Her Fate, His Mate

Chapter 17

The next morning we woke to banging on the door. I sat straight up in bed, blankets falling around my body. I crawled out of the huge bed and stumbled over to my robe, wrapping it around me. Ryker stood and motioned for me to go into the closet where our emergency hallway was, just in case. "Code is 43890 in all hallways. Go ahead and get in the emergency hallway now. No one should be banging this hard unless something is happening. I love you." He linked me.

I grabed a few items of clothing to change into once I was in the hallway. I picked up my combat boots and quickly headed out the emergency hallway. I linked Ryker when it was safe "I'm in the hallway. Changing now. I love you and please be safe."

I changed into thick socks, leggings, a short sleeved shirt, and a dark hoodie. I pulled on jean shorts over my leggings. I pulled my hair up and tried to use my wolf hearing to hear whats going on. I could only hear a slight muffle sound, but nothing that I could really make out. I decided to link him after 10 minutes of waiting "Ryker, what is going on?"

Silence on his end. It must be serious. I sighed and walked along the long winding hallway and listened at other doors. I pressed my ear against the door and heard a familiar voice on the other side. It was Asher, he must of been screaming. I decided right then and there, whatever was going on, I was not going to wait between the walls. I walked back to the closet door and tried to link him again. "Ryker I am coming out. Send someone to our room if you can. I can help, I want to help."

I put the code in and slowly and quietly opened the door. I walked over to the drawer and grabed my black gloves putting them on. If it's a fight they want, they'll get it. I walked out of the closet and Kingston walked in and looked at me.

He bowed his head "Luna, we are under attack by another pacn."

I sighed and nodded "Blood Moon?"

He shook his head "No, Cresting Moon."

I frowned and looked at him. "What? But why?" I was confused why another neighboring pack would attack us.

"They don't know the truth and crossed our borders and now in a stand off between our warriors and theres." he said quickly.

I shook my head and walked past him. He reached for me and I turned and glared. "You will not stop me." I warned in a threatening tone and instantly he stepped back and away.

"Let me lead you there." He offered.

"Tell me their location." I demanded as he followed. Three miles south of the gardens where the clearing meets the forest boundaries.

"F**k. I'll have to shift to make it there quickly." I took off in a sprint and headed for the door. I flew past women and children who were moving in to the safety area. They bowed their heads as I ran by them.

As I reached the door I shoved it open and looked in the direction I needed to run. I inhaled deeply and took off across the landing leaping and shifting in mid jump. As I hit the ground my paws dug deeply into the earth and I howled. Amethyst took over in the smoothest transition we have both ever done.

I sniffed the air and I could smell him. I followed his scent trail and ran as hard and as fast as I could. I broke flimsy tree branches and small trees as I barreled through the wooded area and into the clearing. I ran through the hills and finally reached the clearing. I looked down to where they were and a low growl escaped through my canines. I seen the other pack and noticed some had shifted and could tell they were ready to pounce when their Alpha gave the word. I searched Green Woodland and seen Ryker, I made a break for it, moving right into the middle of the clearing.

I was able to link Ryker "Let me handle this." and then I heard "Our Luna!" come through thoughts. I realized I could hear them all and it made my heart swell. I stood and growled at their Alpha and I seen him take a step back. He was obviously shocked that I am not only here, but put myself in between the two in a defensive manner. I looked down their line and then saw how some looked at me in awe.

I shifted back easily, Kingston bringing my clothes. I pat his snout and changed quickly. "Alpha Eric, stand down. You have been misinformed." I walked out midway through the field. "Please join my mate and I and let us discuss this matter peacefully."

He looked at me questioning "You're not here against your will Annabelle?"

"No, I am not. In fact you have arrived in time to join us for my Luna ceremony this evening. You and your warriors." I offered.

He raised his hand and I assume linked his warriors and I seen them instantly relax. I turned and looked at our own and nodded to them, they began to relax and some sat in the tall grass waiting in case if anything was to happen.

I walked out to him and heard Ryker growl. I turned, holding out my hand and he was already by my side grabbing it. "I don't like this."

"Trust." I whispered. We met Alpha Eric mid field between our packs.

He looked at me and seen my mark. "So he is your mate?"

I nodded and smiled up to my dashing and possessive mate. "He is. Here let me show you the truth. I was blessed with many talents and this is one that I have been focusing on and keeping a secret. All you need to do is relax."

I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. I held my hands up to chest level and projected my thoughts out. I showed him what has happened to me. From the first time meeting Ryker to now. The struggle Grant put me through, the fight and escape to Rykers arms. Everything that he needed to know that I am not here against my will. I released my control over him and stumbled back, a bit dizzy. Ryker held me steady and I was so thankful for him. I looked up at him and smiled. I looked over to Alpha Eric and as he turned to his pack.

