Chapter 73

MISTY

I glanced in the mirror one last time. My mom had done a fabulous job—the dress was stunning, and my hair was styled in an elegant chignon adorned with Swarovski crystal hair coils that caught the light with every turn of my head.

My makeup was light yet flawless, enhancing my features without overpowering them.

I was ready. Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the bedroom where Lloyd was waiting. He rose to his feet, his gaze locking onto me.

Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, he looked nothing short of resplendent and unbelievably handsome. He had considered cutting his hair—apparently, it had been shorter before the curse took hold.

But I persuaded him otherwise; I adored how his shoulder-length locks framed his striking green eyes, adding a touch of wild allure to his polished appearance.

“You look handsome,” I complimented, unable to hide my admiration.

“And you’ve taken my breath away,” he replied, his voice filled with awe.

“Shall we?” I asked.

This wasn’t going to be a traditional ceremony. Lloyd was about to break all the rules, ushering in a new era for werewolves—an era defined by goodwill and community.

He’d invited every pack, and I couldn’t help but wonder how they would react when they heard his speech and pledge.

I admired his unwavering resolve and the courage it took to reshape our world.

Taking my hand, he turned it gently, pressing a kiss to my palm before leading me to the elevator. The ride down felt like mere seconds, and I could already hear the hum of activity below.

The entire area was alive with flowers and lights strung from poles, illuminating the night with a festive glow. Tables and chairs stretched as far as the eye could see, a testament to the countless werewolves who had gathered.

The kitchen staff had been working tirelessly for days, preparing for this moment.

A bar had been set up, and every server was on duty. The guards stood in a protective ring around the expansive lawn, their black uniforms stark against the night. The terrace was reserved for us alone, with a single table set apart from the crowd.

There was no gong, no wolf to announce our arrival. We simply walked to the table, where Lloyd pulled out a chair for me.

As I sat, he let his dominance ripple out, and within seconds, the buzz of conversation died down, replaced by an almost eerie silence.

My heart raced, and my palms grew clammy as hundreds of eyes turned to us. A few pups still scampered about, their parents quickly gathering them up.

Sensing my nervousness, Lloyd placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. I had never seen so many wolves in one place.

“Welcome,” his deep voice resonated across the gathering. “I am Lloyd Tenebris, once cursed and bound by the Sayelle-Moreaus, but their reign is over.”

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing. “I need no wolf to announce me, nor do I need a throne to sit upon, for I am your equal.”

The crowd remained silent, spellbound by his presence.

“I will wear no crown, for I am no king.”

The air was thick with anticipation as everyone hung on his every word.

“I am alpha, but above all, I am a werewolf like you.”

With that, he pulled out the Shadow Moon Pack knife and, with deliberate precision, sliced his palm twice. I winced as blood dripped from his clenched fist onto the floor.

Holding his hand aloft, he made his pledge.

“To my kin, my pack, my people—

“I stand before you not as a ruler to command but as a leader to serve. I pledge to protect you with every breath, to guide you with wisdom and strength, and to honor the bonds that unite us as one.

“In this new era, I vow to lead with integrity, foster unity among all packs, and uphold the principles of justice and fairness. No wolf shall be left behind, no voice unheard, and no challenge unmet.

“I swear to cherish the traditions that define us yet remain open to change, for it is through adaptation that we grow stronger. I will ensure peace and prosperity for all.

“Together, we build a future where every werewolf can thrive. With you, my kin, I pledge my loyalty, my strength, and my unwavering dedication.

“This is my solemn vow as your alpha of alphas, today and always.”

With a powerful thump, Lloyd struck his fist against his chest twice, a gesture steeped in ancient tradition and strength.

In unison, every wolf in the crowd rose to their feet, echoing his action with their own fists against their chests. The sound reverberated through the air like a thunderclap, a collective heartbeat of loyalty and unity.

The sight of hundreds of wolves standing as one, their chests pounding in sync, was overwhelmingly emotional. The sheer force of their solidarity hit me like a wave, and tears welled up in my eyes, unbidden.

As the thumping of chests continued, I could sense the emotions of every wolf present—pride, respect, and an unwavering sense of belonging.

But now it was my turn. I looked at Lloyd and swallowed in trepidation. I had practiced my pledge, but my stomach was in knots.

Lloyd helped me to my feet, and the crowd went silent.

“You can do this, queen of my heart,” he encouraged.

Taking my place next to him, I began. “To my sisters, my pack, my people—

“I stand before you not just as your luna but as your equal, your protector, and your guide. I pledge to be the heart of our community, to lead with compassion, and to nurture the bonds that unite us as one pack.

“In this new era, I vow to support our alpha, to foster unity among our families, and to be a voice for every wolf, no matter their rank or role. I will work tirelessly to ensure that our pack thrives, that our traditions are honored, and that our future is bright.

“Together, we will create a community where every werewolf can find their place, where every voice is heard, and where we all rise together.”

Lloyd took my hand and sliced my palm. Holding up my fist, I let the blood drop to the floor.

“This is my solemn vow as your luna of lunas, today and always.”

I tapped my chest twice in a gesture of solidarity, and every wolf in the crowd followed suit; their movements synchronized with mine.

Relief washed over me, and I sagged against Lloyd, feeling the comforting strength of his arms wrapping tightly around me.

“And now,” Lloyd announced, his voice rich with warmth and authority, “we celebrate our unity.”

