Mark of the Goddess

Chapter 14 - Ceremony

Tesla’s POV

After I spent most of yesterday morning crying my eyes out and being comforted by Eldwin’s embrace. I finally slept peacefully. No nightmares. No dreams. Just peace. I woke up to finally feel that I was lighter. I had hopes that it would stay away for a long while. Ella and Cassie had brought beds up for Skald and Tally at some point in my moment of weakness. Seeing my two wolf-dogs sleeping as peacefully as I felt, Made me smile. 

I couldn’t help but keep my smile as a small wave of peace washed over me. I rubbed my cheek against Eldwin’s shoulder. When I heard my stomach protest at the lack of food. Right, I hadn’t had much of anything since I arrived here. 

“Hungry, love?” I heard Eldwin’s voice speak groggily with a hint of amusement in it. 

“Mmhmm. I guess I haven’t had the time to eat much of anything.” I giggled with embarrassment. 

“Why don’t I have Big Al bring us some breakfast. Your coronation starts soon. You’re going to need your energy.” I nodded in agreement. 

“I’d very much like that.”

“Anything special you want?” I shook my head.

“Dinner food is when you can ask me that,” I giggled as I looked up at his loving eyes. He laughed. 

“Ah. You like the bigger meals. I should’ve known,” he said with a wink. I opened my mouth as if I was shocked at his implication. 

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I teased. We both laughed. 

“Go get a shower, sweet face. I’ll wait for the food to arrive. I’ll make sure to let Big Al know how big of an appetite you have.” I scoffed at him playfully. 

“Don’t go telling everyone about my need for large meals.” I sat up and walked to the bathroom with a sway in my hips. “Don’t start something, when you know we can’t finish!” I giggled as I walked into the bathroom and closed the door. I turned on the shower and made my way into the warmth of the falling water. I spent a lot of time slowly washing my body and hair. Luckily Eldwin is always prepared and had all my products ready for my use. Once I was done, I just stood there and allowed the water to flow over my body. I felt like I had washed what little bit of remorse I had left off my body. I sighed blissfully as the water seemed to wash away more stress from the many years of keeping most of my past to myself. I stepped out of the shower and wrapped myself up in a towel. The aroma of eggs, strawberries and syrup teased my nostrils. My stomach growled with impatience. 

I walked out and saw the tray that held a full plate of strawberry topped pancakes, smothered in syrup with eggs on the side. Orange slices were in a separate bowl, with a cup of water in the corner. A small vase with a white lily and a note attached to it. I beamed happily at the sight. I brought the lily up to my nose and inhaled its intoxicating scent. I opened the note attached to it. 

A lily for my little lily. My mother forced me to leave so she and the other women could get you ready. I’m not allowed in the room. I love you, Tesla. XOXO Eldwin.

I grinned as I imagined his fake pout about the last sentence. I couldn’t help but kiss the note, when a knock came at the door. 

“Tesla, It’s Naomi. May we come in?” 

“Yes, please do!” I said as I stole a bit of eggs. They were so good that I took a few more bites as women filled the room. 

“Tesla!” I heard two women’s voices call out to me. Before I could turn around there were two sets of arms wrapping around either side of me. I looked to see Cassie and Ella grinning, followed by their giggles. Skald and Tally jumped up onto the bed and sniffed at the aroma that came from the tray. 

“I can’t wait to get you all dressed up!” Ella said as she bounced.

“I’m so happy for you Tesla! You deserve this more than anyone else,” Cassie said as she rubbed her cheek against my shoulder. 

“Now girls, don’t go deflating her before we’ve even started,” Naomi warned. Cassie and Ella unwrapped me from their tight embraces. “Go ahead and eat your meal, Tesla. We are going to start bringing in everything for you to get you ready. Do you know how the coronation works?” I waved my hand from side to side. Implying that I sort of did as I chewed on an orange slice. I side glanced at Skald as he inched closer to my food. He shied away when he noticed me looking at him. 

“It’s similar to a wedding. Although, you are about to be linked with the whole pack. It will begin with the Alpha King saying your responsibilities as a Silva. Then Eldwin will say a few words and then you will.” I looked up at her nervously. I swallowed my food.

