His Warrior Luna

4 Under Her Eye

I nodded graciously. “Absolutely,” I breathed.

I would have felt nervous, but the wine was doing its trick. Joffrey looped me around the dance floor one last time and expertly stopped us next to my parents by the dais.

The omegas moved aside the flower panels along the outer wall, revealing six roll-up style garage doors that led to a stone terraced patio on a gentle hill that overlooked a green, grassy bowl. The hill made a natural amphitheater around a stone that rose from the ground at the bottom, and behind it were three weathered columns wrapped in green vines. Beyond those, a dark lake rippled in anticipation, waiting for the moon to shine her light and illuminate its surface. In front of the stone stage, a low fire had been built.

We had the most beautiful land, and some of the visiting leaders, the Lunas especially, remarked enviously at the view. Omegas had placed long strips of lily garlands down the hill, elegantly creating sections for seating.

I was apprehensive about my first shift being in front of a large crowd of our society’s top-tier leadership, but my father assured me it wasn’t as bad as it seemed. The fire was going to be built up, and I would shift behind it, letting it screen me from their eyes until I was ready to step out and reveal myself.

When the final song ended, my parents made a few formal announcements and commemorated special moments in my life. When they finished, Ms. Joyce stood up, listing my accomplishments at school. She completely over-embellished my academic achievements, but I earned Head Cheerleader, tennis star, and spokesperson for the Alpha Society - a club for students with Alphas in their lineage. There were also the Beta and Gamma societies, and students were enrolled in the highest eligible rank.

“I couldn’t ask for a more suited, or a better future Luna than our own Clara,” Ms. Joyce gushed. “Her dedication to learning and becoming the best version of herself is unmatched. Alpha, Luna, I know you are so proud of her, as we have been. She is a true blessing!”

Everyone clapped, with a few whistles and cheers, and my face warmed at their praise. Next to come forward were Erica and Amanda, my two best friends, to give personal speeches. They recounted tales of triumph and mischief, including a few incidents my parents never knew about. My mother tried to give me a chastising look on hearing them, but she was too happy and proud to have any weight behind it.

“Clara, we love you so so much,” Erica gushed. “We will be here for you, with you, as long as the Moon Goddess will allow, and we look forward to many great adventures in the future.”

I almost cried at their heartfelt speech, and they, along with several of my Fierce Femmes, gathered around me in hugs and well-wishes. Okay, I was crying. A little bit.

Last to come forward was Joffrey.

“Clara,” he began. He shifted his feet a little nervously, but then gained more confidence as he looked at me and continued to speak. “I’ve loved you our entire lives. There has never been anyone else for me but you. I pray the Moon Goddess will make me your fated mate. But if she doesn’t, I vow, right now, under her eye and the eyes of The Councils and leaders, to forsake my true mate and be yours. Forever.” He got down on one knee and held a hand out, urging me to come forward. I did, slowly, because I couldn’t see anymore.

“I love you, too,” I said in a small voice that was heavy weight of my conviction.

“I, Joffrey Hammerfort, promise to you, Clara Silverbriar, future Luna of the Silver Pack, to love, cherish, and protect you always. I promise to stand strong and willingly submit to your will, and lead Silver Pack with dignity, wisdom, and strength. May our enemies fear us, our pack honor us, and silver continue to temper us and safeguard our young.” Then he stood and kissed me.

My head was reeling! Oh my Goddess! Joffrey just recited the official wedding vows of the Alpha and Luna! I felt as if my heart would leap out of my chest. This didn't make us official, but he was showing everyone the strength of his commitment.

There was a mix of applause and stunned silence in the crowd, and more than a few outraged murmurs. When we broke apart, I noticed the offended looks of some of the council members, but my parents came and congratulated us, and my father retook control of the gathering, silencing them.

“We couldn’t be happier for our daughter’s chosen mate, but it is time for us to greet the Flower Moon, the Moon Goddess’s most venerated moon. For it is this when she bestows on us long life, health, and her blessings, and opens the petals of the sacred Moonflower for her children.”

The excitement in the air crackled and descended like a refreshing rain, muting and cleansing the fractious energy of the wolves outraged by Joffrey’s vow, as we moved to the open doors. I followed my parents down to the front, where the omegas had built up the fire, and we all eagerly awaited the Moon to rise.