Chapter 21 – Whispers of Change
Kate's POV
The morning sunlight slipped through the heavy drapes, soft and golden, pulling me slowly from sleep. My body ached in pleasant ways from the night before, but what lingered more than anything was the sense of completion—the bond with Ryker, sealed and blazing, felt unshakable now. His arm was wrapped firmly around me, his breath steady against my neck.
I wanted to stay like this forever, cocooned in warmth and safety, but reality waited. Today would be different. Today, I wasn't just the wolfless omega the pack whispered about—I was their Luna, whether they had fully accepted me yet or not.
Sliding carefully from Ryker's hold, I padded toward the adjoining washroom. The maids were already waiting. What struck me most was how their eyes had shifted. Where once there had been coldness, there was now respect. A few even smiled, soft and tentative, as if unsure whether they had the right.
"Good morning, Luna," one whispered, bowing her head.
The word stole my breath. Luna.
I gave her a small nod, pretending composure, though my heart raced. They bathed and dressed me in a simple but elegant day gown—a pale cream that brushed the floor when I walked. Nothing too elaborate, but paired with a thin belt embroidered in gold, it carried weight. I caught my reflection and startled; I almost didn't recognize myself.
"Is it too much?" I asked quietly.
"No, Luna," another maid answered gently. "It is just right. Dignified, yet approachable."
Their tone carried sincerity. Something in me softened.
When I left the chambers, Ryker was waiting, already dressed. The sight of him made my lips part. He wore black tailored trousers and a deep forest-green tunic that set off the sharpness of his eyes. His broad shoulders looked impossibly strong beneath the fitted fabric, and his hair was swept back neatly.
Lysandra purred in my mind. The Alpha King looks dangerous and divine. Touch him before someone else dares.
I bit my lip, fighting a laugh, but Ryker caught the glint in my eyes. He stepped forward, gaze heated. "You're staring, little flame."
"You make it hard not to," I murmured, unable to resist.
His grin was smug and wicked. "Good. I expect nothing less."
He offered his arm, and I slipped my hand into it. As we walked toward the grand dining hall, I caught snippets of whispers around us. Not sharp ones, not mocking ones like before—but curious, reverent.
She looks regal…
The King chose well…
I didn't think she could—
I froze for a moment, startled. Those voices hadn't been spoken aloud. They had brushed against my mind, faint and fleeting, as though I'd overheard thoughts not meant for me.
My stomach tightened. I glanced at the pack members nearest us, but none had spoken. Lila appeared near the entrance, giving me a nod of respect. And then—clear as crystal—her thought flickered through me. I'll protect her, no matter what anyone says.
Before I could even process it, Lila looked at me directly and asked, "Are you alright, Luna?"
The exact question that had just echoed in my head.
I forced a smile, my pulse racing. "Yes. Thank you, Lila."
I said nothing more, locking the revelation deep inside. This wasn't the time.
Ryker's POV
Watching Kate enter the hall on my arm was a vision I hadn't realized I'd craved so badly. My pack's eyes followed her every movement, but instead of disdain, I saw respect sparking where only suspicion had lived before. Pride swelled inside me, almost choking. She was truly mine, and she carried herself like a queen born to rule.
Breakfast was lively. Warriors laughed, omegas chattered softly, pups darted between tables. My people were at ease, but their gazes kept drifting to Kate. Some bowed when she passed, awkward but sincere. She responded with grace—small smiles, nods of acknowledgment, warmth in her expression. Exactly what they needed.
And yet I didn't miss the undercurrent of tension. Not all were convinced yet. They'd seen her strength in the arena, but whispers lingered about her origins, her sudden wolf, her power.
I squeezed her hand beneath the table, grounding her, grounding myself. She leaned into me subtly, trusting. That trust alone made me want to level the world for her.
After the meal, I stood, my voice carrying over the hall. "Tomorrow, your Luna and I will walk the territory together. You will see her by my side, and you will see why she belongs here. Prepare yourselves."
There were nods, murmurs of excitement, even cheers. My chest expanded with satisfaction.
But when I glanced at Kate, her eyes were distant, thoughtful. As though she were hearing something I couldn't.
I brushed her hand with my thumb, catching her attention. "What are you thinking, little flame?"
She smiled quickly, almost too quickly. "Just… about tomorrow."
I studied her, but she gave nothing away. Something was shifting in her, I could feel it. And whatever it was, it would soon change everything—not just for her, but for the entire pack.
As we left the hall, the sun caught in her hair, setting it aflame. She walked with her head high, my Luna, my mate. But I couldn't shake the instinct that she was holding something back.
And when her fingers tightened ever so slightly on my arm, I knew it—Kate had a secret. One that even I hadn't uncovered yet.