“I don’t have anything prepared,” I said honestly.

“No worries. You just speak from the heart. Your actions have spoken very loudly. So the pack basically already loves you,” Ella said as she stole an orange slice.

“Hey!” I growled playfully. She stuck her tongue out at me as I caught Cassie going for a strawberry. 

“Ella is right. Just say how you feel, sweetheart. You’ll be great. I know it.” Naomi said with pride in her voice. “Anyway, the Alpha King will then help in binding you to the pack. Then there will be a celebration and a pack run. That will solidify the bond.” I nodded as Naomi laid down a white and golden dress. “Now, finish eating and we can get started.” 

~~

After three hours of being pampered, I finally had a chance to look at myself in the closet mirror. The rhinestones that speckled my white dress seemed to make the gold celtic trim stand out. White lace laid perfectly across my chest and hugged my arms. I looked down at the long train of cloth and lace. My hair was pulled over to the side with three closely braided braids. Naomi placed a white and gold lily pin in the top braid. They didn’t add a tone of makeup thankfully. I was not one for makeup to begin with, but the brown liner brought out the glow in my hazel eyes. I traced over the rhinestones along my waist. The dress fit almost perfectly. Complementing my figure. I blushed as I stared at myself. Tally sat proudly beside me with a bow on her head.  

“You look stunning,” Cassie said as her image appeared in the mirror. I smiled at her. 

“Thanks Cassie.” I turned to her and took her hands. She was wearing a pink sundress with red roses in random places. Her hair up in a formal bun and makeup lathered on her face. She’s truly beautiful. “Listen, I’m sorry we haven’t been able to hang out since we got here. I promise that I’ll make that time for us.” She looked at me as if I offended her.

“Girl, have you not seen what all has happened? Everything has been happening so fast, and I know you’re pretending to be all composed and stuff. Honestly, you don’t have to do that around me and you know it.” She smiled up at me. I nodded. 

“I guess you’re right, but still.”

“Shut up and be happy. Accept the happiness,” Cassie said with a giggle.

“If we are planning a girls day out, I don’t mind being the third wheel,” Ella said, winking at us. Ella wore the pack colors. An sapphire dress with gold celtic trim that spiraled from the heams. Her hair up in a half ponytail with the same golden lily pin in her hair. Her face was also lathered up in makeup, but she was still nonetheless beautiful for it. In fact both these girls were stunning. Skald came into my view and looked anything but amused by the bow wrapped around his neck. He looked slightly grumpy.

“Ella, it’d be our honor,” I said as I brought them into a gentle hug. There was no such thing as a ‘gentle hug’ with these two. I wouldn’t change their hugs though. I rather enjoyed them more and more. 

“Ladies!” Naomi’s voice interrupted our sisterly love. I turned to look at her and was blown away. She wore a dress similar to Ella’s. It was covered in sapphire rhinestones with gold beads speckled around. The design looked like flowers with the gold beads acting as leaves. The golden celtic heams shimmered. She looked younger than the first day I met her. Her hair up in the formal braided bun. It didn’t appear that she put much makeup on. “It’s time to make our appearance.”

Cassie and Ella helped me bring the train of my dress down the stairs as Naomi led the way. Skald and Tally already way ahead of us. Once we reached the main entrance, I saw L.J. readjusting his tie. He was dressed in a white suit with the yellow tie. Same one his father would usually wear to social events. The thing that caught my attention, was how he looked more frustrated and tired than he normally did. 

“Stupid thing,” he grumbled. We giggled at him, except Naomi. He turned to face us with a little bit of embarrassment. He did a double take and looked me up and down. “Who is that woman? My sister would never allow someone to put her in such radiant attire,” he teased with a chuckle. I rolled my eyes, but smiled.

“Oh ha-ha, funny man,” I giggled. 

“Seriously, though. You are absolutely stunning, Tes.” L.J. approached me as Cassie and Ella walked around to stand at the doors. 

“L.J. is going to be the one to give you away to the pack. Traditionally it’s the father, but we bent the rules slightly,” Naomi said as she winked at me. I bowed my head to her thankfully.

