The Fate of the Unknown

Chapter 44: ceremony

After the incident this morning, I was worried there might be more issues throughout the day. Thankfully it has been pretty laid back. I ate lunch and read the rest of the time.

Until Caitlyn came in my room and declared it was time to start getting ready.

We are just finishing up getting ready. It’s 645, so almost time. I am so anxious, but also somehow relaxed. I think Nala has been working hard to help me stay calm. We couldn’t decide which dress to wear, so we had asked Isabella’s opinion. She suggested we wear the similar dresses; said they are more gentle and match the color theme perfectly.

Once that was decided we turned on music and started to fix our hair and makeup. She helped me with my makeup. We were going to do a more soft look for tonight. Her look was complete with light pink eye shadow and nude lipstick. She did a winged green eyeshadow for me. I was worried I would look gross or too much, but it looks nice. We both decided to wear our hair down. She pulled the top part of hers back into a ponytail. I just let mine be wild. I did throw some stuff on it to help with the frizz though.

I finished my putting on two pieces of jewelry from my birthday. Earrings from Dimitri and necklace from mom.

I look at myself in the mirror and smile. I feel like a princess.

“Well don’t we both look amazing?” Caitlyn stated with tears in her eyes.

“Yes! What is wrong?” I ask worried.

It was silent for a second. She seemed to be debating with herself.

“It’s just a lot. Mom’s still missing, which makes me upset and stressed out. Coming here has opened my eyes and my mind. I don’t feel in control like I did back home. My body feels weird, almost like it’s not my own. I’ve been struggling to sleep. I feel lost. And now everything with Maverick. He makes me feel so nervous and giddy, like a school girl. I like him.. I like him A LOT Lex. I’ve never felt this way about anyone. And then in 3 days I turn into a wolf? A freaking wolf! I’m so anxious about it. I have never been anxious before. I feel bad because now I know how you have always felt. I can’t imagine dealing with all of these feelings my entire life. Which makes me sound like a spoiled brat saying that.” She stated with frustration in her voice and tears in her eyes.

I hand her a tissue, which she used to dab to not ruin her makeup.

“Caitlyn, you always say that everything happens for a reason. There are reasons. It will all be ok. It will all work out in the end. I’m beyond anxious and stressed out lately too. Which we have a lot to talk about tomorrow. But for now, let’s try to breathe and get this over with. Once it’s done, it’s one less thing to worry about. It’s one more thing checked off our list.” I say holding her hand.

She dabbed her eyes again, “see now you sound like I used to! You have grown so much in the month we have been here. I’m so proud of you!” She hugs me tightly and then turns to the mirror to check her makeup. “Let’s get this show on the road!” She exclaims with a smile on her face.

We met our dad and Isabella at the office. They were both ready to go. Dad was wearing a white button up shirt, with a grey pant suit, with a green and pink embroidered pocket square with a tie to match. Isabella had a light grey dress that was loose with small pink flowers and green leaves. Her shoes were grey. Her hair was in large bun in the bun there is a pink flower with green leaves pinned on the side of her head. They look great! Man how did she get all of this done in a day?

“Wow! You both look great! How did you manage to get such color coordinated outfits for you both that fast? You are a master at your trade Isabella!” I state impressed.

“You are too kind! I’ve been doing this for years.” She says with a smile and hugs us both. “You both look beautiful!”

“She is right, you both look beautiful! My two girls are all grown up.” Our dad says with tears in his eyes, and gave us both a hug. “Ok are you both ready?”

We nod. I gulp in anticipation. I hate being the center of attention.

We reach the main floor. Where we are escorted to a room that attaches to the dinning hall, off to the side. They want us to wait until it’s time to go in.

I can hear all of the people. That sounds like a lot of people! I start getting really anxious.

Caitlyn grabs my hand. “Breathe.”

I close my eyes and calm down. It will be alright. They said it will go fast. I will pay attention to them.

A guard comes in and set down a portable tv. It displays the stage. On the stage there is a podium and flowers everywhere. There are also long candle sticks and a stand to the side.

“Ok so now everything is set up. Isabella and I will be going out there now. I will call you up one at a time. Just remember to say what we practiced. The cut is very small and will be cleaned and bandaged right after. Just breathe, and it will be over fast. Ok? I am beyond thrilled and proud that you both have chosen to join our pack.” He says with a big smile and kisses both of our heads. He then proceeds to walk over to Isabella and grab her hand. Once the door opened they walked out, not looking back..

It’s getting real. I’m so anxious. I couldn’t even pay attention to our dad’s speech. That’s when he announced that we were joining the pack, officially tonight. When he announced our joining, the room erupted in cheering.. Once they were quiet, he called out Caitlyn first. She gave me a quick hug and then walked to the door. Waiting for them to open it. When it opened she walked out and didn’t look back. I need to breathe. This is all so much. It is like the room is closing in on me…

I close my eyes and try to do my practice breathing…

“You look absolutely stunning, little dove.” A voice spoken so sensual and dark that it sent a chill down my spine.

I open my eyes and see Dimitri in the doorway.

He has a smirk on his face. He then walks over to me. He stops in front of me and put his hand out. I copy his action and reach my hand out to his. He grabbed it, and pulls it to his mouth. Kissing it. Making my heart stop for just a second.. Then he pulls me closer, gently grabs my chin, and gives me a soft kiss on my lips. The kiss was short but sent a fire through me. I want more... But I know it isn’t smart. I barely know him and I need to be careful until I’m 18 so I can find my mate.. He always put me in some sort of frenzy when he is near.

“I’ve been wanting to do that since the first time I laid my eyes on you.. I have missed you. I’m glad I was able to see you right now.. You look breathtaking. I need to leave, as they are about to call you. I will see you soon.” He said and kissed my cheek. Looked me over with a smile that melted my core, and then left. My entire body felt like it was on fire.

How can he make me want more and be scared of more? He’s the perfect mixture of dangerous and safe. I need to be careful, I am starting to feel attached and particularly obsessed with him now.

“Next I want to introduce my younger daughter Alexis.” My dad announced.

Shit! I got so distracted with Dimitri that I forgot. I take a deep breath, and walk to the door. I close my eyes and just let the touches from Dimitri keep me calm. The door opens, and I take an other deep breath, and swallow my fear. The stage is thankfully not far from the door. I could see my dad, Isabella, and Caitlyn all looking at me smiling. A sense of relief and comfort wash over me.

I reach the stage and my dad grabs my hand, giving it a little squeeze of reassurance. I smile and nod.

He then proceeds to make a small cut in the palm of his hand over the one he already had, which looks like it has already healed? Must be those wolf powers. Then he gently makes a small cut in the palm of my hand. It hurt for a split second, I tried not to show it. He then presses our hands together. Making the cuts touch.

“I, Lucian Ansaldo, Alpha of the Moonshadow Pack, accept you, Alexis Shaw, as my daughter and now a member of the Moonshadow pack.” He proudly announces.

“I, Alexis Shaw, swear loyalty to the Moonshadow Pack, and accept you Lucian Ansaldo, as my father and Alpha.” I reply strongly and confidently, with a smile.

It was like a piece of me that was missing, snapped together and filled me up. I became emotional and start to tear up. Isabella helped clean and bandage my hand. Then when all 4 of us turn around to face the crowd, I notice everyone was on their feet and cheering. Which made a few tears run down my cheeks and a big smile appear. I’ve never felt this loved before.