Chapter 33
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
ESTEE
M y skin hums with electricity, a live wire I want to hold onto for as long as possible. The bonding ceremony was exactly what I didn’t know I needed. The original plan had been to tell the pack first, but this was so much better, and I know they’ll understand. If we’d waited, allowed those around us to make a spectacle of the whole thing, it wouldn’t have been for me and Theo.
But beneath the ancient tree, just the two of us with Sloane, who held no judgement nor expectations, it was as if the universe was in perfect alignment. Energy flowed freely between us, reaching and pulling for one another, and wrapped around me like the world’s greatest comforts.
For the first time in my life, I felt utterly connected—to Theo, to Lunara, and to myself.
Now, standing in our royal suite, the storm of emotions within me has settled into something calm and grounding, yet powerful. A force ready to be unleashed when the time is right.
Theo places my hand over his heart, his warmth radiating through my palm. His eyes—those deep grey pools flecked with silver—are filled with something I can only describe as reverence. “I thought I could feel you before,” he murmurs, his voice low and intimate. “From the moment your ship docked, there was a pull, a draw to find you, to understand you. But I was wrong. I’ve only ever felt a fraction of what was possible between us. This,” he presses my hand tighter against his chest, where his heart beats steadily beneath my fingers, “this is what I’ve been waiting for.”
I rise onto my toes, my lips brushing over his as I whisper, “Wrong has never felt better.”
The kiss starts soft, tender, but even the slightest connection sends a jolt of power through me, sparking a need that pulls us closer. My hands glide over his chest, savoring the strength beneath his clothes. His chest vibrates with a deep growl, the sound moving through me and waking my wolf.
But before we can get carried away, there’s a knock at the door.
“Jerome’s back already,” Theo says, his tone a mixture of amusement and resignation. “The pack meeting has been brought forward. Everyone’s eager to see the two of us together and hear what’s going on.”
I squeeze his hand, offering him a confident smile. “Then let’s go.”
Jerome enters with Cecil beside him. They both bow respectfully, but Jerome speaks first. “Your Majesty. Your Highness. I know I was told to go home, but you also assured me that I would be made aware of anything significant happening. I believe the two of you bonding qualifies as such an event.”
Even though it’s been less than half a day since we sent Jerome home, he already looks better. There are no dark circles beneath his eyes and exhaustion no longer surrounds him.
“We only told Cecil,” Theo assures Jerome, “and we would’ve said something to you, but there were only minutes to prepare. Plus, we wanted it to be private and wouldn’t have been talked out of that.”
I expect Jerome to show some sort of disappointment, but he surprises me when he smiles. “Just as it should be, Sire. There is no discord about your decision. Not from me or even the pack. Only curiosity. Everyone is merely pleased to know that the princess is one step closer to becoming queen.”
Relief washes over me, and for the first time, the mention of me “becoming queen” doesn’t make my stomach twist with nerves.
Cecil steps forward, his hands clasped in front of him. His emerald-green eyes meet Theo’s with quiet respect. “The hall is prepared for your announcement. Every member of the pack, young and old, has a seat, and there’s a staging area for you, the princess, and Jerome.”
Theo nods then pauses as an idea seems to strike him. “Add another chair next to his,” he instructs, motioning toward Jerome. “Cecil, I want you to join the advisory council. It’s something I should’ve made happen long ago and one of the more immediate changes I plan to implement. The people deserve to know that their voices are being heard by more than just their alpha.”
He’s right. The advisory council wasn’t just created as a resource for the king. It was first meant for the people. A group of non-royals who would ensure that the pack was always treated fairly. Something tells me that even if King Airik had his own council before, the shifters weren’t at the top of their priority list, but they will be now.
Cecil drops to a knee in front of his alpha and lowers his head. “I would be honored to serve you in this role, my king.”
When he stands back up, Theo shakes his hand and grins. “Then consider it done. We’ll meet tomorrow and make a list of who else might be qualified to join until we have five of you. Does that sound fair?”
“Yes, Sire.”
Jerome lightly clears his throat. “Shall I give permission for the pack to be let into the hall, Your Majesty?”
“Please.” Theo looks over at me and interlaces our fingers. “Officially introducing my mate to the pack and having a pack run sounds like the perfect way to spend the rest of our evening.”
My wolf hums in response, rising to the surface as my gaze stays locked on our mate.
“I see you, little wolf,” Theo’s voice whispers through my mind. “You’ll be free soon.”
If it was physically possible for me to melt into a puddle where I stand, that’s exactly what I’d be doing as Theo looks at me, managing to see past who I am, going deeper to what I am, offering my wolf a sense of peace I’ve never had the opportunity to give her. A sense of home that not even Polaris nor my own family has been able to provide us.
Not until him.
By the time I come out of my trance, we’re alone again, and Theo kisses my forehead. “Do you need anything before we go? Food, water, rest?”
He’s always thinking about my needs and while I know that’s nothing to complain about, it’s harder to accept than I thought it would be.
I’ve spent so long relying only on myself that the thought of depending on anyone sends a tendril of panic through me. Yet, the moment I refocus on our bond, I know there’s no one I’ll ever be safer with.
“As long as I have you, there’s nothing else I need,” I tell him sincerely. “And you? Do you need to grab your crown or change before making your speech?”
He frowns, considering my words. “If I’m addressing them as their king, I should look the part, right?”
