♥

Today is the day of my official ceremony but it's not just to celebrate becoming the new Alpha, it's to celebrate Imogen becoming Beta. The time that Leon and my father spent running this pack–all the effort we've made as a group.

It's a joint ceremony for each individual. I can't believe it's happening already.

The last few weeks have been helping Milo adjust into life in the pack. Reminding him that this is his home now and he's not a visitor, he has as much right to be here as anyone else. It's taking a while for him to understand that.

He's been having regular sessions with Layla, I even came to a few because he wanted me there. It gave me an insight into what they talk about, how they attempt to resolve issues and what it does for Milo's mental stability afterwards.

A few times Layla has asked me to contribute. Not that we need couples therapy already but she likes to gauge my thoughts and ideas on certain things. I didn't want to bombard Milo's sessions, by any means but he turned to me and smiled with support. He wanted to hear what I thought.

If anything it's solidified our relationship even more. I like listening to Milo speak as he opens up about things I didn't know were bothering him. The space Layla holds is safe and I love that he has the opportunity to let everything out.

We both know he's working his way up to being that open and honest with me but I know his insecurities about me running in the opposite direction. Which will never happen. Not in a million years.

I focus back on the mirror and adjust my tie. I've been here for fifteen minutes trying to perfect this look. I have no idea why all of a sudden I'm desperate to please others with my appearance but today is a big day and I want it to be memorable. Especially in the way I present myself.

"Mmm," I hear from behind me. My eyes dart to the reflection to find Milo leaning on the doorframe with one foot over the other, arms crossed over his chest. He's in a grey suit and freshly pressed white shirt. The buttons are undone and I get a glimpse of his glowing collarbones and sternum. He bites his lips as he analyses me. "Aren't you the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen?"

A laugh falls from my lips, my hands falling away from my tie that cannot be adjusted anymore. "Speak for yourself, handsome."

I glance at his hair noticing that he's styled it for the first time since I've met him–he looks fucking good. A few strands messily fall on his forehead whilst the rest is swept in different directions but in an organised fashion.

He takes two steps into the room before settling behind me. His arms wrap around my chest and I close my eyes, his scent swarming me and calming me at the same time. A kiss is pressed behind my earlobe and I groan quietly. "Are you ready?" He whispers.

"As long as you're by my side," I open my eyes to find him staring back at me in the mirror with the world's biggest supportive smile. I melt. "Then yes."

Milo takes my hand and gives me a gentle squeeze and then twists me slightly so he can place my palm over his heart. "Right here for you like you've always been there for me."

I turn around to face him, so quickly I almost give us both whiplash. My palms cup his cheeks and I tilt his face to mine, pressing my lips to his soft mouth because I cannot help myself. I never knew life could feel this euphoric, this beautiful, this easy.

Happiness is Milo. Happiness is knowing I get to spend the rest of my life with this man.

He hums in surprise but relaxes when I widen the kiss. It's nothing heated or desperate, it's a 'thank you' kiss. It's slow and meaningful. I can hear his heart beat in his chest, along with mine that is thrashing at all the unnerved emotions of today. But it's everything I need and more, it settles my wolf and I taste his mouth.

I grip him tighter, my fingers latching onto his jaw to nurse every second as I hold his face and kiss him with all the fire inside me.

As I slowly pull away, Milo keeps his face close as he brushes his lips over mine. I take a quick breath, listening as he does the same. This time I take his hand and place it over my vibrating heart, his gorgeous blue eyes watch me with caution.

"Right here," I heave, not breaking eye contact. "You've always been right here for me."

Milo's lip trembles as he glances down at his hand, realising what I mean. His hand slides into the back of my hair, kissing me again. Devouring my lips until we're both numb and panting for air. "I love you," he whimpers against me. "It was inevitable that I was going to fall in love with you, minus the bond. You made me fall in love so hard."

