Landed Among the Stars
At the pack's celebration ceremony, my Alpha, Jasper Crestwell, won a voucher for a two-person retreat to the 'Moon Goddess's Embrace'—an honor traditionally reserved for the future Luna. The host raised the microphone, teasing, "So, who is our Alpha taking to the Holy Land?" Every eye in the room turned to me, and the pack members began howling my name in a low rumble:
"Deanna! Deanna!"
My inner wolf purred, my heart pounding as I smiled up at him. But he acted as if he hadn't heard a thing, his gaze drifting to his assistant, Sylvie Bell, seated just below the stage.
His tone was casual, as if bestowing a simple favor. "Give it to her. She was injured during the last border patrol and could use the 'Moon Goddess's Embrace' to heal." Sylvie's face flushed crimson.
The pack members around me froze, but someone quickly smoothed things over. "Our Alpha is so considerate," someone praised, and the celebratory mood was restored. My best friend, Josie, leaned close to my ear, practically roaring through our mind-link:
"Didn't we agree to have the bonding ceremony this year? How can he ignore such a clear hint?"
I forced a smile, blinking back tears as I straightened her collar. "Don't worry. The traditions are sacred."
I will go to the Holy Land. I will wear the ceremonial robes.
If Jasper won't go, fine.