Chapter 24
Amara’s POV
Will’s crowning ceremony..
The morning had been a blur of last-minute preparations.
Mom was running around like a whirlwind, double-checking everything, even though the decorators and event planners had done a flawless job.
The entire pack house looked like something out of a fairy tale, soft golden lights hung in elegant strands along the walls, the floors gleamed like polished mirrors and bouquets of fresh white and gold roses adorned every corner.
Outside, the grounds shimmered under strings of fairy lights, giving the whole area an ethereal glow.
Mom was ecstatic. “Finally! Everything looks perfect” she exclaimed, smoothing the skirt of her emerald-green gown. “After years of running this pack, your father and I can finally relax”
“Relax?” Dad teased as he adjusted his tie in front of a mirror. “You’ll probably be bossing Will and Rebecca around for at least another year”
“Very funny” she quipped, narrowing her eyes at him, but the corners of her mouth twitched into a smile.
I couldn’t help but laugh softly at their banter.
Mom looked stunning in her gown, which was embellished with intricate golden embroidery, and Dad looked as dignified and handsome, as ever in a black tuxedo with a subtle gold pocket square.
They were the picture of pride and joy, standing on the cusp of retirement while passing the mantle to the next generation.
The theme for the evening was “Royal Elegance” and the dress code demanded nothing less.
As I slipped into my gown, I couldn’t help but admire its design.
The deep midnight-blue fabric flowed around me like liquid silk and the corseted bodice was adorned with delicate silver embellishments that glittered like stars.
This dress unmistakenly accentuate my bare shoulder and feminine curves.
It flared out into a dramatic train, making me feel both regal and out of my comfort zone.
Eva purred in approval. “You look breathtaking. Zachary would have been speechless”
Her comment made my chest tighten and I quickly pushed the thought away. Tonight wasn’t about Zachary. Tonight was about Will and Becca.
When I stepped out of my room, Rebecca was just coming down the hallway and I couldn’t help but gasp.
“Becca, you look like a queen” I said, genuinely awed.
She blushed, smoothing her ivory gown with delicate gold embroidery that hugged her figure perfectly. A gold tiara rested on her auburn curls, making her look every bit the Luna she was about to become.
“You’re looking amazing too, Amara” she teased. “You’re going to have everyone in that hall staring at you, for sure”
“Let’s hope not” I joked, though my cheeks warmed at the compliment.
The main hall began to fill with guests as the evening progressed. Alphas, Betas, Gammas, and dignitaries from neighboring packs arrived, all dressed to the nines. I stood beside Mom and Dad at the entrance, greeting them as they entered.
Alpha Marcus of the Silver Fang Pack was one of the first to arrive, looking as formidable as ever in his black tuxedo with crimson accents. He gave my father a firm handshake. “Big day, huh, old friend?”
“Indeed!” Dad replied, his tone warm but slightly nostalgic. “I can’t believe we’re finally here”
His Luna, Serena, stepped forward, a vision in a champagne-colored gown with delicate pearl details. “Amara, you look stunning dear” she said, embracing me.
“So do you, Luna Serena” I replied with a smile.
The conversations flowed as more guests arrived. Alpha Nolan of the Redwood Pack complimented the decorations, while his mate fawned over Becca’s dress when she joined us later. It was a whirlwind of greetings, handshakes, and warm exchanges.
Eventually, Will entered the hall, looking every inch the alpha he was about to become. His tailored black suit had gold accents that matched Rebecca’s gown and his confident stride was met with cheers and applause.
“Big brother, you clean up nicely” I teased when he reached me.
“And you look like a princess” he replied, grinning. “Think we’ll both survive this night?”
“I will but, no idea about you” I whispered, making him laugh.
Becca joined him moments later, slipping her hand into his. Together, they made their way to the dais, where the official ceremony would take place.
The ceremony was a blend of tradition and joy. The pack elders bestowed their blessings, and the crowd erupted into applause when Will and Becca were officially crowned as Alpha and Luna. Watching them, I couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride.
As the evening shifted into the ball, the atmosphere lightened. Guests danced, laughed and enjoyed the lavish spread of food. For a moment, surrounded by my family and pack, I felt a flicker of peace.
But deep down, Eva stirred restlessly. “This is all lovely, but it’s not where we belong”. I ignored her, focusing on the music and laughter.
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Amara’s POV
The party was in full swing. The lights sparkled, laughter filled the air and the soft hum of music set a joyous tone.
I stood with my glass of sparkling cider, watching as guests swirled around in elegant dresses and tuxedos.
The weight of the last few days seemed lighter here, surrounded by my family and pack.
Few unmated wolves are glaring at me like I’m some snack, which I’m pretending to ignore.
Then, the hall doors opened and Ethan walked in, looking dashing in his brown suit that fit him perfectly. His tie was a lighter shade of gold, matching the ceremony’s theme and his usually tousled hair was combed neatly for once. He looked sheepish, mouthing an apology for being late.
