Chapter 2

The mating ceremony 

I felt like I was smoothing out my white dress for the hundredth time as I stood in front of the mirror. The Luna, my mother, fussed over my hair, making sure every strand was in its proper position.

She remarked, "Aria, you look beautiful," as she took a moment to gaze at me. "You're going to make a stunning mate."

The use of the word "mate" made my heart skip a beat. The Mating Ceremony, which would permanently tie me to Cassian Blackwood, took place today.

I couldn't help but feel anxious and excited at the same time. Although I had always expected to be matched to Cassian, I couldn't help but worry about what the future contained now that the day had come.

I was given a little, fragile box by my mother. She added, "This was your grandmother's," with tears in her eyes. "It's a tradition for the Luna's daughter to wear it on her Mating Day."

A lovely silver necklace with a little crystal pendant was inside the package when I opened it. I felt a connection to my forefathers and gasped in amazement.

I had a boost of confidence as soon as I put the necklace on. This new phase of my life was something I was prepared to face.

Our friends and relatives were there during the ceremony, which was taking place in the centre clearing of the pack. My pulse pounded with anticipation as I heard laughing and music float across the atmosphere.

Cassian was waiting for me as I made my way to the clearing. His eyes met mine with a combination of fear and eagerness, and he looked good in his formal clothes.

I grinned at him as a wave of serenity passed over me. It was this. We had been waiting for this time.

As the ritual started, I noticed that I was losing myself in the elder's words. I didn't realise I was in the actual world until Cassian held my hand and met my eyes.

Cassian murmured in a low, silky voice, "Aria, you are mine from this day on." "I promise to protect you, to love you, and to stand by your side for all eternity."

As I spoke the vows, a knot formed in my throat, my heart bursting with passion.

Everyone froze as a rumbling growl reverberated across the area as we exchanged the last words.

I turned to see someone stepping out of the darkness, his possessive and angry eyes staring at me.

The figure growled, "Cassian, you can't have her," and I felt a chill go down my spine.

Cassian's eyes flashed warningly as I felt his hold tighten on my hand.

"Ronan, what are you doing here?" Cassian made a forceful demand.

Ronan? I was familiar with him. He led a competing pack as Alpha and was renowned for his vicious strategies and unyielding drive.

Ronan looked directly into my eyes while I watched, and I got a chill. What was it that he wanted from me? What was the reason for his attempt to sabotage my mating ceremony?

Ronan's eyes glowed with a ferocious intensity before he spoke the words that would alter everything, however, before I could ask any questions.

His voice was filled with hate. "Aria, you're not who you think you are," he continued. "And Cassian here knows it."

My heart was pounding with panic and uncertainty as I felt like my whole world was whirling around me.

What was Ronan trying to say? What were the secrets Cassian had been hiding from me?

I was looking for answers when I saw something in Cassian's eyes that broke my heart.

A twinge of remorse. A trace of dishonesty.

I knew then that a significant change was going to occur in my life.

It seemed as if someone had hit me in the stomach. What was Ronan trying to say? Why did Cassian seem so remorseful?

"Cassian, what's going on?" Trying to maintain a calm voice, I urged.

Cassian's gaze flicked from Ronan to me and back again before focussing on me. He stumbled, "Aria, I...I can explain," she said.

He started to add anything more, but Ronan cut him off. "No, Cassian, I think it's time the truth came out," he grumbled. "You're not your typical werewolf, Aria. You are the sole surviving member of the Moonstone pack's ancient lineage.

I felt as if a tonne of bricks had struck me. The pack of Moonstones? They were one of the strongest packs in history, according to the accounts I had heard.

However, how did it relate to me?

"Cassian, is this true?" My voice trembled with passion as I asked.

Cassian nodded slowly as his eyes fell to the floor. "I'm sorry, Aria. I should have told you the truth right away, but I was pledged to silence.

I had a surge of rage. How was Cassian able to hide this from me? How did it affect our ability to mate?

However, Ronan interrupted me once again before I could ask any more enquiries. "You must make a decision, Aria. You have the option to accompany me and assert your legitimate position as the Moonstone pack's leader, or you may remain with Cassian and go on with the mating ritual."

It seemed as if I were being split in two. I had Cassian, the kid I grew up with and believed I loved, on the one hand. On the other side, I had the opportunity to learn the truth about my family's history and assert my legitimate position as a leader.

I knew I had to choose as I stood there considering my alternatives. However, I had no idea that my decision would start a series of events that would permanently alter the trajectory of my life.

I could see Cassian's dread of losing me in his eyes as I gazed at him. However, I also saw something else that gave me a heart palpitation.

A flash of respite.

As if he was afraid of being mated to me, Cassian seemed to be praying that I would decide to go with Ronan.

I realised then that I needed to leave the area to avoid Cassian and his secrets. I looked at Ronan and decided what to do.

I answered, "I'll come with you," in a forceful voice.

A broad grin spread over Ronan's face as he extended his arm to me. "Welcome, Aria, to your new life as the leader of the Moonstone pack."

Taking Ronan's arm made me feel both excited and nervous. What was in store for me? What mysteries might I discover about the history of my family?

However, as I turned to face Cassian again, I saw the surprise and rage in his eyes, and I realised that I had just created a formidable foe.