I squeeze his hand. “It’s not the crown or the clothes that make you a king, Theo. It’s the way you hold yourself, the compassion in your words, and the honest intent in your eyes. But if proper protocol calls for it…”
“Then that’s what I’ll do.” He grins, more confident than I’ve ever seen him.
“That’s what we’ll do,” I say, pulling him toward our bedroom. “We’re in this together.”
His light laughter settles over me. “Is it bad that we’re getting more dressed up for a pack meeting than we did for our bonding ceremony?”
“Not at all,” I reply, going to the closet. There’s a silver gown that will be perfect for the meeting. “That was for us. This is for the people of Selaris. We got what we needed. Now, it’s their turn.”
He nods, his smile softening. “Yes, it is.”
As he pulls out clothes, brushing lightly against my back in our now-shared closet and sending love through our bond, I have no doubt that today is the start of something extraordinary—not just for us, but for the kingdom I now call home.
Not even an hour later, we’re standing before the pack. Over two hundred shifters fill the hall, their voices hushed, their anticipation palpable. Despite the circumstances, there isn’t a single trace of animosity in the air when Theo and I step onto the stage.
The room buzzes with anticipation, their murmurs fading into silence as Theo takes his place with me beside him. The air is charged, thick with unspoken emotions, but Theo stands tall, his presence commanding.
He looks every bit the king he was meant to be, wearing his crown and a tailored suit. His grey tunic covers his shoulders, every stitch and seam perfectly sewn. The maroon sash across his chest is adorned with medals and there isn’t a hair on his head out of place.
Before he speaks, he reaches for me, our fingers twisting together as a steady flow of assurance passes between us.
“Thank you all for joining us tonight,” Theo begins, his voice booming through the hall, resonating with strength and sincerity. “For too long, I’ve been an absent king. I know the efforts I’ve made over the last few weeks don’t erase the years of neglect, but I hope you will see that every decision I make moving forward is with you—the heart of Selaris—in mind.”
He pauses, scanning the room as if waiting for someone to challenge him. But the pack remains silent, their focus unwavering.
“As many of you already know, Estee was kidnapped, but what you don’t know is why, and I believe it’s time I finally told you the truth.”
“ Theo ,” I warn him. My first thought is that he’s about to tell them how he became king, but he does exactly what he should. He remains honest without giving them the details that can no longer be changed.
“I was not chosen by the gods to be your king. I was chosen by just one of them—a being I thought was an ally but have since learned his intentions are anything but noble.” He looks down at me, smiling brightly before turning his attention back to the people. “I lacked the strength and motivation to fight him as I should have, and I sincerely apologize for that, but that all changed the moment I met this incredible woman.
“Estee and I held a private ceremony today where the gods blessed our bond, forging us into one. I know it’s something the pack normally bears witness to, but we needed this for us, and we hope you understand and respect our decision—one made with the kingdom in mind, because with Estee by my side, we’re going to be stronger than ever.”
Murmurs move through the room, and I tense, part of me expecting some sort of outburst, but as the voices get louder, the cheers begin. They throw flowers onto the platform we stand on and chant for their king and queen.
My heart swells, not in the way it does for Theo, but for these people, who will soon become my responsibility. Each one, young and old, will need our care and respect, and providing that to them might be the greatest purpose in all my lives, including the ones I’ve yet to live.
Theo raises his hands then lowers them slowly, signaling for the pack to quiet. A pulse vibrates through the room even when the voices subside. One that has my wolf ready to break free and run with her people.
“I’ve said my piece,” Theo’s voice sounds in my mind. “It’s your turn. They want to hear from their queen.”
I expect my stomach to churn or my palms to sweat, but as I stare out over the crowd, there’s nothing but gratitude flowing through me.
“Thank you for your kindness and understanding,” I tell them first, knowing they still have every right to be furious. “Since arriving here, Selaris has pulled me in and found a special place within my heart, giving me a new home. I promise to bring only joy to our kingdom, and as our first step toward unity, I’d like to start with a pack run.”
The crowd’s renewed excitement buzzes through the hall, encouraging me to continue.
“Tonight, the skies may not be filled with the full moons of Lunara, but we can fill them with our howls of strength. We will run beneath the stars and show not only ourselves, but the world that we are stronger together.”
“Invite them to the ball,” Theo inserts. “ Tomorrow night.”
I glance at him. “We’ll be ready by then?”
He nods, his gaze sure and steady, and I give my attention back to the people, their excitement still palpable. “To celebrate this next chapter, we are inviting you all to a ball tomorrow evening. A chance for us to come together as a pack, to honor our past, to celebrate our win over the god who stole me, and to look forward to the future as one.”
The cheers that follow are deafening, the pack’s energy profound. My chest tightens with emotion, and as I glance at Theo, his pride shines brightly.
He pulls me against his side and presses a kiss to my temple. “I can’t wait to make you my queen.”
I try to be as enthusiastic as everyone around me, forcing a smile as I look up at Theo, but the mention of the party sends a chill down my spine. I’m thrilled to see the pack coming together like this, but Orix is still out there, possibly watching us and waiting for his chance to strike. While I won’t let that knowledge ruin what’s still to come, especially when his showing up is exactly what we’re hoping for, I can’t dismiss the feeling that tomorrow might bring the fight of our lives.