Chapter 23: Impending Doom

Chapter 23

I woke up to the feeling of something brushing lightly across my face, from my hair, to my head and to my nose. I gently opened my eyes to see a grinning Thane above me.

"Good morning love." He smirked before placing a deep kiss on my lips that definitely woke me up if I wasn't already.

When he finally pulled away I smiled up at him, my fiance. It was weird even thinking that.

"Morning." I mumbled as I rubbed my eyes and sat up.

I looked around the room and realized we were in our little house that Thane built for us. After he proposed last night we just sat under the stars, covered in a blanket and talked about any and everything. Since I was almost dead asleep, we decided to stay here and it was our first time truly alone in a house.

But nothing happened except for a heavy make out session.

"How was your first night here?" Thane queried.

"Amazing!" I said falling back into the bed and stretching my arms out, "How are all your beds so soft, I swear it's like a cloud."

He chuckled and corrected me, "Our bed."

"Hmm, maybe I could kick you out and make it my bed." I smirked.

"Do that and you wouldn't get breakfast in bed." It was his turn to smirk at me as I flew up and saw a tray of delectable food placed at the foot of the bed.

"Stay as long as you want." I mumbled before I grabbing the tray and pulling it closer to us.

Thane picked up a pink peony from the tray and offered it to me, "For you my lady."

I smelled the freshly picked flower and set it aside before pecking Thane's cheek, "Keep it up babe."

Thane just laughed before pushing the stack of pancakes closer to me.

I ate like I hadn't eaten in a week and enjoyed my breakfast in bed.

After laying around for a while, Thane decided it was time to go, "We really need to get back now, my mom's waiting for you."

I grumbled and just held onto him tighter, "Why? I'm too lazy to get up."

"Something about wedding dress shopping." He answered.

I looked him dead in the eye, "Already?"

"Yup, you have five days to get everything sorted."

I glared at him, "Uhh no way. I can't prepare a wedding in a week. Are you insane!?"

He just smirked at me, "You have the entire pack to help you and the wedding can be organized today itself if you already had a dress."

I gulped at what he said, "Today?"

"Don't worry, I know you still need some time to wrap your head around how you scored such an amazing guy but we're running out on time love." He cheekily said.

I elbowed him, "Don't be conceited." I rolled my eyes at his arrogant smirk, "I thought wolves didn't do the whole wedding thing though.'

He nodded, "We don't, but you and I are a different story. As you become the Luna we have a ritual to perform to bind you into the pack officially."

I cut him off, "Another ritual? Please tell me it doesn't involve kidnapping."

"It doesn't." He laughed, "It's similar to a wedding with vows and what not but since the Lunas of this pack have always been humans, we treat it as a typical human wedding to ensure you get the full human experience."

I processed what he said, "Wow, you guys really thought all this through didn't you."

"My ancestors did, yes. You don't have to wear a dress if you don't want to, but we still have to do the ritual to connect you to the pack and the moon goddess. You can even wear jeans if you wish, but I will be kissing my bride at the end." He winked.

"Honestly it sounds kind of scary." I shuddered.

He grabbed both my hands and said, "Don't worry, it isn't anything you can't handle and I'll be there every step of the way."

"Will you be the one in white?" I smiled.

"I'll be the one on all fours and a full body of fur." He pecked my nose.

"Wait you'll be in wolf form?" I asked curiously.

"For half of it, yes. Don't worry you wouldn't have to commit bestiality."

"Eww, even saying it is gross." I gagged. I got off the bed and declared, "I want to wear one."

"What?" He asked in confusion and he looked adorable.

"A dress. I want to wear a wedding dress." I blushed.

He got off the bed and walked to me, "You have no idea how happy I am that you said that."

"You are?" I asked confused.

"I am." He pecked my lips, "Now let's get dressed, my mom's threatening me though mind link." He grimaced.

I laughed at him and walked to the en suite, "Need help in there?" Thane asked before I shut the door.

"Maybe..." I teased him.

He looked as if he was in deep pain from my answer, "I swear if I hadn't waited this long, I would have you in an instant." He exhaled loudly as I saw his eyes flash red and he was trying to gain control, "Five more days love, I promise." He smirked when he retained his control.