“So it is like a wedding,” L.J. said as Naomi ushered us towards the double doors. 

“I guess so,” I said with a nervous chuckle. 

“Are you doing ok?” I looked up at him and nodded.

“Yeah. I’ll be fine. Just something-”

“You aren’t used to. Don’t worry, sis. You got this. I couldn’t be more prouder or happy for you,” L.J. said as he kissed my forehead. 

“Ew, boy cooties,” I playfully said as I wrinkled my nose. 

“You got more than just cooties, my dear sister,” he said as he locked his elbow with mine. 

“Shh, we don’t speak of what I do behind closed doors.”

“Ew. Mental imagery that I don’t want or need.”

We both laughed as Naomi walked out of the doors that Ella and Cassie held open. 

“Members of the Misty Mountain Pack, I present to you, Tesla Silverblood or the Sunstone Pridelands!” Naomi announced as she gestured to us to walk out. As I stepped out, roars of cheers erupted. I looked over at Eldwin who wore a suit that matched my dress. He looked at me with a stunned look on his face, as L.J. brought me closer to him. L.J. let go of my arm and passed me over to Eldwin. 

“As the future Pride Father and brother to Tesla, I gladly hand her over to be the Silva of the Misty Mountain pack! The Sunstone Pride and the Misty Mountain pack will forever be brothers and sisters from this day until the end of all days!” L.J. announced. Hoots and howls filled the air. 

“I didn’t think you could become more beautiful than you are right now,” Eldwin whispered into my ear. I slightly leaned against him. 

“You look like a god among men. You outshine me, my love,” I whispered back to him. 

“You would be wrong about that, my little lily,” he said as he trailed his thumb down the line of my jaw to my chin. Our attention was drawn to the power that radiated from Archek. He wore a suit that matched Naomi's emerald dress. He raised his hands up to silence the cheers. Once everyone was silent he motioned me to step to his other side. I did as Eldwin held my hand.

“Today!” Archek spoke with power in his voice. “We bring together not just two people, but everyone as a whole. To unite not just one pack but a pack and a pride. Eldwin Featherman, Son of Archek Featherman, you have the floor.” I  watched Eldwin as he looked out to our pack. Our friends. Our family.

“Tesla did not need to prove herself to us. Yet, she did. She has stolen not just my heart, but everyone’s hearts as well. She did so with her protection. With her kindness. I know that even without the mark she bears, she would still be an amazing Silva. I will gladly give my life for her.” Eldwin said as everyone began to cheer their agreements. 

“Tesla Silverblood, Adopted Daughter of Sunstone Pride Father Lionel Sunstone, you now have the floor,” Archek said as he turned to me. I looked out at everyone that watched me intently. I took a deep breath and let my voice flow with what my heart wanted to say.

“It has been a long time since I have been in the presence of such amazing people. The love I have felt. The respect that I don’t think I deserve. I have not been here long, and yet you all still opened your arms to me. I could not ask for a better pack than this one. I promise to give my life for not just my mate, but for my pack. For my family!” Their cheers roared louder than they had before. 

“Eldwin. Tesla. Your palms please.” Eldwin guided my hand to turn over, with our palms facing up. Archek pulled out a steel and gold ceremonial dagger. I watched as the late morning sun reflected off of it. A flash of that night when I was a child, crossed my mind. Eldwin squeezed my hand with reassurance. I took a deep breath as I reminded myself that this isn’t anything like that night. I felt Skald and Tally sit against both my legs. Archek brought the dagger down and slit Eldwin’s palm and then slit mine. The sharp sting made me wince slightly. 

Archek took both our hands and brought them together as he said “I announce you, Tesla Silverblood, the Silva of the Misty Mountain pack!” Eldwin and I’s palms met. Our blood mixing and trailing down our wrists. I gasped as a jolt seemed to shoot through my chest, as the pack bonds were tied. Every voice in the pack and even Skald and Tally’s voices, rang in my head. 

Thank you all for the cheers, but one at a time, would be helpful. I apologize, but like I have mentioned. It has been a long time since I have felt pack bonds. I pack linked everyone. The voices subsided. I smiled at them all. My eyes are looking over at L.J., Ella, Cassie and Kosovo. The  joy in their faces made me smile more. Looking back at Eldwin, he pulled me into a deep passionate kiss.

