chapter seven || coronation
Taylah's POV

A shaky breath passed my moist lips as I straightened out a small crease in my dress.

The long, blood red material was absolutely stunning. It was so long it trailed behind me every step I took. The dress consisted of a deep low cut front, showing a generous amount of cleavage and it was completely backless. It was made out of a radiant silk and clung to my curves, accenting them. I was in love. The right side of the dress was graced with a high slit, showing my whole leg.

My hair was styled in a high ponytail and was curled into small, tight ringlets. As for my makeup, I had nothing other than mascara and foundation on and a light nude gloss covering my plump lips.

"Ms Taylah? Your mother is on the phone," a young woman said, handing the phone to me.

I took the phone and sent the lady a grateful smile, placing the device against my ear.

"Hello?"

"Taylah?" She asked shakily.

"Mom," I breathed out.

"Oh my baby girl! I miss you so much! I can't believe you are actually doing this," she whispered, "I'm so proud of you."

I had called my mom a few days after the whole Adriano incident in the library, and told her everything, including my coronation date. A small smile lit up my face before it was wiped away and replaced with a frown.

"Mom," I started. "I don't think I can do this anymore. I miss you."

I heard a sharp intake of breath on the other side of the phone before a throat cleared.

"I miss you so much more, baby. But you need this, this is what you wanted and this is what you will do. You know how much I dislike quitters. Why start something you know you can, but you won't finish?" Mom questions.

"But-" I started but she cut me off before I could finish.

"Breathe," she commanded softly.

I closed my eyes and took in a big breath. I let out a sigh and opened my eyes slowly.

"Now, you are going to do this because it's the safest option right now."

My brows furrowed at her response.

"Where are you?" I asked curiously, biting down on my bottom lip.

"I'm hidden away in a small cabin deep in the woods of Toronto. My friend owns the land and kindly let me stay."

"Oh. I wish you were here," I mumbled sadly.

"Same, baby," she whispered.

"I have to go mom. My coronation starts soon," I told her.

Not that I would ever admit it, but I was super nervous and I was truly thinking about backing out and meeting up with my mom again. I missed her too much.

"Okay, baby. Good luck and remember, I love you so much," she said tearfully.

My grip tightened on the phone at her words. My eyes turned glassy and I was about to reply when a knock sounded through out the room, before a little head popped in.

Furrowing my eyebrows, she waved her hand in a hurry up gesture. I sent her a quick nod before turning back to my conversation.

"Yea, I love you too," I replied before taking the device away from my ear and ending the call.

I turned back to the door to see that she had walked into the room and was now standing in front of the closed door.

"Here, let me take that," Eden said walking towards me with outstretched hands.

I placed the phone in her hand with a soft smile on my face.

"Thanks," I said.

She waved her hand dismissively and walked back out of the room.

I took in a deep breath, before taking slow steps and following behind her.

Breathe in. And out.

Walking down the stairs and down a long hallway, Eden stopped in front of large, golden double doors. She turned back and smile softly, before gesturing to the doors.

I took a step forward and reached up to grab the door handle.

"Thank you," I said quietly and pushed the large doors open.

I took a step into the room, quietly closing the heavy doors behind me. My eyes swept across the large room, examining the amount of people. The room was elegantly decorated, with mostly white and gold decor. There was a large golden chandelier hanging from the top of the ceiling as well as lovely bobble lights draping down. There were many tables set up beautifully, covered in a white cloth with a gold vase of flowers centered in the middle.

Everyone was seated in their situated seats, and all had their eyes on me, some smiling softly, others puzzled or calculating.

I stepped forward and immediately Beta Ryder stepped beside me, linking his arm through mine and escorting me down the walkway, towards the little platformed stage. Lifting my gaze from my feet, I met eyes with Adrianno, who was waiting on the stage with an emotionless face. He was wearing a form fitting suit, that hugged his muscles. His bronze hair was gelled back neatly away from his face and his eyes were cold and blank, as usual.

Geez, I felt like I was getting married off!

Once we reached the stage, Beta Ryder unlinked his arm from mine and took a few steps back, before sending me a small smile which I returned.

Stepping forward, I walked up the stairs and slowly made my way over to Adrianno, where I stood and waited for my cue.