I release a silent groan, finding his lips once more. The kiss has changed in the matter of seconds, from innocent and sweet to wild and flaming. I fist the back of his head, strands of hair falling between my fingers as I tug and throw his head back. He moans into my mouth when our tongues graze one another.

"You made me fall in love so hard that you've ruined anyone else for me," I say deeply. "I could never find anyone after you. Not after what we've experienced together, not after I know that our love runs so deep that love doesn't even come close to what we feel for each other."

A tear rolls down Milo's cheek, he nods frantically. "You're right," he rasps, looking at my lips. I kiss away his tears, tasting the saltiness on my tongue. "Love is too much of a tame word for us. It's much deeper, much greater. It's the best thing I've ever felt in my entire life."

"Me too, baby," I tilt his head again, desperate to see those eyes of pure vulnerability. "Nothing will ever come between us, I promise. I promise you with all my heart."

He nods and buries his head in my neck. "I know."

My arms wrap around him and we stay like this for a long moment, soaking up every tremor of the mate bond around us. It shines and flashes, setting off fireworks in my mind which makes me smile. Milo's heart beat drops and I know he's experiencing the same.

I pull away and wipe any more rogue tears from his face with the pads of my thumbs. "No more crying, alright? I don't like seeing your eyes like that, even if they're happy tears. It breaks my soul."

Milo laughs and then nods. "I'm sorry. I've been too emotional recently."

"Never," I reassure him. "I love you exactly the way you are."

His eyes dart to the clock on my wall. "We should probably head down," he says, straightening his shirt and standing taller.

I grip his wrist gently. "Is Everett coming?"

"Yes," he says, avoiding my gaze.

"Are you okay with that?"

He merely shrugs. "I guess I have to be. But this isn't about how I feel, it's about your day. Your pack. It's not about our stupid family feud."

"It's not a stupid family feud," I correct him. "You have every right to feel the way you do."

"I know," he whispers under a breath. "But let's ignore that, let's focus on the day ahead."

I hum in agreement, then I slip my finger under his chin and tilt. "Today is about us too," I say. "You're going to be mated to an Alpha soon."

Milo's throat tenses. "Mated."

My head dips to his neck and I smile, nipping at the skin. "Yeah," I say huskily. "Mated. Marked. Mine."

His breathing hitches, a shiver running down the centre of his spine. "Oh, God. yes."

I chuckle, making his skin vibrate. Slowly I pull away from him, flashing a big smile that makes my cheeks hurt. "Come on," I lace my fingers through his. "Don't want to be late to my own coronation now."

♥

Seeing Leon get emotional during his speech to the pack sure tugged on my heart strings. It's obvious how much being Alpha meant to him, how much the pack and their loyalty mean to him.

We all know that his health has been declining over the last few months and even though he doesn't want to give it up, he has to. For everyone's sake. My father stands behind him, proud and tall.

I didn't realise how emotional this would be. Not until Leon calls me and Imogen up to where they stand, in front of our entire pack. I glance at Imogen as she smiles beside me, I allow her to walk first where she greets her father with a kiss on the cheek.

My eyes flick to my dad's and I'm sure I see a glimmer of tears in them. It's a strange feeling seeing my father like this, it only makes something settle on my chest that I haven't felt in years.

Leon turns to me after Imogen steps aside and I shake his hand powerfully, both of us smiling at one another despite all the emotions that are running through our system.

After a few moments he turns to the crowds of people, all looking up at us waiting in anticipation for the news that has spread around like wildfire. "I hereby declare that I am standing down as the Alpha of this pack due to health reasons," Leon speaks as loudly as possible, the raspiness showcasing just how unwell he is getting. "But I am proud and pleased to announce Nathaniel Ryder as your new Alpha."

The pack releases a cheer that fills me with relief. A part of me has been dreading the thought of being rejected by your own pack. I've heard stories about it happening and I've had nightmares since.

But that sound. Fuck. It fills me with hope that I am cut out for this. I can give them the best.

