My life isn't about living,

It was about surviving...

~Pinterest

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Anastasia's P.O.V.

Slowly dragging my bare feet across the ceramic floors, I wandered around the ballroom space, completely basking in all its glory.

I sucked in a deep breath, focusing on the rich deep scent that wafted past each column and table. Slowly, I stretched my hand out, caressing each table top I walked past, the fine grains smoothed out against my fingertips, demonstrating how often they must have been maintained and polished.

The ceremony was soon, and while the alpha was occupied with the preparations, I chose to instead embrace the last few moments of being a Rogue. A status that brought about death, chaos, and extreme loneliness. It was time to bid this status goodbye and welcome a new fate and a new person who took place deep in my mind and danced his way into my heart. The Alpha of Black Moon Back, the man blessed with power by the goddess, a fierce leader- and my mate.

The clearing of a throat snapped me away from my thoughts, I slowly turned to eye the source of the sound.

"There you are, I was looking for you everywhere. We still need to get you ready for the ceremony." Hanna rushed out, with a broad smile on her face.

I looked at Hanna for a moment. She seemed so excited for the ceremony, perhaps more than I was at the present.

It's the nerves, Hanna. You can do this, Roxy reassured me.

I don't know, Roxy.

I swallowed hard a lump quickly, forming in my throat, as I continued to look at Hanna's overjoyed expression.

"Do...d-o you think I can -" I inhaled a sharp breath before continuing, "do yo-u-u think I can truly become the Luna of Black Moon Pack?"I asked Hanna, although the nerves seemed to steal away the fluidity of my words.

Hanna sighed, her expression morphing into one like a soft cloud, her brown eyes slightly filled with unshed tears. She took a few steps before stopping in front of me. She reached for my face, pressing her palm gently against the side of my cheek.

"Chica, you are the fiercest woman I've ever met. You're willing to fight and protect those around you. You're caring and the fact that you literally keep the Alpha on his toes. There is no one else that could take this position and truly become the Luna this pack needs; you are the one. Fate has tied you both together, but I've watched you both grow and become something greater." Hanna retorted. Her brows pulled together whilst her eyes glowed strongly with admiration.

I stayed silent, unable to speak up. Instead, I felt the traitors drops of salt fall against my cheeks, leaving no doubt as to how I felt.

Hanna dropped her hand from my face, giving me the space I really needed now, which I was grateful for.

I slowly shut my eyes and allowed myself to shed the final tears and truly let go. Several long minutes had passed before, and I re-opened my eyes with a new determination, one that brought a smile upon Hanna's face.

Hanna clapped her hands together happily, "Yes! That's our badass, Luna!" she cheered.

I let out a light chuckle before pushing past Hanna and walking towards the ballroom entrance. "Come on, we've got a ceremony to prepare for," I called out loud.

Hanna laughed in response, following right behind me, "Oh, we've got so much to do."

********

Hanna was not joking when she said we'd have a lot to do.

I was instructed to quickly have a shower before the main preparations were to begin or in Hanna's words "transformations."

Following the instructions given, I quickly rushed upstairs to the Alpha's level, I sucked in a deep breath as his scent seemed to linger and cling into thin air. I felt a subtle shiver pass through my body before I pushed ahead and raced towards my room. I needed to stay focused.

Reaching the door, I yanked it open and quickly dashed to the closet and collected the clothes I would need after my shower. I moved my legs towards the bathroom and walked towards the shower, I reached for the handle and turned it. Instantly, hot water began to cascade through the shower head. Setting one foot over the other, I entered the shower and relished in its warmth. Sighing, I began to follow my routine by first using the shampoo, then layering on a decent handful of conditioner before I scrubbed down my body.

"Chica! I said a quick shower, not a thirty-minute one." Hanna barked out from behind the bathroom door.

I jumped at hearing her voice, the shower had done a great deal in soothing all my bunch-up muscles that I lost focus of time. Had it really been that long?

"Shut up, Hanna! Let me shower in peace." I shouted through a burst of water.

I heard a light growl sounding through before Hanna stomped away, no doubt stressing about the tight schedule she was tasked to meet.

I ducked my head under the water one last time before turning off the shower and reaching for my towel. I quickly got dressed and headed out only to be met by several curious eyes, my body automatically tensed at the stares.

