Chapter 24
Declaration of Loyalty
Alexa
“Your location at Southern Star that day.” He rubs the back of his neck, his head lowered. “I still remember Alpha Romero’s rage. He punished me harder than I’ve ever been punished in my life. But believe me, I never took a single penny from them. I’m sorry.”
“Oh no. Not again. Am I surrounded by traitors? How much longer is this gonna keep happening?” I ask Mythril.
“Easy. Let’s hear him out first. There has to be a reason he’s telling us this now,” Mythril says, trying to calm me with his usual levelheadedness.
I draw in a slow breath. “Well then. Why are you willing to support me now?”
“I used to think you weren’t worthy of being our Luna because nobody knew where you came from.
I figured you were some kind of criminal if people were hunting you like that.
But now that I know the truth, I... I owe you an apology.
” He wipes his face and finally looks at me again, his cheeks still red.
I press my lips into a thin line and take a long breath, forcing myself to calm down.
No matter how much I hate him, or anyone else who betrayed me, I still need them.
That is supposedly my destiny. Holding back my anger.
Uniting the packs. Honestly, I still think that’s bullshit.
But I force myself to focus on the end goal instead.
“Would you be willing to swear a blood oath? Loyalty to me and Harlow?”
“Yes. Of course.” He nods immediately. “Alpha Romero believed in both of you, so I reckon I ought to as well. Not because anybody’s making me.” He quickly corrects himself.
That night, every member of First Light Pack and every warrior from Crescent Moon Pack gathers in the largest field. We hold a ceremony to officially appoint Julius as Alpha of First Light Pack. Then, under Julius’s leadership, everyone swears a blood oath of loyalty to Harlow and me.
Around seven hundred people, men and women alike, pledge themselves to us. It’s something I never imagined. I always dreamed of becoming a Luna, but this is something far beyond that.
“We swear in the name of the Moon Goddess to obey and remain loyal to Harlow Blackmoore, the Lycan King, and Alexa Dawson, our Supreme Luna.” Their voices rise together into the darkness.
The new moon hangs above us, and goosebumps race across my skin from their united voice. Silver light pours from every person gathered in the field. Harlow insists he can’t see it, but I can.
The energy flows from them into me and Harlow, strengthening us in ways I never expected. Their faith in us manifests as a source of power for both Harlow and me. This is strange, impossible, and yet undeniably real.
“Gotta admit, it still feels mighty strange hearing folks call me the Lycan King.” Harlow’s voice booms across the field. “And hearing Alexa Dawson called a Luna.” A grin spreads across his face. “Because of that, we’re holding a marking ceremony tomorrow.”
My eyes widen. Once again, he catches me off-guard. Before I can react, he takes my hand and drops to one knee. A simple gold ring appears in his hand. He holds it up toward me.
“Alexa Dawson, will you marry me?” A shy smile tugs at his lips.
“Aww! He’s proposing! Finally!” Mythril squeals in my head.
“Is it real?”
Harlow nods with a wide smile on his lips. My hands cover my mouth. My heart thumps wildly as I try desperately to contain the happiness surging through me. At that exact moment, a sliver of moonlight breaks through the clouds as if it’s smiling right along with everyone else.
“Julius, was this your doing?” I ask, turning toward him in a messy state of emotions.
Julius lifts both hands innocently. “I’m just helping Jack. He’s tonight’s event chairman.”
“I told Harlow months ago he oughta buy a bigger diamond.” Jack laughs loudly. “Problem is, he was as broke as dirt. Kinda pathetic, ain’t it?” The crowd erupts with laughter.
“Oh, for crying out loud, Jack.” Harlow groans and rolls his eyes. “You’re wrecking my proposal.” That only makes everyone laugh harder.
“No.” I smile so wide my cheeks hurt. “Nothing could ruin this. And yes, I want to marry you tomorrow.” Heat rushes into my face as he rises and kisses me.
The next day, we hold a simple ceremony to bind a sacred vow. There is no expensive silk gown. No elaborate flower arrangements. The food is prepared by the First Light Pack’s packhouse chef.
Wearing Romero’s mother’s wedding dress, I walk toward the altar in the packhouse courtyard.
The moon hangs higher than before, forming a graceful curve that reminds me of the Moon Goddess’s smile from my dream.
At the front stands Harlow, dressed in Romero’s black tuxedo.
It’s slightly too small for him, but that only emphasizes his broad shoulders and muscular chest.
No one walks me to the altar. I used to think Mr. Pascoe would be the one beside me.
