The ceremony

Terra

The entire penthouse was filled with the crème de la crème of werewolf society. Alphas from packs across the country had flown in to celebrate Nathan's 20th birthday and his official crowning as the new Alpha of our pack.

I felt completely out of place among all these powerful, glamorous people. As an orphan without a family, I didn't have the fine clothes or fancy upbringing like the other girls here. But Nathan never cared about any of that. He had always treated me as his equal, his best friend, and now, his girlfriend.

I glanced around nervously as I entered the party, hoping none of Nathan's snobbish relatives would give me a hard time tonight. A few of them shot me dirty looks, whispering behind gloved hands. They had never approved of Nathan's attachment to a poor stray like me. I lifted my chin, refusing to let their contempt shake my confidence. Nathan loved me, and that was all that mattered.

"Terra, you look beautiful!"

I turned to see Lily, Nathan's cousin, waving at me enthusiastically. She grabbed my hands, her golden curls bouncing with excitement.

"That dress is so elegant! And your hair, wow!" she gushed. I smiled, grateful for her kindness. At least one of Nathan's relatives didn't see me as trash.

"Thanks Lily," I said. "You look amazing too. That necklace is stunning on you."

She laughed. "Oh this old thing? I just threw it on. But you! This is a big night for you too, hon. Are you excited?"

I bit my lip nervously. "I guess so. I just hope I don't embarrass Nathan or anything."

Lily waved her hand. "Oh please, you could never! Nathan is so crazy about you. Everyone can see it. I always hoped you two would..." She trailed off, blushing a bit.

"Would what?" I asked.

"You know, become mates," she said in a hushed voice. "I know Nathan hasn't found his official mate yet but...I think you two would be perfect together."

I felt a flutter in my heart at her words. Becoming Nathan's mate was my deepest desire, one I hardly dared speak out loud. Werewolves naturally felt an instant soul bond when they met their one true mate. Nathan and I clearly hadn't experienced that, so I tried not to get my hopes up. But hearing Lily say she thought we'd make a good mated pair meant the world.

"That's really sweet of you to say," I told her, squeezing her hand. "Now come on, let's get a drink and celebrate your amazing cousin."

Arm in arm, we headed to the bar and grabbed two glasses of champagne. We cheered and took big gulps. The bubbles went straight to my head. Tonight called for alcohol, lots of it. This party marked the end of an era. After tonight, Nathan would officially be the Alpha, responsible for all 200 members of the Crescent Moon Pack. Our carefree youth was over. Everything would change now.

I downed another glass, trying to silence the worries in my head. Nathan catching my eye across the room and waved. He looked so handsome in his sleek black suit, his dark hair neatly combed for once. His green eyes, which always softened whenever he looked at me, now shone with affection. My heart skipped a beat.

"There's the guest of honor," Lily said. "I'm going to say hi. Are you coming?"

"In a minute," I said. "I think I need some air first."

"Of course. See you soon!" She gave me quick hug before scurrying over to Nathan. He embraced her warmly, laughing at something she said.

I slipped away to the balcony, breathing deeply as I gazed out over the twinkling city skyline. The night air chilled the heat from the alcohol, bringing welcome clarity.

Lean, manicured hands gripped the balcony beside me. I tensed, bracing myself.

"Well, if it isn't the Alpha's little charity case," a voice sneered. I turned to see Brittany, a slender blonde werewolf with icy blue eyes and a permanent scowl in my presence.

"Hello Brittany," I said dully.

"So you're still clinging to Nathan, I see," she continued. "Hate to break it to you honey, but once he finds his real mate, he'll drop you in a second. I give it a month, tops."

I clenched my jaw, refusing to let her see she was getting to me.

"We'll see," I said evenly.

Brittany let out a sharp laugh. "You don't actually think you have a shot, do you? Please. You're not even a member of the Crescent Moon pack. Just a stray mongrel Nathan took pity on as a child. No one wants a pathetic orphan like you in their pack."

Anger and shame boiled up inside me. I wanted to leap at her, sink my fangs into her skinny neck. But causing a scene would only make things worse.

"Excuse me," I muttered, pushing past her. I rushed back inside, her cruel laughter echoing in my ears. My hands shook with rage and hurt. "Get it together, Terra," I told myself harshly. "Don't let that spiteful witch ruin this night."

I grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and downed it one gulp. Liquid courage. Tonight I would hold my head high, proud to stand by Nathan's side.

A hush fell over the crowd as Nathan stepped up to the microphone on the small stage. His father, the current Alpha, stood beside him, chest puffed out. At last, the official transition ceremony was beginning.

"Welcome friends," Nathan's father, Marcus, boomed into the mic. "Thank you all for joining us on this momentous night. It is my great privilege as Alpha to host this ceremony bringing the Crescent Moon Pack into a new era."

Everyone clapped. Marcus went on describe Nathan's royal bloodline, his early signs of leadership, and the bright future ahead under his guidance. I took deep breaths, trying to calm my racing heart.

"And now I invite my son to join me," Marcus declared, opening his arms wide. "Nathan, come forth."

Looking proud and nervous, Nathan climbed the steps up to his father. Marcus placed both hands on Nathan's shoulders.

