The Turning Ceremony(I)

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"The flowers for the Turning Ceremony have been delivered to the venue and are being arranged as we speak. They are being arranged according to your specifications. The snacks have also been set up and many of the pack members have contributed their own dishes into the mix. It is a true confirmation that they are just as excited by the event as we are. You have done an incredible job, Luna Alexandra."

Perrie Moors, otherwise known as my absolute savior stated, her efficiency warming my heart. The older woman was goddess-sent and had been a massive help as I transitioned into the duties expected of me as Luna. It had been two weeks of learning the intricacies of my new pack and boy has it been a wild ass ride.

I had known it would not be easy to handle such a massive pack and my fears had been confirmed on the first day when Perrie had arrived at the home office with files upon files of information I needed to acquaint myself with.

My only consolation despite the insane workload that had been was the warmth of the pack. The introduction ceremony had been normal for the most part. Whereas they hadn't been outwardly mean or had rejected my presence, I could tell that my position was simply due to the moon goddess' blessings. I still had a long way to go to gain their respect and trust.

And so, with Perrie's help, I worked hard as hell to reform and assist the pack in any way I could. From the meeting hall being upgraded with every single facility they could possibly need to building the younger wolves a better hangout spot away from the adults where they could indulge in video games, snacks and so much more.

The Pack hospital was fully stocked with new, state of the art equipment, house constructions for some of the pack members that had stalled were now done and in record time and to top it all off, I had managed to single-handedly plan a memorable turning ceremony for the younger pups who had recently turned eighteen and would officially connect with their werewolves and turn for the first time.

A small smile graced my lips as I remembered all the turning ceremonies we had hosted at my former pack. It was a celebration that brought the entire pack together and knowing that Dante never had such for the young werewolves sprung me into action. The stoic, mercurial Alpha was not one to have such events. There were pack gatherings, yes, but turning was simply considered to be a normal occurrence, not really worthy of a ceremony.

Not anymore, though...

Although he had been reluctant, at first, by my suggestion, he supported me all the same and was genuinely in awe by the great reception I had received from the rest of the pack and the young pups who were more than excited at the prospect of such a big event. I was grateful to my mate who had been just as busy as I was with more important issues, all revolving the Rogue crisis that was taking over our world.

The packless werewolves who have severed their connection with the moon goddess were prowling through the Eastern Territory, attacking other packs and causing havoc throughout the werewolf world. Security had been increased even within our own pack despite our position at the top. No one would be foolish enough to come after us but Dante was not taking any chances.

Worry flooded through my veins for my home. I knew well enough that Reed was more than capable of taking care of the pack. That his father and my own would guide him through it as well, most especially during the crisis.

My radio silence from the entire pack and my friends was broken by my father's call that had been a whole 45 minutes of me comforting him that I was doing well and vice versa. He had kept the updates on the others to a minimum, only mentioning Former Alpha Sebastian and Luna Rosalie who sent their greetings. I knew he suspected the falling out between Reed, Letty and I but he said nothing, choosing instead to make me promise to call frequently lest he came to CrescentMoon to make sure I was okay.

His call had lifted my spirits and given me the strength to work hard as the Luna of my new home, to make sure he would be proud of my accomplishments when he did come to visit eventually.

"Thank you, Perrie. I could not have done it without you. I can't wait to finish the event and have things slow down a little bit here."

I muttered, pulling myself from the rabbit hole of my thoughts to the present where Perrie granted me a small smile and reassuring nod.

"We have certainly managed to regulate the crazy workload. Its a wonder Alpha Dante was managing all this somehow. He really has grown into an impressive Alpha. I am happy he now has you to help."

Perrie commented, reverence in her features as she spoke of her Alpha and my mate. It was the same reaction many beheld when talking about him. He may be considered an insensitive and ruthless asshole, he was also respected for the fact that he had created a pack who stuck and fought together. A strong pack that gave many of its members the confidence of his protection. He would die before he let any of them be harmed and I knew his people would do the same.

He's going to be an amazing King one day...

"I plan to unburden him as much as possible. Now then, I should probably head out and get ready."

I muttered, getting to my feet as I did which prompted Perrie to also stand with a nod.

"Yes, it's only a matter of time. They are carrying out the final security checks as we speak. I'll report to you their findings as soon as they are done but everything seems to be in order. Alpha Dante and Gamma Jade are yet to return from the Alpha meeting at the neighboring pack, EvenCrest, but Beta Kaden is around and should you need anything, you can summon him."