But my attention was immediately stolen by the two figures walking in behind him.
Mason was easy to spot, towering over most people in a sleek charcoal-gray tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and black bow tie. His expression was serious, but his stance was relaxed, as if this party was just another formal event he had to attend. And then there was him. Zachary.
He wore a classic black tuxedo with a perfectly tailored fit that accentuated his broad shoulders and athletic build.
The silver pocket square and cufflinks added a regal touch.
His hair was neatly styled, but a few strands rebelliously fell onto his forehead, softening his otherwise sharp features.
He looked breathtaking and for a moment, my heart betrayed me, skipping a beat.
Our eyes met, just for a fleeting second and the world seemed to blur around us. My heart fluttered, but I quickly looked away, gripping my glass tighter.
Eva was ecstatic. “Mate is here! See how he’s looking at us! He loves us!”
I ignored her, taking a deep breath to steady myself. I was about to turn away when Ethan appeared by my side, tapping my shoulder.
“Hey, Amara” he said, his tone apologetic, “I’m sorry I’m late. Got caught up with some things”
I raised an eyebrow, trying to keep my composure. “And why didn’t you warn me about him?” I tilted my head subtly in Zachary’s direction.
Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Because I knew you’d panic or find a way to avoid this. Look, I came here to explain”
“Explain what?” I asked sharply, crossing my arms.
He glanced around, lowering his voice. “The day Michelle arrived at Night Blood Pack. It’s not what you think, Amara. Zachary didn’t betray you”
I froze, my mind racing as he continued.
“He’s been trying to explain everything to you, but you’ve been shutting him out. Michelle threw herself at him and yeah, it looked bad, but he didn’t choose her, Amara. He chose you. He’s here to prove it to you”
I wanted to argue, to tell him I was done with the mate bond and all the pain it brought. But Ethan’s words struck something deep within me, a truth I didn’t want to acknowledge.
Before I could respond, Ethan’s eyes shifted past me and I knew without turning who was coming.
“Good luck” Ethan murmured, stepping away. I glared at him for abandoning me, but he only gave me an apologetic shrug before disappearing into the crowd.
“Amara” Zachary’s voice was soft but commanding.
I turned slowly, my gaze locking with his. His piercing blue eyes were filled with something I couldn’t quite place regret, longing, desperation. My chest tightened, but I refused to let my guard down.
“Alpha Gray” I said coolly, tilting my chin up.
He hesitated for a moment, then took a small step closer. “I know I’m the last person you want to see right now, but I had to come. I need to explain..”
“There’s nothing to explain” I interrupted, my voice sharp.
“I saw enough, that day”His jaw clenched and I could see the pain flash across his face.
“You didn’t see what you think you did. Michelle means nothing to me. She never did. That day, I told her I’m chosing you and not her. Then she just threw herself at me and I was trying to push her away when you walked in”
I crossed my arms, trying to mask the turmoil brewing inside me. “Why should I believe you?”
“Because it’s the truth” he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “Amara, I don’t want Michelle. I never did. I want you. You’re my mate, my everything”
My heart ached at his words, but I couldn’t let myself give in so easily. “If that’s true, then why didn’t you accept me from the start? Why did it take, all of this rejection, pain, heartbreak—for you to finally realize it?”
He looked down, guilt shadowing his features.
“I was a fool. My mother’s vulanerable state after my father’s death made me believe, mate bond is nothing but weakness. So I thought of rejecting my fated mate, even before I met you. I wanted chose someone like Michelle as my Luna, who I don’t have emotional attachment.
In simple terms an arranged marriage, only for an heir”
I look at him baffled. He continues, “Then I met you at club Hilton. you were 18 and very young. I let my fears and pride blind me. So I rejected you, which turned out to be the biggest mistake of my life. Last four years have passed with only guilt and regret. Losing you,
losing my own wolf’s trust has made me realize what I’d done. Then I met you again after all those years of agony, it made me realize where I fucked up. There’s no meaning to my pathetic existance if you are not there in my life. I want you, I love you, Amara. I know that, I don’t deserve you.
But I don’t think I can survive lliving without you. I just can’t. Sorry it took me time to heal but, neverthless I’m here and I’m begging for a chance to make things right” His eyes rimmed in red.
His words hung in the air and for a moment, the noise of the party faded away. Did he just say, he loves me ?
Eva whimpered in my mind, pleading. “He’s being honest. He loves us. Please, let’s accept him”
I swallowed hard, torn between the mate bond tugging at my heart and the pain of betrayal still fresh in my mind.
“Zachary” I said finally, my voice firm “I can’t do this right now. I need time”
He nodded slowly, his expression filled with sorrow but understanding. “Take all the time you need. Just... don’t shut me out completely”
Without waiting for my response, he stepped back, giving me space. My emotions swirled like a storm and as he walked away, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of his absence even in the crowded room.