Chapter 7 - Claiming Ceremony

Alpha Romano's words sliced through the wide dining room, echoing. 

"First, you will not leave this property without my permission. You will not speak to anyone outside this pack without direct supervision. My pack, my rules, I do not tolerate risks."

 He paused, eyes boring into mine like a predator studying its prey.

 "Third," he continued, his voice dropping slightly. 

 "You're to attend all pack gatherings with me. Isabella will see to it that you look the part. Fourth, you will learn your place. You might be my mate and Luna by decree, but your authority here is equal to none." His lips curled in disdain. 

 “You must be available for me at all times,” he added. 

My heart stopped for a minute. Did he mean that sexually? The thought of him touching me made me want to throw up.

 “I do not care about your presence here but my reputation is essential. There are trained guards at every inch of the perimeter. If you attempt to run again, you'd only be putting dear old Open Creek at risk.”

 "Did I make myself clear?" he asked.

 My throat was dry, the water had done nothing to help. "Yes, Alpha," I managed to say.

 "Good." He picked up his fork and dug into his meal. 

 My pasta sat untouched, each forced bite turning to ash in my mouth. 

There was no denying it, my mate was a monster, and despite the mate's pull, my hatred for him was like a burning intensity that threatened to consume me.

I thought that was all but his voice cut through the air again, a cold finality to his tone. 

"The official claiming ceremony will be held tomorrow. Be ready!"

The ceremony? So soon? 

My heart fell further into the pit of my stomach, the cold dreadful feeling I harboured all day got stronger.

Although I lay in a luxurious bed, sleep never came. Only his threats replaying in my head and the memory of his grip on my arm. The estate’s silence felt like it was watching me. 

Would he have found me if i hadn’t wonder into that warehouse? All this is my fault.

My mind reeled.

What kind of life would I have here? As a trophy for the Alpha of the Romano Crest Pack. 

“Luna,” I tested the word on my tongue. Strange.

By the time the first sliver of dawn painted the sky, I was mentally exhausted. 

I freshened up and lay in bed until a soft knock startled me. “Come in,” I called out.

A young woman with kind eyes followed closely by Sofia.

"Good morning, Selene," Isabella greeted, her usual bright smile in place. She gestured to the woman beside her. "This is Chayil. She will be your personal servant, attending to all your immediate needs from now on.”

Chayil curtsied. "It's an honor, Luna," her voice soft and polite. I simply smiled in return.

"She will help you with everything you need, from meals to anything else," Isabella continued, stepping further into the room. "But today, I'm here to personally ensure you're ready for the claiming ceremony. It's a very important day for the Romano Crest Pack, and you need to look the part."

She directed Chayil to lay out a stunning, deep emerald gown she walked in with. The fabric shimmered like liquid moonlight. After Chayil braided my hair into a crown, Isabella helped me with my dress and makeup. 

I could barely recognize myself when they were done. 

The dress, elaborate hair, and jewelry that looked like it belonged in a museum; I looked like  a Luna, with a heart that screamed otherwise.

 “Thank you,” I said honestly.

 “Okay, it's time,” Isabella said, clapping her hands in excitement. 

The man who escorted me to dinner was outside the door again, waiting for me. He led me to a wide clearing where Alpha Romano stood at the center of a raised platform, radiating authority. 

The hall was completely filled. They were more than I had imagined

As I joined him, his voice, though low, sounded through the open space, demanding attention.

"Members of the Romano Crest Pack," he boomed, his gaze sweeping over the large crowd. 

"You are gathered here today to witness the claiming of my fated mate, Selene Blackwood. By ancient decree, and by the will of the moon goddess, she is bound to me, and to this pack."

He gripped my arm, his touch burning even through the sleeves of the gown. 

"Selene Blackwood," an elder started. 

"Before the gaze of the moon goddess and the eyes of the Romano Crest Pack, do you, by bond and by blood, accept the Alpha as your fated mate, and swear loyalty to him and to this pack?"

My mind screamed no. Every fiber of my being recoiled. But his grip tightened faintly. Around us, the pack stood utterly still, I thought of my ruined home…. I had no choice.

"I... I do," I whispered.

The elder raised his hand to the night sky. "By the decree of the moon, it is sealed."

Enzo pulled me closer, tilting my head back firmly. His predatory eyes met mine one last time before his teeth grazed my skin just below my ear. It wasn't a bite meant to inflict pain, but the heat of the mark seared deeper than flesh.

He stepped back and released me. "She is claimed," he announced loudly. 

The pack echoed in unison, the sound rolled like thunder through the clearing, a mix of acceptance, devotion, and raw power from the pack. A shiver of sheer, primal terror ran through me. 

I was marked. Claimed!

I stood there, the mark burning, the weight of a title I never wanted settling upon my shoulders. 

I glanced around, wondering how soon I could retreat back into the room. My eyes caught a flicker of movement by the far end of the clearing.

A figure stood there half-hidden, staring.

Not at Alpha …. not at me. But on the freshly marked spot on my neck. 

As I looked, trying to make out a face, an unsettling, subtle smile slowly spread across their lips. It was a smile that held no warmth, no joy, only a chilling sense of… satisfaction.