"Everyone we have been deceived. The future Alpha of Blood Moon has lied to everyone! She is the future Luna of Green Woodland!" he turned to us "Dreadfully sorry for all of the trouble. I was just coming to weaken your warriors for their attack tomorrow. We have much to discuss." He offered his hand in a shake.

Ryker took the man's hand and shook it, come and join my Mate and I in my office. We have plenty of rooms and food for your warriors here. You are all welcome for our Luna Ceremony this evening."

We began the long walk back to the packhouse. We talked about my struggles on getting here and explaining how Asher and Kingston came to the pack and offered protection before I even knew who they were. Alpha Eric was completely disgusted and enraged at the deceit by Grant.

We walked into Rykers office and discussed our plan with Alpha Eric. He agreed to help us in case things ended up getting rocky. "Projecting what I have been through drains me, especially if I have shifted before. So it is very important that I can get to the Alpha and show him everything. All of it. It's going to take time, a lot longer than what it was with you, Alpha Eric. So your help is going to be greatly needed." I sat in a chair and looked over at him.

"You have my word to help get the Alpha alone so you can show him or whatever you need from me and my warriors." His fist went over his heart "I swear by the Goddess we will make this right by you and Alpha Ryker. You have my word." He bowed his head.

"Thank you, friend that means everything to Anna and myself, as well as the rest of the pack." Ryker walked over to him and outstretched his hand, passing him a drink.

"Anna, you are going to be an amazing Luna. The way you didn't think twice about protecting your pack. Amazingly selfless of you." Eric looked over at me.

"I was just doing what I needed to do. If I can help, provide assistance, or protect the pack in any way, shape, or form I will do my very best to do so." I stood then. "But if you gentlemen excuse me I have to start getting ready for my ceremony now."

I walked for the door and turned around to them as I opened it, "Oh you may want to brief our pack on what is going on. The both of you." I smiled and left the room.

Ryker linked me "With all the excitement I nearly forgot. Thank you."

I smiled and linked him back "Of course darling. See you soon, I love you."

"Love you too." he replied and the link broke as I entered the room. I jumped across the bed and sighed. I reached for the alarm and set it for one hour. A small nap was most definitely needed after this mornings exhausted events.

After the nap I sat up in the bed. I looked around the bedroom and slid to the edge of the bed. I stood and walked into the bathroom. I stripped down and took a shower. Getting out I continued to get ready. A soft knock came to the door and I walked over. My mom and Lillian both stood there. I wrapped my arms around my mothers neck, hugging her. "I am so glad you're here and you made it."

"Oh me too, I heard about your bravery and I am so very proud of you. Now Miss Lillian shall we get her ready for this evening?" My mom released me and walked into the room with a few bags.

"Oh yes ma'am let's make her sparkle!" Lillian spoke excitedly and walked into the bathroom pulling out the chair that sat at the vanity. She looked at me and pointed at the chair "Have a seat and get comfortable. I'm gonna work my magic!"

I sat and relaxed back in the chair. My mom walked around and looked at us both "I am going to go get us some iced coffees. I'll be back shortly." She left the room.

I let Lillian do my make up and my hair. My mother came back shortly after she left with three coffees and some snacks. We paused and ate the snacks and sipped our coffees. We talked about tonight's festivities and this mornings activities. I went into detail over everything. They watched and listened intently, hanging onto my every word.

Lillian went back to work, this time on my hair. She went with a low bun and loose curls to shape my face. I stood and walked over to my mother who just finished steaming my gown. It took both of them to lace up the corset back. I walked out and looked at myself in the mirror. I couldn't believe how elegant I looked. Although this dress had a corset it wasn't ball gown style. I relaxed at my hips and hung loosely. It had some shimmer around the bust and lace through my arms. I felt beautiful.

"Well it is time for your ceremony. Ryker is waiting outside at the landing before the stairs." Lillian hugged me and left hurrying away quickly to get her dress on. She showed up ready other than that. My mom had dressed while Lillian got me ready.

"Ready?" my mom looked at me.

"Almost. Let me take a moment and I will be right there." I smiled at her and she walked out the door to wait.

I looked at myself in the mirror. So much has changed in the last few weeks, I almost didn't recognize the, now woman, looking back at me in the mirror. I was about to be a Luna over the pack, officially that is. I have a wonderful mate who I am so excited to spend my life with. We just have to get through the next few days. Then we can have our happy ending.

I walked outbthe door and seen my smiling mother. I walked over to her "Okay, I am ready."