They had been organizing this ceremony for months. What started as a simple celebration had evolved into an extravagant event combining both the mating ceremony and my queen luna ceremony into one grand occasion. I still couldn't believe it was happening—that I, once considered the weakest wolf in the pack, was about to be officially named Luna Queen alongside my mate, the Alpha King.
Kael's parents had flown in three days ago, and his mother, former Queen Luna Cindy, had immediately taken charge of the preparations. She was a whirlwind of energy and ideas, her elegant figure constantly moving from one area of the palace to another, giving directions and making adjustments.
"The flowers should be arranged in cascading patterns," she instructed the decorators one morning. "And make sure the royal blue ribbons complement the silver accents."
I watched from the doorway, feeling overwhelmed. Cindy caught my eye and smiled warmly, beckoning me over.
"Belle, darling, what do you think about these centerpieces?" she asked, showing me elaborate arrangements of crystal and flowers.
"They're beautiful," I admitted, "but maybe a bit... much?"
Cindy laughed, patting my hand. "Oh, sweet girl. This ceremony isn't just for you and Kael—it's for the entire kingdom. You're a queen now, and queens don't hide in the shadows."
Her words drove me mad sometimes. I was still the shy wolf who preferred quiet corners to grand ballrooms. My idea of a perfect ceremony had been small and intimate, perhaps in the forest clearing where Kael and I had first connected. But Cindy was relentless in her vision.
"You must show everyone your strength and grace," she insisted whenever I suggested scaling back. "The pack needs to see their Luna in all her glory."
Kael found me later that day, hiding in our chambers after another overwhelming planning session.
"My mother driving you crazy yet?" he asked with a knowing smile, sitting beside me on our bed.
I leaned against his shoulder. "She means well, but this is all so... big."
"That's how she shows love," Kael explained. "By making sure everyone knows how special you are to me, to us, to the kingdom."
While Cindy was a force of nature, Kael's father, former Alpha King Rhydia, was quite different. A large man with a hard, weathered face that had seen many battles, he initially intimidated me with his stern demeanor and powerful presence. The first time we met, I nearly cowered behind Kael.
Yet I soon noticed how his eyes, so like Kael's, softened when he looked at me. They held a gentleness that contradicted his tough exterior. He didn't say much, but when he did speak, his words carried weight.
"My son chose well," he told me one evening as we watched Cindy fuss over table arrangements. "A queen isn't measured by her physical strength, but by her heart. Yours is mighty."
His unexpected kindness had brought tears to my eyes, and he'd awkwardly patted my shoulder before walking away, clearly uncomfortable with emotional displays.
As the ceremony drew closer, I found myself caught between anxiety and excitement. This wasn't the small celebration I'd imagined, but perhaps Cindy was right. Perhaps it was time for me to step into the light and embrace my role as Luna Queen—the mate of the Alpha King and a leader in my own right.
The day of the ceremony arrived, and Belle's stomach was in knots. Her nervousness stemmed not only from becoming queen but also because she knew that tonight she would mate with Kael, the alpha king. He had been incredibly patient with her all this time. They had only shared a few kisses, and Belle was still a virgin. She knew Kael had experience, while she didn't have a clue what to expect.
That morning, Belle was pampered like never before. She, Lilly, and the former queen, Luna Cind,y spent hours getting ready. The attendants styled their hair into elegant updos, painted their nails, and applied subtle makeup that enhanced their natural beauty.
"Are you nervous?" Lilly whispered while someone was working on Belle's hair.
Belle nodded slightly. "I feel like my heart might jump out of my chest."
"You'll be wonderful," Luna Cindy assured her with a gentle smile. "I remember my ceremony day. The nerves will fade once you see him waiting for you."
Belle had not yet seen her dress—Kael had insisted it be a surprise. When they finally brought it in, she gasped. It was a stunning creation of ivory silk and delicate lace, with tiny crystals that caught the light when she moved.
"It's beautiful," she whispered, running her fingers over the fabric.
As Belle walked down the long aisle later that day, the collective gasp from the crowd told her that Kael's surprise had been worth it. The garden had been transformed into a magical setting with twinkling lights strung between trees, flower garlands draped everywhere, and a raised wooden stage where Kael stood waiting for her.
