★JASMINE★
[ONE MONTH LATER]
Walking down the aisle with my mate, Alpha Jericho, I managed a smile as everyone's attention was solely fixated on me.
Funny how life played out because I never expected to be in such a position today. Wearing a wedding gown, about to be crowned Luna, and becoming a wife to the greatest Alpha in the were-world.
Indeed, life is an irony.
The best decision I have ever made was accepting to leave with my mate even without knowing him too well back then.
It's been one month since I realized I was pregnant with Cade's child. One month since I found Cade and my stepmother having s*x, one month since my supposed wedding was meant to take place and I met my mate. And then, I packed everything that belonged to me and left.
Although Cade's child was growing inside of me, I'd make sure he never got to see him or her even after his death.
Cade hurt me.
The pain, the humiliation, the tears, and the misery I had to go through were so unbearable. What could I have done to warrant such treatment from him? What could have transpired for him to toss away four good years of our relationship like it didn't mean a thing?
This was why when my mate asked me to be his Luna, I accepted right away.
I didn't want to feel powerless anymore. I wanted that power surge just so I could punish Cade and Luna Isobel for what they did to me.
Although we haven't engaged in any conversation since we came to his pack, I got to realize that he was the mighty Lycan King feared by all and sundry. The Alpha of the bloody fur pack...who has no mercy on anyone.
The both of us got to the altar and one of the Elder began to take our vows.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the bloody fur. It's with great honor to be gathered here today on behalf of our leader, Alpha Jericho. We all know Alpha Jericho didn't have a Luna until the moon goddess finally bestowed us with a mate."
Instantly the atmosphere broke into a cheer, and some rounded an applause.
"Jasmine Jones of the white moon Pack, do you take Alpha Jericho to be your traditionally wedded husband, partner, and Alpha? In honesty and transparency, sickness and in health until death do you part?"
Honesty and transparency?
A pang of guilt suddenly plagued my gut. Alpha Jericho doesn't know that I'm carrying another man's child. Every of my subconscious screamed at me for not telling him even until now. But then, I wanted a future for myself.
Right now, I had no idea of what would happen if he found out later on, but I needed to secure a future for myself and my unborn pup.
Tomorrow would save itself.
Eventually, I pledged. "Yes, I do.”
"Good." The elder clasped a beautiful piece of Emerald necklace on my neck and then turned to face Alpha Jericho. "Do you Jericho Sanders, take Jasmine Jones as your traditionally wedded wife. In sickness and in health, in love and in support until death do you part?"
A glint of hesitation flickered through my mate's eyes. I didn't need anyone to tell me that he was also conflicted. Because ever since I came to this pack, he kept me aside and has never paid attention to me.
Even our marital bond was contractual according to his words.
We both wanted something from each other. On his part- he no longer wanted to be an Alpha without a Luna. And since I was his mate, he felt I was in the right position to take over the title. That was why he had to spend one month, observing me. To be sure I wasn't mentally unstable like Luna Isobel claimed.
On mine- I needed to be relevant and in a better position, so I'd have power at my disposal. Staying back in my pack would only make life unbearable for me.
I'd get to watch Luna Isobel and Cade's romantic escapades and I'd have to bear with it. There would be no one to support me and no way for me to take back my father's pack. So I chose the easiest route. Become the greatest Luna and then, make the whole wereworld mellow at my feet.
"I do." Alpha Jericho's voice split through my thoughts and a part of me felt relieved.
The elder rendered an eulogy for him, we exchanged rings. After that, he declared us Alpha and Luna.
Everyone started cheering once more. The excitement in the atmosphere was unmatched as loud drums and songs rhymed in a melodic tune.
While dancing, they began to chant; "Long live the Alpha and Luna! Long live the bloody fur pack!"
With a crown on his head, Alpha Jericho stepped forward and raised his hand. Instantly, the once cheery atmosphere became extremely quiet.
"People of the bloody fur pack. Thank you for believing in me all these years. Note that my Luna also has the same power as me. Any respect you'd pay to me, do the same on her accord. Should anyone disrespect her, that person is also disrespecting me and you know what happens when you dare me?"
"Yes, Alpha." They answered in unison.
"Good. Now make merry. Eat, drink and dance. It's a joyful day!"
The crowd roared into a loud cheer once more, while Alpha Jericho latched his hand around mine and then led me away.
Once we were out of the hall, he released his grip on me and then commanded. "Follow me!"
And I did so without questions.
Taking several turns, we got to a gargantuan-sized building and the guards there opened the door for us to enter.
"There!" Alpha Jericho pointed at a scroll situated on a very huge, squared table.
I walked over there and then picked up the scroll.
"Those are the rules you'd have to adhere to as my Luna. Since I gave you new life, I believe that's the least you can do to survive in my pack."
With shaky breaths, my eyes skimmed through the written rules.
#Rule 1- Do not come to my chambers except when I summon you.
#Rule 2- Do not question my authority and make sure to do exactly as I say.
#Rule 3- Even though we are mates, you are not permitted to sleep in the same chamber with me. You stay in yours and I stay in mine.
#Rule 4-Remember we are not in love. Don't ever address me with any other name except from my title.
I scoffed inaudibly. Of course, I knew we weren't in love. After my ordeal with Cade, there was no way I'd let my heart long for another man!
The rules went on and on.
"Does our deal stand or not?" He growled.
I raised my head to see him seated on his throne. His eyes held no hint of amusement whatsoever. Just curiosity and earnestness.
Although the rules were ridiculous. A part of me acknowledged them as a lesser price to pay in exchange for power, so I nodded my head in consent.
"Our deal stands."