The Claimed Promise

The Celebration

Celebrations to me should usually mean the coming together of people that is not only fun but full of laughing, drinking and joy. This celebration, was not starting this way and I knew I was partially to blame. Tense silence had engulfed the room and in this moment I felt it better for me to try and give this woman the benefit of the doubt in the situation. Maybe she really didn't know that Samara had found her mate? Of course, you'd have to have been living under a rock... No, no, don't think like that Kora. Can't make it better with that kind of thinking. As I begin speaking, I realize I interrupt Samara who looks like she's ready to explode but, she allows me to speak first. "Claudia, please, let us restart. There's obviously been some miscommunication here and I truly do not want any ill will with the sister of my best friends mate and who is also the beta female." Pressure from all of the eyes on me in that moment shifts and is now plastered on Claudia. It seems everyone is awaiting her response and I'm not sure if anyone of us is breathing. I patiently wait for her to some how register that I'm not a threat and hope she will soften the piercing glare she is giving me but, this moment never comes. Instead, to my surprise, she begins laughing and then addresses the pack. "Wolves of The Lunar Crown Pack, hear me and consider my words. This is a human girl. We all know that turning a human into one of us is a difficult endeavor in general but, it's nearly impossible for an Alpha! The Moon Goddess has to deem a human worthy to become a Luna and in this case, the Queen of Lunas! I implore you, as the smart wolves you are, consider this before you grow too attached to the idea of this "fated mate" taking the place of this pack's Luna!" Many gasps are heard through the crowd and I noticed a few of them nodding their head in agreement. Before I can process further, the loudest growl I've ever heard ripples through the room and every single person has their head tilted down at an angle with their neck showing. Samara's eyes are black and her voice is joined by what I can only assume is Yuri. "Listen well my pack. This is your Luna Queen and no one will pass judgement before the Moon Goddess does. She can feel our mate bond which is already a sign from the Goddess herself. Do not give up on her so easily just because she is human, that means nothing." Samara's words echo through the room and many are now nodding their head and smiling at me. Claudia lets out a loud huff and storms out of the ballroom and no sooner do the doors close, the music starts again and I feel Samara's hot breath on my ear. "You are so strong baby and I know you will make an amazing Luna." The sincerity in her words isn't missed and all I can do is nod and pray to the Moon Goddess that she's right. After the music starts up, the celebration becomes what I was expecting originally. Everyone around me is laughing, dancing, drinking and just having a great time. Soon, a smile is plastered to my face as I watch them all have fun and an odd sense of pride fills my heart. Samara leads me over to one of the areas that is serving drinks and gets me my customary beer as well as one for herself. Many of the pack members come up to greet us and congratulate their alpha on finding her mate. I do the best I can to remember the pack members and their names and each time someone introduces themselves, I repeat their name several times in my head while looking at them. As I try to memorize the names of the couple in front of me, royal guard Tristan and his mate Penny who are currently greeting Samara with a hug instead of the customary head bow or handshake I've grown used to, I feel a tight grasp on my leg. "My Queen Luna! My name is Braiden, son of Tristan and Penny, and I swear my life to you as my father has done to our Queen Alpha!" My eyes immediately shoot down to a child who looks to be no older then 10, hugging my leg with the most determined look in his innocent golden eyes. I've always loved children and without a second thought I tousle his beautiful brown hair before responding. "Well Braiden, son of Tristan and Penny, I name you future royal guard and grant you permission to call me Kora." I bow my head to the child clinging to my legs and soon tears fill his eyes. "I knew there was no way that mean wolf could be our Luna! A real Luna is nice like you!" Braiden's exclamation causes my face to flush since I know his reference is to Claudia and I crouch down to his level. "Sir Braiden, future royal guard, please remember that even if you don't agree with someone in your pack or you think they're mean, they're still your pack and it is your duty to protect them." Without any extra thought, he abruptly nods at me. "Yes Queen Luna Kora!" Braiden throws his arms around my neck and tightly hugs me. Instinctively, my arms wrap around him and I return his hug. Soon, he's let go of me and has grabbed for his mother's hand, quickly dragging her towards a table that appears to be full of deserts. Soon, Tristan is following the two of them towards the table, he quickly joins in picking out many delicious looking deserts while Penny tries to limit the sweets. I can't help but laugh as I watch the small family, they're beyond cute. Lost in my thoughts, I don't realize Samara has moved her lips so close to my ear until the velvety sound of her voice brings me to the present. "That was absolutely amazing baby and you are so good with pups. I thank the goddess every moment I can for giving me you." Blush returns to my face but I do not have long to think over her words as she pulls me forward to where there are several people dancing. She turns me towards her, pressing our bodies together and we begin to slow dance. The entire time we dance, I feel as if my heart will explode from the pace it's beating at. Everywhere this woman touches me is ignited in warmth and an electrical tingle that almost sends me over the edge. As the song comes to an end, many of those around us who were dancing start to clap and bow in our direction. I manage to bow back as I try to control myself after so much contact to Samara. As the next song begins to play, she repeats her previous actions and we dance for what feels like forever.

By the end of the night, my feet ache and I've met so many wolves from the pack that it's hard to keep them straight. Thankfully, just as I start to really feel like I'm done, Samara thanks all those that have attended and gracefully takes our leave. Everyone in the room bows as we leave and the relief knowing that I can soon kick my shoes off and lay in that soft bed floods my body.