"Thane?" I asked worriedly.

"I'm fine." He gave me a wink and cut me off as I was about to ask more, "Just suffering from blue balls is all."

I rolled my eyes at him and turned to the bathroom, "That's your own fault."

~~~

"Congratulations!" Everyone cheered as we entered the pack house. There were the regular pack members that stayed in the house, a grinning Bailey in Lucas' arms and Thane's family.

I pulled Thane further into the house with me and thanked everyone who was there. When we were finished with all the pack members, Thane two little twin brothers, Tomas and Teddy, ran up to me and gave me a big hug. The eight year olds really liked me for some reason and I adored them. I wrapped my arms around them both only to be met with a growl from Thane.

I rolled my eyes at Thane before letting the two go and lowering to their height. "He's just jealous I like you both more." I smirked at a glaring Thane.

He came to my side and lowered himself down as well. "She hit her head on a tree guys, she likes me more."

"He was actually the one to hit his big head, right here." I placed my hand behind Thane's head and without him expecting, I hit him upside the head. Thomas and Teddy both got a good laugh out of that.

"Ouch, that hurt what the-" I placed my palm over his mouth before he could swear.

"Wasn't me, blame your lack of coordination in the forest." I tsked.

Before he could reply though Tomas cut in, "Are you two really getting married?"

I gave them both a smile, "Yes we are."

What Teddy said next was unexpected, "But why?" He asked with complete confusion that I couldn't help but giggle at his innocently confused expression.

"Because she's my mate." Thane said pecking my cheek.

"Eww." They both covered their eyes.

I grabbed both their hands in mine, "Thane and I were paired by the moon goddess and we must respect her wishes, shouldn't we?" I asked to which they both nodded, "Precisely, so Thane asked me to marry him and become apart of his family and guess what?"

"What?" They both asked.

"That means I'll become your sister." I smiled at their expression of complete awe.

"You'll actually be our sister, like Tate?" Thomas asked in merriment.

"Yes, and I hope you two are happy to accept me into your family?" I asked.

"Yes, of course. We're going to protect you from all the meanies." Teddy grinned and wrapped his arms around my neck.

"Glad to hear it kiddo." I smiled at their sincerity as if they would take on the world for me.

"Wait," Thomas said, "Wouldn't you be Thane's sister as well?"

I laughed and thought it over before explaining but Thane got to him first, "No buddy, she's going to be married to me as my wife which makes her apart of the family, therefore the way you treat me as your brother, because I am, she will be like your sister." He ruffled his hair.

"Ohhh." Thomas said in understanding, "Welcome to the family Emery." He smiled and hugged me as well.

"Thanks sweetie." I hugged the two boys and Thane jumped into the group hug and gave the three of us a bear hug.

After the awkward hug because of Thane and I's kneeling position, we all dismantled and I stood up to be encased in yet another hug from Bailey as the boys ran off.

"Ohh you said yes!" Bailey squealed.

"Congrats man and to you too Emery." Lucas said to both Thane and I.

"Thank you Lucas." I smiled to him and Bailey, "Wait you knew! Why didn't you tell me?" I accused Bailey.

She just grinned at me, "Because we were under Alpha command, couldn't say a word, but I wouldn't have told you anyways. Come on you're only going to get proposed to once, how could I spoil the surprise?"

"I guess you're right but I can't believe you actually kept the secret." I laughed because Bailey was horrible at keeping her mouth shut.

"Sorry to interrupt but I need to speak to both of you now." Thane's father said to Thane and Lucas, "Oh and welcome to the family Emery." He pulled me into a side hug before walking towards Thane's office.

Thane gave me a brief smile before walking off behind his father with Lucas.

"What's wrong?" I asked Bailey curiously.

She looked just as confused as me, "I don't know."

"It's nothing to worry about dear." Anne, Thane's mother, assured me before pulling me into a hug. "Finally Thane proposed, I was starting to wonder what was taking him so long." She pulled away with a huge grin, "Welcome to the family dear."

"Thank you Anne." I smiled with her.

"You can call me mom if you want to." She said gently because she knew I was missing my parents right now, after all she's been through the exact thing.

"Okay." Was all I could say because I was feeling a bit choked up.

"How about we go dress shopping?" Anne asked to change the topic.

"Yes, I totally agree." Bailey said and she was basically jumping with excitement.

"Now?" I asked in shock.

