In a Different Light
Theo
“Heaven?”
I turn in the direction Uncle Rayhan’s looking, spotting those blond curls glittering when the light catches them. My eyes skim over her. She’s wearing a fancy figure-hugging gown that doesn’t hide any of her curves.
Damn, girl knows how to look fine.
And I fucking check her out.
The actual fuck?
I’m unable to focus on Uncle Rayhan’s words as I realise what I just did.
Ok, it’s just cus I need to get laid; it’s definitely been way too fucking long.
I look away, unsure how to feel that I did undeniably check her out.
I don’t even fucking get it; I’ve seen her in less than that.
Heck, in the Gods’ Realm, you could see her nips in that sheer top, but I kept my attention averted. So, what the fuck changed?
She’s just Allie’s friend, just Tatum’s sister, just Ahren’s cousin, just someone that you can call a friend…
I glance back at the dais where her uncle’s got his arms around her tightly, and despite how composed she remains, I can see her body tremble with silent sobs. I’m trying to see her in the same way I usually do – in a way I’m not seeing her now.
But something’s switched. It’s like once you see something, you can’t unsee it. Yes, I’ve seen her, and admitted she’s good looking, but it’s like I’m really seeing her.
Yeah, I need to find a woman, so I’m not focusing on her; this is fucked. She moves back, but she still has her back in my direction.
“I’m lucky to have two incredible and strong daughters,” Uncle Rayhan says to her quietly.
She’s missing her father; that much I know. It must be hard, even if she’ll never voice it, to see her cousin get her dad back, and yet she couldn’t get her own dad back…
I look away, frowning slightly.
I see her and Sienna walk off the dais together, but I refuse to look her in the eye, wanting whatever came over me to go the fuck away.
Delsanra steps closer to Uncle Rayhan, giving him a small smile before he speaks again.
“As you all know, when I left this world, my son, Ahren, was forced to take up the responsibility of Alpha of the Black Storm Pack. All my life, since Ahren was little, I thought of the day when I’d get to pass that title to him.
To see him grow as an alpha and take this pack to new heights.
To see him become the alpha I knew he was meant to be.
” Uncle Rayhan pauses as he nods slowly, more to himself than anyone else, before he looks up and continues.
“I didn’t get that chance before, but I’m lucky enough to get that chance now, to be able to pass him the mantle myself. Ahren, come on up.”
Ahren pushes off from the wall, fist bumping Dante before he walks towards the stage and smiles at his father and mother.
“I’m glad you get to pass the title to me tonight,” he says.
I imagine one day Dad will do the same with Jayce. I just hope when that day comes, we’re all here for it.
My eyes flicker to Heaven, who is facing the front, with Sienna’s arm around her waist. She’s focused on the stage, her pouty lips slightly parted, her chest rising and falling.
She turns her head and looks directly at me. My eyes flick up to meet those two separate shades of hazel. I’m not sure which one I prefer more… I don’t look away since she’s already seen me looking at her.
Her heart rate quickens ever so slightly, but I can read her body better. She might be taking even breaths to show she’s in control, but her chest is rising just a little faster.
She doesn’t blink, and neither do I. I’m not sure what the hell this is, but suddenly it feels like there’s this-
“Theo.”
I blink, snapping out of it, and turn as Renji calls me.
“Yeah?” I ask quietly.
“You ok?” he asks. “You looked… serious.”
“What does that mean? I’m serious often,” I reply quietly, with a small smirk. Renji raises a doubtful eyebrow but doesn’t say anything else, paying attention to the Rossis on stage again.
My eyes flick back to Heaven, and I give her my classic smirk before turning my attention to the dais where Ahren is taking his oath.
“I, Rayhan Rossi, relinquish my position as Alpha of the Black Storm Pack to you, my son, Ahren Azor Rafael Rossi. To bind you by oath to serve, protect, and lead this pack from here on.” Uncle Rayhan slices his hand with the dagger that sits on the cushion Delsanra is holding.
Blood drips to the ground between the two men as he looks at Ahren.
“I, Ahren Azor Rafael Rossi, accept the responsibility and title of Alpha of the Black Storm Pack. I vow to serve, protect, and lead this pack from this day forward with everything I have.” Ahren’s voice carries clearly as he takes the dagger from his father and cuts open his own palm before both men shake hands, and the transfer of the Alpha’s power is completed.
Ahren will have to swear his Beta and Delta in again as well.
Everyone applauds, and I place my fingers to my mouth, whistling loudly.
I can sense someone watching me from behind and turn to see it’s that fucktard Holden. I raise an eyebrow at him, giving him a challenging smile. He’s not stupid enough to mess with me, but I kinda want him to, just so I can put him in his place.