Instead, I walk alone. It’s a bittersweet feeling, but I keep reminding myself that this is the best I can do and that I’ll never be alone.
My dad, my mom, Mr. Pascoe, Romero, and Mrs. Geeny will always accompany me in every step I take through this world until we meet again beneath the Moon Goddess’s light.
“You look downright stunning,” Harlow says through the look we share.
“You look handsome too. Charismatic. Like a real Alpha.”
“Does that mean I’m a pain in the ass?” he asks through the mind link.
I laugh softly. “No. You’re my home.”
The warmth of his smile reaches all the way into my chest. When I finally arrive at the altar, nervousness grips me again. I never expected my wedding day to go this smoothly.
Since morning, I’ve been terrified. Part of me keeps looking out for Alastair to appear and destroy everything. But Harlow has security posted across the entire First Light territory, and that gives me enough peace to keep walking forward.
We don’t know if we’ll still be alive tomorrow. This could be the final celebration of our lives. Whatever happens, whether Alastair attacks us or not, one thing remains certain. The Moon Goddess will help protect us.
“I, Harlow Blackmoore, Alpha of Crescent Moon Pack, swear to be honest and loyal to you forever. To protect you, comfort you, and give you the best this world has to offer.”
His vow settles over me like warmth. Then it’s my turn.
“I, Alexa Dawson, daughter of Robert Dawson, swear to be honest and loyal to you forever. To guide you, comfort you, and give you the best this world has to offer. I will bear your mark until the day I draw my last breath.”
The elder of First Light Pack raises his hands.
“By the authority granted to me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss and mark your mate.” His voice carries clearly across the courtyard.
Harlow stares at me for a long moment before leaning forward. I lean toward him too, helped by the borrowed heels that keep me from having to stand on my toes. Our lips meet in a kiss that is impossibly gentle. Energy flows endlessly between us, circling back and forth like an unbroken current.
My arms wrap around his neck. His hands settle around my waist. His thumb strokes the back of my neck. Later, I would remember the faint taste of champagne lingering on his lips. He catches my lower lip between his teeth for a moment before we finally pull apart and turn toward our guests.
Applause erupts immediately. “Hell yeah! About damn time!” Jack shouts before letting out a sharp whistle. The crowd bursts into laughter.
That night, everyone celebrates as though tomorrow might never come. There are no lavish decorations. No extravagant displays. But the food never runs out. The wine keeps flowing. Acoustic guitars, pounding drums, and piano melodies fill the air without pause.
At some point, Harlow and I quietly slip away into one of the main bedrooms prepared for us inside the packhouse. Guards stand watch in every direction at a distance of roughly half a mile. Far enough away to give us privacy. Close enough to keep us safe.
* * *
“C’mon, Harlow. I’m yours.” I hiss as his cock is buried deep inside me.
My hands cup the back of his neck, pressing his head into the curve of my throat. Our hips move together like a dance, the rhythm building with every thrust. His warm breath brushes against my skin, raising goosebumps and sending shivers down my neck.
“You take me so damn good, baby. Squeezing me so tight.” He groans continuously, his eyes shut in pleasure.
“Yes. Yes. Give it all to me. Give me more. Harder.” I whimper as my other hand presses against his ass, urging him closer.
At some point, I can’t hold anything back anymore. My heartbeat pounds wildly inside my chest. Can he feel it the same way I feel his heart hammering against me? The scent of sex surrounds us, thick and impossible to escape.
My body feels increasingly sore and numb.
There has already been too much pleasure tonight.
By the third round, I can feel our bodies grinding together with almost unbearable friction.
His balls press heavily against me, branding the memory into my skin as if it will stay with me for the rest of my life.
“Harlow!” I cry out, repeating the name without any coherent thought behind it.
A deep growl rumbles from his chest, raw and primal enough to shake the bed beneath us. Every muscle in our bodies tightens. Our jaws clench as pleasure crashes through us. Eventually the intensity fades, leaving us breathless and trembling.
Neither of us lets go. Slowly, Harlow pulls back. He grabs a clean washcloth and takes care of both himself and me before collapsing onto the mattress beside me.
I curl into his side beneath the blanket. He kisses my temple and strokes my arm. Together we let out long breaths, slowly regaining control of ourselves. His gaze drifts toward the ceiling then he chuckles.
“What?” I ask, lifting my head to study the face I’ve already memorized.
“Nothin’.” He shakes his head. “Just can’t believe any of this is real.”