Marcus's POV
The sun had barely risen above the mountain ridge when I stood before the balcony overlooking the central gathering ground of the Silver Pack.
The morning still clung low to the earth like a soft blanket, giving the compound an ethereal glow. Below me, the members of the pack were already assembling, their curiosity piqued by the sudden call for a general meeting.
My heart beat, stronger than it had in months. Today was a day of change, a day of hope. A day I had longed for more than I dared to admit.
Behind me, Camilla stood quietly in the shadows of the arch. She wore a silver and white robe that shimmered like moonlight, her hair flowing freely down her back.
Mira had done an excellent job helping her prepare. She looked regal, calm, and every bit the Luna I had dreamed of standing beside.
She glanced up at me as if seeking reassurance, and I gave her a nod.
"It's time," I whispered.
She nodded once in return, her hand resting on her barely noticeable baby bump. A precious child would be born into the betrayal. But yet destined for something far greater.
Today, she would be introduced not as a disgraced runaway, but as my rightful Luna.
I stepped forward and raised my hand. Silence rippled through the crowd below, spreading like wildfire until not even a murmur could be heard. All eyes turned toward me, filled with expectation.
"Brothers and sisters of the Silver Pack," I began, letting my voice carry through the cool air. "You have served me loyally as your Alpha through peace and through hardship.
And today, I bring news that marks a new chapter for our pack."
There was a shift in the crowd, anticipation hummed in the air.
"For many seasons, I have ruled alone. But no Alpha is complete without his Luna. And the Moon Goddess, in her infinite wisdom, has finally answered my prayers."
A wave of hushed gasps and murmurs erupted, then quickly died down as I lifted my hand again.
"This woman," I said, stepping aside to motion Camilla forward, "is Camilla — brave, kind, and chosen. From this day forth, she shall be known as your Luna."
Camilla stepped into the light, her shoulders squared, her expression serene. For a moment, the crowd stood frozen, as if processing what they were seeing.
Then slowly, claps began to rise — hesitant at first, then growing louder and cheers erupted. Smiles broke out like sunshine bursting through clouds.
"She's beautiful," someone said.
"She looks strong," another murmured.
A young boy waved up at her with both arms, grinning from ear to ear.
Camilla looked down at them all, her lips trembling slightly. I could see the tears shimmering in her eyes. This was not the home she was born into, but maybe, just maybe, it could become the home her soul was meant for.
I placed a hand gently at the small of her back, proud and protective.
"Let us welcome our Luna with joy," I said. "And may the Moon Goddess bless this new era."
The celebration that followed was unlike anything I had seen in years. Drums sounded through the valley. Dancers whirled and howled to the sky. Food and wine flowed freely.
Camilla walked among them like a true Luna, smiling softly at the pack members, receiving garlands and tokens of affection from the young and old alike.
Children reached for her hands, elders bowed their heads in respect. Her aura seemed to shine, despite all that she had endured.
I remained at her side for most of it, though I noticed how careful she was not to reveal her pregnancy. She wore a slightly flowing dress, and every movement was guarded.
I admired her for her strength, even as joy filled the pack, I knew Camilla carried the weight of her past like a shadow behind her.
Later, we sat beneath the sacred tree that stood at the heart of Silver Pack territory — a tree older than any living wolf, believed to be planted by the first Luna of our lineage.
Camilla sat beside me on the stone bench, a flower garland in her hair and a distant look in her eyes.
"You did well today," I said, brushing a hair from her cheek. "They already love you."
She offered a smile. "I'm grateful, truly. But it doesn't feel real yet."
I reached for her hand. "That's because your wounds haven't healed. But they will. With time, and love."
She lowered her gaze. "Do you ever wonder if they'll find me? The Moonlight Pack. Michael… my father... Caroline."
A growl rumbled in my throat at the mention of her sister. "If they come, they'll have to go through me."
Camilla didn't respond for a moment, then looked up with glistening eyes. "You don't have to do this for me, Marcus. I don't want to bring trouble to your people."
"I'm not doing it just for you," I said firmly. "I'm doing it for us. For the future we'll build — for this child," I placed a hand over her belly, "and the strength we'll give him. They turned their backs on you, Camilla. But I never will."
She covered my hand with hers, tears sliding silently down her cheeks. And in that quiet moment beneath the sacred tree, we were no longer Alpha and Luna, no longer broken pieces from two separate worlds — we were one.
Behind me, Camilla slept peacefully for the first time. Mira had prepared her a soothing tea, and the maids had helped her settle in. The pack had gifted her with blankets, handcrafted jewelry, and scented oils.
It touched her, I could tell. It reminded her she wasn't alone anymore.
But I knew the peace might not last.
Word would travel, somehow, it always did. And Michael — the Alpha of the Moonlight Pack — would not take kindly to losing the woman he once claimed.
Especially not after what happened that night… the night Camilla should've been his Luna.
I had heard whispers. From rogues, from traders. The Moonlight Pack was unstable, the people were restless.
Some doubted Michael's leadership. Others murmured about betrayal, about how a mistake had been made in choosing Caroline.
Mistake or not, that night had changed everything.
And now Camilla was mine.
A breeze stirred the trees. I inhaled the scent of earth, trying to ease the twisting in my chest.
A warrior approached silently from the shadows. It was Rolf, my Beta.
"Any sign of them?" I asked without turning.
"No, Alpha. But there's been movement on the western border. A few unfamiliar scents. Nothing hostile — not yet. But we're keeping watch."
"Good. Double the patrols near the ridge and tighten the perimeter near the cabin path."
"Yes, Alpha."
He paused before adding, "She did well today. The pack has already accepted her."
"I know," I said softly. "She deserves this chance."
"And what if her past returns to claim her?"
I turned to him, my eyes glowing in the moonlight. "Then we make it clear — she belongs to the Silver Pack now.
Anyone who tries to take her will face the wrath of an Alpha who doesn't lose what he's claimed."
Rolf nodded and vanished into the night.
As I stood alone, I thought of the child growing in Camilla's womb. A child born not out of love, but out of deceit — yet it was not the child's fault. I would raise them as my own, love them and protect them.
And I would protect their mother — the Luna fate had brought to me when I least expected it.
I raised my eyes to the moon, letting its light wash over me.
"Thank you," I whispered to the goddess above.
"For her."