THE UNTAMED LUNA

THE GATHERING

Early morning, I woke up due to the high volume of my phone's alarm. I immediately got up because I didn't want them to wait for me at the dining table for breakfast.

Today I will meet the rest of Marvin's pack, which he called "his family"

I'm nervous but excited. After breakfast, Jolina and I pick up Mom, and we head to the mall to find a dress for tonight and some better-fitting undergarments. I tell them all about our first date. They are both shooting me questions like teenage girls. They are cute together. I could tell they were best friends by their interactions. I tell them that Marvin finally held my hand and how amazing it felt.

"Did he kiss you?" Jolina asked.

"Ahh. yeah.." I blushed.

"Where?" Mom asked.

"Here." I pointed on my cheek.

"Ohhhwww..." the reactions of the two.

After shopping, talking, and eating, I finally have my dress. It's form-fitting but modest, and it covers me well enough for me to feel comfortable. It's a bluish blue that reminds me of Marvin's eyes.

Mom was almost in tears when I came out of the dressing room with it on.

"That's the one." She told me with certainty. I knew she was right. Jolina agreed.

Back to Albanzo's house, there was a lot to do for tonight. Jolina and Mom started cooking right away. It seems she had this planned out already and had all the ingredients in the fridge and pantry. I helped as much as I could until they told me to go get ready. I felt bad leaving them with all the work. But Jolina assured me they had it covered. I hadn't seen Marvin or sensed him nearby, so I assumed he was out of the house taking care of other business.

My nerves were all over the place as I finished up my makeup. Mom came into my room and helped me smooth down some of the curls.

"You are so beautiful, Jezz. I see so much of your father in you. I know I never told you that. I'm so sorry I kept his memory from you."

I looked at Mom and shook my head.

"It's alright. I understand you must have felt his loss in an unimaginable way. I have only spent half a day away from Alpha Marvin, and I feel almost sick."

She pulls me close, and we hold each other for a moment. She pulls back and looks me in the eyes.

"I know that Marvin will take good care of you, sweetie. And I know you love each other. "

"Mom, don't worry. I will be fine."

After an emotional hug, Mom put on a dress she had brought with her. She told me Dad would be attending as well. That made me feel good that he was being included.

I could tell Alpha Marvin had just walked into the house. Taking a deep breath, I felt a wave of calmness over me. My mom noticed how my body relaxed, and she responded with a warm, big smile.

"He's here." Yes, finally. I heard him climb the stairs. Mom made her way out the door and sent me an understanding smile as she left.

I heard them greet each other in the hallway, and then Marvin knocked on my door.

"Come in." I said. He entered with a big smile on his face.

He walked quickly to me and took me in his arms. He nuzzled his nose into my neck and took a deep breath. "You look absolutely beautiful."

"You clean up nicely too, Mr. Albanzo." I told him while a slight blush covered my cheeks from his perusal. He had on a tailored suit that fit his muscled arms and shoulders perfectly. He wore a tie that matched my dress. Jolina must be responsible for that one.

"I can't wait to introduce you to our family and friends. They will love you."

He took my hand and brought it up to his lips for a kiss. His eyes sparkled with excitement for the night ahead. He led me out of my room and down the stairs. I felt like a princess going to the ball. But it was not anything that formal, thankfully. He just made me feel special.

I could hear the excited chatter downstairs. People were in the living room and kitchen. I spotted my dad, and he gave me a great big smile when I entered the room. Alpha Marvin walked with me over and stood in front of the guest.

"Can I have everyone's attention?"

Marvin spoke. Immediately, it was quiet, and more people came into the room. There were probably about 20-25 people, including my family. Most of them are elders who appeared to be in their 30 to 40's.

Alpha Marvin nodded toward his mom, and she came to stand beside me. Another man I hadn't met yet stepped beside the Alpha. This must be Pedro, the man who helped him lead their pack.

"Thank you all for coming tonight. It is a very special occasion. I have been waiting and hoping for this moment for a few years now. I was afraid the day would never come when I found my soul mate. But she found me. I am proud and honored to introduce you, soon to be Luna, Abby Jezz Urdanzo, daughter of Beta Robert Sandique and Solidad. In front of you, Jericho Urdanzo, has also joined us. He helped Solidad, to raise an intelligent and strong female human-wolf as soon to be my wife. I would like you to give him your respect as a trusted human among our pack."

Marvin nodded kindly to my dad, and dad nodded his head to everyone. I could tell he was a little nervous but also proud to be included. Everyone burst out in applause.

After the Alpha's speech. I was greeted with hugs and kind words from everyone. They all addressed me as Luna Jezz. It was a little overwhelming. But I also felt very welcome as they accepted me into their family. And I was so happy.

Marvin stood proudly by my side as he was embraced and congratulated just as I was. He made sure to give me just a tidbit of information about each person. Their position in the pack or their job outside of here I could tell that these people truly respected and cared for Marvin. That ensured that I would care about them.

"Abby Jezz, when is your 18th birthday?" one of the elder woman ask me suddenly.

"Tomorrow actually."

"Oh you should be given his "marked". Alpha Marvin can I talked to you?" she called him.

"Yes, sister?"

"Tomorrow is her birthday, we can wait until 12 o'clock. What do you say so?"

"Alright, Luna's birthday is tomorrow!" someone shouted within the room.

"Marked! Marked! MARKED!"

The voices of everyone are coming together. They’re asking the Alpha for approval because they want to see the amazing and powerful connection of the "marked" as it’s celebrated in their new Luna.

"Thank you everyone for coming. I am so honored to welcome my mate and your Luna to our pack tonight. These following weeks, we will be trained her. I hope that some of you can participate in helping with that. Regarding her 18th birthday, tomorrow, she will undergo the change. I would like to invite you all to attend, to witness her transformation. It will be a day of celebration! But, regarding the "marked" I officially asked a permission from her parents about that, and it will be scheduled tomorrow, privately.

Those gathered applauded and cheered.

"Why wait? if you can do the "Marked" tonight. The upcoming circled moon by 12 is great!?" one of male elders suggested.

"Because she has been unfamiliar with our customs her entire life, I would appreciate it if you continued to honor her by showing her consideration and understanding as her life changes drastically. I know that she will be an unbelievably caring and devoted Luna." Alpha Marvin answered that suggestions on the crowd. All of them were listening.

"We're still figuring out the date for our union ceremony. I get that it’s a bit odd for an Alpha not to claim his Luna right away, but some unexpected circumstances have shifted things for us. You might not be aware, but Abby Jezz is actually one of my students. If this turns into an issue, I’ll need to weigh my options."

I noticed a couple of surprised faces.

"Our people would never allow human laws to interfere with one of our most sacred customs. But let me assure you, nothing is going to stand in the way of our destiny. It may just be postponed temporarily."

Marvin adds a bit of humor to his tone. Our friends let out a cheer and more clapping. I hope no one insists that he mark me immediately, as this is part of tradition. I was a little nervous. I should have spoken to him about making this information public.

"We understand. She is young anyway. There are more challenges that both of you may faces. The challenges of destiny. I think it's not a problem right!" the elder woman who talked to me earlier said.

"Yeah, take your time. What we need is to be careful. We shall do our best to protect our family, and do support so that no one can bring us down" one male elder said.

Alpha Marvin takes my hand, and it helps me to calm down just a bit. People approach us and give us their best wishes and hugs as they leave.

The women are fussing over me. "Welcome to our family Luna..."

"Thank you" I said.

The dinner party of a small gathering is over.

From what Marvin told me. It's been so long since they had a young female shifter in the pack, and now they will be having Luna soon. It feels like they hold me in high regard, and I am proud of that.