"Yes, now." Bailey said in a duh voice.

"Well, yeah I guess, okay?" I said unsure.

"Yay! Then let's go." Bailey said excitedly, "Should I tell Caroline and Delilah to meet us there?"

"Yes, also would you be my maid of honor?" I asked her because we were basically best friends.

"Yes! I thought you would never ask." She squealed in delight.

"Take it easy there Bail, you're hyping up the baby." I laughed.

"He's just as excited." She grinned placing her hand protectively around her stomach.

"I should go tell Thane I'm going out." I said and was about to walk away when Anne stopped me.

"Oh he'll be fine. He already knew I wanted to take you shopping anyways and I will just mind link him." She explained before grabbing my hand and leading us out the door to her car. "Plus I already contacted the pack's best designer and she's gathered all of her latest creations and sketch book just in case we need it and is waiting for us."

I was a little curious as to what Thane's dad, Carson, wanted with him but I brushed it off because Anne and Bailey looked over the moon to go dress shopping.

"I don't think five days will be enough for the designer to create a new dress." I laughed as I sat in the passenger seat with Bailey in the back and Anne driving.

"Oh she can pull it off for you. Plus it's not every day that there's a wedding in the pack, much less the inauguration of our Luna." She smiled.

"Agreed, no werewolves ever have a wedding, well there are a few but not many. I for one have never witnessed a wedding and obviously because I was born after the last ritual I didn't get to experience the marriage of the Luna and Alpha." Bailey piped in.

"Well it's settled then, you'll get whichever dress you desire even if we have to create it ourselves." Anne declared as we drove off towards the little shopping area with various shops and boutiques that lined the street. It was the same place that Thane took Bailey and myself to shop when I arrived in town, the place I tried to runaway.

Fun times.

By the time we arrived to the glamorous boutique, Caroline and Delilah was already there with an older woman who was dressed to impress.

She had a book in one hand, various materials draped on the other arm and a measuring tape around her shoulders.

"Congratulations!" They all said to me as I walked in.

The older woman walked up to me with a beaming smile and looked very familiar. I knew we met the day that I met mostly everyone from the pack but it was impossible to remember all their names.

"It's nice to meet you again Luna and you look as beautiful as ever. Oh I'm Nina by the way." She grinned at me and then acknowledge Anne, "Anne my dear, thank you for bringing her. It is my absolute pleasure to serve my past and present Luna."

"It's lovely to see you again Nina and thank you for accommodating me last minute." I said nervously, "And you can call me Emery, the whole Luna thing is a bit too formal."

"Oh nonsense, you're my Luna and I will address you as such." Nina stated, "Now we must find you your dress and also dresses your bridesmaids."

"Do you know who you want as your bridesmaids?" Anne asked.

I nodded and turned towards Caroline and Delilah, "Would you both be my bridesmaids?"

Delilah squealed with excitement and Caroline gave me a smirk because she was too much of a bad ass to react with a squeal.

"We would love to." Delilah said with joy.

"And Bailey's my maid of honor." I informed Nina.

"Now that it's settled, how about we go find you that dress." Nina winked and pulled me off into her show room.

There must have been hundreds of white dresses that lined numerous racks in the large room. Every kind of fabric, style, cut, detail and varying colors of white, blush, gold and ivory could be found.

There were vintage designs, modern pieces and even fairy tale looks. I was dumbstruck.

"How do you have this many dresses when werewolves don't get married?" I curiously asked.

"I ship them out all over the world. This pack runs like the any other part of the world, we import and export." She explained.

I nodded in understanding before following her in looking through the racks, "So what kind of dress do you envision for yourself?" Nina asked.

"I never thought of it so I have no idea."

"Any specifics you think you might like?"

"I'm open to anything." I laughed at her incredulous expression.

"Okay, how about you look through this book," She handed over a wedding dress catalog to me, "and I will find a bit of everything for you and we will see what you like and if need be we can create a perfect dress from scratch."

Before I could get a word in, Nina mind linked two of her employees to come into the showroom, one escorted me to a dressing room and the other began to help Nina look for my dresses.

I took a seat as the other employee left me to help Nina. I opened the large magazine and was overwhelmed by the number of dresses.

