Take Back My Mate

Dinner with the In-laws

Luanna's P.O.V.

Luanna stepped out of the shower, feeling a little bit better now that she was able to release all her bottled-up emotions. Something about a hot shower and good smelling soap helped her center herself. Looking around the bathroom, there were his and her towels, as well as fluffy, comfortable robes. Various different soaps were in the shower itself, as well as different products for her face on thr his and her sink. The toilet water was blue, though somehow it didn't surprise her, and was one of those fancy ones that she had only heard about. Though who would want to be sprayed with toilet water, she had no idea. She felt like she was royalty or something, and it was a bit unnerving. Glancing at one of the fancy soaps, she thought about how the price of this all would feed some of her people for a month. She wrapped herself up in a robe and entered the bedroom to continue her exploration there.

The bed took her by surprise, looking like it came out of a romance novel. Covered in flower petals, candles all over the place. It was covered in royal colors, in different scribble patterns. There was even a remote for it on the end table. Different settings, from sitting it up, to warming it up, making it firmer or softer, then controls for the speakers on it, and lastly, the vibration settings. She cringed a little at that, but at least it wasn't a waterbed. Next she wanted to check out the army of candles all over the room. On closer inspection, they were all themed in nature. There was 'Bamboo Forest', ‘Lush Waterfall’, ‘Rainy Day’, just to name a few. The fireplace across from the bed appeared to be already lit, giving the room a nice, cozy feeling, and felt nice since her hair was still mostly wet. The next target was the table against the wall between the fireplace and the door. Well, more like a desk than a table, but on top of them were more candles, as well as 'goodie baskets', one full of various candies in the middle, then there was one for her and one for her new husband. Edible underwear of different flavors, fuzzy pink handcuffs, a book labeled "The Joys of s*x", different oils and lotions for different feelings. Was it just her or was she starting to get really warm? Of course they would give a married couple these kinds of things. What else would most couples do on their “big night?!" She thought to herself, but honestly, she didn't even want to begin to think about that right now. She was not ready for that yet, but honestly, she wasn't ready to get married either. She always figured she would turn 18, connect with her wolf, find her mate, THEN tear each other's clothes off, wear edibles and use various oils and lotions on a vibrating bed. This was all too much for her right now, and yet she felt her face start to heat up again as the image of her 'husband' popped into her head. A knock on the door brought her out of her daydream before it became more PG-13.

"I am here to help you get ready for the party, my lady." A familiar, soft sounding voice called out, unsure, from the other side.

Luanna sighed with relief, as he got up and unlocked the door. "Come on in Zez." One of her closest friends, and basically a sister to her, was a girl named Zazriel. She entered the room and captured her in a hug. "I am so happy to see you."

"Things are not going very well, huh?" Pulling out of the hug she sighed and looked deep into her tear-worn eyes. "Are you feeling okay, your face is all red?"

" Probably just the stress of the day." Luanna turned away quickly, embarrassed.

"Is it that, or did I catch you thinking inappropriate things about your new husband?" Zaz giggled, while teasing her childhood friend.

"Please, I don't even know the guy and have only seen him for maybe two hours tops." She just wanted to drop the subject. "I don't know how I will adjust to all of this, all the new faces I will have to meet, and moving so far away from my home and family and friends." She felt tears start to well up in her eyes again,

"If it makes you feel any better, my loyalty is to you and wherever you go, so will I." She embraced her friend once again before Luanna noticed her holding something. Pulling away, she motioned towards it. Zez then presented the dream dress that she had talked about for so long. It was a short, hemmed dress, with a sweetheart neckline.

"I'm so glad we got it in time." Luanna bounced in place, almost losing her robe. She took a look at the chosen dress and saw the sleeves were sheer and went down to the elbow. The main part of the dress was almost the same silver color as her eyes, and honestly, she was more excited about this dress than her wedding one. That was a traditional, white dress that she didn't get to pick out. "I can't believe Auntie Bramble was able to create her idea and poorly drawn sketch into something so beautiful." Taking moment to think it over, she added. "I think my white boots will be perfect for these." They were knee high, zip-up boots that had a healthy wedge to help give her a little height.

"So, we have had about four people from the pack find mates." Zez pointed out as she started getting nosy about what was hidden in the big room.

"Really?" Luanna hung her dress up in the back of the bathroom door, and whe she turned around noticed Zez had already started on some of the candies that were in the basket. "Do you think they will move away?

"Can't tell for sure, but either way, I don't see them going too far." She popped another in her mouth, thinking something over for a moment. "You know how loyal our pack is. We may not have as many werewolves, but I think it makes us all the more loyal to each other. Not like these bigger packs, which seem to lose and gain members more often than some people change underwear."