Perrie finished, her efficiency making me smile as I thanked her yet again and released her to also get ready. We were about to have a long night and Dante being away meant I had to be on top of my game. There were many times Alpha Sebastian had left Reed and I the pack when they left for business. It wasn't for a long period of time but it was smooth all the same.

This is different, though...I'm the Luna which means everyone will be looking towards me to ensure that everything runs smooth and decisions are made.

I should be comforted that Beta Kaden was around but the werewolf and I had not met again since Jace's untimely death. He had been the man who had tried to defend me from his late companion's words. He had tried to stop Dante from killing the pack member.

That was the first and last night I had been in an enclosed space with Beta Kaden Trainor who now avoided me like the plague. Jade said he was simply not a people person but deep down, I knew it had something to do with the shared trauma we had experienced. Not that I wasn't sure he had seen his own fair share of blood and gore.

He probably hates me for what happened...I caused it and made his companion suffer the wrath of my unhinged mate...I understand and respect the distance...

A sigh escaped my lips as I exited the home office that had become my HQ of sorts and made my way to our room where a bath had already been run by the ever gracious and efficient Omegas who kept our home spick and span.

Our home. Goddess, so many things have changed over a short period of time...

Stripping as I remarked on how quickly life shifted, I released a small pleased groan as the warm, cherry blossom scented water surrounded my naked body. It had been a while since I had been able to settle in a bath with the stress of the pack not weighing me down.

It was yet to be over but I was too close to the finish line to obsess anymore. I had done all I could and would ensure the day was memorable for all the young pups who were stepping right into adulthood and truly beginning their lives.

Their experience will be better than mine.... It has to be...

I knew better than to expect to heal my demons through this planning but I could not help it. Not when everything about this particular night reminded me of a man I swore to forget. A man I should hate and yet thoughts of him still drifted in and out of my mind.

Ana Leticia had tried calling me multiple times on the first week but I was still too emotionally raw to let her in. To share what happened. So I ignored her, my best and closest friend and it hurt just as much if not more than when I realized Reed would not be calling me.

I was a horrible person for praying, hoping deep down that he would. That he would betray the mate bond and his love for Natasha to call me and explain what truly happened. It was unfair and unreasonable and a thought I instantly eliminated from my thoughts as I focused fully on work.

Take it as a painful but positive outcome, Alex... Him staying away means he's safe and happy with his mate. He does not run the risk of meeting your psychotic mate who will not hesitate to rip him apart...Its a win, Alex, and you know it...

I mulled on these thoughts as I dried off and made my way towards the closet to prepare for the event. My mate's scent engulfed me, bringing back the feelings of longing I had been fighting all day. He and I had been too busy to indulge in our late night cable hangouts. Nothing had to be said. All we had to do was be in each other's company and that was more than enough.

I brushed a hand down one of his many leather jackets, a chuckle escaping me as I remembered teasing him on the abundance of the particular article of clothing. All I had received, however, was a wide and wild grin as he declared that the clothing was absolute art.

Shaking my head in amusement at the memory, I turned towards the hers side of the closet to pick my outfit which ended up as a homage to the insane man that I missed.

Black leather shorts donned atop black stockings, a white chunky sweater with a turtleneck and black leather jacket to finish off the look. I pulled my hair into a high ponytail, letting the curls loose down to the small of my back before moving to make up. I settled on winged eye liner-that was a struggle to put on by the way-mascara and nude matte lipstick.

Satisfied with the final outcome that was a little dressy than my usual grunge and laid back looks, I donned my black Doc Marten combat boots before heading out of the door. I was somewhat late which Ana Leticia would have been proud due to the prolonged time I had spent preparing.

I really do miss her so fucking much...

Shoving the thought into the back of my mind, I stared at the scene before me as the laughter, conversation and music floated over to me. The open field behind the meeting hall had been completely transformed into a Pinterest pin worthy look.

Baby breaths and roses were arranged perfectly atop the outdoor wooden benches arranged in an orderly fashion around the open space. The snacks and food was in plenty and placed on side tables where a number of the women were serving the kids and adults alike.

Fairy lights lit up the expanse from pergolas and the surrounding trees with white clothing swathed and intertwined to give the place that sophisticated edge we had been looking for. Candles in jars were part of the centerpiece arrangement and illuminated the individuals dining under the setting evening sun.

The event was well underway and I couldn't help the wide grin that stretched across my lips as I joined the fray at Perrie's summoning.

Compliments gushed forth from my fellow pack members for the next hour or so, and I honestly could not imagine this moment being any better as I bonded with the people and place I now called home.

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