Alpha Black
Chapter 32 - Bonfire Night

Alice Forrest

The smell of citrus and pine lingered on my skin, his kisses had trailed in all of the intimate places and crevasses. He’d kissed the freckles that danced over my skin and my whole body tingled from his touch as he extinguished the fire that burned between the two of us.

The Summer had welcomed beautiful days in the Western Boundary Territory, with the sun still high in the sky, the pack members piled together stacks of timber and dried wood, preparing for a large communal barbeque in honour of my presence as Luna. An assortment of roasted meats rotated slowly above hot coals, flames licked at the dripping fats and oils that soon created the most delectable smell that wafted through every open window and door of the pack house.

“That smells amazing,” I groaned, and I brushed out my hair one final time and gave myself the twice over in the mirror.

“Mmm,” Nathaniel moaned in agreement, rolling over to look at me from the bed, “but not quite as beautiful as you.”

I shot him a playfully disappointing stare, before turning back to the mirror to look at the dress Patricia had helped me choose. It was made of a light material that matched my skin tone perfectly, a sheer black chiffon covering what parts of my body the dress covered. The deep V neck was not unlike the one I had worn when I had become Luna, but this dress was more fitted, with a long thin split that traced up past my thigh, and the lace details allowing for the belt of the blade’s sheath to blend seamlessly into the design.

Paired with strappy black heels, I was even intimidated by my own reflection. Giving a nod, Nathaniel got up off the bed as he rolled up the sleeves to his black dress shirt, placing his hand on my lower back, “you really do look beautiful,” he said kissing my cheek lightly.

“Thank you,” I said with a smile and we walked out of the suite, Nathaniel’s hand guiding me.

“You’re ready for tonight then?” he said softly.

“Of course, I know what to do,” I and I gazed at him lovely as we reached the top of the stairs.

The courtyard and building lobby hushed into silence as I scanned the crowd my eyes finally falling on Jamie who leaned against the wall next to the front door, the other guards who had accompanied us standing with him, glasses of drink in hand.

“My beloved pack members, for those of you who were not able to join in the celebrations three moons past, I am honoured to present to you, the love of my life, my mate, and your Luna,” he said, his natural charisma and leadership, letting his voice reach all of those who listened. He lifted my hand and planted a kiss on it, “now please, have fun, drink lots and eat more!” He finished, lifting a glass that was handed to him.

The silence broke and cheers and an applause filled the room.

’It feels weird,’ I said to Nathaniel.

’Chin up and look like you were born for this, because you were,’ he purred back.

We descended the stairs and were welcomed into the crowd, many bowing and shying away from us, but just as many grasping at Nathaniel’s hands, thanking him and blessing him. It was in moments like these, that you see how much Nathaniel and his forefathers had done for these people, how his hard work and net worth provides for thousands of families and wolves, keeping them safe from themselves and other.

Eventually replaceing ourselves seated at one of the grand glass tables outside, we watched the fires spit sparks into the warm evening air, like stars trying to reach the sky.

“Have you not seen much of the Moon Pack before, Luna?” Jennifer said, who was seated next to me.

“No, unfortunately I haven’t but it’s better late than never,” I said with a sweet smile.

“Yes, I completely understand, becoming a Luna is a heavy responsibility to bare, especially on top of replaceing your mate, I’m not sure how the two of you replace time to get anything done at all,” she said, clearly unaware of my academic endeavors.

“The Alpha and my self are both very ambitious, goal orientated and driven people. We seem to be managing very well for now,” I said choosing my words carefully.

“Oh of course, I’d expect nothing less of the mate of such a passionate Alpha, of course I can only pity you once you have pups, you’d have your hands full, although I’m sure the Alpha’s family would be around to help you out.”

“Yes, they’re lovely, I’m not sure what I’d do without their constant support and commitment.”

“Yes definitely, Mike’s family were incredible with our two pups, of course we had them straight after mating, I’m surprised you’re not showing Luna.”

“I’m not expecting,” I said raising an eyebrow at her.

“Oh,” she said clearly taken aback, “I’m so sorry Luna, I just assumed because of your position and the Alpha’s age that -.”

I held up my hand up to silence her, and turned my gaze to her, “Sometimes the Moon Spirits have their own plans Mrs. Michael, my mate and I have no intention of playing God and toying with fate, it often does not end well for those who step a toe out of line. We look forward to the day we are blessed with pups to raise,” I added silencing her question.

“Plus, it’s an uncertain time and we must all be prepared,” I said, grazing my fingers lighting on the blade strapped to my thigh, her gaze flicked to the blade that she had clearly not noticed before and a flash of fear blinked onto her eyes for a moment before being blinked away.

“You fight then Luna?” Grace said, moving a chair and joining the conversation.

“I train with Beta Jamie with the warriors, I’m a firm believer that it’s important that you shouldn’t be a burden.”

“I hear that Beta Jamie is a ferocious warrior, isn’t it dangerous?” Grace said furrowing her brow.

“As dangerous as being the Luna and mate to the most powerful and influential Alpha in the country, if not continent? No, the training is nothing compared to the risk I pose to this pack,” I said without hesitation and giving Jennifer a glance out of the corner of my eye.

The music suddenly grew louder and Nathaniel stood up and turned to me, “May I have this dance, Luna?” he said, despite having been called Luna more and more, the way he said it made it sound so intimate and sexual, sweeter than sugar.

“How could I say no to you, Alpha,” I replied, taking his hand and letting him lead me into the clearing where people were dancing and laughing in front of the bonfires.

“What do you think?” Nathaniel asked, as he took my hand and placed his other hand on my waist.

“She’s definitely afraid of me,” I replied quietly, placing my free hand on his chest, “but I don’t know if that’s because I’m intimidating or because she’s hiding something.”

He began to lead, we’d practiced dancing, but I never got used to how smooth his steps were, how easy he was to dance with how he corrected and guided me, almost making it impossible to misstep.

“Thank you for doing this,” he whispered, in my ear, pulling me closer to his chest and illuminating the space between us.

“Dancing with you?”

“No,” he purred.

“Going on a tour with you?”

“Nope,” he said a grin now plastered on his face and he closed his eyes.

“Then what?”

“Your master plan on how to flush out who is apart of the rebellion that’s grown in my pack,” he murmured, kissing me on the head as we swayed and danced to the music.

“Our pack,” I corrected.

He froze unexpectedly and I felt the eyes of a hundred wolves fall onto us as I had taken as step away, his gaze was fixed on me and I had no idea what he was thinking. The music seemed quitter and all of the chatter, gossip, and movement had stopped, we were left with the sounds of the crackling fire that illuminated the space between us.

He gave my arm a soft yank, twirling me into his arms and he kissed me. It wasn’t a peck, or a ‘make out’ kinda kiss, it’s the one that sets fireworks off in your body, leaves you loose and feeling intoxicated. His hands gripped my head and waist as he deepened the kiss pushing me back into a dip, and the crowed seemed to let out a sigh or a cheer. I wasn’t paying attention.