First Thane's proposal and now I'm looking for dresses but the only thing that kept running through my mind was my parents and my sister.

I knew I was never going to see them again because it was a danger for the pack and myself if anyone discovered us but I couldn't help but miss them. My mom would've wanted to help with every detail of the wedding, my dad would've wanted to give me away and give Thane his blessings to marry me and my little sister would have wanted to be my bridesmaid.

Even if it wasn't a conventional wedding, it was still a special day for me.

I pushed back my homesickness and focused on the task at hand, finding a dress. It was only five months ago that I was in this exact position except it wasn't for a wedding.

It was for the ritual to the beast, or Thane. A different time, a different occasion and I was still confused as ever in the dress department.

Before I could even get through a quarter of the book, Nina and her two assistance came back all loaded with different dresses. I sat gaping at all the dresses as they hanged them all along the wall across from me.

"Ready?" Nina asked with a huge grin.

The only thing I could've mustered was a small nod and she quickly had me changed into the first dress of many.

I looked into the large mirror and was awestruck. It was a beautiful ball gown dress with a sweetheart neckline. It was almost entirely covered with jewels that shined as it caught the many lights in the room.

Nina led me out the door and into the display area where a little platform in front of a large mirror stood facing the seating area where Anne, Bailey, Caroline and Delilah sat.

They all stared at me with smiles as I tried to walk in the large dress up to the platform area. I stood in front of all their expectant eyes on display for them to see me in the dress.

"So do you all like it?" Nina asked them and they all nodded. "What about you Luna? Do you like it?"

I turned around and looked at myself in the mirror, it was a beautiful dress, but it wasn't made for me.

I didn't want a glamorous dress and a ball gown didn't seem like it fit the occasion.

"The dress is beautiful," I stated as I turned to Nina, "but it's just not for me."

Nina gave me a smile full of understanding, "It's your first dress Luna, it would actually be odd if you said yes."

"Thank god, that dress looks too princessy." Caroline said laughing and we all couldn't help but laugh along because she was right.

"I would appreciate your advice before I decide." I teased before heading back into the dressing room.

And so the search went on. Mermaid gowns, short dresses and even a few transparent options showed up but none felt right. I didn't want to be picky or for Nina to feel bad but I wanted to ensure I had the right one.

I pointed out a few details I liked here and there in a few dresses that I tried on but it was to no avail. About fifty dresses in and Anne walked in with a huge smile on her face and bag slung over her shoulder.

"I think I've found one you might like." She smiled at me and Nina before leaving us to it.

She exit the room and Nina and her assistant quickly laced up the back of the dress and I was smitten with it.

"You look stunning!" Nina gushed.

I couldn't help but twirl around in the dress, "I love it."

"Let's go show the other." She said excitedly and pulled me out the door.

As I got closer to the group I heard a chorus of gasps and awes as they all looked at me with stunned expressions.

"You look beautiful Emery!" Bailey cheered as I stood on the platform.

"Gorgeous." Delilah smiled.

"Thane's going to ravish you." Caroline winked and I laughed in amusement.

Anne walked up to me and held my hands in hers,"You look absolutely amazing my dear. I am so proud of you for managing till this far."

"Thank you." I said sincerely to her, "Thank you all." I said louder to the girls.

"Can we get a veil?" Bailey asked as she got up from her seat and walked to me.

Nina quickly went off and fetched a veil. She and Bailey both worked behind me to put the veil on.

Bailey stepped in front of me and clapped, "Now the look is complete."

"Turn around dear." Anne said as she spun me around and placed her hand behind my back.

I gasped as I saw myself in the mirror. I looked like a bride, like an actual bride. The veil, the dress, it all looked fantastic together.

I felt a tear slip down my cheek and another after that.

"I know your family would want to be with you today and you would want them here as well, but I want you to know that they would be proud of and happy for you." Anne whispered in my ear as she wrapped her arms around me. "Hush my sweet child. I know what you're going through and the only thing that I can say which will matter is that you have another family right here for you. It may never be the same but you have us, all of us." She comforted me as if I were her own.

