The Wisteria Alpha

CHAPTER 20~Ceremony~

Devlin

    Over the next three days, Lotus would find me at random times throughout the day, locking us in dark rooms, working her finger magic. She allowed me to touch her, bringing her pleasure multiple times before I spent myself in her small hands. 

   She would leave me dazed and breathless. Her kisses always lingered after she left. I loved our time together but I wanted more. I wanted to be inside her, feel her heat wrapped tightly around me. I was tired of waiting. I would have her, there was no more avoiding it. Alphas had to wait to mark their mates until they had their ceremonies. Our ceremony was tonight. 

       Lotus and my mother have been planning the event. It was definitely going to be a classy affair, one that we could actually afford. Lotus insisted that we didn't hire a caterer; she wanted everyone to see how well Gail could cook with the proper staff and supplies. The mandatory breakfasts have been working as well. More members were eating in the dining hall, getting to know each other and their newly ranked female members. The fact that the food was delicious made everything perfect.

    Elder Regan had returned to inform us that all of the Assembly will be present as well as a few Council members. I was apprehensive of the Council attending. They were partly responsible for the girls’ lifestyle. I will be sure to have a few words.    

Lotus

    It has been busy these past few days. Abbie had me running around trying on dresses, sampling cakes, creating centerpieces and designing decorations. A Luna’s ceremony was very much like a wedding, with formal attire and white dresses. She had wanted to shop in Denver but Devlin heavily opposed. He didn’t want to put us in a bigger population and risk being seen by one of Lazarus’s men. We had settled for a little boutique called Greatness, that was on the territory.  

   Greatness lived up to its reputation. The staff quickly measured us, then brought in everything we needed for a full wardrobe including undergarments and shoes. The shopkeeper, Lisette, was thrilled that the ranked members would be wearing her clothing exclusively. She supplied us with champagne and good conversation as we tried on clothes. Lisette’s tastes were refined and classy; her clothing felt like battle armor. When it was time to leave, we needed to make three trips to the house to bring everything inside. 

     I stared down at my dress. It was an A-line halter top that flowed beautifully past my hips and stopped right at my ankles. The halter part was thick and covered most of my neck, three pearl buttons secured it. There was a slit in the middle that exposed my chest, but fully covered my breasts. The slit stopped before my belly button showing the perfect amount of skin. The skirt flowed loosely and accentuated my curves. But the most beautiful features were that it had pockets and it was black.

    All Luna’s wore white, but I was an Alpha and we wore black. I felt nervous about the pack accepting me. My dress was a dead giveaway that tonight wasn’t going to be a typical ceremony. The twins were also being initiated into the pack as the Beta and Gamma females, and if things went right, Donnie would be introduced as the Delta. 

   My sisters walked in, their excitement radiating off them in waves. Lila was wearing a short gold sequin dress; it had thin straps, a square neckline and clung her curvy frame. Lily decided to go with a strapless purple dress that was sequin on her chest, the satin skirt flowed into a tea length cut.  We decided to wear matching gold shoes. Since my ankle was still healing, I had to wear sandals and the girls had booties.

  “You both look stunning!” I squealed. My sisters laughed and twirled around. “Are you ready to get dressed Alpha?” Lily asked, wiggling her eyebrows. “Yes, I’m ready to get this over with!” I replied. Lila held my dress up while I stepped in it. Lily zipped up the back part and clasped the black pearl buttons together.  

    Donavon knocked on the door, walking in with a silver gift bag. “You look amazing!” we cooed, crowding him and giving out compliments.  He was dressed in a black suit with a dark purple button up; a gold handkerchief poked out of his pocket. He flashed a smile and reached inside the bag, taking out three small boxes and handed one to each of us. “What's this?” Lila asked, lifting the box to her ear, shaking it to hear its contents. He ran a nervous hand through his hair. 

    “It’s just a little something I picked up for my little sisters.” he said sheepishly. I opened the box divulging a set of small purple petal shaped diamonds, they were the color of wisteria flowers. I heard the twins gasp, “Donnie!” “I thought you should have a little piece of home.” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. Tears started to form in my eyes, I knew my sisters’ faces matched mine. 

     Donnie started to wave frantically, “No no no no. Please don’t cry.” We laughed, pulling him into a hug. The twins started to talk at once, Donavon was clearly overwhelmed, not knowing who to address. “Girls, just tell him thank you so he can leave.” “Thank you!” they shouted. “Thank you, Donnie.” I said. He grinned, “You're welcome. I’ll see you down stairs.” he sprinted to the door.

    “I love having a big brother!” Lila said, putting her earrings on. “I agree.” Lila chimed. I plucked my earring out and slid them into my ears. They were beautiful. We finished putting on our final touches for our hair and makeup. The girls decided to wear their hair down, while I had my hair wrapped in a braid crown. We kept our makeup simple with just mascara, light foundation and blush.

       Devlin’s parents walked in with the pups. August was in tiny black slacks and a black button up, accented with a gold and purple striped bow. His sandy hair was combed to the side: he was quite handsome. Summer was in a gold dress and Autumn in purple, their tutus were big and fluffy. They looked like little princesses ready for a ball. “You all look beautiful!” Abbie gushed. “Are we ready?” Devin asked. I nodded my head, “Yes.” It was officially time for me to become an Alpha.