"And my wonderful daughter, Imogen, will be joining Nathaniel as your new Beta."

Imogen steps up to my side and I grip her hand, giving her a squeeze. Her nose scrunches up in my direction, a smile sitting on her lips. Leon claps a hand on my back and I turn to him, nodding.

I twist back to the pack who are drinking, raising glasses and cheering for us. I don't know if I'll ever get used to that feeling but it's a new step in my life, a new chapter and I can't wait to indulge in it.

"I am so proud to be your new Alpha," I say loudly, my voice booming across the room. "Imogen and I want to challenge you all in new ways, be stronger than ever. I am looking forward to having this time with you all because I know how amazing we all are together, how powerful we can truly be."

Another cheer and Imogen beams at me. "Just because we are leaders does not mean we are not equal. Everyone's voice matters. We want to hear from each and every one of you, we want to give you as much as we can, because that is what families do. They look out for each other and they support when others need it most."

Imogen squeezes my hand and I take down a breath. My eyes cut across the crowd before they set on a familiar blue pair. He's grinning ear to ear, clapping along with the rest of my pack.

I crumble at the sight of him. My weakness. My life and soul.

A part of me wants to call him up and show him off to the pack but I know springing that on him all of a sudden wouldn't be fair, especially with everything going on with him at the moment.

Leon steps up to me again and places a necklace with a medallion on the chain in my hands. I've never seen it before but my father told me about it. It's brought down to each Alpha, through the generations.

To my understanding it's thousands of years old.

My eyes flick over the piece of metal, looking at the engravings that don't mean anything to me but I should learn what it says for my own benefit. I clench it in my fist and offer Leon another smile, willing to protect it with my life.

Then we stand around a cauldron that is boiling from the bottom. My father hands Leon a dagger that has been in our family forever, he thanks him and holds out his hand. As he recites words from ancient scrolls, the knife slips across his skin and drops to the bottom. It sizzles instantly.

He hands me the knife and I do the exact same, joining in on his words. The sharp blade cuts into my skin and I grit my teeth as blood raises to the surface. I twist my hand and let the droplets fall into the pit with Leon's.

A sealed ceremony with blood from the old and new. The wind in the air changes, even my wolf stands taller after our ritual. It feels good to feel this relieved, to feel so empowered.

We bandage our hands and I turn back to the room full of people here to support me, support the pack so I can be the best Alpha I can be.

"Thank you all for being here, and let's celebrate!"

The entire room bursts into applause, yelling, cheering. I lose myself within the crowd and desperate to find Milo but I'm stopped at every chance I get. This is my new life now, it will never be the same again... I'm not even sure I want it to be.

Viola, Elin, Zade. All of our friends. The people I barely know. Every single one of them walks over to sing my praises and I've never felt so valued and appreciated. They trust me, they truly trust me.

This is the perfect opportunity to show my true powers.

I glance over the crowd talking to Imogen's family, my eyes find Milo's. I stop speaking to stare at him, Imogen taking over when she realises that I've been distracted by my own mate.

He raises his glass in my direction and winks. To you, Alpha. You deserve it.

My skin raises in goosebumps when I hear his voice in my mind. The word Alpha rolling off his tongue far too easily, far too arousing. I feel my nostrils flare and I tell myself to cool down before I claim him like the beast I truly might be.

You say that to me again and I'll be dragging you out of here over my shoulder. Everyone will know my intentions.

His eyes flare. I dare you.

Don't tempt me.

Milo's lips flick to one side in a smug smile. Enjoy your night, come find me when you're done. I'll be waiting to have you all to myself.

♥ ♥ ♥

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Author's Note

Woooo Nate is officially Alpha. I love it so much!🥹

What did you guys think of this chapter?👉🏼👉🏼

We've still got a couple chapters to go, it's not over yet!

I am also planning on writing a book about Viola and her mate but I haven't started it yet. Once I do I'll post it!🤭❤️

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Love Savanna x

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