The Ceremony
When I arrived back home, I saw many wolves milling around. Carrying things out the house and shouting instructions at one another.
I walked up to my room, trying not to think about what was to come. I was nervous, I know I was the one who wanted to meet his parents for the longest time but now things are different. I've sealed the deal. I'm going to be named Luna.
Not only that but I've put their son through so much. I've been more of a problem rather than a solution. Most times I did what I thought was best, thinking with my independent mind not my mated mind.
My name being called snapped me out of my funk, "Eli." I turned to see Abel.
Hi flashed a brief smile, "Hi, Abel."
He returned it before he looked me over once more, "The ceremony's in an hour, shouldn't you be dressed?"
My eyes shot open, "What!? I thought it was tomorrow!"
He furrowed his thick brows, "No, Alex has everyone in the main hall already. I'm here to pick you up."
I thought he was joking â why on earth would he not mention that he was in fact not kidding and genuinely rescheduling it to today. I could've missed it!
Oh goddess, imagine the horror if I had missed it.
"Shit."
How long was I at Nate's? It hadn't even felt like an hour so how in the world did the majority of the afternoon slip away like that. I quickly dash up the stairs not wanting to keep Abel waiting too long.
I hopped into the shower needing to freshen up again. This was an important occasion and if two showers were needed to feel as ready and fresh then so be it.
I tried to speed up though, not wanting to keep anyone waiting nor raise any suspicions. Especially not with my future in-laws.
I ran out and Elisha was smirking at me, "Sit. I'm here to help."
I had to embrace her in a tight hug before I could let her begin. I hadn't seen her in a few days but it felt like far more. Not to mention I only got to see her briefly when I had and nor was it a momentous occasion.
Seeing her here today was far greater, it brought a heaviness to my eyes that I willed away not wanting to cry. I greeted both her and my little growing niece.
Elisha worked her magic on my hair and make-up, I know she was fed up with me by the time she was done. I had been telling her to hurry from the moment she grabbed the eyebrow pencil.
Once she was done fixing me up, I slipped on my dress and shoes.
I was in a shimmery silver full length dress, silver heels and matching silver diamond rings, bracelet and earrings. My hair slicked back to one side where it hung in tight smooth curls.
As I admired myself in the mirror I couldn't help but wonder if my parents would be here too. I wished they would, I know I was being sworn into The Howlers. However, on the other hand I was being ceremonially bound to my mate, it doesn't happen with all wolves â only those of rank.
Meaning this is a grand occasion for us, I would love nothing more than to have my parents here to see this occasion through.
I thanked my sister as we made our way down the stairs.
Abel smiled once he saw me, "Alex says to tell you, you look beautiful." I laughed.
"He literally could've done it himself." I shake my head.
Abel shut the front door behind us then we started to make our way to the car. We walked the short distance to the car and Abel opened the door for Elisha and I.
"I have to agree, you look stunning." Abel said before shutting the car door.
I looked over at my sister and smiled, "Alex brought you here?"
It was incredibly sweet of him, I was incredibly grateful.
She placed her hand over mine, "Mom and Dad too."
All I could do was smile, I definitely could not cry now it would ruin my make-up so a smile will have to do. I couldn't believe Alexander's thoughtfulness. Having my family here really eased my mind the slightest bit.
I quickly ask, "And Jay?"
"Alpha and Luna are here too." She confirms.
My smile widened at her response, my family was here and I couldn't wait to see them. It was funny to think that Jay had seen me through all the stages of my life and now he would see me as somewhat his equal.
"We couldn't miss out on this, sis. You're going to be a Luna. That's a big deal and something we would never wanna miss."
I hugged her again, "Thank you so much, Elisha."
Once we arrived at the hall, Abel opened the door for us. I thanked Abel as I stepped out of the car my eyes quickly spotting Alexander waiting for me a few feet away. I thanked Abel once more to which he replied with a smile and curt nod, I made my way over to Alexander while Abel and Elisha went inside.
"You look even better through my own eyes." He greeted.
Ever the gentleman.
"Thank you, Mr. Russo. You look pretty damn good yourself." I straightened his tie, smiling up at him.
I sincerely say, "Thank you for bringing my family and Jay. It really means the world to me."
He smiles, "Anything for my Luna."
He closed the small distance between us and kissed me. His lips felt soft and sweet on mine. He pulled back before we got carried away. I twirled a lock of his curls around my finger, while his hands rested right above my behind.
I was gazing up into his hypnotising orbs, "Can't we just stay here?" I asked.
"No." He quickly replied.
Many Packs do things differently, in fact many wolves do things differently. However, here at The Howlers this ceremony that's about to take place is like a wedding.
If we wanted, we could have one the traditional human way. With the white dress and veil or bridesmaids and groomsmen. However, this right here was far more than enough for us.
In case you could not tell by Alexander fast response, this is the way of his Pack so this is the way he would want it done. It is the way I want it done, I want to fully submerge myself in The Howlers' traditions and ways.
I wanted to better equip myself to become the greatest Luna they could have. I wanted to make them proud and I wanted to make my mate proud â my parents too.
Still sour he grumbles, "I'd like you to go to sleep with my last name."
Wanting to push the banter further I jokingly ask, "And who said I'll be taking up Russo?" My brows furrow as my lips slightly pout.
He nearly completely let's go of me his face contorting into one of bewilderment, "Excuse me? This is most definitely not up for negotiation, Liah. You are taking my last name."
I laugh, "Sure whatever you say, pal." I pat his chest.
"I was the same way." I heard an unfamiliar voice say.
I turned my head to the left to see who I could only guess to be Alexander's mother, I jumped out of Alexander's hold and cleared my throat. Not wanting any intimate display of affection in front of her.
"H-Hi, Mrs. Russo."
She was gorgeous â she has emerald green eyes that remind me of the specks I sometimes see in Alexander's eyes. Shoulder length brunette hair that has been parted in the middle falling in a light wave. Her skin reminiscent of vanilla yoghurt with a few light dottings of freckles. She did not look a day over thirty.
She flashed her Colgate smile at me, "Hello, Elijah. It's wonderful to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you from all of my boys." She embraced me.
"Oh, I do love them all. One more than the others," I not-so-subtly glanced at Alexander, "They're amazing."
She smiled not missing the gesture, "Thank you my dear. Now, c'mon let's get this ceremony going, shall we?"
I nodded and followed her out back. I waited for Alexander to walk toe in toe with him before we made our way up the stairs and towards the podium. He stood behind the microphone and introduced me to his Pack.
"Howlers, today we welcome a new member to our Pack. A member I'm sure most of you are acquainted with by now. A member many of you know as the continents best Warrior. I welcome, Elijah Azaliah Russo, my mate and your new Luna to our Pack."
They all cheered and bowed. I looked out at the many in front of me and couldn't help but smile. This is my home now, these are my packmates â my family.
Catherine Russo handed over the Luna title to me and Marcus Russo Bound us with the moon shining above us, blessing us and our official union. Just as the human's do, we kissed to seal the deal. The Howlers really went crazy for that part. They whooped and cheered and howled. It was beautiful.
I pulled back from the kiss and cried, not Kim Kardashian cried but happy cried. My smile couldn't be brighter, I couldn't be happier.
Alexander smiled and pulled me in for a hug.
"I'm sorry, Liah. I didn't mean any of the things I said about you not being good enough and shit. It was all stupid. You're perfect for me and perfect for this Pack. I'm so damn happy it's you and not any of those she-wolves in the club that night. I'm so damn happy it's you."
"I'm happy it's you." I repeated, and I've never meant something so much in my life.