All Chapters of By Shadowlight Lake: Chapter 141 - Chapter 150

Carson and I walked out to greet our most important guests.Alexei and Odette emerged looking every inch royal, Alexei in formal diplomatic attire, Odette stunning in an elegant silver-blue dress that made her violet eyes pop."Prince Alexei, Princess Odette," Carson greeted formally since other pack leaders were watching."Alpha Thorne, Luna Briarthorn," Alexei replied, then relaxed into a genuine smile. "This place looks incredible. You've outdone yourselves.""Wait till you see tonight's venue," I said, hugging Odette tight. "How was the drive?""Long but beautiful," she replied, squeezing me back. "God, I've missed you. Phone calls aren't the same.""I know. It's so good to see you both.""You look amazing," Odette said, stepping back to study me. "Settled. Happy. Being Luna suits you.""Thanks. It's been... really good.""Come on," Carson said, "let's get you two settled before the real chaos starts."We walked them toward the guest wing, the conversation easy and familiar."Those

The venue looked incredible. Three hundred guests mingled across the torchlit space, warm light dancing off formal attire and jewelry. Five major packs plus smaller delegations, all here to celebrate not just our victory, but the alliances that made it possible."Luna Briarthorn," Alpha Morrison from Eastwind approached with his mate. "Congratulations on a remarkable event. The coordination required for something this scale...""Thank you, though most credit goes to our Beta Hunter. He coordinated everything from his recovery room.""Speaking of Hunter," Luna Morrison said, "how's his recovery progressing? We heard he was badly injured.""Much better. He's actually here tonight, though still on crutches."

As the night progressed, guests began the gradual process of departure or retirement to their guest quarters. The pack members helped with cleanup, while visiting delegations settled into the guest accommodations we'd prepared."Alpha Thorne, Luna Briarthorn," Alpha Clearwater approached during the goodbyes. "Thank you for a remarkable evening. This is exactly what our region needed after everything we've been through.""Thank you for coming," I replied. "And for the festival invitation. We're looking forward to experiencing coastal pack traditions.""Excellent. Fair warning though, our ceremonies might be different from what you're used to in the mountains. More water-based rituals, ocean traditions, that sort of thing.""Different how?" Carson aske

He traced patterns with his tongue on my inner thigh, so close I could feel his breath where I needed him most.When his tongue finally returned to my clit, it was slower this time, circling the sensitive bud with deliberate precision. My back arched off the counter, pressing myself closer to his mouth. Fuck."Mmm," he hummed against me, the vibration making me cry out. "Taste so good. Could do this for hours.""Don't you dare stop," I managed between gasps.He laughed softly, the sound sending another shiver through me. "Wouldn't dream of it."His tongue alternated between gentle licks and firmer pressure, mapping every sensitive spot. When he sealed his lips around my clit and sucked, I cried out so loudly I was grateful for the cottage's isolation."Fuck, Carson, that feels-""Tell me," he said against my skin. "I want to hear what I'm doing to you.""So good. Your tongue feels so good, I can't think straight."He rew

The border checkpoint came into view, where Alexei's convoy waited. Three black SUVs with Royal Pack insignia, plus Hunter standing beside his own vehicle looking much more mobile than he had six weeks ago."Hunter!" I called out, getting out to hug him. "God, it's been what, a week since I've seen you? How's the leg?""Almost good as new," he said, barely limping as he returned the hug. "Doc cleared me for normal activities last week. And yeah, sorry, been swamped with catching up on all the Beta duties I missed during recovery.""Don't apologize. I've been buried in Luna responsibilities myself. Carson's had me reviewing trade agreements and territorial policies non-stop.""The joys of leadership," Hunter said with a grin. "Though I have to admit, it feels good being useful again instead of coordinating everything from a hospital bed.""Including dancing?" I teased. "Because I seem to remember you having some interested partners at ou