The look on his face when he saw her made Belle's cheeks flush. His eyes widened, and for a moment, he seemed to forget to breathe. He was dressed in formal attire—dark pants and a crisp white shirt with a ceremonial jacket that highlighted his broad shoulders.
"You're breathtaking," he mouthed as she approached.
The ceremony was lengthy and filled with traditions Belle had been studying for weeks. First, she had to become Queen Luna by reciting ancient vows to protect and nurture the pack. She pledged loyalty to her alpha and promised to serve the pack with wisdom and compassion.
When it was time for the blood bond, Belle was called closer to Kael. Her eyes fixed on the ceremonial knife in his hand—the one that would cut their palms so the magic could transform and bind them. Belle swallowed hard, trying to hide her fear.
Kael's eyes softened as he looked at her. He took her hand gently in his and slowly sliced her palm, whispering, "I'm sorry, little wolf," as he knew it hurt. Belle bit her lip to keep from wincing. Then he cut his own palm and pressed their hands together.
The moment their blood mixed, Belle felt a rush unlike anything she'd ever experienced. It took her breath away as suddenly hundreds of voices flooded her mind—the thoughts and feelings of every pack member washing over her in a deafening wave. It was overwhelming, consuming her completely.
"Make it stop, please," she whispered, her knees weakening as she struggled to stay upright. The noise in her head was unbearable.
Kael looked at her sympathetically, pulling her closer to him. "Focus on my voice," he murmured against her ear. "Just my voice, Belle. The others will fade into the background soon. You need to find the center of the storm."
His strong arms held her steady as Belle closed her eyes, trying to follow his instructions. Slowly, the chaos in her mind began to organize itself, the voices becoming more distant as she focused on Kael's steady presence.
"That's it," he encouraged softly. "You're doing so well."
Belle took a deep breath, opening her eyes to find Kael watching her with pride and something else—something that made her heart race for entirely different reasons than fear.
As the crowd waited expectantly for the final part of the ceremony—the mating mark—Kael cleared his throat and addressed the gathered pack members.
"My friends and family," he said, his deep voice carrying across the garden, "today we have witnessed the rise of our new Queen Luna." He smiled down at Belle with such tenderness that it made her heart flutter. "However, Belle and I have decided that the mating mark will be done in private."
A murmur ran through the crowd, but Kael raised his hand.
"I ask for your understanding. This is a sacred moment between mates, and we wish to honor it in our own way." His tone left no room for argument, though his smile remained warm.
Elder Chase stepped forward with a respectful nod. "The Alpha King's wishes are to be honored. The ceremony is complete in all ways that matter. Let us celebrate our new queen!"
Cheers erupted as Kael took Belle's hand and led her down from the stage. They moved through the crowd, accepting congratulations and well-wishes, though Belle could feel Kael's impatience growing with each passing minute. His hand at the small of her back burned through the fabric of her dress, and his eyes darkened whenever they met hers.
"Soon," he whispered against her ear during a moment when they were momentarily alone. The single word sent shivers down her spine.
After what felt like hours of celebration, dancing, and feasting, Kael finally stood and offered his hand to Belle. A knowing silence fell over the crowd as she placed her trembling fingers in his.
"We thank you all for sharing in our joy today," Kael announced, his voice deeper than usual. "But I believe it's time for us to retire."
Whistles and good-natured laughter followed them as Kael led Belle from the celebration toward the palace. She was acutely aware of his thumb stroking circles on her hand, of the tension in his shoulders, of the way his breathing had deepened.
When they reached the royal chambers, Kael paused before the massive wooden doors. Without warning, he swept Belle into his arms, making her gasp in surprise.
"I've wanted to do this all day," he murmured, carrying her over the threshold.
The room took Belle's breath away. Hundreds of candles bathed everything in golden light, and rose petals were scattered across the floor leading to an enormous bed draped in silk. The scent of jasmine hung in the air, and soft music played from somewhere she couldn't see.
"You planned all this?" she asked as he set her down gently.
"I wanted tonight to be perfect for you," Kael replied, his eyes never leaving hers as he closed and locked the door behind them.
Belle's nervousness returned in full force. "I... I don't know what to do," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper.
Kael moved closer, his fingers tracing the line of her jaw. "We don't have to rush anything. We have all night... all of our lives, in fact."
