Jack smirks beside me, that familiar mischievous curve tugging at his lips. Before he can lean in and whisper something that would probably make me blush in front of the entire court, the High Priest’s voice echoes through the grand hall–booming, reverent, and commanding.
“Now,” he declares, raising his staff high, “let all gathered here pay their respects to the newly crowned Alpha King and Queen. The presentation of gifts and praises shall begin–starting with the Alphas and Lunas of the strongest packs.”
The crowd stirs immediately, bowing as the first line of Alphas and Lunas step forward in all their regal glory. The air fills with the rustle of silk, the glint of jewels, and the deep scent of incense burning in gold bowls along
the aisle.
Jack squeezes my hand once before releasing it, both of us straightening as the first names are called.
“The Alpha and Luna of the Bloodfang Pack–Alpha Fury and Luna Nora!”
A small, proud smile pulls at my lips as the hall erupts into polite applause. My heart warms at the sight of them -Nora looking radiant in royal gold and crimson, her blonde hair braided into a crown, and Fury walking beside her with his usual quiet strength.
It feels like a lifetime ago since he was just a warrior—my shadow, my protector. After returning to Bloodfang following my parents‘ burial ceremony, Fury had easily defeated every challenger to reclaim his rightful place as Alpha. With the Alpha King’s blood running through his veins, none of them had stood a chance. Since then, he’s transformed Bloodfang–tearing down outdated laws, rebuilding what was broken, and creating a home stronger and better than ever.
Now, watching him stride forward beside Nora, pride blooms in my chest. When they stop before our thrones, Fury bows deeply while Nora dips gracefully beside him.
“Your Majesty,” Fury begins. “It is an honor to stand before you again. My pack and I owe everything to your faith in us. I brought this as a token of Bloodfang’s loyalty.”
He gestures, and a warrior behind him steps forward, presenting a chest of black oak. When opened, it gleams with twin daggers forged from moonsteel–the rarest metal known to wolves. Their hilts are carved with the royal crest, each blade shimmering faintly with enchantment.
Jack’s brows lift, impressed. “Moonsteel,” he murmurs, taking one of the daggers and testing its weight.” You’ve outdone yourself, Fury.”
Fury grins, a flash of boyish pride still lingering beneath the Alpha façade. “Only the best for my King and Queen,”
Nora steps closer, her eyes sparkling. “And because we couldn’t decide which one of you is more dangerous, we made sure you both had a weapon to match,” she says with a teasing smile. I can’t believe I almost didn’t like
her.
Laughter ripples through the hall, and I can’t help but laugh too. Standing, I step down from the dais and embrace Nora tightly. “You’ve both come such a long way,” I whisper. “I’m so proud of you.”
1/3
Chapter 202
+15 BONUS
As I hold her, a sudden flutter stirs in my belly–my baby kicking, hard and insistent. The movement is so sharp that I pull away slightly, blinking in surprise. My hand instinctively presses against my stomach, but I say nothing.
Jack follows suit, shaking Fury’s hand before pulling him into a brief, brotherly hug–an act that leaves half the room stunned. No one expected their King to embrace another Alpha so openly. It makes it clear to everyone that Fury and Nora aren’t just allies. They’re family.
My gaze catches on Nora’s hand brushing gently over her stomach. It’s a small, almost unconscious gesture- but it makes my instincts flare. My eyes dart from her face to Fury’s, then back again.
Nora is pregnant. Probably only a few weeks along.
I don’t say a word, but the knowing smile curving her lips tells me I’m right.
Fury clears his throat, glancing at Nora before facing us again. A small smirk tugs at his lips. “Before we leave, we have some… news to share.”
The hall falls quiet instantly.
Nora beams and places both hands on her belly. “The Bloodfang Pack is expecting a new member soon.”
The hall erupts into joyful murmurs and applause. Jack lets out a low whistle before stepping forward to clap Fury on the back, while I grasp Nora’s hands, my heart swelling with happiness.
“That’s wonderful,” I breathe. “I knew it.”
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