The Opal Wolf

Chapter Twelve

**Selenes POV**

"Yes." I state firmly. "I'm Ready." And truly I was. Sure, feelings of anxiety were swirling through my veins, but it wasn't because I wasn't sure about giving myself completely to Andrew. I was a virgin and was nervous that I couldn't please him the way he is used to. What if what he wanted in the bedroom I couldn't deliver? Would it hurt? What if he sees everything I have to offer and doesn't like my body? I mean, I wasn't heavy by any means, but I also wasn't very fit.

Everything will be fine dear, take a look at him and see how elated he is over the idea. Esme says. I look up at Andrew and she was right. Excitement and love swirl in his big hazel eyes, a gentle smile gracing his lips. Softly, he cups my cheek, sparks tingling across my face and I lean in, savoring the feeling. It was amazing. A soft moan leaves my lips and before I can register what is happening, his lips crash against mine, sparks exploding where they meet and going straight to my core. I nip his lip, causing him to gasp at my forwardness and jut my tongue in his mouth, battling for dominance. As I let out another moan, someone clears their throat.

"Umm, let's not scar my virginal eyes, you two." Erin quips, chuckling at his apparently hilarious joke. Andrew and I spring apart, both turning as red as tomatoes for getting carried away.

"Thanks Erin." Andrew laughs, making my heart soar. He has the most wonderful, deep laugh and I can't help but laugh along with him. "He has a point, little mate. There is a bit of a ceremony that goes with it and we will have to prepare for it first."

"C-ceremony?!" I stutter. "We aren't gonna..... uh, do it-."

"No, no, no." He interrupts, putting my racing mind at ease. "What will happen is we will announce you to the pack as my mate, we will mark each other in front of the council member that lives here full time and after that, the pack house will turn into an even busier bee hive as we prepare for the Luna ceremony tonight. You will cut your palm and place it on the pack tablet, reciting the oath and picking a gamma. Then, after the party, we will complete the process."

"Gamma? That is the wolf who is the Lunas right hand person and protects them above all else, right?" I question, vaguely remembering what Erin said about the ranks of wolves. I already knew who it was going to be, but I had to make sure my thoughts were correct before deciding.

"Exactly." Andrew confirms. "It is a position of very high honor and you have your choice of any wolf in the pack aside from me, unfortunately. But I swear to you here and now, I will always protect you. The Gamma is a back up in case the Alpha is incapacitated or away." He stares deep into my eyes, leaning in to kiss me once more but before he can, Erin decides to be a c**k block again.

"Dude! Seriously!" He groans.

"Sorry." I giggle. "Okay, now that we have that straight, I already know who I want as my Gamma." Turning to my best friend, I look at him with all the love and admiration I could ever have for someone I don't have romantic feelings for. He has always been there for me, defending me, giving me a shoulder to cry on, celebrating with me during my victories and lifting my spirits when I felt down. I couldn't think of a better Gamma than Erin.

"Er, bestie." I say. "Would you do your sis from another miss, your best girl, soon to be Luna the honor of becoming my Gamma?" Tears well up in my eyes as I ask him this all important question, knowing what his answer will be but still having the urge to ask. He has the biggest grin on his face as he places his fist over his heart and bows his head.

"It would be an honor, Luna." He beams at me. "You know I will never nor have I ever let you down girl. I got your back."

"I knew you would choose him." Andrew whispers in my ear. "Excellent choice." Straightening up, we decide to get this show on the road.

After announcing to the pack and thousands of congratulations from them, the house bursts into bustling and rearranging, preparations in full swing for tonight. We meet with the council member, who's name I learn is Xavier, to complete the marking ceremony. Baring his canines, Andrew gently takes my head in his hands and grazes his lips against the hollow of my neck. A sharp pinch lets me know that he has broken through but it is no where near the pain I felt from the bite I received that turned me. The pain dissipating is replaced with a small wave of pleasure and a small moan escapes before I can stop it. Licking the mark to heal it, Andrew pulls away and raises an eye brow at me causing my face to turn red. I prepare to do the same, my wonderful mate having to sit so I can have access to the spot I will mark. My canines come forward and I zero in on the spot to be marked, excitement bubbling in my veins. I am making this man mine, rather fast yes but it feels right. Biting down, I hear a small moan escape him and my heart sings knowing that I affect him as much as he does me.

Before we know it, the time has come for the Luna ceremony. I sit in my room, dressed to the nine in a beautiful aquamarine colored strapless chiffon dress, mark on full display for all to see. My usually pin straight hair is curled and pinned back and I have the lightest touch of make up on my face. Taking a look in the full length mirror, I barely recognize the woman standing in front of me. Gone is the silent and shy woman, standing in her skin is someone who holds her head high, shoulders back, oozing confidence.

You look beautiful honey. Esme chimes in.

Thank you, Esme. I feel beautiful. Just then, a knock sounds at my door, signaling Erins arrival to escort me down. Opening the door, my soon to be Gamma beams at me, gushing over how good I look. Taking his arm, we make our way down through the house and wait at the French doors for Andrews signal to come through. I can hear his voice booming, giving his speech about how after a long wait, the pack finally has their Luna.

"Time to shine girl." Erin signals, pulling me through the now opened French doors.

"Every one." Andrew booms. "Please welcome your new Luna, Selene Collins." Cheers and applause erupt from all of the pack members, pack members smiling warmly as I walk by them up to my mate in the drool worthy suit he is wearing. Stepping up on the make shift stage, he takes my hand, smiling softly at me and turning back toward the crowd. Xavier brings out a tablet of what appears to be obsidian, twin wolves howling fletched into the surface with a small reservoir in the middle. Turning to us, he nods at me to come forward.

"Selene Collins, Mate of Andrew Briggs." His soft voice sounds out. "Do you swear to uphold the laws and customs of the Blue Crystal pack, honoring them as you honor your mate? Do you swear to lay down your life for this pack as you would lay down your life for your mate? Do you swear to complete your Luna duties to the best of your abilities, being a mother and guiding example to this pack, so help you Moon Goddess?"

"I do so swear, so help me Moon Goddess." Giving him my left hand, he cuts a small incision deep enough to draw blood, letting it pool in my palm before gently pouring it into the tablet.

Erin Sawyer, please step forward." Erin comes up and takes a knee in front of me, bowing his head.

"Erin Sawyer. Do you swear to protect your Luna from any harm that comes her way? To put yourself in harms way, even if it means trading your life for your Luna? Do you swear to take her orders above all else, even your Alphas, so help you Moon Goddess?"

"I do so swear, so help me Moon Goddess." Erin chirps. Xavier cuts both our palms, placing them together and I feel the bonds between Erin and I tether together, giving me a sense of peace.

"Ever one, I would like to introduce to you the Luna of the Blue Crystal pack!"