A Vision in Red
Jayce
“Nervous?” Dad asks as I button up my crisp white shirt.
“Not sure if nervous is the right word,” I reply, as I slide my belt through the belt loops and fasten it. Nervous doesn’t fit it; there are way too many emotions to put it down to just one word.
“One of many, huh?” Dad says, folding his arms, already dressed in a grey suit.
I nod. “Yeah, tonight kinda seals it all. Tonight I’ll become Alpha, with my Luna by my side and a pup on the way.”
Dad smiles softly. “It’s a good time; cherish it. Life gets hectic, but enjoy these small moments… You’re ready to be the Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack, and I know you will do great.”
“Thanks.” I turn and walk over to him, slipping my hands into my pockets. “I’ll make sure to make you proud, Dad.”
He places a hand on my shoulder. “I know you will.”
And he means it. Every word of it.
There’s a knock on the open door, and I turn as Uncle Damon steps inside, smiling at me warmly. Like Dad, he’s in a smart suit, too.
“You look good,” he says, looking between Dad and me.
“Thanks, Uncle, it’s pretty basic.” I decided on linen pants, a white shirt, and smart boots.
Not overdone, but still polished. It’s a big night after all, for Sienna as well, and going by the way she dresses on special occasions, I have a feeling she’s going to look out of this world. She always fucking does.
“I don’t want to be sworn in as Alpha again, Liam.”
Dad and I both turn sharply toward Uncle Damon. He looks down at his hands, playing with a ring he’s wearing.
“Damon, why not? I think-”
“No, Liam. You made me Alpha; you have always respected me and treated me like your equal, and I’m saying this here, now, because I knew otherwise you wouldn’t accept it. I don’t want to stay on as Alpha after you.”
Dad nods, wanting to argue, but respecting his decision, stops himself from debating it further. “Then… Asher? He’s still young, Damon.”
Uncle laughs lightly. “Asher would make a good Beta, and ideally, I’d hope one day he earns that title for himself and is chosen for that.
But no, I want to hand my title over to someone else.
Tonight, when you pass your Alpha power over to Jayce, the Blue Moon will by default be left without an Alpha, and when that happens, I want Ares to take the title and become the new Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack. ”
Dad looks at Uncle Damon, frowning deeply. “Damon…”
“No, Liam… We’ve done our time; let’s relax a little.
We’ve earned it, man. You and me, like old times, going on missions, mind-linking…
You gave me status and a pack, but I just want my brother back.
My family and I will join the Blood Moon again, if Jayce allows it. ” He smiles wryly, and I shake my head.
“Sure, anything.”
Dad exhales. “Damon, what does Robyn think?”
“She’s all for it; in fact, she wants to be here for Jayce’s pup once it’s born, too. Let us be there for you now. My time as Alpha was great, but I think it’s time to come home.”
Dad doesn’t reply; then he embraces Uncle, patting his back. I look down, my heart clenching as I remember the stories of their past, how times have changed, how their lives have changed, and yet, despite the pain, the grief, the memories, they live on, shaped and changed by life itself.
“If that’s what you want, we’ll be honoured,” Dad says quietly. Uncle Damon nods, patting Dad on the arm.
“I do. So…” He steps back, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Who’s breaking the news to Ares?”
I smirk at that. “I think you should, Uncle, or… we just throw it at him at the ceremony.”
Dad shakes his head. “That would be a bit unfair.”
“Na, I think for Ares, it might be better. He could still say no if he wants, but I think he’ll accept it, and we’ll be saved from his temper,” Uncle Damon agrees.
“Then it’s sorted,” I say, turning back to the mirror.
Now, this will be entertaining.
The evening has only just begun, and I’m already struggling to remain patient. I feel restless; each moment Sienna isn’t here feels like a fucking hour.
She arrived ten minutes ago. I sensed her before I was even told, and I mind-linked her.
Welcome home.
She had replied, saying she missed me, and yet for some reason, she still hasn’t come outside. Everyone else has, aside from her, Heaven and Alessandra.
I rake a hand through my hair, glancing towards the open doors of the mansion again.
The gardens have been transformed for tonight.
Warm fairy lights are wrapped around the trees and sweep overhead in glowing strands.
Arrangements of deep-red and ivory flowers cover the tables and spill from tall glass vases, while more have been woven around the ceremonial arch near the centre of the lawn.
