The Fated

Chapter Ten - Ceremony Part II

MAVERICK

We're back in the courtyard lined up behind the rows of seating, separated from the crowd by a thin sheer curtain blowing delicately in the evening air. The mated will walk down the aisle in pairs, the unmated will link up with another unmated wolf and do the same. Once we all trickle in and place ourselves near the podium, the Ceremony will continue to unfold, allowing each of us to take our blood oath to the pack and learn our ranks.

Blair and I stand at the back of the line. Before tonight, I was an anxious mess at the thought of being the future Alpha of the Beach Moon Pack. But now that the Moon Goddess has chosen Nova and I as mates, nothing could bring me down. I feel the best I've ever felt. She gives me a reason to want to live and breathe and fight for this pack. I am proud to one day claim the title of Alpha if it means I get to have Nova by my side for the rest of our lives.

Blair nudges me then, right in the ribcage.

"Ow, damn bro! You don't realize how strong you are! What do you wan-" the sentence is cut short when I realize why he wanted my attention. Walking towards us are our mates.

And they look stunning.

Mira wears a dark dress that compliments her raven-coloured hair and pale skin, making her shimmer and glow.

Nova is like nothing I've ever seen before. She is radiant, powerful, and flawless. Her strapless gown is hanging off her every curve, accentuating her tight waistline, showing off her slender shoulders and beautifully carved collarbones. Her grandmother's pendant still hangs around her neck, matching the dress perfectly.

The sight of her makes my body ache.

Finally, they reach us. Both Blair and I immediately grab hold of what's ours. I hold her toned, soft, amazing body against mine, breathing in my mate's scent. She smells like campfire and roasted marshmallows. I wonder what I must smell like to her.

"Easy there, Mav. There's nearly an entire pack of witnesses behind that see-through curtain," Nova jokes, giggling into my neck but not making any effort to pull away.

"I'll behave for now, but you have no idea what you do to me," I whisper into her ear before stepping back to give her some space. Blair is making Mira giggle behind me; he's turned on the charm for his lady too.

Everyone begins to pair up and our Luna appears from behind the curtain.

“Good, you’re already gathering together. Line up in twos and wait for the music, walk slowly to your marks and stand still. The elders will call each of you up, one by one, where you will take your Blood Oath. Once you've bled into the bowl, remain on the podium until your rank and title are given. There will be applause, then and only then are you free to step off the podium and find your marks once more. Clear?”

In unison: “Yes, Luna!” can be heard. She disappears behind the curtain to find her own mark and the music begins to play.

Two by two, we file out and walk down the aisle in our evening clothes. So many parents are beaming proudly at their kids, or crying happily at the sight of their babies officially becoming adult members of the pack.

The Elders are gathered on the podium, and the Ceremony unfolds exactly as the Luna planned it to. One by one, we step onto the podium after the Alpha calls out our name and each of us swear to the Blood Oath.

Kiera and her mate Cypress, both omegas, are titled as Doctor and nurse. They will work under Dr. Imogen Shirre and Dr. Farkas Shirre until they retire. I immediately recognize how much these titles suit them, and secretly am very relieved that the two have found each other as mates. Kiera will no longer flirt with me and I will no longer have to feel bad about turning down each offer.

The twins are titled as Warrior Trainors, which judging by their massive size, seems to fit perfectly.

Finally, we begin to near the end where we will discover who will be our future Gammas, Betas, Alpha and Luna will be.

I am not surprised when Blair's name is called.

The Elders use the language to speak with us, simultaneously broadcasting it to the whole pack.

Blair Stormis, son of Bea and Blake Stormis: Gamma Male and Female of the Beach Moon Pack...please step forward, draw blood and speak your vows.

Blair steps towards the center of the podium, grabs a sharp stone, pierces the palm of his hand and squeezes his fist above the large golden bowl etched in ancient wolf carvings. Inside there is Earth, stones and a small fire smouldering in the center. Directly above the short flames, Blair's fist squeezes out a single drop of blood.

I, Blair Stormis vow to abide by the laws set forth by the Elder Council and by every command from the Alpha.

I vow never to intentionally cause harm, injury, loss or pain onto any of my fellow pack members.

I, Blair Stormis, vow to serve my pack with honesty, bravery, loyalty and compassion, now and for the rest of my existence.

Welcome and congratulations, Blair Stormis: Future Gamma of the Beach Moon Pack.

The pack erupts into loud applause, some cheer and howl in the crowd. I see Blair's family standing a couple rows in, clapping and beaming proudly at their son.

Mira goes next. When she finishes, we hear the Elders speak.

Welcome and congratulations, Mira Ellis: Future Gamma female of the Beach Moon pack.

The applause is deafening. Mira Ellis, born of two omega parents ranked and titled as Gamma female, of course the entire pack is thrilled. She was chosen by the Moon Goddess for a good reason, Mira has a lot to offer to the Beach Moon pack. She and Blair are perfect together and will be the most perfect Gammas someday.

My name is called. I step onto the podium.

I feel so many different emotions running through me at once. What will my rank be?

Maverick Brisbane, son of Mason and Mavis Brisbane: Beta Male and Female of the Beach Moon Pack... please step forward, draw blood and speak your vows.

Without hesitation, I repeat the same process we have seen nearly thirty times already tonight: grab a stone, pierce the palm, make a fist above the flames and let the blood drip into the Ceremonial bowl.

My vows are practiced and rehearsed:

I, Maverick Brisbane, vow to abide by the laws set forth by the Elder Council and by every command from the Alpha.

I vow never to intentionally cause harm, injury, loss or pain onto any of my fellow pack members.

I, Maverick Brisbane, vow to serve my pack with honesty, bravery, loyalty and compassion, now and for the rest of my existence.

Welcome and congratulations, Maverick Brisbane: future Beta of the Beach Moon Pack.

My brain immediately buzzes a bit and my heart is pounding… Wait a minute, Beta?!