The entire pack gathered beneath the open sky.
Torches burned softly around the clearing, their flames dancing in the cold night air. Snow reflected the moonlight, turning the ground silver and unreal. The full moon hung high above the forest, round and powerful, watching everything.
Jane stood at the edge of the circle with Granny beside her.
Her hands trembled slightly.
She wore a simple white dress that hugged her figure softly, warm fabric brushing her skin. Nothing fancy. Nothing royal. Yet she had never felt more exposed in her life.
Every eye in the clearing was on her.
Not judging.
Waiting.
"You are ready," Granny whispered.
Jane swallowed.
"I'm terrified," she admitted.
Granny squeezed her hand gently.
"Good," she said. "It means this matters."
Jane stepped forward slowly.
The pack parted to create a path.
Alex stood at the center of the circle.
Dressed in black. Broad shoulders straight. Powerful. Controlled. His silver eyes softened the moment they found her.
Everything else faded.
Noise disappeared.
Fear quieted.
Only him remained.
Jane walked toward him, heart pounding loudly in her ears.
Alex watched her like she was the only thing in the world.
When she reached him, he reached out and took her hands.
The contact sent warmth flooding through her body.
"You can still walk away," he said quietly. "No one will force you."
Jane lifted her chin.
"I'm not here because of blood," she said. "I'm here because I choose you."
A low murmur moved through the pack.
Alex's jaw tightened slightly, emotion flashing across his face.
"You are choosing a hard life," he said. "Danger. Responsibility. A bond that cannot be broken."
Jane stepped closer.
"I'm choosing you," she repeated.
Silence fell.
The elder wolf stepped forward and raised his staff.
"Tonight," he announced, "a Luna rises. Not by force. Not by conquest. But by consent and bond."
The elder turned to Jane.
"Do you accept the Alpha of Valemont as your mate, protector, and equal?"
Jane didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
The elder turned to Alex.
"Do you accept this Luna as your mate, leader beside you, and heart of your pack?"
Alex's voice was steady but heavy with emotion.
"Yes."
The moonlight intensified.
Jane felt heat building inside her chest.
The elder nodded.
"Then step closer."
Alex gently pulled Jane against him.
Her hands rested against his chest. His arms wrapped around her waist.
Their foreheads touched.
The bond ignited.
Jane gasped softly as warmth rushed through her veins. It wasn't pain. It wasn't fear. It felt like recognition. Like coming home to something she didn't know she was missing.
Alex's breathing deepened.
He leaned down slowly, giving her time to pull away.
She didn't.
Their lips met.
The kiss was not rushed.
Not wild.
It was deep. Emotional. Full of promise.
The pack watched in respectful silence as the bond sealed.
Jane felt something settle inside her. Strong. Steady. Powerful.
When Alex pulled back, his eyes glowed brighter.
"You feel different," Jane whispered.
"So do you," he replied.
The elder raised his staff again.
"Luna Jane of Valemont is recognized," he declared.
The pack bowed.
Not deeply. Not submissively.
Respectfully.
Jane's breath caught.
Tears burned her eyes.
She never imagined being seen like this.
Valued.
Chosen.
Alex leaned closer and whispered against her ear, "You belong here."
Jane whispered back, "So do you."
Later that night, the pack celebration faded into quiet laughter and distant music.
Jane and Alex stood alone at the edge of the clearing, the forest surrounding them softly.
The moon still shone brightly.
Jane leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder.
"I never believed in monsters," she said quietly.
Alex smiled faintly.
"And now?"
"I believe in wolves," she said. "And stubborn Alpha males."
He chuckled softly.
"You're dangerous now," he said. "Luna humor."
Jane tilted her head and looked up at him.
"You promised to protect me," she said.
Alex brushed his thumb across her cheek.
"I promised to stand beside you," he corrected. "Not above you. Not in front of you. With you."
Jane's chest tightened.
She reached up and kissed him softly.
The kiss deepened naturally.
Not desperate.
Not rushed.
Slow. Warm. Intimate.
Alex's arms tightened around her waist.
When he pulled back, his forehead rested against hers.
"Come home with me," he whispered.
Jane smiled softly.
"I already am."
They walked back toward the pack house together.
Hand in hand.
Under the moon.
Not as strangers.
Not as fear and confusion.
But as Alpha and Luna.
Partners.
Chosen.
Bound.
And finally, at peace.