Why the fuck is he even here? Unless Heaven’s mom invited him, not knowing they’ve broken up. Either way, the dipshit needs to stay the fuck out of my way.
“We won’t keep you long, but there’s one more special announcement that we are extremely proud to make today,” Uncle Rayhan begins, looking to his left.
“My nephew and Alpha of the Dark Storm Pack, Tatum Somers, has found his mate, Scheherazade Muhammed of the Sayeh Mehtab Pack. She is also the niece of our respected council member Junaid Muhammed of the Full Moon Pack. Give it up for Tatum and Scheherazade!”
Everyone claps, and I exchange looks with Carter and Renji. Well, damn, I knew that bastard was acting differently. No wonder. He had found his mate. Bloody hell, it seems like everyone is.
Tatum steps onto the dais with a tall woman in a silver dress. Uncle Rayhan gives her a hug and kisses her hand as he murmurs a ‘welcome’ before Ahren steps forward.
“Well, then, let’s get you back as Alpha,” Ahren says to Tatum.
“So, you can welcome your mate as your Luna.” He smiles as Tatum nods.
Then he and Ahren complete the ritual, as Ahren transfers some of his Alpha powers to Tatum, just the way Dad’s given Uncle Damon.
Speaking of, he’s here too with his family.
Once Tatum is sworn in as Alpha, he then turns to his mate. “Do you, Scheherazade Muhammed of the Sayeh Mehtab Pack, accept me as your mate and Alpha? To stand by my side as my Luna, to govern over the Dark Storm Pack by my side?” he asks quietly.
Damn, are they doing a public marking?
It appears so.
Scheherazade smiles softly as Tatum takes her hands. “I do. I swear by the Moon Goddess that I will respect and honour my position and my responsibilities as Luna. I accept you, Alpha Tatum Somers of the Dark Storm Pack, as my mate and Alpha, now and forevermore.”
A small smirk crosses Tatum’s usually cocky, moody face. “That feels good to hear,” he murmurs before he reaches for her neck, cupping her face as he tilts her head, his other arm snaking around her waist.
There’s something about marking that is intimate, and I realise, aside from Jayce marking Sienna, this is the first marking I’ve witnessed. And the situation is so different. These two want one another.
Everyone is silent as Tatum sinks his teeth into her neck, marking her slowly, relishing in the moment. I look away, giving them their moment, although they did decide to do this publicly.
Once he’s moved back, it’s her turn to mark him.
I know I’m never going to search for my mate or accept one, but I don’t think I’d mark her publicly. Technically speaking, I would probably mark her as I make her come, with an intense orgasm that she’ll remember for the rest of her life.
Everyone now cheers and claps as they raise their glasses to the new couple.
My eyes flicker to the girls as Heaven motions for Katara to stand beside them.
“So, will we see a wedding soon?” Azura teases as the couple steps off the dais.
“In a few months,” Tatum says, glancing towards Kataleya. “I think Kataleya needs to go first.”
Kataleya smiles, looking up at Enrique. “Well… we have been thinking about it, but tonight isn’t the time to discuss-”
“Why not? The more good news, the better,” Delsanra says.
“Agreed,” Aunty Maria says.
“Is Kat getting married to this fucker good news?” Uncle Al has to comment. I snicker at that. Enrique frowns at him, muttering a swear.
“And we will marry only after you, so don’t keep us waiting too long.”
“You just said in a few months,” Skyla points out. “So, pick a date soon, Kat.”
“Well, we were thinking maybe in a few weeks… Depends on how quickly we can get everything together. I’m sure it won’t take long. It’s the perfect time. Everyone is here. Together,” Kataleya says with a smile. “What do you think, My Love?”
“Your wish is my command, Mi Amor. And marrying you is something I will do tomorrow if that is what you desire.”
That wanker sure is slick with his words.
“She can wait,” Uncle Al adds quickly, making a few of them laugh.
I wonder why Jayce took his words so hard. We all know what he’s like; no one takes it to heart.
“Well, I think that’s great,” Uncle Rayhan says.
“So, what about you two now that Kat has chosen?” Raihana asks.
“Four months from today?” Tatum says, looking at his mate.
“Perfect. That’s plenty of time to get everything I need. The important part was tonight,” Scheherazade says, touching her neck. Tatum kisses her lightly as the girls go over to congratulate them.
Renji heads over, and I follow him lazily, slipping my hand into my pocket. The urge to grab a cigarette is there, but Ma won’t approve. She’s standing beside Aunty Kiara, smiling ear-to-ear as she looks at the newly mated couple.
Well, partially mated, they need to do the deed to finalise it. I smirk.