I scanned for Hanna and finally found her talking to a wolf whose makeup seemed pheromonal and a process to achieve.

I smiled tightly at the wolf before I tugged at Hanna's arm, Hanna seemed to get the message and walked with me towards the door, leaving the curious wolves in the room.

"What the hell is going on?" I whisper yelled.

"They're here to help you get ready..."

Seeing my confused expression, Hanna explained, "They are here to help with your makeup, hair, and dress."

I raised my brow whilst crossing my arms. "There's no need for that. I can do it myself."

Hanna blinked before releasing a loud chuckle. She quickly lifted her palm over her mouth, trying to contain her bubbling laughter.

I continued to stare her down unflinchingly, waiting for her to settle down, I eyed the wolves in the room, who now seemed to gaze at us intently.

Finally calming down, Hanna voiced out, "You don't get it to do you-"

She gestured with her hands towards the wolves, "They are here by order of the Alpha. He sent them here to help you prepare. Anna, you are going to be facing not one but thousands of pack wolves tonight. This ceremony is very serious and special, so trust me when I say this you will need the help. The pack wolves would be quick to analyse whether you're suitable to stand next to their powerful Alpha. You need to show them you can."

I let out a strangled sigh, as I mulled over Hanna's words, this was my chance to show them I was more than just a Rogue, though the pressure I felt at this moment intensified.

I simply nodded, not capable of finding the right words to Hanna's revelation.

Hanna, took that as a yes, she quickly beamed and walked towards the wolf she was speaking to earlier "I don't want anyone to look away from her, their eyes shall be glued to her, make her mesmerising." She ordered the wolf.

"Consider it done." The wolf spoke with determination.

I sucked in a deep breath before stretching out my arm, "Sorry it was rude of me to not introduce myself, I'm Anastasia." I said.

The wolf smiled, her red lips stretching across her looked down towards my hand and was hesitant to shake it, "Nice to meet you, Luna, I'm Stephanie, the makeup artist. A-are you sure you want to shake my hand, I mean, you are a Luna."

I was taken aback at her response, were Alpha and Luna really that insufferable previously, could they not simply fulfil simple gestures to socialise and respect their pack members?

I smiled down at her, "Stephanie, I'm not like other Luna's and respect is a two-way street, you're dedicating time and energy to help me get prepared and I thank you for that and will thank others who do so as well." I turned around slightly to smile at the other wolves.

Stephanie didn't respond, though her eyes grew wide before she slowly reached for my hand and shook it.

From the corner of my eyes, I spotted Hanna with a wide smile of her own, plastered to her face.

"Okay, let's begin." I said.

******

It was time.

I began to descend the stairs one at a time, whilst trying to steady my erratic heart through deep breaths.

Hanna was right behind me, walking me towards the place of the ceremony, which was held outside adjacent to the pack house.

I was currently adorned in a gorgeous blue gown that hugged every inch of my body and did wonders for my breasts.

It was a beautiful shade of light blue that 'made my eyes pop' according to the wolves who helped me pick out the dress.

I let my hands trace the bodice of the dress as we walked outside of the packhouse and towards the ceremony.

The dress had intricate little beads, which cascaded down from the top of the dress to the very bottom and trailed down till the train. I had to admit, the wolves assigned to help me were quite skilful and knew exactly what they were doing.

Finally rounding the corner, I noticed a large crowd in an open and spacious garden. There were several fairy lights dangling from tree branches and columns. I continued to take in the scene in front of me and noticed a large white stage where the Alpha stood. Behind him sitting down were both the Senior Luna and Alpha. The alpha dominated the white stage with his contrasting black tuxedo.

He was fucking handsome.

He was talking to beta Ethan, until he stopped and turned to meet my gaze. I was not ready for the heated look the Alpha awarded me with. I felt the air leaving my lungs, as he tormented me with only his naked eyes.

If these wolves weren't here... the Alpha's strained voice flowed through the depths of my mind.

His voice sent shivers down my spine; I felt the blood rush to my cheeks as I quickly looked away from the Alpha. I had to remind myself that there were far too many wolves here to be indulging in my own pleasures.

But I couldn't help but react to the Alpha's sheer and blunt desire, he turned back to face the wolves who were eager to hear their Alpha's speech.

