The Mating Ceremony

Linda's P.O.V

I watched as my mother joyfully savored each bite of her meal, a contented smile adorning her face. Meanwhile, my father sat across from my mother, his expression marked by sadness and worry. His eyes met mine, and we shared a moment of understanding. However, I couldn't find it within myself to eat. A knot tightened in my stomach, a physical manifestation of the sadness and anxiety I felt. She pushed her food around her plate, unable to bring herself to take a bite.

My father glanced at me, concern etched in his features. "Linda, sweetheart, aren't you hungry? You need to eat something."

I mustered a weak smile, my voice laced with sadness. "I'm just not feeling well, Dad. It's hard to eat when my stomach is tied up in knots."

My mother, unaware of the inner turmoil I was experiencing, chimed in cheerfully. "Oh, Linda, you're missing out on such a delicious meal! The flavors are exquisite. You should try some."

Observing my lack of response, my mother raised her voice slightly and said in a stern tone, "I hope you're not still fixated on that boy. Soon, you will be the wife of the alpha and the Luna of the Blackwood pack. You need to put an end to these foolish thoughts immediately. Now, straighten up, smile more, and finish your food immediately ."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at my mother and replied, "Yes, Mom."

My father reached out and gently held my hand, his voice filled with empathy. "We understand, sweetheart. This situation is difficult for all of us. Just know that we're here for you, no matter what happens."

"Why are you trying to console her?, Just let her go ahead with whatever foolishness is in her head. She thinks she's still a baby that needs to be babied all the time. She's just being a selfish child, not thinking of the consequences that'll befall all of us if this doesn't pull through. Leave her let her wail all she wants. Silly girl," my mother said almost yelling.

Being an only child, I had always gotten my way and everything I wanted. Even though my mother was stern and sometimes refused my childish requests, my father always stood up for me and let me have my desires. But when I saw my father urging me to continue with the ceremony despite his sadness, I knew I had no other choice than to be strong.

So I sat up and tried to eat but still couldn't. I then beckoned to the head cook who was sitting in the corner of the kitchen and asked, "Please ma'am, can I have some ginger tea."

"Feeling nervous?" she asked, with a small smile on her face as she handed me the tea.

The small smile on her face caught me by surprise because I had thought she would be stern, just like the alpha.

"A little bit ma'am," I replied.

"Call me Camille" she scolded lightly.

"Okay, ma'am… I mean Camille," I said smiling for the first time today. "By any chance, are you from the northern pack?"

She smiled in return, "I have to go now, I have other things to take care of," she said while leaving.

"Thanks for the tea and chat Camille," I expressed my gratitude.

As I turned to the table, I saw my mother staring at me with a raised brow.

"What is it?" I asked.

"You do not have any allies or friends in this house, you have to be cautious and alert at all times. I'm sure a lot of them aren't happy you are the alpha's mate and Luna because they probably wanted that position for themselves. Don't get close to anybody here. Once the mating ceremony is done, your wolf will be your only friend. Do you understand?" she complained.

I rolled my eyes and continued drinking my tea.

"Linda Marie Carter, did you hear what I just said?" She asked angrily, through clenched teeth.

Yes, yes Mom, I replied sarcastically, trying to brush off her words.

Just then, a guard entered the kitchen, interrupting our conversation.

"I've been told to escort all of you to the meeting hall," he informed us.

My heart raced with fear as I got up from the table. The moment I had been dreading was about to happen.

We made our way to the meeting hall, where the alpha, top officials, the gamma, and Daniel were already seated.

A sinking feeling washed over me when I saw Daniel among them. I couldn't help but wonder why he had to be there.

"Sit, the ceremony is about to begin," the alpha commanded.

We all found our places at the table, and I could feel the alpha's cold and steady gaze fixed on me. His presence was overwhelming as if he held complete control. I struggled to keep myself composed, reminding myself of the duty I had towards my loved ones.

Step forward, Linda Marie Carter," one of the officials called out to me.

I complied, walking forward with shaky steps. The alpha's dominance was palpable, and I couldn't ignore the seriousness of the situation. This was the moment that would shape my life.

"Alpha Bruno Blackwood, do you take Linda Marie Carter, to be your mate and Luna?" An official said, projecting his voice across the room.

"By the moon and the stars, by the blood that flows through our veins, I, Alpha Bruno Blackwood, hereby accept Linda Marie Carter as my mate," he declared, his voice booming with authority.

I felt a knot tighten in my stomach as the words hung in the air, sealing my fate. I scanned the room, desperately for Daniel but he was nowhere to be found. My tears threatened to spill, but I fought to hold them back.

"And do you, Linda Marie Carter, accept Alpha Bruno Blackwood as your mate and alpha, to honor and obey him, to stand by his side in all matters, and to bear him strong and loyal heirs?" The official asked, his voice demanding my commitment.

I closed my eyes, my mind racing with conflicting emotions. I thought of my love for Daniel, the dreams we had shared, and the future we had envisioned. But I also thought of my family, and the responsibility I had towards them. At that moment, I made a choice that would forever change the course of my life.

Taking a deep breath, I opened my eyes and met the alpha's unwavering gaze. My voice trembled, but I found the strength to speak. "I, Linda Marie Carter, accept Alpha Bruno Blackwood as my mate. I promise to honor and obey him, to stand by his side in all matters, and to bear him strong and loyal heirs."

The room was filled with a mix of relief and disappointment. My father looked proud of my decision, but sadness lingered in his eyes. My mother wore an incredibly joyful smile, her eyes shining brightly with happiness. The top officials maintained their serious expressions.

The alpha stepped forward, reaching out his hand to me. I took a hesitant step closer, feeling my limbs tremble as he held my hand and raised our hands together in the air. At that moment, we became bound to each other, our connection sealed by the ancient bond.

Then, everyone in the room bowed to me, saying, "Congratulations, our Luna!"

The room erupted in applause, a mixture of genuine congratulations and forced cheer. The tension began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of resignation and acceptance. The mating ceremony had reached its conclusion, leaving me with a heavy heart and a gnawing ache.

As the alpha and I stood there, the weight of our union settled upon us. He let go of my hand, seemingly annoyed by our contact, his expression unreadable. Then, he turned towards the others and spoke. "I thank you all for witnessing this important moment. "Let it be known that Linda Marie Carter is now officially recognized as my mate and the luna of Blackwood pack, and as such, she holds a place of honor within our pack."

A strange sensation stirred within me, accompanied by a pounding headache."What's happening"? I wondered, feeling confused and disoriented. I began to feel dizzy, unable to keep my balance, I stumbled backward surrendering to the comforting embrace of darkness.