Chapter 152
LUCIAN’S P.O.V.
My life had fallen into a perfect rhythm since the defeat of Alpha Edmond and the integration of his pack into MoonPeak. The pack thrived under my leadership, and my company soared to new heights with Teresa by my side. Her fierce yet graceful presence made her a force to reckon with in the office, and not one of our employees suspected I was blind. I prided myself on being that good. I could practically hear the awe in their voices when I navigated the office without hesitation, issuing commands like I could see straight into their souls.
Teresa was my everything, though she’d never let me get away with saying that out loud without mocking me. We were in that beautiful, I will kill for your love stage again, though she now had a sassiness to her that rivaled my own sarcasm. It was maddening and utterly intoxicating.
But, of course, nothing could remain idyllic for long.
The elders summoned me to the pack’s meeting hall one afternoon. A meeting with them rarely meant good news. Rylan accompanied me, not because I needed him to guide me—Ares and I were more than capable of navigating on our own—but because he insisted on offering his “moral support p>
“If they start talking about how you need to have ten pups by next year, I’m out,” Rylan muttered as we walked into the council room.
I chuckled under my breath. “Coward p>
The elders, seated in a semi-circle like they were judging a talent show, waited patiently.
“Alpha Lucian,” Elder Malcolm began, his voice a mixture of respect and authority, “we are pleased with your leadership. The pack flourishes under your care p>
“Thank you,” I replied smoothly, my tone giving away none of the suspicion creeping into my mind.
“And your mate, Teresa,” another elder added, “has proven herself a worthy partner. She is strong, intelligent, and respected among the pack p>
I smiled faintly. “She’s extraordinary p>
“Yes,” Elder Malcolm agreed, but his tone shifted. “However, there is one matter we must address. Tradition dictates that a Luna must be formally recognized by the goddess through the werewolf moon marriage. Without this ceremony, her position remains unofficial, and the goddess’ blessing cannot be bestowed upon your union or the pack p>
Rylan snorted beside me, earning a sharp glare from me.
“And you’re only bringing this up now?” I asked dryly.
“There was a lot going on in your life and that of the pack’s and we didn’t want to add more problems to your life.” Elder Nancy replied.
Elder Malcolm on the other hand ignored my tone. “It is time, Alpha. We suggest you propose to Teresa and begin preparations for the ceremony. The pack needs this, and so do you p>
Later, as Rylan and I left the meeting hall, I mulled over their words. The elders were right, annoyingly so. Teresa deserved the title of Luna in every sense, and tradition required us to seek the goddess’ blessing.
“Don’t tell me you’re actually nervous,” Rylan said, breaking into my thoughts.
“I’m not nervous,” I snapped, though my clenched jaw likely betrayed me. “I’m… considering the best way to approach it p>
“You mean you’re procrastinating because you’re terrified she’ll say no,” Rylan teased.
I growled under my breath. “She won’t say no. We’re already bonded p>
“Then what’s the holdup p>
I didn’t answer. Instead, I replayed countless scenarios in my mind. Would Teresa be thrilled at the idea? Or would she scoff, reminding me she wasn’t one for grand displays?
Over the next few days, I tiptoed around the subject with Teresa. Every time I tried to bring it up, I either chickened out or got distracted by her laughter, her wit, or the way she teased me mercilessly. Sometimes the twins were the distractions.
One evening, as we sat on the balcony of the mansion, the topic almost slipped out.
“Lucian,” she said, sipping her tea, “you’ve been acting weird lately. What’s going on p>
“Me? Weird?” I feigned innocence, leaning back in my chair.
“Yes, weird. You’re not nearly as obnoxious as usual p>
I smirked. “I’ll take that as a compliment p>
“Don’t.” She replied.
Finally, I swallowed my pride and turned to the one person I never thought I’d seek advice from: Rylan.
It was late, and he was sprawled on the couch in my office, munching on an apple like he owned the place.
“I need your help,” I began.
Rylan’s chewing slowed, and he sat up. “Oh, this is gonna be good p>
“Don’t make me regret this,” I warned.
“Too late. What’s up, Alpha p>
I hesitated, my fingers tapping the desk. “I need your help proposing to Teresa p>
Rylan burst out laughing, nearly choking on his apple.
“Stop that,” I snapped, crossing my arms.
“I’m sorry, I just—wait, you’re serious p>
“Dead serious p>
“And you don’t know how to propose p>
“I want it to be perfect,” I admitted grudgingly. “She deserves that p>
Rylan grinned. “Aw, you’re such a romantic under all that grumpiness p>
“I will throw you out of this office p>
“Okay, okay,” he said, still chuckling. “Here’s what you do. Keep it simple. Teresa’s not the type to want some over-the-top, cheesy thing. Just be honest, make it personal, and, you know, maybe throw in a little of that charm you’re so famous for p>
I sighed. “That’s your great advice p>
“Hey, it works. And if you really want to make it memorable, I hear moonlit lakes are pretty romantic p>
I mulled it over. Maybe Rylan wasn’t entirely useless after all.
“And if she says no?” I asked quietly, the vulnerability slipping through despite myself.
“She won’t,” Rylan said firmly. “But if she does, you can always blame me for the idea p>
I chuckled despite myself. “You’re an idiot p>
“Yeah, but I’m your idiot p>
As he left the office, I leaned back in my chair, a plan already forming in my mind. Teresa deserved the world, and I was going to give it to her—even if I had to drag the goddess herself into it.