Luna Elara

Chapter 5

Elara's POV

Today marked the end of my life as a maid in Alpha Kael's mansion. Alpha Kael had orchestrated every detail, and his sister, Seraphina, ensured my dress, jewels, and all the trappings of a Luna-to-be were impeccable.

"Are you ready?" My soon-to-be husband asked, his voice a low rumble after Seraphina had left us alone.

"Yes, I am." I replied, though a tremor of apprehension ran through me.

"Take a deep breath, don't focus on the crowd, or they'll make you nervous. Look straight ahead." He instructed, his hand lightly touching my back as we waited for the priest's signal. The priest raised his hands, and the pack members in the grand hall rose in unison. We began our slow procession down the aisle, heads bowed in reverence as we passed.

"On behalf of the great Alpha, Alpha Kael, I welcome you to the wedding ceremony of his Royal Highness and the annual feast," the priest announced, his voice echoing through the hall. "You may be seated as you witness this long-awaited union." The crowd obeyed, settling into their seats.

The priest performed the ancient rites, reading from the sacred book, and we responded when prompted, our voices resonating in the vast space.

"Kael Blackwood, do you accept Elara Thorne to be your wife, to rule by your side as your Luna and the mother of your unborn children, until death do you part?"

"I do." His voice was firm, unwavering.

"Elara Thorne, do you accept Kael Blackwood to be your husband, to rule by his side as your Alpha and the father of your unborn children, until death do you part?"

"I do." I smiled, a fragile bloom in the face of my uncertainty.

The priest lit a candle, its flame casting dancing shadows on the walls. He produced a blade, its surface gleaming in the candlelight, and a small oval bowl for the vows.

"If you two truly agree to each other, then you may proceed with the vows."

I placed my palms on his, our hands intertwined as the priest recited the ancient rites. He made a small cut on our palms, and our blood dripped into the oval plate, mingling together.

"Your vows." He announced simply.

"I, Kael Blackwood, vow to always put you first as my wife and my mate. I vow to stand with you through thick and thin, to be your armor and shield, to be your husband and a friend, and, most importantly, to have no other woman besides you." He looked directly into my eyes, his gaze intense.

"I, Elara Thorne, vow to always put you first as my husband and my mate. I vow to stand with you through thick and thin, to be your strength and support system, to be your wife and a friend, and, most importantly, I vow to have no other man besides you." I said my vows, meeting his gaze with a mixture of trepidation and resolve.

"You may now kiss your bride." The priest announced, and the pack members erupted in cheers and applause.

He held my waist tenderly, pulling me closer, and I waited, my heart pounding in my chest. He kissed me softly on my lips, a gentle promise, before leading me to the throne.

****

KAEL'S POV

Who knew that a simple trip to the other pack would lead me to my mate? I had Jude to thank, the guard who had the idea to stop at the mall to get something before visiting another pack empty-handed. The guard was taking longer than expected, and I spared a glance, just one glance, and there she was.

Jude and Shawn were initially displeased that I had abandoned the ball, but once I revealed that we were mates, they relented and stayed out of my way. Everything was falling into place, even though Seraphina disapproved. I had secured the Luna they desired and a mate to play with.

Now that the wedding was over, I led her to my room, intending to make her feel comfortable, at least for now. I knew I had manipulated her perception of me, but I could promise that after tonight, she wouldn't see any sweetness from me again.

"How did you enjoy today?" I asked as we entered the room.

"Very well, Alpha Kael. Thank you for everything." Her gratitude seemed genuine.

"Of course. It's said that this only happens once in a lifetime." I smiled at her. "I'm glad I could make this 'once in a lifetime' worthy of remembrance."

"Thank you." She blushed shyly.

"How about you freshen up? I'll have them send something for you to wear afterward." I suggested.

She agreed, and I helped her remove most of her attire, including her wedding gown, despite her protests.

I left the room to retrieve some of her belongings from Seraphina and returned to take a quick bath. Stepping out of the bathroom, my gaze was immediately drawn to her slender, bare legs, which she tried to cover in vain.

"You're so beautiful, Elara," I said in a husky tone, my eyes fixed on her legs.

"Thank you." She blushed, taking small steps backward.

"You don't need to be shy around me, Elara. I won't hurt you, not yet." I continued, closing the distance between us with a predatory grace.

She tried to pull away as I captured her lips in a ravishing kiss.

"You have my word, Elara. I'll be careful with you. However, tell me when to stop." I assured her before kissing her again, deeper this time.

She wrapped her arms around my neck, as if giving me permission to escalate the burning passion.

"Alpha Kael?" She gasped, her breath coming in short pants.

"Not tonight. I am your king." I corrected, tearing the light fabric of her gown until it reached her navel.

I spread the torn fabric wide, but she rushed to cover her breasts with her hands.

"No, angel. Don't cover up before your king." I gently moved her hands away, and she swallowed hard, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and anticipation.

I cupped her left breast, letting my tongue play with her other n****e. She shuddered and shook in response to my touch.

"Say it, Princess. I am your King." I instructed, pausing to catch my breath. "Say it, or I'll stop."

"My King." She breathed out, her voice trembling.

"That's my princess. Now, the only thing you're going to do is what your king says, okay?"

"Please don't hurt me, my King." She pleaded, her eyes pleading.

Without giving her time to think, I tore the remaining fabric, leaving her completely bare. I knelt between her legs, licking my way from her navel to her lips.

I kissed her as tenderly as I could before giving her my word again.

"I won't. At least not yet."

She pulled me closer, kissing me with a newfound urgency. I smirked, letting my hands find their way to the sensitive skin between her legs. She gasped, throwing her head back as I moved my fingers in a fast rhythm.

"E-e-a-s-s-y." She stretched the word, lost in the ecstasy.

"Should I stop?"

"No!" She exclaimed, shaking furiously at my touch.

"Say it properly." I teased.

"No, my king." She corrected herself, but I stopped anyway.

She looked at me in disappointment, and I only smiled.

"This is your first time, yes?" I asked, though her reactions had already confirmed it.

"Yes."

I untied my towel, letting it fall to the ground, exposing my arousal. I watched the fascination on her face as she took in the sight. She sat up slowly, moving backward.

"Well, this part is going to hurt, and we've come too far for you to start running away." I said, pulling her legs closer.

I slid a finger inside her, increasing the number until she seemed comfortable. Then, without warning, I thrust into her, making her cry out my name in a mixture of pain and pleasure.

I pushed and pulled in a slow rhythm at first, gradually increasing my pace as time went on.

When her screams and movements became too intense, I tied her up and covered her mouth. I resumed my assault, continuing until I could no longer hold back.

I collapsed on the bed beside her, our loud pants and heartbeats in perfect sync. I wrapped my arm around her bare body, glancing at the wall clock to check the time.

"How was it?"

"It was bliss, Alph...My king." She corrected herself immediately.

"Alright, then." I stood up, tossing a new nightdress to her. "Change. I'm going to take you somewhere." I instructed, putting on some clothes myself.

I helped her stand, as she was barely able to do it on her own.

"The only time that you would be crowned the Luna of the pack would be three days from today, after you must have completed your training and tests. The Lycan council will be able to determine your potential and as such give you the appropriate title." I began, walking her to my study room.

"What if I don't pass the test?"

"I highly doubt that. The tests are to determine your level of intelligence and how you'll respond to certain issues. There's a tough phase, though, but you can always prove that you're tougher." I wrapped my arm around her waist, pulling her close as we walked.

"Okay." I heard her whisper under her breath.