"Do you, Nathan, accept the mantle of Alpha, promise to guide and protect the Crescent Moon Pack, and lead us in wisdom and strength for all your days?"

Nathan's voice rang out clear and sure. "I do."

"Then by the power vested in my by the moon goddess, I hereby name you Alpha Nathan, leader of the Crescent Moon Pack!"

Howls and cheers exploded through the room. I found myself clapping and shouting along with everyone else, swept up in the electric joy pulsating around me. Nathan's grin shone bright as the moon as he accepted hugs and handshakes from the crowd.

Gradually the howls faded, and Nathan returned to the microphone. "Thank you all so much," he said, sounding a bit choked up. "It's an incredible honor to stand before you tonight as your Alpha. I hope I can live up to my father's example of strength, compassion and guidance. Marcus, you've prepared me well for this role, and I promise I will make you proud."

Marcus, looking equally emotional, gripped his son's shoulder and nodded.

Nathan took a deep breath before continuing. "There's one more thing I need to do before we get back to celebrating. Terra, can you come up here please?"

My stomach dropped. Why was Nathan calling me up on stage? A few whoops and whistles came from the crowd as I slowly walked up the steps, my knees threatening to buckle in my heels. Nathan extended his hand and helped me stand beside him. He kept holding my hand, his eyes never leaving mine. My heart hammered wildly. What was happening?

"Terra and I have known each other almost our whole lives," Nathan said, his voice softening. "She's been my closest companion, confidant, and cherished friend. Over the years, she's become even more. Which is why tonight, on the first night of my leadership..."

He got down on one knee, still clasping my hand in his. Gasps filled the room. I swayed, sure I must be hallucinating. This couldn't be real.

"Terra, would you make me the happiest wolf in the world by becoming my Luna?" Nathan asked, his voice cracking slightly. He pulled a small velvet box from his suit pocket and opened it, revealing a dazzling diamond ring.

For a moment the room spun, and I was sure I would faint. Me? Nathan's Luna? It was the stuff of my wildest dreams. But his warm expectant gaze held me steady. This was really happening.

"Yes!" I finally choked out through joyful sobs. "Yes, Nathan, I will be your Luna!"

The cheers were deafening. Nathan slid the ring on my finger before sweeping me up in his arms and kissing me deeply. I buried my fingers in his hair, kissing him back with all the passion I'd been holding back for so long.

When we finally broke apart, Nathan rested his forehead against mine, beaming in wonder. "We're getting mated!" he whispered. I laughed giddily.

"There's one more thing we need to make official," Marcus called out over the cacophony. The crowd quieted as Nathan and I turned to look at his father.

Marcus lifted his arms. "As Alpha, it is my honor to declare that this woman, Terra, shall hold the title of Luna and stand proudly at the side of her Alpha Nathan. Let it be known throughout the land!"

If I thought the previous cheers were loud, they were nothing compared to the thundering sound that shook the penthouse now. I was frozen in delighted shock as Marcus came forward and placed the ceremonial Moonstone necklace around my neck, signifying my new status as Luna.

"Thank you, sir," I said breathlessly. "I'm so honored."

He smiled and patted my shoulder. "You'll make a fine Luna, my dear." Turning back to the ecstatic crowd, Marcus raised his glass high. "To Alpha Nathan and Luna Terra!"

"To Nathan and Terra!" everyone echoed back.

The rest of the night passed in a blur of congratulations, toasting, drinking and dancing. I hardly had a moment alone with Nathan, but our eyes kept finding each other across the room, both of us still stunned by this incredible turn of events.

It was nearly 3am by the time the celebration finally started winding down. Tipsy guests gradually trickled out or passed out on couches. Nathan and I managed to escape up to his bedroom on the top floor of the penthouse.

As soon as the door closed behind us, Nathan pulled me roughly against him and brought his mouth down on mine. I melted into his kiss, my whole body burning for more. We tumbled down onto his massive bed, hands roaming urgently over each other.

Nathan paused and met my eyes questioningly, his breathing heavy. "Terra, my love, if you want to wait, I completely understand-"

I placed a finger over his lips. "I don't want to wait another minute," I whispered. I fumbled to undo the zipper on my dress. Nathan's eyes blazed with desire as I shimmied it off. Tonight, after all these years, I was finally giving myself to him completely, body and soul.

The rest of our clothes soon joined my dress on the floor. We took our time exploring each other, savoring the intimacy we'd both longed for. Every touch, every kiss was perfect.

As we finally joined together, tears of joy leaked down my cheeks. "I love you, Nathan," I breathed against his skin.

"I love you, Terra," he murmured in my ear. "My love, my Luna, my everything."

We eventually fell into blissful, exhausted sleep still wrapped in each other's arms. This night had exceeded my wildest dreams. The moon goddess had blessed me with my love, a home, a family. For the first time in my life, I felt like I truly belonged. As I drifted off, I sent up a prayer of thanks.

"Please, goddess, let us be this happy forever."

If only I had known what the next day would bring. I clung to him tighter, cherishing these last moments of peace, unaware of the storm about to rip my perfect world apart.