Awaited Mate

Ceremony

—Scarlet’s POV—

I couldn’t believe my brother had found his mate—and that it was someone we’d known all along. Bella might not have been living with the pack, but she was part of it. Losing her parents the way she did left deep scars, and she’d chosen distance as her way of healing. She’d officially been made a member of Blue Oasis before she left, but she hadn’t returned once—not until now. And even now, she was only here for Sabby’s Beta Female ceremony. Sabby always went to visit her, but this time, she couldn't move the ceremony to wherever Bella was, so Bella was the one who had to come. I just hoped she’d stay.

Sabby and I were helping with the last-minute preparations. Sabby, of course, was buzzing with excitement about her sister becoming our future Luna. I was genuinely happy for them—for Liam, for Bella, for Sabby. Everything felt… right.

The sun dipped low, and as dusk settled over the pack grounds, the lights flicked on, casting a soft golden glow over everything. Guests began arriving through the front gates. That was our cue. Time to get ready.

We handed the final tasks off to the omegas and broke into a run toward the pack house. On the way, we caught up with Wyatt and Kyle. Sabby hugged Wyatt from behind, and he pressed a kiss to her head.

“Babe, how does it feel to have your sister as your Luna?” he asked.

“I’m just happy she’s home. She deserves happiness—and now she’s found it with Liam,” Sabby replied.

“I wonder when I’ll find my special someone,” Kyle muttered dramatically.

Wyatt chuckled. “At this rate, you’re more likely to get rejected with all your antics.”

Kyle mock-punched him. “What’s life without a little fun?”

“Guys, seriously!” I said, speeding up. “We’ve got less than an hour. If we’re late, Mom’s going to have a meltdown.”

We scattered to our rooms, and I sprinted into mine, tearing off my clothes as I headed straight for the shower. The hot water felt incredible. I scrubbed quickly, finished in record time, and stepped out dripping and slightly breathless.

That’s when I saw it—the dress.

Laid out perfectly on my bed was the most stunning thing I had ever seen.

“Wow… Mom, you really outdid yourself,” I whispered.

It was a light blue gown with a cinched waist, strappy shoulders, and intricate embroidery with delicate stonework across the lace bodice. The skirt was made of shimmering gauzy fabric, catching the light just enough to make it ethereal.

In a box beside it were silver, dainty heels—four inches high, simple, elegant, perfect. I slipped into the dress, then the shoes, and opened the velvet case holding the family heirloom jewelry. A platinum rope necklace with a single diamond drop, matching earrings and bracelet, and best of all—a platinum rope headband. I twisted my hair into a low side knot and slid the headband in place.

No makeup artist could’ve made me feel better than the reflection in that mirror.

I opted for a soft and natural look—just a hint of silver eye shadow, a sweep of powder, and a pinkish nude gloss. I didn’t need foundation. That was one thing I was proud of—my skin never needed it.

Taking one last glance, I stepped into the hallway—and immediately felt every male eye turn toward me. I looked good, and I wasn’t ashamed to admit it. I wasn’t interested in any of them, but a little appreciation never hurt anyone.

I found Mom and Dad waiting in the courtyard. Dad’s eyes lit up.

“You look beautiful, Poppy,” he said, pulling me in for a kiss on the cheek.

“I knew that dress was made for you,” Mom added with pride.

“Thanks, Mum. It’s perfect,” I smiled, kissing her cheek too.

We made our way toward the podium. The pack and guests were already gathered. Some were enjoying the feast laid out on the long tables, and the omegas—dressed in their best—were still bringing out more dishes.

I spotted Liam near the front, wearing a black tux. On his arm stood Bella, looking absolutely stunning in a sleek black dress that hugged every curve. Liam was practically drooling. Wyatt stood next to him, also in black, with Sabby in a blush pink gown that made her look heartbreakingly innocent. She was chattering away—though Bella’s attention was locked solely on Liam.

Kyle stood on the other side, looking amused and, as always, surrounded by a giggling cloud of love-struck omegas.

I slipped between Liam and Wyatt.

“Looking good, Squirt,” Wyatt said.

“Wow, Scar!” Sabby grinned.

“You look beautiful, Scar,” Liam said with real warmth.

I gave them a smile and turned to Bella. “Hi, sis. I’m Scarlet—Liam’s much younger sister,” I added with a teasing smirk.

Liam didn’t even blink. Too happy to be bothered with my jab.

Bella laughed. “Hi, Scar. It’s really nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you from my little sis.”

I liked her instantly. She had warmth in her eyes—and strength.

Kyle had been unusually quiet. He was just... staring.

“You okay, bro?”

“Scar... is that you?” he gasped. “My god—you look like a girl. Wait—you are a girl. Liam, why didn’t you tell me you had a sister and not a brother?”

I punched him square in the stomach.

“Oof! There’s the Scar I know,” he wheezed through laughter.

Everyone laughed, and then Dad stepped up to the podium.

“Good evening, everyone—guests and Blue Oasis. Thank you for being here to support my son, Liam, as he steps into his role as the new Alpha of this pack.”

Cheers erupted across the courtyard, “Without delay, let’s begin the ceremony. Elder Dimitry, please come forward.”

Elder Dimitry, the King-appointed Elder for Washington State, stepped up with the Golden Chalice. The Elders were chosen to govern the packs in the King’s name. He looked younger than Dad, though he wasn’t.

Liam stepped up beside him.

“Blue Oasis, gather around,” Dimitry announced. “We begin the initiation of your new Alpha.”

He held the dagger and chalice, the ceremonial items enchanted with the Alpha King’s blood—kept fresh by white magic.

“Liam Radolf, repeat after me,” he said.

“I, Liam Radolf, take the position of Alpha of Blue Oasis Pack after my father, knowing the responsibilities that entail the title.”

Liam repeated each line with unwavering confidence.

The Elder made a shallow cut on Liam’s palm, then continued.

“I will not use my position to harm those within or beyond my pack.”

More vows followed—of loyalty to the King, to the werewolf code, and to justice.

Finally, Dimitry dipped the dagger back into Liam’s blood and raised the chalice.

“By the power of the Alpha King, I pronounce you Alpha Liam Radolf of Blue Oasis!”

The courtyard erupted in applause. Wyatt, Sabby, and Kyle stepped up to take their oaths.

But suddenly— Pain.

Searing, tearing pain shot through my body. My bones felt like they were breaking, twisting. I screamed—a raw, primal sound—and all eyes turned to me.

“Scar! What’s happening?” Liam shouted, racing toward me.

My parents ran too.

Carly’s voice rang in my head: “It’s time, Scar. We have to shift.”

“Now?! Carly, we can’t!”

“I’m sorry, but we must. Our mate is shifting.”

Another wave of agony hit as my bones rearranged. My clothes shredded. Fur burst from my skin. My nails became claws. Then—suddenly—it was over.

I was on all fours.

The entire crowd was dead silent.

“Poppy...” Dad whispered.

I turned toward the lake. No one moved. I padded to the water’s edge and looked down.

And gasped.

Bright red fur—not rusty, not auburn. Red. Glowing. Radiant like a blood moon. My eyes shimmered emerald green, glowing like polished gemstones.

I’d never seen anything like it.

Carly whispered, “Red.”