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Chapter 31 New Additions
After training, Kayla helped an embarrassed Athena to the infirmary, and we made our way to the family dining room for lunch with our newly arrived guests. I was seated on Diesel’s lap and looked over at a smiling Payton who was happily seated on Max’s lap grinning at all of us. Max was over the moon and Alpha Knox was also beaming with pride.
Megan was seated next to Max and we waited for the arrival of the Gamma couple and our Delta to join us. Megan had a quiet and thoughtful look on her face. Platters of food were being brought in and placed in the middle of the table. It smelled delicious; grilled chicken Caesar salads, panini toasted sandwiches and a lovely tomato basil soup.
“Maximus, it’s so good to have you with us again, tell me, how are your parents doing these days?” Alpha
Knox asked.
“They’re doing well Sir, thank you. They’ve been traveling throughout Europe a great deal.” Max responded. “That’s wonderful to hear.” Alpha Knox smiled. “Megan my dear, you’ve grown so quickly. You should be almost ready for college soon, yes?”
“Yes Alpha.” She said. “I’ve been looking at a few universities, as a matter of fact, we’re supposed to be touring a few campuses after we leave.”
“Is that where Ranger thinks you’re at, looking at universities?” Alpha Knox asked.
“Yes Sir. We didn’t share the invitation with him, but the news of the new Luna has reached the pack.” Max
said.
Gamma Zeke and a heavily pregnant Vannica stepped into the room. Their pup was due in two weeks. Please excuse our tardiness Alpha.” Zeke said.
“No worries, Elliot is still making his way over.” Diesel said.
“How wonderful to hear all the excitement of the morning.”
Vannica said as she lowered herself in the chair Zeke pulled out for her. “Does this mean that Maximus will be leaving Dark Moon?” She asked.
Max may be a beta, but Payton was Alpha born and therefore had a higher rank. This means that Max would join our pack to be with his mate. Diesel spoke, “Max you’ve always been a brother to me and later to my mate also. We would be honored to have a second beta at Crescent Moon.”
“Thank you, Alpha, the honor would be mine!” Max smiled. Payton’s eyes glistened with tears of joy and she
kissed Max.
I would not only get to keep my favorite sister–in–law at Crescent Moon with us, but I would also have Max join the family. Can this day possibly get any better?
I mind linked Diesel. “Everyone seems thrilled expect for Megan, I wonder if she’s upset about losing Max at
Dark Moon?”
“I noticed that as well.” Diesel said.
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The door swung open and Elliot walked in. “I was on patrol this morning and missed all the excitement. Why didn’t anyone tell me about Lucy’s wolf being-” he paused mid–sentence. His eyes darkened and he sniffed the air. He turned to look at a doe eyed Megan staring back at him. She whispered a faint “MATE” and Elliot was suddenly beside her pulling her from her chair into a hug to bury his nose in her neck.
“Guess that solves that problem.” Diesel laughed back through the mind link to me.
Congratulations were delivered from around the table to the newly found mates and the new additions to our pack. We started eating and I gazed at all the happy faces in the room, I felt as if my world was finally complete. I went from being all alone, to having a family and being surrounded by people who loved and
cared for me.
“It’s truly a blessing when the Moon Goddess gives you the opportunity to find a second chance mate.” Alpha
Knox said.
I thought for a moment about what he said and my father. “I’ll never understand why she paired my father
with Ursa.” I said.
Alpha Knox looked at me for a moment before he spoke. “Ursa wasn’t your father’s real second chance mate, she was a chosen mate. After your mother passed, word traveled quickly about her special gift. We kept you hidden for a while until your father secured a new chosen mate and people outside the pack might assume that you were the product of his second relationship. He was worried that someone might try to take you if they thought you might have the same gift.”
“You mean, he mated with her to help protect me?” I said in disbelief.
“I don’t think anyone suspected how truly awful she was until after your father passed. When you moved to the pack house, I asked Ranger to ensure your wellbeing. I suppose he was so consumed with his newfound power to worry about an orphaned child.” He added with a hint of sadness in his voice.
“She threw me out of my home.” I said.
“Your grandmother, Peter’s mother, was originally from Dark Moon pack. When your grandfather found her, he was a warrior at Crescent Moon, and she joined Crescent Moon. The family home at Dark Moon, belonged to her and your father inherited it. It is rightfully yours Lucy and will pass to you after Ursa’s death.” Alpha Knox
said to me.
I had no interest in it, I was in a much better place than I could have ever imagined with a wonderful mate. I had everything I wanted right here in this room. Diesel squeezed his arm around me and kissed my neck.
“Are you reading my thoughts again?” I mind linked him.
“Not at all.” He lied. “I was just admiring my mate.”
We finished eating and discussed details of the upcoming ceremony. Guest rooms in the west wing had been prepared to receive some of our guests traveling from afar to attend the ceremony and we expected most to arrive at the castle the morning of the event.
“Your parents are more than welcome anytime they wish.” Diesel told both Max and Megan.
There was a knock on the door and Tonia, the house manager stepped in. “Luna, Ms. Shari and her assistant are here for your final gown fitting.”
With all the excitement today, I had completely forgotten all about that. “Please show her to the front parlor Tonia, we’ll meet her there momentarily.”
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Vannica let out a squeal of excitement. “This is going to be so exciting, come Megan, you have to see this
stunning dress. Don’t worry Delta, we’ll return your new mate to you shortly.” She winked at Elliot.
“You ladies make your way over there; we have some pack business to attend to.” Diesel said and placed a kiss on my lips.
We walked into the front parlor and closed the doors behind us. Ms. Hall was already setting up and a young lady, I presumed was her assistant, held the garment bag that contained my dress.
“Ms. Hall, it’s a pleasure to see you again. Thank you for coming to the castle.” I extended my hand.
“Thank you, Luna, and please, it’s just Shari, call me Shari. This is my assistant Rashi. She was able to pull some strings and find the finest mulberry silk that Asia has to offer for your dress.” She said.
“Mulberry silk!” Vannica clapped her hands with excitement.
Rashi opened the garment bag and lifted the gown up. The bodice had intricate hand sewn beading and the sleeves were off the shoulders. It was breathtaking! Payton helped me put on the under dress, which will fill the bottom of the dress out in a prefect A–Line shape. Considering it was December, I was thankful for the additional fluffy layer underneath the dress. I stepped in the middle of the room and Shari slipped the dress over my head. It was a perfect fit.
“You look amazing.” Megan said.
“Luna, can you twirl around? I’d like to see how the dress moves when you dance.” Shari asked. Payton grabbed my hand, “I will be Diesel and dance with you.” She giggled as we tried to waltz.
“Oh, Goddess Lucy, we need to teach you to dance in the next forty–eight hours.” Vannica said and we all burst out laughing. She was right, I never learned to dance, and I’ve never really danced with anyone before. I need dance lessons quick.
“Marvelous! You look marvelous.” Shari gave us her approval and no other alterations needed to be made to
the dress.
“I was worried the bust might be a tad loose, but you’ve filled it out beautifully.” Shari said.
“Allow me to help you slip off the dress Luna.” Rashi said and lifted the dress up.
I slipped off the under dress as well and headed for the bathroom. My head was spinning from all the dancing and twirling Payton put me through. I sat on the toilet with the seat down for a moment
a bit lightheaded. I stood up and looked in the mirror.
still felt
I looked exhausted and needed a nap. I splashed my face with cold water and felt a wave of nausea sweep through me. I lifted the toilet seat and emptied the contents of my stomach.
Damn Payton and all of her twirling!
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