The Pack had gathered at midnight behind the Pack House.

All of them were clothed in white, wispy apparels that covered them from neck to toe. They looked like fairies from a distance, dancing in the late evening glow.

The little girls had white ribbons intertwined into their hair and the boys sported matching white bow ties clipped to their shirts. Everyone had opted to leave their feet naked as they stood on the grass field, waiting patiently for the event to officially commence.

Someone had decorated the outside, stringing up paper lanterns of different colours. I'd been shocked to realise that they used fireflies as their lights instead of candle lit flames. There was just something more softer and intimate using fireflies. Jane assured me that the fireflies would be freed after the ceremony.

Seamus wore a silk white sash that draped over one shoulder and tied off neatly at his hip. It was strange seeing him without any shoes or his pressed clothes. He almost exuded a completely different aura if not for the way his calculating gaze flew around the Pack, assessing and concluding voiceless thoughts.

Jude walked beside him, wearing something almost identical but his sash was embossed with golden thread.

On top of his dark hair, sat a golden crown. It wasn't overly adorned with large gems and outrageous sparkles, but it held a single emerald in the main tear drop that formed the middle spike. The rest of the lavish metal had been finely manipulated into delicate twists and turns, forming something that would suit a faerie Prince.

They paused a few feet away, still heavily engrossed in their conversation. Seamus shook his head sternly. Jude looked on the verge of popping a vein judging by the ferocity of his jaw clenching.

"Everything okay?" I asked warily as I approached the pair. The tense atmosphere between the two was tangible, even Jamison couldn't stop glancing back at the duet despite having to eye the kids who were suspiciously getting closer to the untouched spread of sweet desserts.

Jude immediately shed the hard expression that had been etched in the fine structures of his face, settling for a less tense stance. "Aella-" his words trailed off as he took a long, appreciative glance of the dress Jane had helped me slip on.

The dress had belonged to Jude's mother at the time she completed the ceremony with Jude's father. It had been stashed away, collecting dust and cobwebs until Jane stumbled across it as she pilfered through the attic of the Pack House for some decorations to add for tonight's event.

It fit perfectly.

The soft feminine lace fitted the slopes of my breasts perfectly and outlined the feminine curve of my hips. The back dipped low, showcasing the length of my spine and the elegant thin straps only accentuated the outline of my shoulders. The grass was wet against my bare feet, but I didn't feel uncomfortable. There was always something about feet against cool, silk grass that made me feel like I was floating in the air.

"Come here." His voice was low-pitched, I could barely hear him.

I hiked the edges of the dress where the material transformed into a wispy texture. His arm immediately landed on my waist, steering me close. "Ready for me Aella?"

I nodded, studying his clear gaze. "More than ready."

"Good." He grinned, taking my hand, and whisking us towards the little dais someone had constructed from wood. We stood under an oversized arch, decorated with pink and white flowers. Pretty white flowers were sprinkled at our feet and a big ceramic bowl sat between us, with a knife and scarlet ribbon tied at the base of the bejewelled hilt.

The Pack had gone quiet, approaching the dais in open rapture. I became aware of the eyes watching us. Jude picked up the knife, holding it carefully in his palm. Seamus appeared in the next second, standing to our side holding a rumpled book of yellow pages tethered together by a leather binder. The edges of the pages appeared to be worn and some were a bit loose from age.

"The Ceremony will now begin." His voice travelled through the crowd, even the little children had gone mute, recognising the seriousness of the event. Heads turned when a line of men moved through the crowd. They were the only ones not swathed in white. They joined us on the dais, separating into two groups on each side. Some behind Jude and the rest behind me.

It was his inner circle. All seven of them.

Jude took a moment to acknowledge them. Each cross an arm over their chest in response.

A promise.

An acceptance.

They were forging a promise to protect and sacrifice with that simple gesture.

"These men will now also protect you too Aella." Jude gestured to his inner circle. I watched, entranced, as each of them came forward, offering their left hand. Jude didn't hesitate as he slid the tip of the knife diagonally across their palms. Blood seeped out and each Enforcer fisted their cut hand to place a drop of blood into the bowl. Then, they lowered onto one knee, dipping their head in submission as they offered me their bleeding hand.

Seamus had explained earlier what I had to do. I was supposed to take their hand into mine and press a kiss to their cheek to accept their vow to protect me with their heart, might, mind and soul. It wasn't anything too fancy, but it meant a lot to have these men willingly sacrifice themselves to keep me safe. It was more than I have ever gotten in my life.

Jamison had been the first to approach. His expression was unreadable as he watched me closely. "Who would've thought I would be the one to bow down to you?" He asked quietly, a small grin decorating his lips. Jude made an incision in his palm. He didn't even flinch from the sharp contact. He remained on one knee, extending his hand, and waited.

