A Diamond Ring

Tonya 

‘Only a true Luna can present herself to the beast of her Alpha in his truest form.”

Shaman’s words rang in my head as I watched with stars in my eyes the love of my life, Alpha Zeke of the Blue Moon pack, coming toward me. 

He stopped in front of me, lifted my chin up and said in a soft voice, “Ready for the Moonshadow event tomorrow? I’m going to tell everyone about us.”

Unmated werewolves of the pack assembled in the Moonshadow Gathering. It occurred once every four years. 

I nodded, a pale blush coloring my cheeks.

He pressed a chaste kiss to my forehead, and walked away, leaving me with a violent nest of butterflies in my belly. I had come to meet him in the packhouse because I couldn’t help myself. He was preparing for the next day’s event with his council members, but he found time to meet me despite his busy schedule. 

Mates in our world were non-existent. The last mates that lived were over several centuries. The bond had become more of a myth than a reality. Most wolves didn’t even believe in the bond anymore. Instead, we lived by instinct and desire. We chose partners based on status, strength, and convenience. The magic that once forged unbreakable bonds had weakened with time. 

But what I felt for Alpha Zeke couldn’t be lesser than a bond, right? Ever since I remembered, I had eyes only for Alpha Zeke. He was five years older than me. His father had died last year, and at 25, he had succeeded as the Alpha. His mother had gone to the human world to heal. 

A few years ago he had a serious crush on Angie Hill, daughter of the Silver Moon pack Alpha, much to my despair. However, Angie left him for someone else, stating she needed time to think. Zeke was distressed, falling apart, and I was the one who lovingly helped piece him back together. Ever since, we were inseparable.  

At twenty, I was still waiting for my wolf. Being wolf-less would have been horrible in my pack had Zeke not been there for me. I didn’t know why my wolf didn’t show up until now. Often, I felt her presence inside me, like something was stirring, but she just didn’t manifest. 

Being the daughter of the Gamma, who was the best warrior of his pack, imagine his shock when my wolf didn’t come out when I turned eighteen? Zeke was petrified. ‘Don’t worry. You're a late bloomer,’ he had said later. 

And now, years later, I sighed dreamily watching him go back to the meeting. 

The moment he left, Alicia elbowed me lightly bringing me back to the present. “Oooh! Someone is really starry-eyed.” She was my best friend in the pack. Even as others sneered at me for being wolf-less, she remained by my side.

I giggled and ran away shyly, stopping only at my apartment in the packhouse. Alicia ran after me, making fun of my situation all the way.  

“Have you decided what to wear for the Moonshadow Gathering?” she asked, entering my room. 

“I have a dress for her,” mom’s voice came from the kitchen before I could reply. “She better wear that.” 

Alicia chuckled. She whispered, “Girl, if you want, we can shop for more dresses.” 

“No!” Mom shouted as she stormed into my room. She handed me a white box with a silver ribbon. “Tonya will wear this dress.” 

I looked at it with curiosity. “Mom…”

“This is my wedding dress. I got it adjusted, and I want you to wear it when Alpha Zeke proposes to you,” she said softly. 

Warmth flooded my chest. I opened the box and looked at the blue dress in the box. “This is beautiful, mom!” I gaped as I lifted, and unfurled it. The silk was soft and smooth. Silver threads ran in intricate embroidery on its bodice. It hugged the waist before flowing into a full skirt, reaching the floor in graceful folds. “Thank you!” I rasped. 

Mom hugged me tightly. “My daughter is getting mated to the Alpha. This is the least I could do.” I hugged my mom back. “Your father is so proud,” mom murmured softly. 

Tears welled in my eyes. Mom pulled away and wiped my tears. “Tomorrow is a big day. This isn't the time to cry.” I smiled, and she booped on my nose and left. After mom left, Alicia and I discussed the gathering at length. 

“I wish I could find someone tomorrow for myself,” she said dramatically. 

I shook my head. “You’ve been saying that for two years. Who was your last lover?” 

