Rejection and Second Chances

Another New Beginning

I was pushed forward in front of the pack elder as he spread his arms open to the area around him, Ashton walking up next to me. The Elders eyes twinkled as he looked down at us.

“We are here today to join this Luna and Alpha in ceremony, officially beginning a new era of Golden Warrior Pack.” He lowered his arms, waving us forward as someone brought a golden bowl that was dented so badly it looked like it had been through a hailstorm. He procured a dagger from a sheathe, the hilt porcelain and the blade also made of gold. It gleamed in the light of the sunset, looking sharp and inviting.

“Ashton Laramie, are you ready to uphold your alpha duties and protect your pack, even if it means giving up your life?” Ashton nodded, clearing his throat.

“I am, Elder.” He nodded, turning to me.

“And you, Adelina Nichols.” He gazed down at me. “Are you ready to uphold your Luna duties, to nurture and teach and protect your pack, even if it means giving up your life?” My body was shaking and I was almost positive I would faint in front of my entire pack.

“I am, Elder.” My voice was soft, a gentle breeze picking up as he searched my eyes. He nodded as Ashton and I stretched our palms out. He slashed the blade edge against both of our palms. Ashton and I clamped our hands together as the blood flowed into the bowl, mixing together. The pack was loud, erupting in cheers and happiness. I looked over at Ashton’s parents, and his mom had tears rolling down her face.

Yessenia was howling and clapping with a fierceness, Sophia smiling widely and Justin cheering. Carla was clapping and had a small smirk on her face. I smiled at the entire pack, Ashton grabbing my hand and bringing both mine and his hand up in the air. The pack cheered again, an eruption of hoots and howls and happiness.

“Thank you for being here everyone, we hope to say hi to each one of you before the night is over!” Ashton’s voice boomed over the crown after they finally quieted down, his lips turning into a smile as everyone turned towards each other to start talking.

“Adelina, are you alright?” Makayla asked, appearing in front of me with her hands clasped. I looked down at her, nodding and smiling softly.

“Yeah, I just…” I fidgeted with my mom’s ring. “I wonder if this would be happening if my parents were still alive.” My voice was quiet, but when I finally looked at her, she didn’t look at me with pity. Her eyes shone, like there was something she knew but couldn’t express. I tried my best to read her, but it was frustrating since I still wasn’t used to looking at positive faces.

“Oh, Adelina,” her voice was light and she was smiling as she put her hand on my arm. “The Moon Goddess makes everything happen as she wishes. Your parents are probably with you right now.” I nodded, smoothing my dress and stepping down in front of her.

“Thank you, Makayla.” My voice almost choked up. “I appreciate your kind words.” She nodded and stepped away, and I had to wipe a tear from my eye before it fell.

She’s right.

Astia’s voice was a purr in my head. But I didn’t want to think about what she could mean, not with everything going so good and Yessenia putting hard work into my look.

“You are the most gorgeous person I’ve ever seen in my life.” Ashton’s voice breathed into my ear as he nuzzled his mouth into my ear. “I can’t wait to see what’s under this dress.” I giggled when he slid his arms around me, kissing my cheek.

“Only if you’re good.” I turned around, wrapping my arms around his neck. He gave me a fake pouty face, widening his eyes to look innocent.

“When am I not good?” He batted his eyelashes at me, smiling when I laughed at him. I met him with my own smile as he just stood there and looked at me.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, concern starting to build in my chest. He shook his head, his smile remaining.

“Nothing, actually.” His voice wasn’t very loud, and I leaned in a little more to hear him, my face almost against his chest. “The night is perfect. The pack is perfect. You’re absolutely perfect. Almost like nothing could ever go wrong again.” It sounded like he meant every word, and my heart squeezed at the thought that someone could actually mean those words when speaking to me.

“I love you, Ashton.” He kissed the top of my head.

“I love you, Adelina.” His chin rested on the top of my head as he looked around at our pack. His smile grew larger as he watched moms take their kids and put them inside the packhouse or take them home. “One day, we’ll have our own beautiful little family.”

“One day.” I nodded, my heart beating quickly. Hopefully that one day isn’t soon; that’s something I’m not ready for in the slightest. Ashton stepped away from me, turning to face his pack.

“Already everybody, are we ready to signify this night with a good run?!” Everyone cheered, people racing inside to get changed. “Meet back here in ten minutes!” He turned towards me and I smiled as he grabbed my hand and led me to our bedroom.

“Let’s get that dress off you first.”