To be fair… nothing much got by Fairies, especially when feelings were involved. It was time to get into my dress. It hit me… I never talked to my dad about this. I linked him, “Dad… umm… I meant to talk to you but… umm… are you here?”
My dad snorted, “Of course I am, Ladybug. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” I asked, “Umm so… not to be awkward… which I am... so this is… well…. can you walk me to Xander?” My dad sounded choked up when he answered, “Of course I can.”
Ok… taken care of. My mom helped me zip up my dress. Mom told me, “You look beautiful.” Adeline agreed, “You do! This dress is so you.” I told them, “Thanks.” We walked out together. My friends made catcall while Paige teased me about the dress not lasting long.
Haley snorted, “My son better snap it off or he can snap it fucking fixed.” I blushed bright red as others around me laughed. Haley popped us downstairs. My dad was waiting with my brothers. Jason and Tristan grimaced. My dad smiled, “You look stunning, Ladybug.”
Tristan spoke in a tight voice, “You do look beautiful, Mel.” Jason said, “Yeah, you really do. You’re all grown up. I don’t know why, but in my head you’re still just my little sister who is still a pup.” I snorted, “I’m an adult Jason.”
Jason snorted, “Not in my head you’re not. You just keep going and proving you’re an adult though. You’re mated to my friend, marked, getting married, and becoming a Luna.” I bit my lip. Tristan urged, “Ask what you want.”
I whispered, “Are Grandma and Grandpa Haskins out there?” I knew Uncle Duncan wasn’t…well I knew Aunt Allison wasn’t either. I’d conjured them invitations with notes about staying on their trip. Mom winced, “No, they aren’t. They wanted to be here but…” I waved interrupting, “Ok.”
My mom sighed, “Well, let’s head out boys.” She left with my brothers. My dad hugged me, “You are stunning and people who aren’t here quite frankly suck.” I whispered, “Dad.” Dad said, “No, there are a lot of feelings, but I have never disagreed more with your mom’s parents than I do about their actions now.”
“They are wrong to not show up for you now. I’ve told them they know you and we all know it’s going to confirm whatever you thought they said. They argue they didn’t say it, so it doesn’t matter, but I know you so I know it does.”
I replied, “They cut me off and refused to talk to me. So… honestly it does track.” Dad sighed, “It doesn’t but I’m not fighting their battles when they are bound and determined to hurt my pup. This is a happy day though, so I have something for you.”
My dad pulled out a necklace. He smiled, “I know it’s not tradition, but since you can shift into your wolf without losing anything, I wanted you to have this.” I asked, “How did you know I can do that?” My dad snorted, “I’ve been attending Beta Dylan’s White Wolf Classes. It’s been interesting.”
I bit my lip asking, “He has classes?” My dad nodded. And my dad was taking them? I was going to cry. I turned around as he put the diamond and ruby necklace around my neck. I faced my dad with tears in my eyes.
I said, “Dad… it’s beautiful.” He held out his arm and said, “Let’s get you outside. I’m so proud of you Ladybug.” I looped my arm with my dad’s. I knew… I wasn’t exactly ready for this moment between us, but I knew I was right.
If I didn’t have my dad walk with me… I’d regret it. So, I was happy with my choice, and I needed to talk to him about my mating ceremony. I smiled at all my friends as we walked past them. My heart tugged for those that weren’t here, but only two hurt because they had the option to come but didn’t.
Xander’s eyes were full of love and lust. There was a hint of stress there too. I frowned wondering what happened. My friends took my watch last night, so if anything came up they would’ve known… but I wouldn’t. I needed my watch back. Freya chuckled, “Soon enough.”
EJ was standing up there with Xander. EJ did the ceremony for us. Freya linked me, “You need to say you accept the title.” I replied, “Sorry… I got lost in our mate’s eyes.” Freya snickered, “I don’t blame you for that one bit.”
I quickly accepted the title of Luna. I didn’t feel any connections grow or break. Freya explained, “Because we already had the ability to link whoever we wanted.” Naturally. Xander shifted into Oden. I let Freya come forward.
The pack howled and we took off. Xander linked me, “If we don’t slow down, it’s not going to be much of a pack run.” I was embarrassed… because I’d actually forgotten how fast we were. We slowed down. It was basically more of a fast pace walk for me.
Oden put his neck into Freya’s. Freya linked me, “Oden wants to run and play.” I told her, “Do your thing, Freya.” I sat backand relaxed as Freya and Oden took off from the group. They played together for hours before they led us back to the house where we shifted back.
Xander popped us to our room. I snorted, “I’m surprised we aren’t outside.” Xander smirked, “Since I have a meeting early tomorrow, EJ wanted us to have sex inside, so we didn’t send the pack into heat accidentally.” I blushed.
Xander didn’t really give me a chance to think about it. We fell apart an hour before he had to go to his meeting. My mate kissed me after he got ready. He said, “You could sleep some.” I smiled saying, “Maybe.”
Xander kissed me, “I have a spa day set up for you and your friends in the morning.” I gaped at him. My fiancé laughed, “You need some pampering.” I kissed him saying, “You’re too much…. and perfect. You know that?” Xander kissed me arguing, “I’m not. You deserve the world.”
I asked, “Quick question before you go.” My mate nodded, “Sure.” I asked, “How long is your Guard going to be guarding me?” Xander smirked, “Indefinitely.” I shook my head arguing, “No. What if you need them?”
Xander said, “Then we will figure that out. My Uncle is debating assigning you a permanent Guard anyway.” I frowned, wanting to say I could take care of myself. Logically… so could all the Conners and the Hackura.
It was an honor they would consider doing that for me… since it wasn’t done for the mates of Dukes or Duchesses. I said, “It’s kind that he would do that… I don’t promise to stay with them all the time though.”
Xander laughed, “I’m sure they will enjoy the challenge. Try not to lose them if you are in danger.” I shrugged because I wasn’t going to agree to that. I might be able to include them… sometimes… but probably not.
Xander kissed me and popped out for his meeting. I decided to take a bath and try to relax. I enjoyed it the last time. Thirty minutes into my bath… my phone started going insane. I groaned, “This is why I don't try to relax.”
I got out of the tub and wrapped a towel around me. I grabbed my phone then dropped it. I yelled, “CRAP!” Sierra burst into my room, eyes wide. Valentina was right behind her. I said, “One of you find Cassie right now.” Sierra nodded. I threw her my computer after typing in the codes. The Ring was making a move.
I cringed knowing they had Corbin’s woman… it had to be his mate. Great, he was going to be mad… I didn’t know for sure she was his, but it was the woman I’d seen him with. They had her… and they had Tenley Crawford, Cayden’s younger sister. They were going to use her as bait to get to Cassie.
I threw my clothes on. Sierra announced, “Cassie is wearing her earrings and she’s in the house.” I ran down the stairs. I linked, “Freya… where is…?” Freya answered, “In the kitchen.” I casually walked in not showing the panic I felt.