“Welcome to the pack, Silva Tesla Sunstone-Feathermane,” He said, giving me my new name. I grinned up at him. 

“I like that name a whole lot better,” I said as I kissed him again. 

~~

Everyone had piled into the pack house after the ceremony. I took the time to get to know as many of my new packmates as I possibly could. They were all unique in their own ways. I even met some of the children. Skald and Tally enjoyed having their ears scratched and tummies rubbed by the young ones enthusiasm. As I made my rounds, I realized that I hadn’t met Eldwin’s brothers. That led me to noticing that Allen and Alex weren’t anywhere in sight. I raised my brow with curiosity. Before I could reach out to them through the pack link, I heard the sounds of little girls giggling behind me. The train of my dress being tugged on slightly. I grinned as I turned around, so I saw three small girls tracing over the rhinestones. I bent over towards them. 

“They’re very pretty aren’t they?” I said softly. The girls looked up and one immediately stood up and bowed. She hit the other two to do the same. 

“We’re sorry, Silva,” The girls spoke in unison. I tilted my head at them. I brought my rump down to sit on my heels.

“Sorry? Whatever for?” I said with a sweet chuckle. They all looked up at me. I saw that they all looked to be triplets. They all wore simple emerald dresses.  All three with dark brown eyes and auburn hair. One had her hair up in a ponytail. One had hers in pigtails. The one who was the first to stand had her hair in a half ponytail. 

“We weren’t supposed to bother you,” Half ponytail said as she looked at her sisters.

“Your dress is so pretty and sparkly!” Pigtails said cheerfully. I laughed softly. 

“It is, isn’t it,” I said as I laid my arms on my knees. “You also weren’t bothering me. Would you girls like to play with the rhinestones more?” They looked at each other with the biggest grins I have ever seen, before they nodded at me. “On one condition.” 

The girls seemed curious and worried at my last statement. I only smiled at them.

“You must tell me your names, that way I can come find you girls for a playdate sometime. Maybe even have a dress up party,” I said with a wink. 

“You really mean it?!” They said in unison. I nodded my head. I’m not one for dressing up, but the cubs back in the Sunstone pride loved it. So why wouldn’t they?

“I’m Ava,” The girl with the half ponytail said. 

“I’m Eva!” The girl with the pigtails said cheerfully.

“This is Meena. She’s too shy to talk to people,” Ava said as she pointed to the girl with the ponytail. I nodded my head to them. 

“It’s very lovely to meet you Ava, Eva, and Meena. You girls can call me Tesla, ok,” I said as I grabbed a bundle of the train and held it up for them. They began giggling as they traced their fingers over some of the stones. Making them shimmer. We played around with the stones a bit longer as I listened to the girls talk about their favorite colors. Purple, Pink and Orange. They also confirmed my suspicion about them being triplets and mentioned that they are seven years old. 

“Girls!” A female voice rang out. We all looked up to see a woman who looked like the adult version of the girls. She ran over to us and bowed her head to me. “Silva, I am terribly sorry that my girls have bothered you.” I rose up and shook my head. 

“Not at all. We were admiring the shiny stones,” I said winking at the girls. “Are you their mother?” The woman nodded. 

“I’m Crysta Brightstar, ma’am,” She said as she looked up at me hesitantly. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Brightstar.”

“Oh no, Silva. Please call me Crysta.” I nodded at her request.

“And you can call me Tesla,” I looked down at the girls who had that look of shame a child has after they got caught doing something they were told not to do. “Crysta, would you mind if Eva, Ava, Meena and I had a playdate sometime?” 

“Please mommy. Oh please?!” The girls immediately turned to her with pleading voices.

“Tesla is so nice and pretty!!” Ava said as she bounced on her heels.

Crysta looked down at them and back at me. 

“Girls, I’m sure that uh, Tesla would be very busy,” She said as she looked up at me.

“It’s not trouble. I used to babysit back in the day. I would love to have them over anytime,” I said smiling at her reassuringly. 