Lanterns line the pathways, their flames flickering against the surrounding darkness, and the familiar grounds feel almost unrecognisable beneath the decor.
Aunty Kiara headed the decorations. She showed up two days ago and settled into full mother mode…
I know she’s trying to fill the void Mom left behind, and she did well…
Along with Azura, Kat, Sky and their families, they made the last few days feel pretty good, each day ending in laughter, hearty meals, and plenty of banter.
It felt good. I just wished Mom could have been here.
I look away, refusing to let my mind go there, and look around the garden. Aunty Kiara has done an exceptional job; something tells me Sienna will be in red, the flowers giving that away. Under her guidance, Dad and the pack members have spent days making sure everything is ready.
The guests have arrived, too. Leo, who hadn’t come early due to work, along with the Ardens, several allied alphas and lunas, and more than a few familiar faces from the Academy, arrived today.
Renji stands near one of the flower-covered tables, talking to Shahira, smiling far too much for someone who probably isn’t listening to half of what she’s saying, wearing that idiotic look of a man in love on his face.
Carter remains beneath one of the trees, a glass in hand as he quietly watches everyone around him.
Ares is kicking a ball back and forth with one of the younger children, looking as grumpy as usual despite the effort he’s made tonight.
He’s wearing a formal grey shirt, still paired with dark denim trousers, but it’s something.
“Stop looking at the doors,” he remarks, catching the ball beneath his shoe.
“I’m not.”
“You are,” Carter adds.
Renji finally looks over, the grin on his face changing to one of amusement. “You sure have, brother. Around a hundred times, I think.”
“Keep counting, and I’ll give you something else to focus on.”
He wisely turns back to Shahira, although I still see his shoulders shake with silent laughter.
It’s been several days since I fucking saw her. Texting her and calling her, everything else isn’t the same as having her close enough to touch. I’ve grown too accustomed to having her beside me, the scent of her lingering over my clothes and the feel of her body curled against mine.
And now that she’s carrying our pup, the distance feels worse.
I know she was safe at the Rossi Mansion, surrounded by enough overprotective relatives to destroy anyone stupid enough to threaten her, but knowing that hasn’t stopped the restlessness beneath my skin.
The conversations around me begin to quiet, and I notice a few people turning towards the mansion, and that’s when her intoxicating scent reaches me on the evening breeze.
My entire body stills as I turn my attention to the doors.
But the moment I see her step through the doors, everything fades away: the sound of chatter, the music, the noise, the surroundings.
Heaven walks on one side of her, and Alessandra on the other, yet I barely register either of them as they help her with her dress – I only see Sienna.
Her dark hair has been swept into an elegant updo, soft, curled strands framing her face while leaving the graceful curve of her neck and my mark on full display.
Her gown is a rich, dark burgundy, the satin catching under golden light with every step she takes.
The corset bodice shapes her waist before giving way to a full skirt, with a slit up one thigh, and behind her, the dress gathers around her.
She wears matching lace gloves with her ring sparkling under the lights. She’s wearing delicate diamond earrings that complete her breathtaking look. She doesn’t look like a woman preparing to become Luna, but a queen walking towards the place that is destined for her.
Her gaze moves across the garden until it finds mine, and a soft smile graces her lips, stealing the breath from my lungs.
Fuck.
Heaven leans in and says something that makes Sienna blush before she and Alessandra step away, and Sienna takes a step towards me, but I’m already moving, the need to be beside her taking over. My wolf is at the forefront of my mind – needing his mate.
I close the distance faster, meeting her more than halfway.
The moment she’s in front of me, my hand wraps around her slender waist, pulling her against me until the familiar warmth of her body eases the restless part of me that hasn’t settled since she left.
Her hands slide up my chest, her red eyes taking me in with the same hunger I know is burning in mine.
“You kept me waiting,” I murmur.
Her lips curve. “I’m here now. How do I look?”
I let my gaze travel over her slowly, taking in the dress, the colour in her cheeks, and the emotions in her eyes.
“You look- ask anyone here… You look beyond beautiful, and even that doesn’t sound good enough.”
She moves closer, her gloved fingers splayed on my chest. “You look rather incredible yourself,” she whispers.
Fuck.
My hand tightens at her waist.
“I missed you,” she adds quietly.
“Same, Darling. You have no idea,” I murmur.
“Then show me.”