Page 42 of Reclaiming His Lost Mate
“All good. Just checking to see if you’re going to be back for the new moon ceremony next week?”
“When’s that?” Tightness gripped my stomach as I realized how out of the loop I’d become since arriving here with Selina.
“Wednesday,” he confirmed. The new moon ceremony was our pack's most sacred celebration, and missing another felt wrong. The responsibility weighed heavily on me. As Alpha, I needed to lead my pack effectively. “I’ll be there by Tuesday,” I assured him, even as the thought that it was Sunday meant that I’d have to leave soon if I wanted to keep that promise. The thought of leaving Selina stabbed at my heart.
“Thanks, Alpha. It’ll be good to have you back,” Rhys replied, relief evident in his voice.
As I hung up, Selina emerged from the bathroom in a fresh shirt and skirt. The ache of leaving hit me harder than expected, but I quickly dragged on my jeans and accepted the barely buttoning shirt from her with a grateful smile.
“You’re needed back in Shadow Moon,” she remarked, her expression revealing that she’d overheard my conversation.
I nodded, though my chest felt heavy. “I promise I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
She stepped closer, wrapping her arms around me. “We’ll miss you,” she murmured, and my heart squeezed in response. The words were a sweet victory—until yesterday, she wouldn’t have admitted she’d miss me. But here we were, a tender moment shared.
“I’ll be thinking of you both every moment,” I promised, the words resonating with feeling in my chest. With a final lingering glance at her, I forced myself outside.
Once there, my wolf took over, making short work of the journey home. I crossed through the harsh, frozen northern lands, eventually reaching the verdant forests of Shadow Moon. The castle came into view, nestled against the trees. My heart swelled with pride as I surveyed my domain, the stone walls covered in vines that seemed to whisper of the power within.
Entering the throne room of Shadow Moon Castle, I was instantly enveloped by warmth and energy. The air buzzed with anticipation, the soft flickers of lantern light—powered by our solar fields—illuminatinga space that pulsed with life. Our advancements stood in stark contrast to the crude whale-oil lighting used by the likes of the Nightwing Pack.
Rhys stood near the entrance, his smile broadening as he stepped forward to grasp my arm in a firm greeting. “Welcome home, Alpha. Things are in full swing for the ceremony.”
I always kept a pair of laundered jeans by the throne, and slipped them on after shifting. Around us, pack members were diligently preparing harvesting equipment, their movements a well-oiled machine of efficiency. In addition to the new moon ceremony, herbs were harvested beneath the dark moon and used to reinforce our concealments each month, fortifying our lands. They were also our primary trade resource with neighboring packs and communities.
Pack members worked seamlessly together, their chatter weaving a warmth deep in my chest. The air vibrated with an electric excitement as we drew closer to the time of renewal.
As I approached my throne, the buzz quieted. Eyes turned to me, reflecting reverence and loyalty. I took a moment to bask in the presence of my pack—a family forged through loyalty and trust. Rhys stepped closer, his cheerful demeanor infectious.
"I’ve scheduled a meeting for this afternoon with the three elders leading the ceremony tomorrow," Rhys informed.
“Have I got time for a shower?” I asked, eager to wash off the lingering fatigue from my travels.
“Of course, Alpha.”
But my moment of respite was cut short as two Shadow Moon warriors entered, leading a woman into the throne room.
Fury surged through me as recognition washed over my features: Marissa. She was clad in black and clearly caught in the act of trying to skirt past our boundaries. Rage simmered beneath my skin.
“That’ll do,” I ordered the guards who held her perhaps ten feet from the throne where I stood. I wouldn’t give her a second chance to ensnare me in her dark magic.
Marissa's eyes blazed with indignation. “How? How did you break our bond?”
“Bond!” I threw back, fury lacing my voice. “You dare use that word to describe your vile magic?”
Memories of my fight against her dark influence surged within me, building my rage. Just months ago, we’d stood in this very room with my Beta and three elders and sanctified a mate bond ceremony fueled by Marissa’s dark spell. The thought made me quake with rage, reminding me that had Lyvia not annulled the bond, Marissa might have marred the renewal of the true bond I shared with Selina.
Suspicion prickled over me as it struck me that Marissa had been hanging out around our borders at the exact time I returned home. “How is it that you knew I was back?” I demanded.
A sly smile pulled at the corners of her mouth. “I used a tracking spell on you using your blood. Once you were near home, I could sense it.”
“The only bond I acknowledge is with Selina,” I declared, my heart swelling with defiance as I took a step forward. “Selina is the only one I will ever bond with. The vile bond you brought about was undone by a good witch, who will attest to the Shadow Moon elders that our union was only one built on compulsion and dark magic.”
I relished the shock that hit Marissa’s expression as my words hit their intended mark.
I stood firm, forcing calm over the electricity coursing through my tightening muscles. Thoughts of Selina tempered my anger; despite the animosity between the two women, I fought against the urge to lash out further. Marissa was still Selina’s blood. Besides, Marissa wasn’t my packmate; technically, I had no right to punish her.
“I won’t punish you for your dark magic this time,” I warned, my voice steady but with an undertone of steel evident. “But make no mistake: if you cross our borders again, I will rekindle alliances with your father to ensure you receive the punishment you deserve.” I scowled, disgust crawling up my spine as I watched her fury ignite further.
