Page 156 of Freeing My Alpha

And he’s looking at me just the same. The moonstone he gave me glitters as I draw a shaky breath. The wind caresses my skin through my shimmering, sheer skirt, its embellished lacy edges softly licking my bare legs, but I don’t feel cold; a fire ignites in my chest, barely quelled by the see-through, lacy bodice hugging my torso down to our budding baby.

Neither of us move as Noah’s eyes roam down my body, skimming over me twice before landing on my eyes. His eyebrows flinch, and my heart tears as he dissolves into a soft, weepy smile.

“Aliya, I—” He shakes his head, striding toward me. His fingertips trail down my arms as my breathing rate rises. “In all the years g-growing up that I knew I’d be top Alpha someday, I could never imagine I’d be mated to a Luna as e-elegant, sweet, or loving as you. I don’t know what to do, except t-thank you. For existing here, w-with me.”

Tears escape down my smiling cheeks. I choke out a delighted laugh, leaning into my mate. “Thank you, Noah. After all that suffering in the past, I never thought I’d experience this pure bliss beside someone, let alone with a sweet, shy Lycan.”

Melting into a soft smile, Noah takes my hands. He draws me closer for a delicate kiss. Grazing over my lips, Noah leaves behind a lingering warmth in my heart, reminding me I don’t have to face anything alone anymore.

As we pull back to gaze into each other’s eyes, Noah softens his shaking voice. “Ready, my soon-to-be Luna?”

My lungs shudder at his words, an uncontainable smile mixing with my gnawing anxiety. “No, I’m still nervous. I care about this moment so, so much.”

Noah nuzzles my cheek, releasing enough protective pheromones to soothe an army.

I purr, rubbing myself all over him as my wolf takes over, high on pheromones.

Noah bites back a smile. “Oh, shit. Sorry, I got a little excited.”

I giggle, taking a few extra breaths to calm my nerves. “Okay. I’m ready.”

Taking Noah's hand, I stride deeper into the forest. The full moon shines between enormous treetops to light our way, but glowing eyes surround us, wolves gazing in wonder. By the time we reach the ceremonial stage, the tranquil river protects us from behind, but more wolves than I've ever seen in my life stand before us. This time, they're not just here for Noah and I as a mated pair; they're here to witness me vowing myself to every single one of them.

Nerves shake my bones, but I stand tall at Noah's side, even as the breeze whisks through my translucent skirt.

I want this. I want to be Luna.

And I want to seem proud to stand by Noah’s side, but it’s more than that. I want to seem proud to step into a nurturing role I’ve always dreamed of.

Dropping my hand, Noah addresses the crowd, his deep, rumbling voice echoing through the trees. “My father and mother’s ability to lead Greenfield attracted me from a very young age. Not because of the power, but because of all of you. I could see how much it meant to you to have such loving figures at the head of the pack, and I wished for nothing more than to find a mate who would desire to step into the same role with me.”

Noah drops his head, taking a deep breath.

“But as I grew older, I knew that was unrealistic. The care that your current Luna and our late Alpha put into this pack extended beyond their actions. It was their open, generous hearts that held the pack together, and that lifetime commitment can’t be forced. But then I met your future Luna.”

Noah pauses, his breath shaking as he turns to me, staring directly into my eyes. He opens his mouth to speak, but he chokes up, dropping his chin to his chest.

Oh, my sweet mate. Rejoining Noah’s side with a teary-eyed smile, I grasp his hand, giving it a soft squeeze. I’ve got you too, my shy Alpha.

Noah meets my eyes with a weepy laugh. His wolf’s intensified love for me washes goosebumps across my body.

My mate keeps his gaze on me as he addresses the crowd in mindlink, unable to speak aloud. When I met your future Luna, she was already a Luna in heart and mind. I swear she was born to share the purest love I’ve ever felt, but it’s more than that. She feels it with her full soul. And she wants to share it with you.

Noah clears his throat, kissing my forehead as tears warp my expression.

He protects my head from onlookers with shaking hands, tilting me to face only him. “S-sorry, I just— I just can’t help myself. I love you so much, and there’s no way to truly express it all.”

“I love you with my whole soul, Noah.”

As I draw him in for a tender kiss, the pack bond buzzes with excitement.

Except strangely, all I can focus on is Noah. He closes his eyes, taking his time to hold me despite the entire pack waiting for the ceremony to continue.

After drying my tears, I nuzzle his nose. “It’s okay. I’m ready, even if I’m crying.”

Noah’s grin fills me with so much warmth, I could sob again.

But he releases me just in time, holding my hand as he faces the crowd.

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