"We're here for you Emery." I heard Bailey say as the joined in the hug together with Delilah and Caroline.

After a few seconds I couldn't help but giggle, "Okay enough mushy stuff, we still have a lot to do." I said as we all untangled and laughed off our feelings.

Nina handed me a tissue and I wiped my tear stained cheeks as she asked, "So is this the dress?"

I have her a huge grin, "Yes, this is the one!"

We all celebrated with a glass of champagne that Nina popped open as we looked for bridesmaids dress.

That task was much simpler. After a few dresses we all settled on a burgundy, cold shoulder dress that cinches at the waist with a ribbon. It was simple but the girls all loved it and they all looked beautiful in it.

Nina took all of our measurements to ensure that each of our dresses fitted us perfectly for our body shapes.

To my surprise Anne had already paid for everything while Nina was measuring us and even though I argued with her to let us pay for it, she insisted that she took care of her son's wedding.

After that she drove us all back to the pack house. Caroline and Delilah tagged along since Caroline's mate, Beau, was at the pack house with Thane and well Delilah lived at the pack house as well.

As we walked in all animatedly in a conversation about the wedding, Carson and everyone else exited Thane's office.

All of the guys had a troubling expression but Thane looked most worried of all.

I left the group of girls and walked over to my mate, "Hey, what's wrong?" I placed my hands on his shoulders.

"Nothing, it's just pack stuff." He tried to evade my question.

"And I'm apart of the pack too Thane, I want to help." I pleaded.

"I don't want to stress you out." He tried.

I shook my head at him, "We're going to be married Thane, trust and helping one another is all apart of the deal. Plus as Luna it's my duty to help you."

He wrapped his arms around me and placed a kiss on my head, "How did I ever manage without you?"

"I wonder that everyday." I joked, "Now tell me what's so bad that has everyone on edge."

"Come, let's talk outside." He kept one arm around my waist and lead us both to the backyard. He pulled us both towards the fire pit that had a few benches surrounding it with some comfy cushions.

He sat us both down and I tucked my feet under me and snuggled into his side with his right hand wrapped around my shoulders.

"Some wolves don't find their mate in the pack, or in a random rogue." He began but I finished for him.

"So all the alphas meetup with unmated wolves." I nodded.

He peered down at me with a smirk, "How'd you know that?"

"I have my sources since a certain Alpha doesn't tell me everything."

"I told you what you needed to know."

"And this isn't need to know information?" I chastised.

"Well it is-"

"Then go on, tell me what's wrong." I urged him.

He sighed and mumbled, "You're going to be the death of me woman." before he continued on, "Essentially what happens is that every year we rotate where we meet up and go to that pack's territory. However this year, the Blood Moon pack is in charge of hosting it."

"Aren't all the Alpha's tolerable of each other?" I asked because that's what Thane told me.

"We are, well most of us." He unconsciously pulled me tighter against him, "There's this one alpha, Aiden, leader of the Oaks pack. He's ruthless, more than our pack. He will kill anyone who stares at him the wrong way. But he wouldn't be walking with his entire pack so I know we wouldn't be in danger that much."

I wrapped his empty hand in between both of my own, "Then why are you worried?"

"He's never had a mate Emery." He looked down at me with a pained expression. "And word is that he's looking for someone to settle down with. Particularly a wolf that was meant to be a Luna."

"But I'm your mate." I tried to make sense of what he was saying.

"It doesn't matter Emery, we haven't mated yet." He went on. "I haven't marked you as my own and that leaves you vulnerable as he can easily mark you if he got his hands on you."

"But he can't do that." I shook my head in disbelief.

"He can." Thane said painfully, "It doesn't matter that I'm your rightful mate, he can still sink his teeth into you."

"Then mark me." I said in a duh tone.

"If I mark you without consummating the mating process then you will go into heat."

"What's heat?" I asked curiously.

"You're body will go to an exasperatingly high temperature where you wouldn't be able to bear it until we we have sex. But the worst part of it is that unmated and mated wolves will want you like you're the last piece of meat left on this earth," He looked angry as he said it, "I wouldn't put you in that danger."

"Then don't, let's do it Thane. All of it." I said him.

