A Vision in Red #2
That’s all I need. I cup the back of her neck and kiss her, forgetting the crowd, the ceremony, and every pair of eyes fixed on us. She melts into me with a soft sound as she kisses me back with the same need that has been consuming me in the last few days.
Sparks dance between us, full of warmth, relief, and the love she no longer tries to hide from me.
My mate, my Luna.
When I finally pull back, her cheeks are flushed and her lips slightly swollen, but the pleased smile she gives me makes it difficult not to kiss her again. And I do just that, bending her over slightly, supporting her fully as I deepen the kiss.
A few whistles come from somewhere behind us, but I pay them no heed as she locks her arms around my neck. When we break apart, Sienna rests her forehead against mine.
Keeping one hand on her waist, I place the other one gently over her stomach. “I missed you both.”
The smile fades from her face, replaced by an emotion that brightens her eyes as her hand covers mine.
“We missed you, too,” she whispers.
The words strike straight through me. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to hearing her speak for the two of them, knowing that beneath my palm is a life we created together.
“Good… Have you been alright?” I ask the same question I asked her every day, studying her closely.
She smiles. “I’m good. Mama has checked on the baby at least six times today, so I don’t think I’ve been given the opportunity to be anything else.”
“Why do I feel like it’s more than six?” I ask playfully.
“I stopped counting after breakfast.”
I smirk, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “She’s excited.”
“So am I,” she whispers, her eyes softening again. “Dance with me.”
“If that’s my queen’s command,” I reply, offering her my hand. She looks towards the dance floor before placing her hand in mine.
People move aside as we enter the centre of the garden, the music changing into something slower. I pull her closer, one hand settling at her waist while the other holds hers as I begin moving to the music.
Her skirt shifts around us with every movement, catching flashes of gold from the lights above. Sienna follows my lead easily, her free hand resting against my shoulder while her gaze remains fixed on me.
“You know everyone is watching us,” she murmurs.
“Let them. I don’t care if they see me openly admiring how fucking beautiful my mate looks,” I murmur.
“I like knowing you can’t take your eyes off me,” she whispers softly.
A smirk tugs at my lips. “You wore this dress knowing exactly what it would do.”
“I hoped you’d approve.” She blushes.
“Approve?” I pull her tighter against me, lowering my voice near her ear and whispering seductively. “Darling, I’m debating whether I can get you through the ceremony before carrying you upstairs.”
Her breath catches, although she quickly covers it with a smile. “Try to behave, future-Alpha.”
“No promises.”
“Then keep looking,” she murmurs, her fingers brushing lightly against the back of my neck. “It’ll just make it all the more worthwhile.”
“Yeah…” I murmur, swaying her to the music.
I look at her, committing every detail to memory. The way her curls frame her face, the shimmer around her eyes, the curve of her smile and the certainty in her gaze.
“You’re staring again,” she whispers.
“I know.”
For a while, neither of us says anything. We simply dance.
The conversations around us gradually resume, but all I see is her, all I feel is her, and when she rests her head against my chest, I press my lips to her hair as we sway beneath the fairy lights. I realise there is nothing more I could ever want.
This is what I wanted.
Not the ceremony itself, or the title that comes with it.
This.
Sienna in my arms.
Our pup safe between us.
Our families gathered around us, and the future is no longer something I am trying to avoid.
“Nervous?” I ask quietly.
“A little,” she admits, lifting her head, and I sense the faint spell she casts, protecting us from outside ears.
“Not about being your Luna. I know I want that, but knowing there is an entire pack that will look to us to protect them and make the right choices. That’s something I never want to fail at. ”
“You will be fine. I know you will.”
“That doesn’t make it less frightening,” she pouts.
“No,” I agree. “But you won’t be carrying it alone.”
Her eyes meet mine, steady and warm.
“I know,” she whispers with complete confidence.
The song begins to fade, and Dad approaches from the edge of the dance floor. His expression is calm, but there’s no hiding the pride and emotion in his eyes as he looks between us.
“The elders are ready,” he says.
The garden quietens once more as people begin gathering around the ceremonial dais.
Granddad stands on it, as my family, including my brothers and sister, waits near the arch, while Sienna’s family moves closer to the front alongside the Blood Moon Pack.
Allied alphas and guests form a wide circle around them, everyone’s attention turning towards us.
Sienna’s fingers tighten around mine.
I look down at her.
“Ready, Darling?”
She draws in a slow breath, looking towards the waiting pack before meeting my gaze again.
“With you?” she murmurs. “Always.”
I raise her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles.
“Then it’s time.”
Side by side, we turn towards our pack and walk towards the ceremony that will make us Alpha and Luna.
This is it.
The first step to a new chapter in our lives.