“I’ll find someone tomorrow. Mark my words!” She punched me lightly on my back. “But I’m happy for you, Tonya. Finally Alpha Zeke is going to propose to you. You’ve been waiting for this day for so long.” 

A thrill ran up my spine. I had been waiting for the Moonshadow Gathering for a long time. Last time when it happened, I was sixteen and not eligible to take part in it. Alpha Zeke had decided to avoid it as well. So this Moonshadow, I knew it was time. No matter what would happen tomorrow, I would end up being the luckiest girl of the pack. 

The next day I couldn’t meet Zeke because he was too busy. In the evening, excitement bubbled in my chest as I got ready. I stood before the mirror, taking in my reflection. The blue silk gown clung to my frame, matching the shade of my blue eyes. My dark hair was loosely swept up, soft curls cascading down my back, and a delicate chain adorned my neck. 

My heart raced, not just from the excitement of the event, but from the anticipation of what the night might hold. 

“Tonya!” Father shouted from the main room below. “We’re getting late!” 

I hurried down the stairs, saying “Sorry papa!” 

As soon as I halted in front of him, he stared at me and his eyes softened. “My daughter, you look... beautiful." He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "You’ve grown up so fast."

I blushed, feeling a wave of warmth at his words. His gaze lingered for a moment longer, full of pride. He cleared his throat, shifting his focus. “Now, let’s not waste any more time. The ceremony won’t wait.”

We reached the Moonshadow Gathering, where I found Alicia waiting for me. “Whoa! you look stunning Tonya. I’m sure Alpha is going to declare you as his Luna the moment he lays his eyes on you.” I grinned, blushing. She grabbed my wrist, laughing excitedly, and we walked inside.  

I noticed a few pack girls staring at me with hatred. It wasn't new, but I had learnt to ignore them. Instead, I focused on the Moonshadow Gathering. 

It took place under a clear, starry sky, with the full moon casting a silver glow over everything. It seemed like Zeke had really organized it beautifully. The event was held in a large open field, surrounded by tall trees decorated with glowing lanterns. People from the pack gathered, wearing elegant clothes, their laughter filling the air. Some danced to soft music, while others chatted in small groups. Tables were filled with delicious food—roasted meats, fresh fruit, sweet pastries, and large pitchers of chilled drinks.   

My eyes searched for Alpha Zeke. He was talking to some men. When our eyes met, he gave me a soft smile, and I beamed. He came to me, and took my hand. “Will you dance with me?” he asked. I nodded, and he took me to the dance floor. It felt surreal. Too perfect. 

“You look beautiful,” he said. “You’ll always stay by my side, won't you?” 

“Always,” I muttered, even though his question sounded strange. 

“I’ll make the announcement anytime now.” 

My heart fluttered. 

All at once, out of nowhere, a hand came to rest on his shoulder. “Alpha Zeke?” 

Zeke turned sharply. “You’ve come,” he purred.

Confused, my eyes snapped to the girl standing behind him and my mouth dropped in shock.

Angie Hill. 

With her blonde hair spilling down her back, her figure slim and elegant, everything about her screamed perfect. She moved closer to Zeke, fluttering her eyelashes. 

“Alpha Zeke, how could I not come?” Angie said in a satiny voice, wrapping her arms tightly around him. When her eyes met mine over his shoulder, she smirked.   

I stood there, misery swallowing me whole. No, no, no. Why did she reappear? What was her purpose? And why was Zeke so amiable to her? 

The music started again, and Zeke asked Angie to dance with him. I gulped my pride as I went to stand on the side, feeling awful. I reassured myself. It was just a polite dance. 

“What is going on?” Alicia asked, approaching me. 

“I don’t know…” My heart ached, watching Zeke and Angie dance together, their laughter filling the air. It left me feeling invisible. Anxiety creeped into my bones, and my stomach knotted. 

In the middle of the song, Alpha Zeke waved his hand for the music to stop. Suddenly, he dropped on one knee in front of Angie, took out a blue velvet box from his coat’s pocket, and opened it, revealing a diamond ring. 

One he had bought WITH me.