The Union.

"Matthias, I accept the bond between us." Shaina stepped forward, helping the kneeling Redborne Lycan to his feet.

Shaina was the sought-after Luna from the Silvershade Pack, home to the most dominant Omega bloodline.

"Shaina, you will never regret choosing me," Matthias said, gripping her hands tenderly. "This union will not only strengthen our packs’ alliance, but our global business interests as well."

He had loved her since the Alliance Council was first founded, back when they were just children, brought along by their patriarchs for marriage negotiations. Shaina’s heart had long ago been swayed by Matthias’s devotion.

Not long after the bond was sealed, their marriage was announced worldwide. It didn't just strengthen the Redborne Pack; it tipped the hierarchy that had been stuck in a stalemate with the rival Blacklore Pack.

The Blacklores had always wanted the top spot, challenging Redborne at every turn.

Zacharias Blacklore had been the first man Shaina ever met, but her feelings for him were purely friendship.

That rejection pushed the Blacklore Pack's hatred to its peak, especially since Silvershade produced the "Soothing Lunas." Their unique trait allowed them to nullify charms and calm the wild berserkers who often harmed other wolves when left unchecked.

With the union of Matthias and Shaina, Redborne became the strongest pack in the world. Any child born to them would be the most blessed of all, prophesied to be beloved by the Moon Goddess herself.

When the celebrations settled, Matthias and Shaina were brought to the Lunar Fountain to consummate their marriage and share the final sealing of their bond. Shaina’s purity made her bloodline potent, her powers reaching their peak as the full moon gazed down upon them.

"I’ll be gentle, my love. It’s an honor to be the first man to claim you," Matthias whispered, leading her to the bed in the center of the fountain.

The council members stood like gargoyles in a circle around the water, silent witnesses to the rite.

"I trust you, Matt. I give you my all," Shaina said, laying back on the soft sheets and basking in the moonlight.

Matthias moved over her, removing her ceremonial robe and trailing kisses across her skin.

"The moon has reached its peak. It is time for the ritual to proceed." One of the council members had spoken.

As they lay bare under the silver light, the council began to chant, invoking prosperity and bliss.

Matthias moved with careful, steady thrusts. Shaina hissed at the initial sting, but that first drop of their union marked Matthias’s permanent claim. His fangs sank into her neck as he drove deeper, the chanting growing louder around them.

Matthias’s eyes glowed gold with the Moon Goddess's blessing; Shaina’s eyes turned silver as her nails dug into his shoulders. Marking the success of their union.

The fountain’s waters reflected the lunar energy, flowing toward the couple and enveloping them both as they reached their climax in time with the chant's end.

Matthias held Shaina tightly, shielding her body with his as the council filed out, finally granting the couple their privacy.

The ritual was over. The bond was sealed. Now, it was time for them to connect emotionally and mentally.

Matthias let his wolf take over, and Shaina followed suit. Howls of desire echoed through the chamber.

Shaina, fully adjusted now, sat atop Matthias to take control. Her movements were awkward yet determined to please him.

Matthias let her. He loved the way she moved, the honesty in her expressions fueling his arousal.

"Shaina... you're doing great," he praised, cupping her breast.

Embarrassed but encouraged, Shaina didn't stop. She moved faster, rolling her hips as he guided her.

"Matthias... ahh... I’m not going to last..."

Seeing her eyes roll back and her head thrown back in ecstasy, Matthias knew she was close. But he wasn't finished.

He shifted positions suddenly, pulling away and leaving Shaina whimpering in need. He pinned her to the bed, pressing her into the mattress and restraining her completely.

"Why? I was...AHH!" Shaina couldn't finish her sentence before Matthias slammed into her from behind without warning.

He was no longer the gentle man from the ritual. He was animalistic. Shaina’s screams filled the chamber as Matthias moved beyond his own control. Each thrust was a declaration of ownership, making sure she would feel his mark for days.

"Fuck, you feel so good, Shaina. I’m the luckiest man in the world to have you as my Luna."

"S-Slow d-down... Matt... AHH!"

But Matt wasn't listening. Not even slowing down.

Lost in pleasure, they reached their peaks together. But with the night still young, Matthias had no intention of stopping.

Shaina felt like the luckiest woman alive, convinced that nothing could ever break them apart. With how Matthias was claiming her. With how he moved like his afraid to lose her.

Or so she thought.