Queen, Alpha, Mate

Chapter 20

Diana POV

Katie and I giggle as we strut to the bedroom. My head is in the clouds with excitement for tonight. As soon as we enter, we make a beeline for the wardrobe, and have a look through Josh's sister's clothes. It feels weird to search her wardrobes when I don't even know her name. Oh well, I can already see she has an excellent fashion sense. Her wardrobe is enormous, and it takes us a while of sorting through mountains of lingerie before we find the dresses. I squeal when I get my hands on a skintight, dark brown, knee-length dress, with gorgeous roses embroidered on the wrists. This has to be the dress I get introduced to Josh's pack in.

I pick out a soft pink suit for Katie, which she looks absolutely phenomenal in. I let down my red hair and curl it for the occasion. I top the outfit off with a smokey eye, red lips, and high black heels. I give Katie a softer, more natural look and tie her hair back in a tight bun. She could be a supermodel. I hope she feels as amazing as she looks.

When we finish, I mind link Josh, who rushes into the room with Daniel as soon as I tell him we're ready for them. When he lays his eyes on me, his eyes turn a shade darker and he lets out a low whistle.

"Do you really expect me to keep my hands off you when you look like this much of a snack?" He says, before sauntering over to me and wrapping an arm around my waist.

I smile sweetly at him, "if you ruin this look before I show it off to everyone, big bad alpha, I will kick your ass", I tell him with a wink. Behind us, I hear Daniel compliment Katie on her looks, and she responds that he doesn't look so bad himself. She's right, Daniel is clad in an olive green suit, with a black shirt, black tie, and black shoes. His hair is styled wildly on top of his head and the scrubble on his chin would make any unmated female's mouth water. He still doesn't top my mate though. Josh is wearing a gorgeous dark grey suit with a slight chalk stripe. His hair hangs loosely around his head and down to his shoulders. His muscles are deliciously defined in his jacket, nearly making my knees buckle. His brown eyes smile at the effect he has on me. 'Patience' he mindlinks, 'all in good time'. I grab his arm and he leads me downstairs to the common room in the packhouse.

As we're walking down the stairs, we're met with curious gazes and some happy waves from different pack members. Some still look a little hesitant, and a few downright spiteful. I suddenly feel so self-conscious, but I do my best to swallow my own nerves. I'm here to be introduced as the future Luna of the ruby moon pack. I'm worthy of being here, in this position. I've trained for this all my life, oh dear, why am I so nervous?

We walk towards the front of the common room, where Derrick and Ella are already waiting. Ella shoots me an encouraging smile and Derrick looks proud as a father should be of his mated son. They make room for us as we step onto the stage and position us in between them. Joshua squeezes my hand before his father speaks.

"My dearest friends, family, members. Today is a joyful day, a day of celebration. My son, your alpha, has finally found his mate in Princess Diana. May their bond be everlasting!

Some things will change in the coming weeks. Given the status and responsibilities of our princess and luna, our packs will merge into the Ruby moon pack after the mating ceremony 8 days from now. Together, we will be stronger than ever and truly prosper. In that thought and promise of happiness, safety, and comradeship, I raise my glass and propose a toast. To the happy couple, and an age of peace!"

Most people in the room cheer as Josh beams with pride at his father's words. Still, it wouldn't be a proper wolf pack meeting without someone stirring the pot. A burly man walks to the front of the room, slanting ever so slightly with what I expect to be a few too many alcoholic beverages. "What the **** does she know about peace and comradeship when she only sees the world from her throne? Who have been falling to the rogues for years for her peace, Huh? Have we not been dying by the dozen? Where were she and her pack a year ago when my mate was killed by the rogues?!" Some sounds of agreement stir in the back of the room. I feel Josh stirring beside me, but I hold him back. 'I can handle this.' I shoot down the mind link.

I step forward to address the burly man. "You are correct. I have not been present and protective of you and yours in the past. For that I am truly sorry. I do not wish to inflict more pain on anyone. I did not know the rogue attacks were this severe, or I would not have let it get this far. I can promise you this, though. From now on, you are under my, our, protection. This cannot bring your mate back, I know, nor other fallen loved ones. Still, I hope you will accept my promise to prevent and protect you from further harm to the best of my ability."

The man waves his hand in a near dismissive gesture and turns his back to the stage. Some others do the same. Josh starts again, but I stop him. "It's okay, I haven't proven myself to them yet. There's no need to force their trust, I'll earn it myself." Josh shrugs, frustration clear on his face. "No worries, I'll see if I can get to know them in training tomorrow". I raise up on my tippy toes and kiss Josh on his cheek.