It was the day of the full moon and my Luna ceremony. The pack was joyful. I was told Alphas from the nearby packs would be in attendance to pledge their allegiance to me, since I was their princess now.
Nadia designed the lovely dress I was wearing and bought the jewelry for me. She wanted to go all out as she and Kiyana were in charge of everything. I stood up and looked in the mirror.
" You look precious, my darling," Nadia smiled, holding my shoulders.
" Thanks, mom,"
I could hear her heart skip when I called her mom. It was the first time I called her mom. It was strange on my tongue, yet it flowed naturally.
She kissed my forehead and escorted me to the hall where the ceremony was. I went to the podium, where people were waiting for me. There were so many, and in my crowd, I spotted Layth. He looked in thought but smiled when his eyes found mine.
Two elders officiated the ceremony, and Rhaegar and I were joined by a blood oath. I was part of the Autumn Moon pack now.
" Congratulations on your coronation, my Luna," Rhaegar said, kissing me as we danced.
" Thank you, My Alpha,"
I leaned into his warm embrace and smiled. I was satisfied. Was this my happy ending? I was ecstatic, but it only lasted a few minutes when dark thoughts crowded my mind. The rogue alpha was out there, and he wanted me. Even up to now, Rhaegar has been unable to catch him.
" No bad thoughts. You're safe," My mate said, as if reading my mind. I tilted my head to look at him, and I nodded. He quickly kissed me again.
" It is tradition for everyone to go on a ran today, and I'll have to lead it. You stay here, and I'll be back in an hour," he said. I couldn't shift since I was pregnant. His eyes glanced at Layth, and he scowled.
" He irks me,"
" I know, but I'm yours now. Forever," I said, which seemed to brighten his mood.
" Forever," he interlocked our fingers and kissed them. I did the same. I interacted with the guests and Kiyana was by my side. She was doing a great job as a beta female and earned the respect of people in such a short time.
" Congratulations," Layth's deep voice said. I turned and smiled at him.
" Ops, excuse me. I'm going to get drunk," Kiyana whispered and walked away.
" Thank you," I said to Layth as he kissed my cheek.
" You look beautiful, Nalya,"
" You look handsome," I smiled.
We chatted before I asked, " Is it true you have a mate?" He stayed silent for a while before slowly nodding.
" Where is she?"
" I was confused when I found her, and she left me," his voice was shaking a little. I sighed, noticing how he worded it.
" You thought you didn't, now you do," I said.
" Back then, I was head over heels for you. And believe it or not, she did resemble you a bit," he chuckled dryly, " I needed time, but my reluctancy to accept the bond hurt her,"
" I'm sorry to hear that. What happens now?"
" Nothing. I tried looking for her but stopped. Maybe it wasn't meant to be," he shrugged, gulping his whiskey.
" It was meant to be, she's your fated mate, the one the goddess made for you," I said. My rejection hurt me so much, and I couldn't imagine someone not knowing if their mate would reject them or not. I felt sadness for Layth's mate.
" I fucking messed up, I could tell she needed me but I was a selfish ass," he said.
" Yeah," I sighed. He narrowed his gaze, and I shrugged,
" What?"
" Seriously?"
" You were," I said firmly.
His wolf has been calling out for her because he suspects she is in danger, but they look for her everywhere to no avail. We were still discussing when two guards interrupted us. I turned to them.
" Luna, we have a problem," they said.
" What is it?" I asked.
" We found a battered woman at the border," One of them informed me.
" Was she treated?"
" Yes, but the clinic there suggested she should be transferred to the hospital for better care, Luna,"
" Then what are you waiting for?" I said urgently.
" Well, the woman is a rogue, and without any documentation. We have clear instruction from the Alpha Prince not to let anyone in the main pack,"
Yes, security has been tight due to the threat against me. I sighed and glanced at Layth.
" Just take her to the general hospital, and keep her under tight observation," I instructed. The two guards mind-linked someone.
" Shouldn't you go and see if she's alright? " Layth said quietly. I pondered, looking back to the party, but everyone was having a good time.
" You're right. I should make sure she's treated," I said.
" No, it's dangerous for our Luna to go see a Rogue," One of the guards said.
" I'll go with her, and you guys will be there too," Layth said sharply, he was agitated. The two guards eyed him suspiciously,
" Layth is a friend," I said. They were reluctant but nodded.
We got in the car and headed to the hospital. We were told that the rogue was in a better state now, and a nurse escorted us to her room, but I didn't expect to find my sister in that bed, Kaley.
" Mate," Layth breathed.