"They would think that just because they are scent blind to it, doesn't mean everyone is." They both laughed. "Seriously though, you should try out the shower before the big party tonight. The water pressure is AMAZING. And there are a bunch of fancy, overpriced soaps in there that make you smell so good and make your skin and hair so soft and vibrant."

"Are you saying I stink, my lady?"

"If you don't want to feel like a spoiled, rich lady, then that is your choice."

"I didn't say that!" Laughing Zez headed towards the bathroom. "When I am out, we can finish getting ready, and gossip so much more." She couldn't make it to the bathroom fast enough at that point.

After she was done in the shower, they finished getting ready and talked about their fears and what they think might be like living like this, versus where they came from. Nothing would ever beat home. They agreed that much at least.

When they emerged from the bedroom, Diablos came out of the kitchen to greet them with a whistle. The now risen moon cast a brilliant light on the atmosphere and made him seem a bit softer than the harsh sun did. Still dressed in a suit, he had lost the tie while his undershirt now matched the dress Luanna was wearing. His hair was also no longer slicked back and was kind of all over the place without looking messy. "My lady, I hope this is acceptable. I had seen your dress earlier and wanted to make sure I matched, so everyone knew that I am yours." His face seemed a bit flushed, but she thought it was sweet, so she nodded. He then cleared his throat and got on one knee. "Luanna, would you do me the great honor of joining me for tonight's festivities?" Luanna didn't know what to make of this, so he just nodded while Zez giggled at the scene. "My I?" He asked as he held up a necklace box, opening it up to show her a beautiful gem that seemed to shine billions of colors across his face as he stood up, ready to put it around her neck. She smiled and turned so he could.

"The stone feels.... warm. Almost like it has a heartbeat." Luanna couldn't help but notice as the stone touched her skin, causing goosebumps to run up her spine. The color also seemed to change to more of a silver color, making her think of the way snow looked when it sparkled under the the moonlight. "Thank you." Smiling, she saw Zez give her a thumbs up.

"Legend says that this stone contains the soul of a wise dragon who gave up his life for a human he had fallen in love with." He spoke in her ear before backing away to give her some space. "It was given to a vampire lady who was struck with so much grief that she gave her soul to be with him." Luanna turned back towards him and looked at the gem with curiosity. "Their love was so strong that it's said that this opal trapped it inside of it and will protect the one who wears it from great evil. It was also...….my mother's ...." Glancing out the window, his eyes were full of such sadness. "She would have wanted me to give it to the woman I married."

"It's beautiful." Luanna placed her hand on his, in an attempt to comfort him. "If you ever want it back, all you have to do is say so."

"Any who-" Zez cleared her throat, not wanting to feel like a third wheel. "It's about time we made our way to the courtyard. Wouldn't be much of a party without the guests of honor." She held Luanna's other arm and guided her towards the elevator, however when the doors opened, Luanna couldn't budge.

"It's okay, we are both here" Diablos put an arm around her shoulder, and with that she reluctantly got on. She faced the door the whole time though. As they exited and headed to the courtyard, the sheer number of werewolves that were there was overwhelming. Hundreds of them, from all the different packs, both major and minor, seemed to be there. Some were already sizing each other up at the fighting pit. Big celebrations like this were always a good chance for young warriors to show their power, as well as packs to prove how strong their members were. Of course, some just did it to try and catch the eyes of potential mates, or to try and muscle their way into the higher-ranking packs. Alphas and Betas were not to take part though, for obvious reasons. "The moon looks so beautiful tonight." And he was not wrong, with it being full a few days ago, though it still looked brilliant in the sky. "Not as beautiful as you though, my lady." He smiled at her

"My I present Lord Diablos, heir to the Moon-Blade pack, and Lady Luanna, of the Phantom-Pelt tribe and future Luna of the Moon-Blade pack." A sharply-dressed man announced them, snapping her out of her shock, before he led them to the table where their parents were at. She wasn't sure, however, where Zez wandered off too. This, though, was the table of honor, with the Alpha and Luna of each pack placed on either side with two chairs left in the middle for the married couple. Diablos held Luanna's chair for her before sitting to her right. She felt her father gently squeeze her hand, as if to remind her that he was still there for her.

"Are you doing, okay?" He whispered, afraid to upset the other half of the table. "He hasn't tried anything, or hurt you or anything?" He was honestly worried. "I sent you your cousin, because I know how close you two girls are and so at least you had someone you knew still close to you. It took me by surprise when he not only agreed to it but told me he wanted to do something similar as well."