I didn't think anyone could control this man who was voluntarily on his knees, offering a blood vow that would hold until his last breath.

I took his warm hand and brushed my lips against the stubble of his jaw, "I accept."

The moment I uttered the words, something snapped into place. I felt the words seal in his promise. Jamison took a deep breath and stood. His eyes danced between Jude and I. "Until I can no longer move or fight, I will keep you two safe. I swear it on my life." He vowed.

Alexei was next.

One by one, Jude cut their palms and I accepted each one with a vow of my own. I would protect them too. I would sacrifice for them too. They were mine to keep safe too.

Solkolov was the last to stretch out his bleeding palm. I accepted, pressing my lips to his cheek.

"Thank you." His words were quiet against my ear. He moved back into line and then Jude was there, assessing my expression.

"My turn." His eyes took on a warmth I had slowly become familiar with. He expertly drew the knife across his palm and allowed his blood to pool into the ceramic bowl. "I, Jude Slater of The Shadow Hunters Pack give you my blood, my protection, my loyalty, my trust, my heart, soul and body. I accept this bond between us bestowed by the Moon Goddess in all her goodness. I accept you as my eternal mate Aella Spades."

Fierceness coated each word that departed his lips. He held the knife for me. I didn't hesitate as I moved the knife along my palm until a drop of blood appeared. I let the scarlet drops trickle into the bowl.

"I, Aella Spades of the Blue Cave Pack give you my blood, my protection, my loyalty, my trust, my heart, soul and body. I accept this bond between us bestowed by the Moon Goddess in all her goodness. I accept you as my eternal mate Jude Slater."

His eyes filled with unspoken emotion as he placed the knife down. His Adam's apple bobbed as he turned to his Pack. Those eyes grew infinitely warm as he took in the large number of people dressed in white. No one had tried to interrupt the ceremony. Now that I was paying attention, their expressions were filled only with adoration for their Alpha.

"Kneel." Jude softly commanded. Each Pack member present willingly settled on their knees; their gazes fastened on me. I stood in confusion as Jude's seven men also went to their knees. Even Seamus. I began to lower but Jude shook his head. "Stay standing." He instructed.

I hesitated, feeling uncomfortable.

"When a new Luna is admitted, all Pack members will fall on their knees to pay tribute. It is the way of The Shadow Hunters. Our Lunas have always been strong, greater even than their counterparts. This is their way of saying they accept you as their Luna Aella and are willing to do anything for you. They are loyal to you as they are to me. Maybe even more."

I glanced at the crowd. The Recruits were all gathered near the edges. They too were on their knees out of respect for the tradition or maybe it was the fear of Jude forcing them on their knees when they didn't need to. Tatum was near the back with his men. Each were also on their knees, their expressions carefully blank. They had other E.S Enforcers stationed on their flanks, keeping watch. Even then, they were being supervised.

"Aella?" Jude called my name. My throat tightened with emotion.

"I accept them too." I whispered, taking in the crowd. I didn't know them enough but if they had Jude at their helm, they were honourable men, women, and children. Right there, I promised myself that I would use my very own life to secure their safety.

"They know." Jude signalled everyone back to their feet.

The blood inside the ceramic bowl was then poured into a small pot where Jude dropped a seed inside.

"What is that?" I asked.

"A seed for a Birch tree. It's tradition to plant one with the drops of our blood in the soil. A symbol. They represent new beginnings." He explained patiently.

It was almost a strange thing witnessing a man like Jude treat the small pot so delicately between his massive paws. He brushed the soil over the seed and poured water inside too. "Once it grows a bit more, we'll plant it together near the Pack House. We'll be able to watch it grow."

That sounded perfect.

"I didn't realise you had some traditions reserved here in your Pack."

"Yes. I admit some things I've failed to keep but I wanted to do this with the Birch tree. My parents did it. When their tree grew, they even attached a tyre swing on the branch for me as a kid to use."

"I can't imagine little Jude swinging on a tyre swing." I grinned a bit too widely.

His lips curved up fondly, "I was kind of a serious kid."

"I'm not surprised."

"One more thing." Jude whispered.

"Yes?"

"This is your Pack now."

His words floated over me like a dream.

They really were mine too.

I was a part of them.

"Welcome to The Shadow Hunters."

***

"Have you told him?" Kian found me raiding the dessert table.

I froze, "Shit." I placed the half-eaten muffin down and scanned the crowd. Jude had the triplets at his feet, talking animatedly up at him. He nodded along, a soft smile on his face as Maxim wildly made gestures to explain his story.

