Ava had come with her entourage, consisting of a makeup artist and hairstylist. I went to the bathroom to take a shower since there was no time for a bath. I came back dressed in my robes while they were set to work.
I sat in front of the mirror as the makeup artist applied it to me. I opted for something light because I'd still have to shift.
My hair was rolled into a low bun, sleeked with a styling gel, and styled with decorative stones and pins, and I was helped into the dress.
The dress fitted just perfectly, accentuating my waist. I moved closer to the mirror and twirled, loving the way the clothes fit on my body.
"You look so beautiful, Bella. Richard is one hell of a lucky man." I felt warmth flush through my limbs at her words. My smile was so wide, my lips threatened to tear.
I opened the box of jewelry the former Luna had gifted me, and with their help, I put them on. Yeah! Ava was right; it really brings out the color in my eyes.
I looked out the window; beyond the trees, the sun had gone down and the sky was getting dark. "Alright people!" Jessi announced as she peeked into the room, "It is time to get this party started."
They led me towards the garage, and we got into one of the Highlander Jeeps. This time around, Jessi was the designated driver. We couldn't risk an accident today.
We packed close to the venue and got down. A makeshift stage has been created, and the chairs have been arranged on two sides, creating a walkway lined with red carpet. It was feeling more like a wedding than a mating ceremony.
I was helped out of the car, and someone was at my back, arranging my dress for me. Everyone was already seated, and Richard was waiting for me at the end of the aisle.
My hands were shaking as I began to walk down the aisle, beads of perspiration clinging to me. The moon had begun to make her face known. There was no lightning, save the rays of the moon.
The moon shone on Richard, casting her soft rays on his features. It was as if he was glowing, and I found myself drawn to him like a magnet. My feet were floating in the air as I moved closer to meet him, until I found myself standing in front of him.
"Isabella." He whispered my name like a sin, his voice making my stomach clench in pleasure. I squeezed my legs, willing my body to cooperate with me. Now isn't the time to be leaking in front of people who have sensitive noses.
He smirked as he saw I was having a hard time controlling myself, before he took my hands and we faced the crowd.
An aged man whom I barely knew was in front of us; he looked at our joined hands and smiled before clearing his throat. "We have gathered here for a very special moment. A moment that will mark history," he began, looking at the crowd. "A moment that will be recorded in history. We are here to witness the mating between our Alpha and his mate." His words were followed by loud cheers for a while, before the crowd died down.
"It is a beautiful thing when one finds their mate, and even more beautiful when the person is our Alpha. With no further ado, the Alpha would mark his mate, and she would in turn mark him. This means they are inextricably linked until death separates them.
Without wasting time, Richard drew me closer and held me by my waist, his warmth seeping into me. Whereever he touched me, molten fire ignited. "Are you ready to be mine?" He whispered awfully close to my neck, his voice sending shivers down my spine.
"Hell yes!" I whispered.
I closed my eyes and angled my neck, but his soft lips touched mine as his mouth descended on me. I wasn't expecting that. I was thinking he was going to bite me, and that would be all. But I wasn't complaining. A kiss is always welcomed.
His lips moved hungrily against mine, and he pulled me even closer. I tangled my hands in his hair, gripping it to steady myself from the flood of emotions. Suddenly, he parted from the kiss. I looked at him as I tried to catch my breath. His lips were swollen and wet, and I was sure mine were too.
Before I could catch my breath, his canines were on me, sinking deep into me, forever marking me as his. I cried out from the initial pain and shock, but that gave way to something else.
Pleasure. raw, undiluted pleasures.
Never being one to waste time, I dug my canine into his neck, my teeth coming in contact with his skin and piercing it, sinking them deep, until my scent had permanently seeped into him.
I left the neck and licked the skin around it for any trace of blood. Richard came closer, his eyes glowing a vibrant gold, and licked my canines. I shiver at the sensitivity.
He licked the blood off my neck and stood away, admiring his work. His initials, RW, were carved in my neck where he had bit him, and vice versa.
He placed a kiss on his mark, his eyes shining with pride. I began to hear the cheers and claps of the crowd. Holy cow! I was so consumed by Richard that I had forgotten we had a crowd watching us.
Can the Earth just swallow me? His mother and siblings were in the audience! And we were locking lips like no man’s business.
The elderly man cleared his throat, and I looked at him. His ears were red, and he had trouble maintaining eye contact with us. I chuckled a bit. We had probably scared him. "Congratulations, Alpha and Luna."
Richard simply smiled at him.
Next, a ceramic bowl and a knife were provided and given to Richard. He had no problem cutting his hands, and I watched as the red liquid dripped inside the bowl. He handed the bowl and knife to me, and I looked at them, a bit confused.
"You are to drop your blood there." He whispered in my ears.
"Oh… Wait, what?" I whispered back.
"Just do it!" I took the knife from him and cut myself, feeling a small sting of pain before the wound started closing. I watched as the bright pink blood entered the bowl and a sizzling sound was heard as it mixed with Richard's.
The elder took it and mixed it, saying some things under his breath before giving it back to us. Richard dipped his hands into the bowl and brought out his red-stained finger before dipping it into his mouth.
He dipped his fingers once more into my blood and fed me. The metallic tang of the red liquid filled my mouth. The liquid slid smoothly down my throat, settling in my stomach. It only took seconds for an odd sensation to take effect, rushing through my veins.
A gasp left my throat as the sensation coursed through my body. I closed my eyes, arching my back as the sensations washed over me.
Power, immense power, clouded my being.
Old bonds were breaking, disintegrating into nothingness, and new ones were forming with my pack. I could feel everything at once. I could hear their thoughts. My mind opened to them, as did theirs to me.
I was drunk on it. It was intoxicating. This feeling is strange yet familiar. It was addictive.
Is this how power feels?
After what seemed like an hour, I opened my eyes and saw Richard's eyes glowing a vibrant gold, taking me hungrily. The power that came from this was addictive, and it is no wonder he wanted a taste.
The goddess (the moon) showed herself, casting her silver rays on us, in support of our union.
A smile graced Richard's face as he pulled me in for another kiss. You look so hot right now, I could fuck you here. A voice said in my head. Richard!
I gasped as I squatted on his chest. Not in public.
Congratulations began to pour into the mind link as the pack conveyed their thoughts.
"Behold your new leaders." Alpha Richard and Luna Isabella." The pack erupted into cheers at his words. It took a while before we could calm them down.
"Luna Isabella. Mmm... Sounds seductive." Richard whispered to my hearing. I threw a smile his way. I suppose I could get used to that.
There was nothing left to do but eat, be merry, and, of course, party!
There is plenty of food to go around. I stuffed myself with the mini sausage rolls and chocolate eclairs on the table because I knew I would need the energy for later.
I was nursing a glass of cold Martini, sipping it at a time, as I watched some performances that were taking place.
A warm hand squeezed mine gently, and I turned to look at the culprit.
"Thank you for being mine."