“Are you sure? I don’t want us to be a bother,” Crysta said nervously. I nodded at her. 

“You have my word. You can contact me through the pack link or by phone. Whichever you prefer.” Crysta pondered the thought. “You can have some time all to yourself.” I edged her on. No mother can resist some quiet time. Crysta’s eyes said it all.

“Alright. You have me sold, Tesla,” Crysta said in defeat. I giggled at her and so did her girls. 

“We did it girls,” I said as I leaned down to give them each a high five. Their smiles made my heart melt. We all laughed. 

“Thank you, Tesla. It really means a lot,” Crysta said as she smiled sheepishly. “The rumors about you were very much true. You have a heart of gold.” I blushed at her comment. 

“Don’t worry about it, Crysta. I look forward to having them over sometime.” With that Crysta ushered her girls away, just as Skald and Tally came running up to me. Their tags wagging and their eyes full of pride. “You guys are spoiled,” I said as I reached down and rubbed the top of their heads. 

“You were wonderful with those girls, ya know,” Eldwin’s voice came from behind me as I felt his arms wrap around my waist. Surrounding me in his protective embrace and succulent scent. I leaned back against him and kissed his cheek.

“They were really sweet girls. Besides, I love children.”

“Is that so?” He softly spoke in my ear. “Well, we will just have to work on having some of our own. If I haven’t already put one in you already, accidently.” 

I gently smacked his chest with the back of my hand. It was just a playful one that I gave with love. “Shh, can’t go telling everyone how babies are made.” We both laughed. Then I remembered something.

“By the way, where are Allen and Alex? I haven’t seen them around. I would’ve thought that an Alpha’s Beta and Delta would be attending all the special events.” I turned towards him and leaned my chest against his. 

“Oh, uh, my father sent them on a mission of sorts. My brothers and some of their packmates couldn’t resist going, either,” Eldwin said as he ran his fingers through his hair. I could tell that he didn’t want to tell me something. I raised my brow as my smile slightly faded. 

“Oh? What are they up to?” I asked as I wrapped my arms around his shoulders. He looked at me, as if pondering something. Probably whether or not to tell me. 

“I don’t want to really say, Tesla. Not after yesterday. I can’t bear to see you like that,” Eldwin said in defeat. My smile completely faded away at the sound of the pain in his words

“I see. It’s about Amelia. Isn’t it.” I said softly. Eldwin’s chest vibrated as a low growl began to rise.

“I don’t want her anywhere near you,” his eyes were angry and protective. 

“Don’t worry. She fooled me once. She won’t fool me again. I am stronger now, than I was back then. You have given me a new strength that I never knew I could have,” I said as I placed my palm against his cheek. I could see him calming down a bit. 

“I don’t like the idea, but from what L.J. has told me, you don’t really take ‘no’ as an answer,” Eldwin said as he shifted on his feet. I grinned at that. 

“Yeah, I bet you heard all my embarrassing teenage shenanigans,” I giggled at him. Both of us relaxed in each other's arms. I’m glad I could change the subject for him. I didn’t like to see him worried. 

“He has some pretty interesting stories,” Eldwin admitted. 

“I bet he does. I might have to smack him for telling my secrets.”

“Secrets huh?” Eldwin turned his head. “Hey, L.J.! I need more stories on Tesla’s secrets!” I looked around Eldwin to see L.J. nodding his head from the other side of the room. 

“I’ve got plenty, bro!” L.J. called back. 

“Do it and I’ll knock you on your-” I paused before cussing in front of the children that ran around. “Butt!” A few bystanders, myself, and these two men laughed. 

“I’ll risk it!” L.J. called out with a loud chuckle. I shook my head and rolled my eyes. 

“Children! Both of you!” I laughed. 

“Only sometimes,” Eldwin said as he shrugged. He then sighed. “Alright, my little lily, I have to go speak to my father about Amelia. L.J. and Kosovo were there last night. So they are going to fill us in a bit more. You should go change into something more comfortable.” I nodded before planting a sweet kiss on his lips. 

“Thank you, cinnamon bun,” I said as I turned to make my way to the stairs. Thoughts of doubt began to creep into my mind. Was I really prepared to see my sister again? 

~~