The Perfect Luna’s Rogue Mate

Chapter 1

It’s time! Finally! Chrystal mused as she smoothed her ceremonial gown with trembling fingers.

Every touch was a reminder of the magnitude of what was about to unfold as she stood in the center of the stone ritual circle.

She was dressed in flowing white robes, facing her betrothed, her prince, her father’s choice, and hers – the tall, golden-haired, blue-eyed Darius Strigan, the Noble Alpha, her betrothed, her destined mate.

Her belly twisted in knots of anticipation and nerves, but she smiled happily, with practiced grace and elegance, just as she had been taught to do from as far back as she could remember.

Not only her stomach, but her heart as well, was racing. Her palms, though steady, were clammy, hence her need to rub against her cotton, pearl white dress, as she stood with a straight back, breathing in the calming way her father himself had taught her to do.

Darius’ piercing blue eyes were locked onto hers, and his trim, confident frame radiated the air of a man born to rule. His hand twitched at his side as he smiled devotedly back at her.

This was their Blood Moon Bonding Ceremony, where she would be bonded to Darius; their pack in full attendance as witnesses to their sacred union.

Chyrstal swallowed.

This is right! She told herself, not for the first time that year. This is how it's supposed to be! Two wolves, bound by tradition and affection, stepping into their roles as leaders of their people.

This is what I’ve always wanted. It’s time to honor my father, my Alpha! She told herself patiently, her smile widening.

Everything has led to this moment. I will be fine. Everything will be fine. No, more than that, everything is going to be perfect!

She told herself as she and the crowd waited for the moon to reach the crest.

As the Luna-in-waiting, emotional control was key, and that control was something Chrystal had mastered with dedication and regal grace.

Every tremble in her hands, every skip of her pulse, was carefully adjusted beneath layers of royal composure.

She forced her smile to remain just right – no gums, no teeth, something soft and endearing.

A stiff breeze blew, shifting Chrystal’s gown and blowing strands of her long, honey-blonde hair into her face.

She brushed her hair behind her ear with practiced shyness, glancing away from Darius, as she had been taught, the gesture calculated to appear modest and alluring in equal measure.

Her soon-to-be Alpha beamed lovingly at her, his soon-to-be Luna.

Perfect. Everything must be perfect. Chrystal repeated her mantra as her stomach flipped once again.

Every lesson from the matrons of the castle in mannerisms, comportment, and decorum, the hours spent every day learning pack history, her father’s personal teachings on diplomacy, and every careful cultivation of her gentle nature had led to tonight.

To be the perfect Luna. A mate who was humble, yet strong, meek yet wise, devoted, and supportive. A worthy companion for the future Alpha King. A worthy mother of the most powerful pack in Malbarone kingdom – the Moonblaze pack.

Chrystal smiled to herself.

From tonight, I get to fulfill my destiny. I’ll be with Darius, and I will support him with everything I have. I will make father proud, she reflected warmly, her heart swelling with a pride only the cultured could feel when facing the glory of their own sacrifice for the good of others.

The sounds from the crowd shifted, a change that signified the patiently awaited alignment of the stars. It was time.

Chrystal raised her head, inhaling deeply, her fingers tingling. At exactly midnight, a deep voice boomed from the head of the circle.

“Step forward, children of the Moon. Let the Goddess reveal your fate,” the elder in charge of the ceremony called out, his arms spread toward Chrystal and Darius.

Chrystal was ready. She held her smile and took a step forward, her mind buzzing with anticipation. Darius moved together with her, and the moment their feet touched the circle’s glowing runes, the magic pulsed to life.

Warmth spread through Chrystal’s chest, like soothing oil on raging waters, her skin tingling as if being caressed by soft feathers, as the sacred bond awakened.

Then, suddenly, that comforting warmth turned to something else entirely; a coldness so complete it felt like death itself had reached inside her chest and wrapped icy fingers around her heart.

Chystal shuddered in her mind, her eyes widening as brutal pain shot through her bones, every nerve in her body on fire as if she had been struck by lightning.

The bond was forming, burning through her like wildfire consuming a dried forest, but it wasn't connecting her to Darius.

Chyrstal’s world tilted on its axis as her eyes searched the crowd, seeking the source of the searing pain, searching for some guide, some light, some help, as she gritted her teeth against the howl that must not sound.

Not from a Luna’s lips.

She staggered forward, the magic pulling her toward someone else, someone unseen.

“What –” Chrystal gasped as she moved, her carefully maintained composure cracking like ice under pressure as she clutched her chest desperately, as if she could physically stop her heart from ripping apart.

Around her, the crowd began to murmur in confusion as the expected transformation between the two to be bonded was not taking place, the concern among those gathered rising.

Her wide eyes darted to Daruis, who was staring down at her, his lips slightly parted, eyes as round as her own.

Why is he not affected? Why is nothing happening to him? Aren’t we supposed to be bound together? Chrystal’s mind raced as she stared at her betrothed, who was clearly as shocked as she was by the sudden turn of events.

She tore her eyes from Darius’, searching the gathering for her father, the Alpha King of Malbarone, Alpha Mason Barone. Her guide, her teacher, her strength.

Before she could find him, Chrystal gasped again, this time falling to her knees as her will lost out to the impossible force that would not be denied.

“Argh!” Chrystal cried out as her knees buckled.

Pain coiled around her ribs, burning, twisting, causing her to almost lie flat on the ceremonial ground as the whole crowd stepped forward as one, as if to catch or carry their prized, most precious Luna.

But the magic was not done with Chrystal. The pull made her stand, even with the pain, imposing its will, executing its ordained task.

From the shadows at the edge of the trees, a low, dark chuckle echoed through the night, the sound carrying an amusement that seemed to mock everything sacred about the ceremony.

A deep voice that sounded like water running over rocks droned, “Well now, isn’t this something?”