"It's fine, really dad. He has been nothing but a gentle man to me and been very respectful." She smiled at her father, and really meant it. She had nightmares so bad she woke up crying from them for weeks, scared that her Diablos would be domineering, controlling, unkind, insensitive. She was afraid she would be used as a baby factory or something, and strapped ti strange torcher devices but so far, he seemed very understanding of the situation. It never crossed her mind, honestly, that he might be dealing with the same fears as her. Who knows though, people can pretend for a little bit before showing their true colors, so she was still going to be very careful of all of the Moon-Saber members. Especially because of all the stories told about them through whispers, and the simple fact that they told her it was either this marriage or death. She just hoped she had chosen right, for the sake of her people.

Her mother, who was there for all her night terrors, broke her out of her inner thoughts. "We love you baby girl, and if you ever need us, you know you will always have us to turn to. Be it day or night, over something small or big. We will always be your parents." She had tears in her eyes, threatening to spill out as she spoke those words from her heart to her daughter. The one that used to be such a small delicate thing and grew up, way too fast, into such a beautiful young woman who was going to be moving away from her.

"It will be okay MaMa, I promise." Luanna reached out and squeezed her mother's hand.

Alpha Gengrath, a.k.a. Diablos's father cleared his throat as he stood up, breaking the family away from their tender moment. "I would like to thank everyone for coming to this special celebration." He looked around, as if making sure he had everyone's attention. Suddenly this overbearing, overpowering essence seemed to radiate out of him. It demanded submission and some of the werewolves in attendance visibly flinched, but everyone definitely felt it. All eyes were now, without a doubt, on him. "As some of you know, this handsome man right here is my eldest son." He patted said werewolf on the shoulder in an affectionate way. "Sadly, he is also my only living heir, so my future lays in his paws, no pressure though." Chuckles were heard, though most seemed forced. "Today he has taken the first step to greatness, and we have joined two packs, two families, into one. These two young people-" He walked over so he was now standing over the couple, with one hand placed on one shoulder each. "-they are the future for our family. I am honored to call Miss Luanna my daughter. I can't wait for the day they bring me grandchildren of my own, to spoil of course, and create a better future for this strong pack. For the time being though, I would like to be the first to present a present to the newlyweds. Once their honeymoon is over, we will work together with the Shadow-Pelts and build them a grand house, somewhere in the middle of the two great lands, that will become their home and the heart of our new family!" He honestly seemed more excited than everyone else, however Luanna didn't know how to register that. Coming from a more humble background, Luanna was not accustomed to this kind of thing.

The sharp-dressed man stepped forward as Gengrath took his seat once more. "It's my pleasure to announce that dinner is ready to be served. Please take your seats and those who are serving, the chefs request you head to the kitchen." It was a little hectic as people started sorting themselves out, however it settled down pretty quickly as countless platters seemed to be placed down the almost endless tables before they too took their places among the rest. Zez was one of the people who brought food to their table, winking at Luanna as she gestured at the extra stuff she had slipped onto her plate before going and sitting with the rest of their pack.

"If I may-" Luna Ambriel, also known as Luanna's mother, stood up, seeming a bit unsure with all eyes now on her. "-Moon Goddess permits, I would be honored to do the blessing." She then cleared her throat, seeming more confident now, and made the symbol of a crescent moon on her temples and a full moon between her brows before placing her hands out in prayer. Looking at the sky, she started. "Night mother Selene, our guiding light, who the stars decorate a beautiful gown for, and the crescent moon crowns your ebony hair. You kissed us and gave those chosen the gift of the wolf and we ask that on the beautiful evening you bless us again. Please shine your true and never-ending wisdom on our young couple as they start this new journey together and even on the nights that we no longer see you smiling down on us, light us from within." Bringing her hands together, she closed her eyes and let the light of the moon soak into her. "Lead us tonight, as you do all nights until we transform our last and join you in the final hunt and take our place in your great, eternal pack." Howls of agreement started softly and echoed through the giant courtyard before it became a roar. This is the equivalent of Christians saying amen after a prayer, just more personal and, for some, more heartfelt. As the sound died down, and the Luna took her seat, the sound of merry eating took its place. Clattering of cutlery, and many different 'can you pass this', 'hand me that', 'pour me some more' came from all over. Every pack had at least one chef who cooked, so there was a smorgasbord of all the different flavors that existed in their vast kingdom. Looking at the plate that Zez put in front of her, she saw some extra of all of her favorites as well as other dishes she didn't recognize. There were also pitchers of fresh mead of different flavors as well as lemonade and sweet tea. Since it was her special day, and the mead that was offered to them wasn't high in alcohol, she decided to try a little.

"A toast to the future of the packs". Her father raised his gauntlet, and cheers were heard from all over. It was time to celebrate and let worries be forgotten, at least for tonight. Or so they say on these kinds of occasions. Besides, she didn't even want to start thinking about what was going to happen once she went back to her room tonight.