Devlin

   Cyrus, Brantley and I greeted our members as they filled the backyard. The atmosphere seemed cherry, I prayed it would continue to stay that way after Lotus came down. I met with Elder Regan and all twelve Great Elders that served as the Assembly. They had congratulated me and talked of their high hopes for the future now that the Royal bloodline has continued.

   Brantley had introduced the three members of the Council who were elected to attend. Their trio consisted of a witch named Blair Summons, a vampire named Vincent Lanston, and a demon named Thaddeus Paine. They were pleasant and made idle conversation. They were very curious about the last survivors of Wisteria. From the way they discussed it, it seems like the upper-levels were trying to keep Lazarus’s involvement a secret. That was very interesting. 

    My mother linked me, Honey, the girls are ready. I motioned towards the guys and we made our way to the living room to wait for them. We were all dressed in sleek black suits, our ties matching our mate’s dresses. Our heads turned to the voices coming down the stairs.

   Lily and Lila were the first down, Cyrus and Brantley inhaled sharply. They looked ready to eat their mates.  I chuckled; they were completely whipped! The smell of peaches hit my nose and I whipped my gaze back around. 

   What the f**k was she wearing?! Lotus’s black dress had accentuated every damn curve she had. The slit in the front showed the path from her throat to her abdomen, her warm coco skin glistening. I wanted to rip her dress off and take her there on the floor. Her smile reached her ears, which were now sparking in the light, the purple diamonds suited her well. 

   “Close your mouth baby.” she smirked as she made her way over. I snapped my mouth shut, reaching out to cup her neck. I rubbed my thumb against her throat, Winter was purring in appreciation. “You’re a goddess on earth.” I blurted out. She cackled with laughter, her dimple going deeper into her cheek. A goddess was too light of a word to describe her. 

   I put more pressure on her neck, bringing her closer. Her eyes darkened as she licked her lips. I wrapped my other hand around her waist, gliding my hand up to her back. I groaned, of course her back wasn’t covered. I rubbed my arousal against her stomach, her eyes bright with lust. There was no way in hell she was going to escape me tonight.

Donavon

    It was finally show time as Devlin took the stage. His voice rang clear over the crowd, “Members of Crescent Woods and esteemed guests. I would like to personally thank you all in coming to celebrate the welcoming of our new ranked members.” There was a loud applause and cheers. 

    Devlin motion for us to take the stage. The Betas went first followed by the Gammas. I looked down at Lotus, her hand was resting in the crook of my arm. She took a deep breath and we walked up the stage. The crowd immediately began to murmur; some mentioned their joy, others wanted to know why she was wearing black.

    I gave her hand a pat before handing her over to Dev. He addressed the pack again, “Although some of you have already met her, please allow me to formally introduce my mate, Lotus Wisteria, of the Wisteria Forrest pack.” The crowd erupted with loud gasps and louder whispers. “As you can see, this is not a Luna ceremony. We are here to officialize an Alpha. But in order to do that we need your blessing.” Devlin continued. 

    The crowd continued to murmur loudly. A voice broke through the noise, “What does that mean for the pack?” Elder Regan answered, “It means our pack would be twice as strong. The bond that a second Alpha brings us will strengthen us in mind, body and wolf.” The crowd continued to discuss. 

     Another voice rang out, it came from the couple that we visited the other day. “What will her roll be?” Devlin responded, “She will fulfill all the roles a Luna would and more. We will run the pack together as Co-Alphas. Her word is just as strong as mine.” The audience murmured louder. 

      “Why do we need two Alphas? Are you not enough?” The voice came from Marie. Of course, she had something to f*****g say. Devlin’s eyes narrowed, “I am more than enough. But I am strongest when my mate is beside me.” Marie scoffed, “Does she have to be an Alpha? Can she not rescind her title and just be a Luna?” The crowd rallied their agreement. 

    “ENOUGH!” Lotus’s voice thundered, hushing the crowd. “If the roles were reversed, would you rescind your birthright? Would you spit on the memories of your people and your bloodline, when they gave their lives for you to survive?” Nevers and Nos rang out. “But you expect me to step down? You would ask me to ignore my heritage. You want me to bring shame to my family that was slaughtered in cold blood.” The crowd grew silent.

     “My name is Lotus Wisteria of the Wisteria Forest pack. Direct descendant of the first Wolf, Celeste, and the last female Alpha of her kind. I will NOT dishonor our moon goddess and throw away the gift she bestowed me. I am an Alpha. I will step down for no one.” 

    Lotus ripped her necklace away and tossed it to the side. Her aura eclipsing her small frame. The audience backed up, some kneeling under its pressure. “Now, you can either rise and accept your destiny, becoming the strongest version of yourselves. Or you can be left behind, weak and lonely.” her voice was clear and held authority that I’ve only heard come from Devlin; It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

   “I will only ask this once; Crescent Woods pack, do you accept me as you Alpha?!” The crowd roared with their approval. They started to chant, “Alpha! Alpha! Alpha!” Devlin grabbed Lotus’s hand, bringing it up for a kiss. He was gazing at her with so much love and admiration I could feel it from here.