35 - Ben


    She''s glowing with happiness. Her health is solid, and her eyes reflect a deep, unwavering adoration for Ryker. Honestly, I can''t even bring myself to think of him as an asshole anymore. He''s proven to be a good Alpha-anyone who was there the week we visited and saw Rayna introduce Jeremiah to him could attest to that. Whatever issues they once had seem like distant memories now. She remains one of the most stunning women I''ve everid eyes on, yet right now, she''s gazing at Ryker as if he''s the entire universe, and no one else exists in the room.


    They stand elevated at the front, the tform raised just enough so everyone in the room can witness this moment. Her blue dress perfectlyplements the decorations, and I can almost see the sparkle in her eyes from where I''m standing at the back. I can''t catch their exact words, but I know she''s worried. She''s always believed her humanity to be a weakness here. Knowing her as well as I do, I''m certain that in front of all these people, she''s quietly arguing with him about whether she truly belongs in this pack. I can''t help but smile at how endearing she looks— though I quickly remind myself that it''s the affectionate, sibling-like kind of love I feel for her, not something romantic. I still care deeply for her, but in the same way Jeremiah, Jason, and Tommy do.


    "Kennedy, we now formally invite you to be a member of the Dark Moon Pack. Alpha, if you please," the Elder announces, his voice carrying clearly through the room.


    I feel Jeremiah tense beside me as Ryker draws a de and slices across his hand, then hers, before intertwining their fingers. The collective intake of breath from the pack members signals that this part of the ceremony is going exactly as nned. Ryker and Jeremiah had thoroughly discussed every possible oue for tonight, but they both agreed she was worth the risk. What weighs heavily on all our minds is the marking itself. None of us know how the venom in Ryker''s fangs will affect her.


    The Elder continues, his voice solemn and steady. "The Goddess chooses each wolf''s mate, forging a spiritual and emotional bond that is both a blessing and a challenge. This connection is meant to be unbreakable and serves as a constant reminder of the bnce she desires among her creations. Alphas maintain order and protect the pack in times of need. Lunas are chosen to be the binding force— the one whopletes us, the one whoplements and bnces the Alpha." He casts a knowing nce at Ryker, which earns a smallugh in return. "Kennedy, you have repeatedly shown that you put this pack''s welfare above your own safety and health. Are you ready to take the next step and be our Luna?"


    I''m curious about what exactly she did to earn this recognition.


    Her soft, confident reply-"I am"-is probably the only thing keeping me rooted in ce.


    Before the ceremony began, she had a brief moment with Jer and Rayna. The pregnant whirlwind that is Rayna was no longer able to hold back her excitement, and I suspect Ryker hoped Rayna''s presence would help calm Kennedy''s nerves. The rest of us hung back, giving her the space she deserved to shine in this pivotal moment.


    I can feel the tension radiate through our bond. The four of us had talked about the day she might be someone''s mate and what that would mean. Then Beth told us she could never be made pack or marked because it might kill her. I want to know who gave her that misinformation, because it''s clear now she can be made pack without any issues. The marking, however, is what has me holding my breath. My wolf paces restlessly inside my mind. Even though my feelings for her have shifted, we still feel responsible for her. Ryker gently brushes her long blonde hair aside, and she turns her neck toward him, offering ess. I feel nothing—no jealousy bubbles up, which surprises me. I''m sure our friends expected some, but all I feel is a deep apprehension for her safety. My fists clench tighter as Ryker''s hand moves closer to her neck.


    Then she gasps sharply the moment he makes contact, and time seems to freeze. Her eyes ze over, and though she''s standing, it''s clear Ryker is supporting her weight as he carefully licks the wound clean. She''s marked and alive, but something feels off. Her focus isn''t on him or anything in the present moment. I see Ryker whispering softly to her, but she remains distant. Rayna grabs Jeremiah''s arm firmly. "Let him handle this. She''s okay, I can feel it."


    "But she''s not responding! What''s happening?" Jer''s voice cracks with panic. Thest time he sounded this way was when she disappeared for two days and returned looking like she''d survived a shipwreck. Suddenly, she goes limp in Ryker''s arms, and he scoops her up effortlessly. The crowd surges forward, but no one dares approach Ryker while his newly marked mate is in distress. His wolf would attack anyone who tried-mother included-without hesitation.