I couldn't focus on his voice, as the only sound that blared through my brain was the tantalizing beats of my heart. I slowly made my way to him; I ignored the wide-eyed stares some wolves gave me and instead focused on the man in front.

He was suited and ready for all the attention he was about to receive, he stood tall radiating an alluring confidence that pierced through the crowd of wolves and made them his eager followers.

The black tuxedo he wore, fit him perfectly, I couldn't keep my eyes away from him as he continued to address his pack.

"I would let him ruin me any day." A shirred voice shot through.

I stopped in my tracks and glanced around noticing two she-wolves ogling the Alpha in front of them.

Her friend snickered in response. "It's a shame I heard he has a mate." she sighed heavily.

"For now... I think he can do better than that bitch." She chided in.

I bit my lip from snapping at the two she-wolves, I guess they'll find out soon who the real Luna is.

"...and I'd like to introduce someone very important to me, Anastasia Aella Peiro everyone, my mate." The Alpha declared.

I had just reached the stairs of the stage, and when he announced my name, I quickly looked up noticing the Alpha already on the side of the stage and offering his arm.

I gratefully, took his hand as he smiled down at me. Slowly, I began to walk onto the stage my eyes still trained on the back of the Alpha who now took his position behind the podium.

"Now, I know some of you have already met her as a Rogue. Yes, is a Rogue, though very different from the Zanton pack..." the Alpha stated.

Loud howls and murmrs could be heard from the crowd, as they began to decipher what the Alpha was saying.

The Alpha raised his palm in the air to silence the wolves, a complete hush fell through the crowd wolves.

"I understand the prejudice we have all held so deeply for Rogues, I am not telling you to simply let this go, but be open and accepting that my mate is not a Zanton wolf. I will not tolerate any disrespect or hate towards her. She will be officiated into this pack tonight and become the Luna of the Black Moon Pack." He growled out.

Silent murmurs could be heard, although there were also wolves who cheered and clapped at the Alpha's declaration.

I watched the Alpha's expression as he addressed the crowd, not once did he falter instead, he fiercely declared me as his mate and Luna to the pack. I felt my eyes glisten with unshed tears as I continued to look towards the Alpha, he had accepted me wholly for who I was and am. He accepted the implications and committed to a new promise.

The Alpha turned his back to face the Senior Alpha, a few words passed between them before he presented him with a charcoal-coloured blade.

The Alpha walked back, and stopped until he was in front of me, "your hand." He explained.

I raised my brow unaware of what he intended to do. "Annastasia Aella Peiro, your loyalties are to Black Moon Pack, you will protect this pack, and become the Luna." He shouted through so that all the wolves could hear the exchange.

The Alpha's blue orbs never once left mine, he continued to hold me captive under his penetrating gaze. I could feel the subtle tingles that awakened at his touch, a small lump formed in my throat as I continued to hold the Alpha's gaze.

"Annastasia Aella Pierio, do you accept this?" The Alpha questioned aloud.

I could feel the gazes of all the wolves as their eyes studied the exchange carefully, everyone was completely silent ensuring that our voices could be heard.

I nodded silently, "I do, I accept the title of Luna of Black Moon pack and swear that my loyalties are to Black Moon solely." I declared aloud.

A small smile stretched across the Alpha's face, before I felt a sharp sting from the palm he held. I looked down, noticing the crimson line that slowly began to bleed through. The Alpha had used the blade to cut my palm.

Ouch, I mind linked to him.

Sorry, it's part of the acceptance. He linked back.

Before I could voice another retort the Alpha quickly repeated the same thing with his palm then held onto my bleeding palm.

He interlinked our palms and squeezed tight drawing more blood from the cut, he lifted our palms into the air.

"Luna Anastasia!" he growled aloud.

For the first time, during the exchange I turned my body and glanced at the wolves, there were so many of them Hanna was right about them analysing their Alpha's mate. I had several narrow their eyes at me, whilst some cheered on or seemed indifferent to the news.

Though once the Alpha had shouted again "Luna Anastasia!". The crowd of wolves erupted into cheers.

Each wolf cheered and chanted after their Alpha.

My eyes began to sting as took in the sight in front of me, I felt an overwhelming sense of power and love flow through my body as I drank in their cheers.

I slowly tilted my head to the side, to look at the Alpha who proudly showed off our intertwined hands.

Thank you. I linked through to the Alpha.

