Chapter 1: Alpha Asher Blackwood

Selene’s POV

My life had been a dream ever since I was promised to one day become Alpha Asher’s Luna and rule the pack with him. My father, who was the most respected member of the Lycan council, had assured me that I just needed to sit pretty and wait for the right time.

Finally, this was the time. The mating ceremony was no longer up to twenty-four hours to begin. However, something still had me worried. My soon-to-be mate had been acting distant for the past days and it didn’t make any sense to me at all.

“You are just like your mother, little angel,” My father’s deep voice echoed softly in the room. “You worry a little too much about everything.”

“Do I? Alpha Asher would officially be my mate in not less than twenty-four hours and he’s acting as though I don’t even exist. Why am I not supposed to be worried?”

“Because he is the Alpha and as we all know, Alphas have a lot of responsibilities. Plus, I guarantee he is planning a rare gem wedding for you and he’s only busy with the plans, that’s all,” he said in a very convincing tone before opening his arms for an embrace.

“Rare gem wedding?” I repeated his words before walking up to him. I liked the kind of smile he wore as I approached him. It was the kind that made me forget all my worries especially since he was all I had after I lost my mother.

“Rare gem wedding,” he smiled while wrapping his arms around my small, fragile, feminine body. “Your mother would be so proud and happy wherever she is currently.”

I nodded into his chest, inhaling his strong scent in an attempt not to break down in tears at the memories of my late mother. He soon excused himself for duty calls, leaving me with no other option than to retire to bed. I watched as all the maids retreated one by one, leaving the room entirely blank except for the glorious view of my gown, which was the exact color of the moon.

***

“Forgive me for waking you up, My Luna-”

“I’m not Luna yet,” I corrected one of the maids quickly and drowsily.

“Forgive me, my Lady. It’s time for you to start preparing.”

Her words struck me hard, making me jolt up from the bed. How long had I been asleep? Oh my! I was undoubtedly an unserious bride if I were reminded of waking up for my own mating ceremony. I quickly got up and let her help me to the bathroom where five young maids bowed as I entered, already waiting so they could help me wash my whole body. Thankfully, I had become fond of them so it was never awkward for me to walk naked before them.

“How do you feel about being the new Luna, My Lady?” One of them smiled while brushing the sole of my left foot.

“Well, I feel honored and grateful to the moon goddess, the members of the pack, and the Alpha himself. Everyone played a part in the forthcoming union, and I feel so honored and grateful to every single member of the pack.”

“Oh, My Lady, I assure you that Raven Pack is about to meet her best Luna. I’m also very certain that you are that Luna whether or not you believe it.”

“I totally agree, My Lady. You are so kind and passionate about the people and that alone would be the reason why Raven pack will continue to howl and bowl at your feet when you’ve been officially made Luna.”

“That’s enough,” I blushed hard. “We don’t have time remember?”

With that, everyone focused on their duties, making little jokes and enjoying the light-hearted conversation until I was almost done.

“Excuse me, Luna. Your presence would be needed in five more minutes. Everything is already in place,” one of the many guards under Alpha Asher’s command informed me before leaving the room at once. We all giggled and I stood in utmost admiration at my reflection in the mirror while the tallest among the girls placed my veil.

Soon after that, I was accompanied by my father down the spiral staircase of the packhouse and led to sit opposite from Alpha Asher. I saw a hint of disgust flash through his eyes, but I didn’t want to believe that I had actually seen him hate me at my mating ceremony. I quickly focused my gaze on the pack’s elder who was performing the rites on behalf of the council.

“You may now take the lead, Alpha Asher,” he said respectfully, exiting the stage.

“Thank you, great members, of the Raven Pack, for choosing to be physical witnesses to my mating ceremony to the daughter of a very prestigious member of the council, who has served and is still serving the pack in all truth and might,” he began, while the crowd remained silent. “Please dear, do come and stand with me,” he gestured for me to climb up the stage.

The crowd was already cheering and clapping while my father nodded for me to do as commanded. Perhaps, I was the only one who found it awkward as to why he didn’t call me by my name, or maybe my father was right, and I was just worrying a little too much about every tiny thing.

I did as I was told, holding my gown with my hands since I feared to meet the same disgust in his eyes when I looked at him the last time.

“I’m certain that before this day, even the walls have whispered the message that Selene Nightfall would stand by my side as the Luna, to rule and nurture the pack until her very last breath and that I, Alpha Asher Blackwood would be her anchor and strength when she performs her duty as Luna towards me and the pack. I stand here tonight to confirm these whispers to be true, but before the last rite is performed, I wish to give everyone the room to speak if he or she has a reason why the last rite should be canceled.”

My breath stopped midway at his words as I clearly recall him being the first Alpha to seek a room for his soon-to-be Luna to be publicly rejected or ridiculed. Thankfully, everyone was still silent, and no one dared to speak. Stealing a quick glance from my father and favorite mates, who shot me a small smile, I found the courage to keep standing, awaiting a pending fault.

“Alright, then,” he cleared his throat, “Since everyone finds her perfect, I find you, Selene Nightfall, ridiculous and unworthy,” he turned to me, shooting daggers at me with his eyes. “I reject you, Selene!” Asher spat, his words echoing through Ravens' pack.

“Alpha Asher,” I called him carefully as tears were already starting to fill my eyes. “This is our mating ceremony and I am to be yours-”

“Shut your crap, woman!” he snapped. “I, Alpha Asher Blackwood, see you as no fit for the position. You are fragile to your very bones, weak as dying leaves, and impure, Selene! You are in every way unworthy of the position as Luna and I stand on the authority as the one true Alpha of Ravens Pack, here and now, rejecting you before my people, dead and alive!” he thundered, slicing even the thinnest air with his voice. “Now leave and never return.”