A roar of voices shattered the silence as everyone began speaking at once, the atmosphere suddenly alive with joy and excitement. The servers moved swiftly, appearing as if by magic, and placed massive platters of meat on every table.

The scent of perfectly cooked dishes wafted through the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter that filled the space.

Once the servers had filled every wine glass, Lloyd finally took a seat, pulling me onto his lap with a smirk. “At last,” he murmured in satisfaction.

I could feel the weight of everyone’s gaze on us. They were all waiting for the traditional act, the alpha feeding his luna—a custom I’d always considered archaic, something meant for private moments.

But now, as I sat in Lloyd’s embrace, I understood the deeper significance. This wasn’t just a ritual; it was a public display of respect and unity, a symbol of our bond that everyone could witness.

Lloyd took his time, his eyes carefully scanning the platter before selecting a piece of meat. He held it up for me in anticipation.

I reached out, my fingers curling around his wrist to guide his hand closer. Slowly, I opened my mouth, letting my lips close around his fingers as I took the bite.

The intimacy of the moment, shared in front of so many, felt unexpectedly profound. It was more than just a gesture; it was a promise—to each other and our pack—that we would lead with strength and love.

Wine flowed freely, passed from one hand to the next, and the celebration truly began. Wolves of every rank and pack shared in the feast, their spirits lifted by the food, the drink, and, most importantly, the camaraderie.

“Happy now?” I teased, picking up a piece of meat and offering it to Lloyd.

His grin was playful and full of intent as he leaned in. “You have no idea how much I’ve been wanting to do this,” he replied, his mouth closing over my fingers as he took the bite.

A spark of desire ignited in me as I squirmed slightly on his lap, feeling the warmth spread through my body. “This is exactly the problem,” I whispered, my voice low.

Lloyd’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “If only all my problems were this easy to solve,” he murmured back.

“We can’t just disappear for an hour…,” I cautioned, though the thought was tempting.

His smirk widened, full of knowing confidence. “Of course, we can,” he replied, and I knew he could probably smell the change in my scent.

“Well… Aunt Flo still hasn’t shown up, and…” I hesitated, the worry creeping into my voice.

I had finished all twenty-eight pills, but my period was still nowhere to be seen. The last thing I needed was for it to arrive unexpectedly while I was wearing this dress.

But any chance of a quiet moment vanished as we were suddenly surrounded. My parents were the first to reach us, offering heartfelt congratulations. Before we knew it, a line had formed, with pack members eager to meet us.

The evening passed in a blur of faces, and I was grateful when I finally managed to snag a drink and catch up with Chelsea.

“That was some speech and pledge,” she remarked, her eyes twinkling. “You didn’t tell me…”

“Yeah, sorry about that. Wow, my feet are killing me. These sandals looked great, but they’re pinching my toes.”

“Take them off,” Chelsea suggested with a sympathetic smile.

“Nah, I’ll manage. How’s the pregnancy going? Any more morning sickness?”

“Thankfully, no. I feel amazing,” Chelsea beamed, her platinum-blonde hair cascading down her back like a sheet of silk. She was glowing, radiant in a way that only pregnancy could bring.

“Listen,” I leaned in closer, lowering my voice. “Do you know how the pill works? I’ve taken all of them, but there’s still no sign of…well, you know…”

I trailed off as a powerful, distinct feline scent caught my attention. Turning, I spotted Yamika. I had no idea Lloyd had invited her.

She approached with confident strides, her dress clinging to every curve, a wine glass in hand. Pulling up a chair, she sat down gracefully and crossed her legs and sipped her wine, her gaze intense.

“I can smell that both of you are expecting. Congratulations,” she said, raising her glass in a mock toast before realizing it was empty. “Damn, must’ve evaporated,” she added with a grin.

I was stunned. What did she say?

“Didn’t you know?” she asked, her tone dripping with feigned innocence.

Finding my voice, I quickly corrected her. “I’m on the pill. Chelsea’s the one who’s pregnant.”

Yamika flagged down a waiter, exchanging her empty glass for a full one. She then locked eyes with me, her expression gleeful.

“You’re mated to a wolf of the old blood. The blood running through his veins is much more powerful than an ordinary wolf, and combined with my essence, it will render the pill null and void,” she said, clearly enjoying the revelation.

I gaped at her, my mind whirling with disbelief and confusion.

“Oh my God…,” Chelsea whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief, as she gripped my arm.

“No fucking way,” I echoed, my heart pounding in my chest.

~“So we’re pregnant?”~ Cammy asked with a note of joy in her voice.

~“You hate her, but you’re prepared to trust her?”~ I retorted, my thoughts racing.

I stood up, suddenly feeling lightheaded. The world seemed to tilt around me, and I reached out blindly for something to steady myself, but before I could find my balance, a strong arm wrapped securely around my waist.

I turned to Lloyd, dazed and struggling to make sense of everything. “Yamika says I’m pregnant, but…I can’t be…”

“She does?” Lloyd replied, but there was something in his tone—a familiarity that made suspicion flare within me.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “You knew!” I accused, my voice rising in anger.

“I didn’t know,” he insisted, his expression earnest. “I promise.”

“But you suspected it?” I pressed, not ready to let him off the hook.

He hesitated before admitting, “There was a slight change in your scent after our week away, but you took a pregnancy test, and it came back negative…”