Adrianno stared down at me, his cold blue eyes piercing through me. Even though I was in heels he still towered over me. His eyes quickly swept over my body before he looked away and faced the pack.

"Good evening, ThunderRaven Pack," Adrianno's voice boomed.

I couldn't help but admire how strong and powerful he looked and sounded.

"Good evening, Alpha," the pack chorused loudly.

"We are gathered here today to rejoice and celebrate the welcoming of a new pack member. We accept her and everything she shall bring to the pack, whether it be knowledge or burden. We will accept our fellow member into our family and we will love and cherish her."

I stared up at him in shock. Everything he said seemed so unreal. If only he took his own advice.

"Now, I ask for you all to bow your heads with me and pray, in thanks of our heathy pack member," he says, his eyes scanning the crowd.

My eyes, also scanned the large crowd, and almost everyone was staring up at me with proud glints in their eyes. Many women were smiling softly, and when my eyes settled on Eden, she blew me a kiss and winked. I sent her a large grin and noticed everyone was now dropping to their knees.

This was all new to me and I was actually overwhelmed with how formal this was. I didn't think it would be this full out. I was expecting nothing more than a paper flung in my face and me having to sign the contract.

I looked beside me to see Adrianno gracefully sinking to his knees and clasping is hands in front of him. I turned back and sent a questioning look to Ryder, who sent me an assuring nod.

Turning back to the crowd, I bowed my head and prayed with them.

"To our beloved Moon Goddess, we reach out to you in this moment of happiness to thank you for our new, heathy pack member. We thank you for gracing us with such a gift and we vow to protect and cherish her with every fiber in our bodies. We thank you for protecting us and ask of you to protect Taylah just as we know you will. We pray all of this in your beautiful name," the whole pack chorused. I lifted my head and smiled at the sight in front of me.

Adrianno lifted his head and locked eyes with me. He stood up and slowly stalked towards me. He held out his hand to me and bowed his head. I reached up and placed my smaller hand in his large, calloused, tanned one. He gripped my hand tighter and tugged me to his chest.

He lifted his head and locked eyes with me once again, before he bent down and placed a soft, barely there kiss on my cheek. The skin tingled with sparks and a small blush rose on my cheeks at the feeling of his soft plump lips on my skin. He leant back and shoved his hand in his back pocket. Adrianno brought a knife in between us before placing it against his palm, and ripping the skin to draw blood.

I knew this, the blood bond between members is a formal connection to the pack that means you give your loyalty to them and the Alpha.

I frowned at his cut, but still held out my palm to him.

He slowly brought the knife down with just enough pressure to slice the skin. Once the blood was drawn, Adrianno lifted our palms and placed them together, lacing our fingers.

Immediately a strong sense of comfort and happiness flew through me, causing me to wobble on my feet. Adrianno held me up right by wrapping his arm around my waist and turning to face the pack.

"I present your new family member. Welcome to the ThunderRaven Pack, Taylah," he bellowed and the loud sound of many claps was heard.

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

"Is this what happens at every coronation? For every new member?" I asked while sipping on my mocktail.

Beta Ryder nodded.

"Yes, for every member. Although none of them get that little kiss you managed to steal," he winked.

A blush immediately covered my cheeks, causing me to look down at my painted feet.

"Um, yea. That was unexpected," I mumbled.

Ryder shrugged and sipped his drink. "It's a normal action from an Alpha to his mate."

I nodded in understanding but still couldn't comprehend why he would
publicly stake his claim even though he doesn't want me.

He doesn't want us as a Luna or mate. Layla reminded me. So why did he take his claim?

My wolf has a point. Now the only question is,  but why?

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

guess who's alive? meeeeee 🙋🏼

okay so I'm so sorry for the late update but you know those stupid exams? yea I've been blessed with seven of them >.< I know it's shorter than most of the chapters I write and I apologize but this is a kinda filler due to school.

in Australia, summer is coming soon and I will literally be belting out updates for you guys because I've gotten so much love from you all and I just wanted to thank all you beautiful souls that read my story!

AND WTF I GOT TO 5.8K!? How?? omg I can't even express my love for you <3

please remember to vote and comment as much as you can xD my top two commenters will be getting a follow back, pft not even bribing :P

xoxo,
Eden <3