He continued to stare forward, not showing any signs of hearing my voice. Until his velvety smooth voice flowed through the link, anything for my Luna.

I couldn't help but smile at his response, before I turned back to the wolves and shouted "Black Moon Pack!".

The wolves were surprised to see me speak up without prompt but were instantly ready to support me by chanting the same cheer themselves.

********

Once the crowds of wolves had dispersed, I began to walk back towards my bedroom on the Alpha suites. I loved wearing the dress and having the opportunity to wear makeup that was done professionally, but I really just wanted to have a hot shower and curl in my bed.

You sound like an introvert Roxy chastised through the link.

I laughed in response, you would too if you had thousands of wolves staring you down.

The Alpha had promised to come right after, he spoke to a few of his warriors about the new security system placed for all our borders.

I halted briefly at the start of the staircase, my throat felt so sore and dry from all the nervous energy that flowed through my body earlier. Instead, I decided to stop by the kitchen for a drink of water.

I had never walked in their before, I always just strolled into the cafeteria to collect food and sit with Hanna.

I pushed open a double-sided door, before entering the kitchen, one word I was speechless. It was huge, several commercial-sized ovens, sat next to each other on one side, whilst there were many sinks clustered around everywhere. It looked like a restaurant-style kitchen, as most of all the equipment and benches were stainless steel. Large white beams of light stretched across the ceiling lighting up all of the kitchen.

I trekked towards a large stainless-steel fridge and opened it up, I looked for a water bottle which luckily for me seemed to be right on the side door. I quickly, took the bottle and gulped down as much water as I possibly could.

Once I finally felt satiated I looked down to notice the bottle completely empty, I sighed content at having water clear my dry throat.

I turned to throw the bottle away, but quickly halted when the lights turned off.

Okay, keep calm Anna, keep calm. I reminded myself.

I slowly stretched my hands out in front of me, trying to feel my way through to the kitchen door.

Anna! Roxy shouted through.

Just as I felt a presence behind me, I quickly turned around and punched the person there.

But I missed, as my arm swung through mid-air, I felt a crippling wave of anxiety settle over me, as the man spoke up, "you're dead now."

I tried to remember all the training I had completed the past few weeks, I made a silent prayer to the goddess before I ducked and kicked my leg out at the source.

I heard a low grumble before I quickly got up and began to run as fast as I could to the double-sided door.

But before I could reach the door, my hair was yanked back harshly, causing my head to snap back towards the intruder.

I let out an ear-piercing scream. As I felt my scalp burn alive, the intruder continued to tug my hair, dragging me across the kitchen. I tried helplessly to free myself from the strong arms that held onto my hair. I twisted myself and did the only thing I could think of... I bit him.

A loud growl echoed through the kitchen as he let go of my hair, "You're going to regret that." He snarled.

Kawan! Kawan! There's an intruder in the pack kitchen I shouted breathlessly through the mindlink.

Anna! Anna! I'm coming right now he growled.

I could hear the shouts echo through the pack link as the warriors were all alerted.

Before I could move away, I felt a large hand clamp onto my nose, I struggled against the arm, trying desperately to move it away.

Though, as I continued to breathe, the smell of alcohol filled my lungs. Slowly, my movements began to still before I felt my body go limp and hit the floor.

Before my eyes could shut, I felt a jagged kick to my stomach, causing a small groan to escape my lips. I felt my eyes sting with salty drops as the pain ricocheted to all my joints.

I whimpered as I lay motionless on the ground, I couldn't feel Roxy anymore she seemed to vanish into dark abyss, leaving me completely alone.

I was left completely vulnerable and at the mercy of a man who had hidden agendas. My heart continued to race, filling the deadly silent kitchen. The smell of alcohol was the only painful reminder that I was still alive.

Soon, I felt two callous hands grab onto my legs and drag my body across the kitchen floor. I could feel the cold tiles press against my bare back before my head smacked into a step.

I no longer had the energy to fight back, as black circles began to dance around my vision before I was silenced to a forever of darkness.

｡☆✼★━━━━━━━━━━━━★✼☆｡

A/N

Well, this was an intense chapter. There are so many emotions flowing through... and chaos to come.

I have attached a photo of Annastasia's dress to this chapter.

In case you've forgotten, please ⭐️

Until next time.

~COCO ❤️