Chapter 155
TERESA’S P.O.V.
The night of the moon marriage was like stepping into a dream spun from silver and starlight. The entire pack gathered in the ceremonial clearing deep within the woods, where lanterns hung from tree branches, their flickering light casting ethereal shadows. I could feel the weight of thousands of pairs of eyes on me as I stood beside Lucian, his hand firmly clasping mine. His blind gaze was steady, his presence grounding, while I felt like my heart might leap out of my chest at any moment.
Luke and his family were seated on a makeshift bench at the edge of the clearing, their expressions a mix of awe and confusion. My brother, ever the protective hothead, leaned over to whisper something to his wife, probably asking why wolves were howling in perfect harmony as part of the opening rituals.
The elders stood at the center of the clearing, cloaked in ceremonial robes adorned with intricate symbols. Elder Greyna, the eldest among them, raised her hands to silence the crowd. Her voice was melodic yet commanding, a tone that demanded attention.
“We gather here tonight,” she began, “under the watchful gaze of the moon goddess, to witness the sacred union of our Alpha, Lucian Blackwood, and his fated mate, Teresa p>
There was a murmur of approval from the pack, followed by more howls. Luke flinched beside his wife, and I couldn’t help but stifle a giggle at his bewilderment.
“This is Luke whispered to his wife, wide-eyed. “This is not normal. This is very not normal p>
“Shush,” she replied, nudging him. “It’s their culture. Respect it p>
Lucian, who had been silent, leaned close to my ear and whispered, “Your brother looks like he’s on the verge of a stroke p>
I stifled a laugh, earning a raised eyebrow from Elder Greyna, who did not appreciate interruptions.
The ceremony continued, with chants and blessings from the elders. They circled us, sprinkling us with moonwater and marking Lucian’s forehead with a silvery paste symbolizing strength and leadership. When it was my turn, they painted my forehead with a symbol for unity and nurturing.
Finally, Greyna stepped forward with a small blade and a chalice. She looked at Lucian. “Alpha, do you pledge to protect, honor, and cherish your mate, to share your strength and power with her, and to always put her before yourself p>
Lucian’s voice was a low growl, filled with conviction. “I do p>
She turned to me. “Teresa, do you pledge to stand by your Alpha, to uphold the pack’s values, and to give him your unwavering loyalty and love p>
My voice wavered but remained steady. “I do p>
Greyna nodded, cutting a small line on Lucian’s palm and then mine. She pressed our hands together, allowing our blood to mingle before dripping into the chalice. The pack howled again, a hauntingly beautiful sound that sent shivers down my spine.
“And now,” Greyna announced, “to seal the bond in the eyes of the moon goddess, the Alpha must claim his mate p>
Wait, what?
Claim?
Lucian turned to me, his head tilting slightly as if he could sense my hesitation. “It’s just a bite, love,” he murmured, his voice a soothing balm against my rising panic.
“A bite? In front of everyone?” I hissed back, my cheeks flaming.
Luke, meanwhile, stood up, pointing dramatically at the scene. “What the hell is going on? Is he about to eat her p>
His wife yanked him back down, muttering something about shutting up and letting the people do their thing.
Lucian chuckled, and I could feel his smirk. “Relax, Teresa. It’s symbolic. Mostly p>
“Mostly p>
Before I could protest further, Lucian leaned down, his lips brushing the curve of my neck. I felt his teeth graze my skin, and then, with a sudden sharpness, he bit down. It wasn’t painful, more like an electric jolt that spread warmth throughout my body.
The pack erupted in cheers and howls, their voices echoing through the forest. I felt a surge of energy, a connection to Lucian that was deeper and more profound than anything I’d ever known.
Luke, meanwhile, was pale as a sheet. “Did he just bite my sister p>
“Calm down,” his wife whispered. “She’s fine. Look at her. She’s glowing p>
And she was right. I felt alive, vibrant, as if the moon itself had poured its light into me.
Greyna raised her hands again. “The bond is complete. Now, as tradition dictates, we escort the couple to the sacred woods, where they shall consummate their union under the full moon p>
Consummate. Oh, for crying out loud.
Lucian took my hand, his smirk evident even without sight. “Ready, Luna p>
I glared at him. “You’re enjoying this way too much p>
The pack formed a procession, their lanterns illuminating the path as they led us deeper into the forest. Luke’s protests were drowned out by the howling, and I could only imagine the explanation he’d demand later.
When we reached the heart of the woods, the pack stopped, forming a respectful circle around a small clearing bathed in moonlight. Greyna stepped forward one last time, her voice reverent. “May the moon goddess bless this union and guide you both in the days to come p>
The pack dispersed, leaving Lucian and me alone under the canopy of stars.
He turned to me, his blind eyes soft but filled with an intensity that made my breath hitch. “You’re mine now,” he said, his voice a low rumble.
“And you’re mine,” I replied, pulling him into a kiss that spoke of all the love, passion, and promise we shared.
The night was a blur of heat and tenderness, of whispered promises and shared laughter. The forest seemed alive around us, the moonlight wrapping us in its embrace as we began this new Chapter together.
Sometime before dawn, as I drifted into sleep in Lucian’s arms, I felt a presence. In my dream, the moon goddess bathed in silver light stood before me. Her eyes were endless pools of wisdom, her voice like the whisper of the wind.
“Teresa,” she said, her tone both commanding and gentle. “Your union is blessed. You have brought love and strength to my Alpha, and for that, I shall grant you a gift p>
“What gift?” I asked, my voice trembling.
“You shall see,” she replied with a smile, her form beginning to fade. “But know this—your love will change the fate of many p>
When I woke, the first rays of dawn were breaking through the trees. Lucian stirred beside me, his hand tightening around mine as he slept peacefully.
“Lucian,” I whispered, tapping his shoulder lightly. “Wake up p>
His voice was thick with sleep as he murmured, “What is it p>
“Nothing,” I said softly, a smile tugging at my lips. “The moon goddess gave us her blessing p>
His lips curved into a lazy smirk, and without even opening his eyes, he pulled me closer. “Of course, she did. She recognizes perfection when she sees it p>
I rolled my eyes, suppressing a laugh. Typical Lucian—too confident to bother waking up. But as I lay there wrapped in his arms, my heart brimmed with contentment. He was mine now, fully and forever, and that was all that mattered.