"But the mating mark—"
"Will happen when we're both ready," he finished for her. His hand slid to the back of her neck, drawing her closer. "I want you to be sure, Belle. This isn't just a ceremony; this is forever."
Belle's heart hammered in her chest as she looked up at him. Despite her nervousness, she knew what she wanted. "I am sure. I want to be yours... completely."
Something primal flashed in Kael's eyes at her words. Slowly, he lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her with a gentleness that belied the tension in his body. Belle responded eagerly, her hands finding their way to his chest, feeling his heart thundering beneath her palm.
The kiss deepened, Kael's restraint gradually slipping as Belle pressed herself against him. His hands roamed her back, finding the tiny buttons that held her dress in place.
"May I?" he whispered against her lips.
Belle nodded, turning to give him better access. With careful fingers, Kael began undoing the long line of buttons. Each newly exposed inch of skin received a gentle kiss that made Belle shiver. When the dress finally loosened, he helped her step out of it, his eyes darkening as he took in the sight of her in nothing but a thin silk slip.
"You're so beautiful," he breathed, making Belle blush from head to toe.
Her fingers trembled as she reached for the buttons of his ceremonial jacket. "Your turn," she said softly.
Together, they undressed each other slowly, exploring newly revealed skin with reverent touches and whispered words of admiration. When Belle stood before him completely bare, Kael's control seemed to waver. He drew in a sharp breath, his eyes roaming over her with undisguised hunger.
"Are you afraid?" he asked, his voice rough.
Belle shook her head. "Not of you. Never of you."
He led her to the bed, laying her down gently among the silken sheets. "If anything hurts or feels uncomfortable, tell me," he instructed, positioning himself above her. "I'll stop immediately."
Belle reached up to touch his face. "I trust you."
Kael started slowly, with gentle kisses and caresses that gradually grew more heated. His hands and mouth explored her body thoroughly, discovering places that made her gasp and arch against him. Under his skilled touch, Belle's nervousness melted away, replaced by a building heat that made her tremble with need.
"Kael," she whispered, her hands clutching at his shoulders. "Please."
He positioned himself between her thighs, looking deeply into her eyes. "This might hurt at first," he warned, his voice strained with the effort of holding back.
Belle nodded, bracing herself as he began to push forward. There was discomfort, then a sharp pain that made her gasp. Kael froze immediately, his eyes filled with concern.
"I'm sorry," he murmured, kissing away the tears that had formed at the corners of her eyes. "We can stop—"
"No," Belle insisted, wrapping her legs around him. "Don't stop. I want this... I want you."
Kael waited until she relaxed before moving again, this time with exquisite slowness. The pain gradually faded, replaced by a pleasant fullness and then, to Belle's surprise, waves of pleasure that built with each careful thrust.
Their bodies moved together, finding a rhythm that seemed as natural as breathing. Belle was lost in sensations she'd never imagined, her nails digging into Kael's back as the pleasure intensified. She could feel something building inside her, a tension coiling tighter and tighter.
"Kael," she gasped, not knowing what she was asking for.
"Let go, little wolf," he growled against her ear. "I've got you."
The tension broke in a rush of ecstasy that made Belle cry out, her body arching against his. Kael's movements became more urgent, his breathing harsh against her neck. As she floated in the aftermath of her release, she felt his teeth graze the junction where her neck met her shoulder.
"Now," he rasped. "You're mine, and I'm yours."
His teeth sank into her flesh at the same moment he found his release. The initial pain of the bite was immediately overwhelmed by a surge of pure magic that raced through Belle's body. She felt their souls connecting, their bond cementing into something unbreakable and eternal.
When Kael finally lifted his head, his eyes glowed with primal satisfaction. Belle touched the mark on her neck, feeling it tingle beneath her fingers.
"My turn," she whispered, pulling him down so she could place her mark on him. As her teeth broke his skin, she felt the final piece of their bond snap into place. A completeness she'd never known before filled her heart.
They lay together afterward, limbs entwined, the mating marks on their necks still warm and sensitive. Kael traced lazy patterns on her bare skin, his expression one of utter contentment.
"How do you feel?" he asked, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
Belle smiled, nestling closer to his warmth. "Like I've finally found where I belong."