain or restore peace, aiding her mate in strengthening the pack. She may appear fragile, but she’s one of the most potent beings to ever exist.”

With a smile, Soloman strides over to us. He snaps his fingers and the world around us begins to blur.