He just shook his head at me, "No. I didn't wait this long just so that we can have a quickie because some Alpha wants a mate. I waited for the right moment and I expect to keep to my word to make this as perfect and as humanly normal for you."

"Thane, human's have sex when their teenagers." I laughed, "It's typically awkward, weird and fast."

He looked at me uncertainly, "Have you ever...?" He trailed off.

I laughed at his cute expression, "No, let's just say I've been waiting for the one."

"Good, because I didn't want to have to kill some human." He shrugged unapologetically.

I tried to change back gears on the matter at hand, "Seriously Thane, we don't need five days. I will want you just as much as I do right now."

He looked at me with pure adoration, "Even if we mate, Aiden can still challenge me."

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "Please explain."

"He can challenge me to a battle to become alpha of our pack, which essentially means killing me and taking the pack as his." He said.

"But you said he wouldn't have his pack with him." I said.

Thane shook his head, "No, if he challenged only the alpha then only he and I would fight without any help. He can fight me until I either die or submit to him. If I die and we're mated, then he'd kill you too or if we aren't mated then I wouldn't be able to ensure you're alive," he looked into my eyes, "and if I submit then I get locked up and he can take you as his Luna."

"How are you so sure he wants me?"

"Because you will be the only Luna in attendance, he wouldn't have much of a variety." Thane said angrily.

"Then don't die and don't submit." I pleaded with him.

"I wouldn't die." He mumbled out, "But I will submit if it means keeping you alive and well."

"I prefer death than being with anyone else." I stated.

"Don't worry, I wouldn't let him touch you." He said but looked off into the distance with a pain expression, "But if he does challenge me, I want you to find Tate. She and Caroline will take you away before Aiden and I start fighting. If we aren't mated it would be easier for you for leave. They'll keep you safe." He shifted his gaze back to me and I could see the painful expression on his face.

"What about everyone else, your mom, your brothers, Bailey, the entire pack. You!" I said and felt my tear ducts well up but I refused to cry.

"My dad's getting a few guards to go with my family but it would be safer for everyone to stay in the pack under protection. The less people with you, the faster you will be able to move."

"Can't you deny the challenge?"

"I'm sorry sweetheart, it's just not how things are done."

I threw both my hands around his shoulders and stuck my face in his neck, "I'm not leaving you Thane. You can't make me, if you stay, I stay."

He held me tight, "I'm sorry love, I wouldn't have you with Aiden, not even over my dead body."

I shook my head, "He wouldn't challenge you. I will ensure of it."

"Whatever you're planning, stop it. You aren't leaving my side for the two days that they are here." He commanded.

"Then you clearly don't know me well enough." I snickered.

He pulled me back so that he could see my face, "I mean it Emery, I want you nowhere near another Alpha without me, Lucas, Beau or my father by your side."

"I understand Thane. Don't worry about me, just make sure not to encourage a challenge." I commanded him.

"I wouldn't. I vowed to keep you safe and that I will." He promised.

"Great now when will our guests arrive?" I asked.

"Tomorrow." Thane said without a smile.

"Thane, give a girl a warning would you." I scolded him.

"One more thing." He looked at me with hesitation.

"Please don't tell me there's another Alpha who's trying to kill you." I sighed.

"No, that's not it." He said before taking both my hands in his, "The other packs have no idea that our Lunas have powers because that would put you in danger as you would be an asset to their pack. Especially since we aren't mated and you can't mind link me, you would be in danger. So whatever you do, do not, under any circumstances, use your powers even if it is in dire need." He pleaded.

I nodded my head in understanding, "I'll try not to."

He gave me a smile, "Great and while you're at it, stay out of any danger that can lead to you getting hurt and healing quickly my clumsy mate."

I feigned hurt with a gasp, "How dare you?"

I leaped at him which caused us both to fall off the bench and onto the grass laughing as we momentarily forgot about Aiden and the impending doom he may bring.

"You're stronger than him, Thane, you can take him." I whispered to him.

"I hope you're right." He gave me a half hearted grin.

A/N

Looks like our pack is in danger wolfies. Let's hope that the Moon Goddess protects Emane.

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