#5 When the New Moon Falls

Austyn

Honestly, I was surprised at myself for how I handled Sylvia. At first, I was overwhelmed with her accusations. Then, I felt Leo’s rage and pain, and the only thing I wanted to do was end it. I knew that, despite what Frank had put her through, he was still her mate and they still completed the bond. I didn’t even want to imagine what losing my mate would feel like.

Leo and I were spending some quiet time together in our room while I waited for Emma, Amber, and Mallory to return to help me get ready.

“I’m so proud of how you handled that, baby. You didn’t need to be so kind.” Leo sighed from where we were cuddling in bed.

“She’s your mom, of course I needed to be kind to her.” I said into his chest.

“But, the things she was saying to you….” I felt his rage start to bubble up again in his chest,

“Shhh, it’s okay.” I shushed him and squeezed his hand.

“I’m so lucky to have you.” He said for the hundredth time. I laughed at him but said nothing.

At four, the girls returned to our room and kicked Leo out. He pouted but complied, saying it was bad luck to see me before the ceremony in my dress anyway. The girls hurried me into the bathroom for another shower. While still in my towel, I sat in front of the vanity so Emma could get to work on my hair.

Emma curled my hair and laid it gently over my shoulders. She took the pieces that dangled in my face and pulled them back in delicate braids. She said they would be perfect for holding my Luna crown. Amber lightly did my make up, applying a thin layer of blush and mascara, and painting my lips. Then, it was time for my dress.

I went into the closet and let them help me into the gown. It was similar to my evening dress, but so much more elaborate.

It was more like a ball gown in a deep red color that matched my lipstick. It had a deep V in the front that was outlined in little crystals. The crystals continued through the bodice and around my waist. They sprinkled down the full skirt. The back was much more modest. The dress was off the shoulder and long sleeved just like my evening gown. The sleeves came down to my wrists and then fanned out, leaving a small piece of fabric going up my hand and around my middle finger.

Emma instructed me to hold out my feet, one at a time, and she stuffed them in a pair of short, red heels. I admired myself in the mirror. I’ll admit, I felt as beautiful today as I did in front of Leo during our photoshoot. Emma, Amber, and Mallory ooh and ahhed at my reflection, picking at and fluffing different parts of my dress to make sure that it was perfect.

“You look absolutely beautiful, Luna.” Mallory gasped. Emma looked close to tears,

“Perfection.” She said in a breathy tone.

“Thank you for letting me be a part of today, Austyn.” Amber smiled, taking my hand.

“I’m glad that you’re here.” I smiled back.

“Ladies, it’s time!” Nick knocked on the door and poked his head in. His eyes widened when he saw me,

“Woah, Luna, you clean up good!” He said.

“Thanks, Nick.” I laughed loudly at his off handed compliment. The girls helped me across the room so I could take Nick’s elbow and be escorted to the ceremony.

The girls went ahead of us, needing to find their seats. Nick and I followed, using the elevator to reach the bottom floor.

“You really do look great. Leo’s a lucky guy.” Nick grinned at me.

“And doesn’t he know it.” I winked, earning a roaring laughter from the Gamma.

“We’re here to escort you, Luna.” Jacks appeared at the doorway to the back patio.

“Where’s Madeline?” I asked immediately, earning a sigh from Jacks.

“She’s in the front row with the other girls. Let’s worry about you, Austyn.” He smirked at me.

“Fine.” I huffed. With Jacks on one side and Nick on the other, I was ready to begin the ceremony and walk towards my mate.

I nodded towards the men who were waiting at the french doors. They nodded back once and pulled open the doors. Music started playing and I took a deep breath, calming my nerves. Jacks and Nick smiled at me encouragingly and then we started to walk forward.

The second we stepped outside and I caught a glimpse of my mate, I was at peace. All of my nerves washed away at the sight of him in his black suit and red tie. I was immediately taken back to our weekend of bliss and reminded of how much I loved him. His breathtaking smile took up my vision and his alluring aroma consumed me. I was overwhelmed and excited by him.

I eagerly rushed my two escorts down the aisle and they chuckled at me. I was ready to be connected to the pack and to my mate completely. The idea of being able to mindlink with Leo was enough to have me running towards the stage. Jacks and Nick were the only thing slowing me down.

Finally, after a painfully long time, I reached Leo. The boys handed me over to him and joined their mates in the front row. I noticed that their ties matched Amber and Madeline’s dresses. They all looked stunning. Mallory and Fern were also sitting with them and I was happy to see that they weren’t working during my ceremony.

Leo gave my hand a squeeze as he helped me up the steps to the makeshift stage. Standing in front of the crowd made me finally take in the backyard. It had been completely transformed into a wonderland of beauty. The entire pack was sitting before me.

“You ready?” Leo whispered in my ear and I nodded quickly. He chuckled before turning to address his pack.

“New Moon! As you all know, I found my mate and your Luna at our neighboring pack. Austyn-Rose Merriweather comes from an old Beta bloodline, but that wasn’t what drew me to her. It was her kindness, her compassion, her strength, and her beauty. She’s the picture of perfection both as my mate and as a Luna. I am thrilled that you have all accepted her so lovingly,

“Austyn and I both want to extend our gratitude for everything you all did to help secure her safety. Your Luna couldn’t wait any longer to officially join our pack and complete the Luna ceremony. As you may have heard, we will be merging with Dark Moon, absorbing their territory and members. It’s more important than ever to have a strong Alpha and Luna. With Austyn, you can be assured that we have both.” The crowd cheered wildly before Leo silenced them and turned towards me.

“Austy-Rose Merriweather, do you swear to love and cherish this pack?” His expression was stern but his eyes were full of love,

“I do.”

“Do you swear to protect this pack to the best of your ability?”

“I do.”

“Do you swear to support your Alpha as he swears to support you?” Leo winked at me,

“I do.” I smiled, noticing the added line to the oath.

“And do you swear to be a mother not only to the heir of the pack but all of its members?”

“I do.”

“I, Alpha Leo Storm, solemnly swear to protect, cherish, honor, value, and love you for as long as I shall live.”

He took a knife and sliced it across his palm, doing the same to me. We joined our hands together and squeezed, dripping our blood into a golden chalice. Leo held up the chalice to his pack,

“New Moon, I give you your Luna!” He said in a deafening voice. The entire pack cheered again, whistling and clapping as he presented me to the pack, officially, for the first time.

All at once, I felt something snap inside me. Ember howled and then our head was flooded with voices. The entire pack was mindlinking me and Leo. I was finally one with them. I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself for the impact of a thousand voices. Leo squeezed my hand again and kissed my forehead, whispering in my ear as I adjusted to the invasion.

Above all, I heard Leo’s voice in my head. I focused on that, hearing my mate clearly in my mind for the first time. His voice changed and I realized that it was now Quinn’s voice. He spoke through the mindlink, telling me and Ember how much he loved us. Everyone settled then and I felt at ease with my new abilities.

“Are you ready for your first run with the pack?” Leo asked me.

“Yeah, let’s do it.” I grinned, jumping off the stage and stripping out of my dress. Leo growled at my nakedness but I was too busy running towards the wood to care.

I burst into Ember midstride. Leo shifted quickly into Quinn right behind me. Soon, the entire pack was running behind us sounding like a thunderous stampede. We ran through the woods, up to the waterfall, and around the pond. Most of the pack didn’t like swimming, so we took the long way around. We stormed the pack territory and I felt alive with energy. Ember was vibrating with excitement. Her and Quinn nudged each other with their noses playfully and the entire pack joined in.