"Aella." Kian groaned, running his hand over his face. "What the fuck dude?"

Kian grabbed my shoulders and faced me in Jude's direction, "Alright Luna, go to your mate and tell him what I already told you. Got it?"

"Kian-"

"Go! You've already wasted enough time!" He gave me a little shove.

I had completely forgotten since I had been side-tracked by Tess when I had seen her with Jude on the lounge chair. Add in the mating ceremony, the reminder had wholly abandoned my mind. I hiked my dress up again and darted towards Jude. He instantly looked up, halting conversation. "Sorry kids, I need to speak with my mate." He gave each of the triplets a head ruffle. They giggled, bidding farewell as they ran off to their parents.

"What's wrong?" He came to me, holding my cheeks in worry.

"Let's talk somewhere quieter." I led him through the crowd of dancing bodies until we were back inside the Pack House. We settled for his office and the smell of old books and mint comforted me. Jude closed the door and I switched on the lamp.

"A source has told me that Jace and Ace may have been the reason you were attacked here at the house by that changeling."

"What source?"

"Kian. He's been quite adamant I tell you this. He has been watching the twins and drew connections. They might have done more things but that remains to be unseen. I'm just more concerned if they did something irreversible, we won't be able to undo. Kian also claimed that they have been talking to the Recruits who didn't make it. They might be formulating something that may put you and the Pack in danger."

Jude spat out an invective, gnashing his teeth. "Jamison told me the same thing. If Kian has drawn the same conclusions, something is definitely going on."

"When did Jamison find out?" I asked, surprised.

"When Ace had been taken out. It was one of the reasons he was dropped, aside from being unashamedly dishonourable in his conduct. I couldn't allow him and his brother to stay together. Jamison overhead them as they prepared his departure. Since then, we have been keeping a close eye on Jace. Lately he's been messy in hiding his tracks."

"Jude!" I gasped, suddenly feeling a prickly feeling along the back of my neck. "Can I use your phone?"

He offered the device between us, and I quickly dialled Ma, my heart racing with fear. It rang for a long minute then reverted to her voice message.

-Hi, this is Allison. Not available at the-

I left a hasty message but dialled again. Her phone rang but she didn't answer.

I tried again and again but the ringing continued, always ending with her perky voice to leave a message.

"She's not answering Jude." I helplessly dialled again, placing the speaker near my ear, "Something is wrong."

Jude connected to Seamus on the phone. It rang once before the man picked up.

"Seamus, get Jamison and Solkolov. In the next hour we'll be leaving."

"Jude, I hope to hell you're not planning to do what I think it is." Seamus hissed. "You just had your mating ceremony. Your Pack expects you to be here now."

"Seamus, my mate's mother is in danger. She's also mine to protect as well as the Pack. Get the men ready. We'll be taking leave soon." He ordered.

"Fuckin' hell!" Seamus growled.

A knock rattled the door. Jude opened it. Tatum appeared, concerned.

"Why do I smell fear?" Determination coloured his face as he took in Jude's office. He came towards me, dipping his head so we were eye to eye. The worried look reflecting off his expression seemed incongruous to his tense posture "What is it Aella?"

I opened my mouth but quickly shut it. I didn't know what to say to him. I think I was in shock by the way my insides twisted. My voice was lost, submerged beneath layers of concern and unfiltered fear.

"What the hell is going on Jude?" Tatum demanded through gritted teeth.

"Allison is in danger. I'll be taking leave with some of my men to the Blue Cave Pack soon."

"You could start a war between the Packs by showing up unannounced."

"They won't know I was there in the first place."

"I'm coming."

"Okay."

My gaze darted between the two men. Were they actually agreeing to something? "I want to go too."

Jude shook his head, "No Aella. You stay here."

"What? Why? I need to go see her myself to know if she's safe. I won't stay here Jude. I need to go."

"Do you have faith in me Aella?" He asked quietly, studying my gaze.

I swallowed hard. "Don't ask me that. You know the answer. I want to come with you Jude."

"I will take care of it." Jude instead responded, turning, when Solkolov appeared with Jude's fighting skins in his hand. Both he and Jamison were already geared up, ready to leave.

"Trust us. We will find your mum and keep her safe." Jamison vowed.

Solkolov nodded along, "You're our Luna now. We take care of what is ours."

"Go ahead without me. I need to speak with her for a minute. Tatum, follow them with your men. I appreciate your willingness to help us."

"That's not why I'm coming." The man replied. "I'll have Allison back here in one piece kid. Swear on my life." The Eye saluted before darting off after Solkolov and Jamison who were already sprinting off into the distance.

"Look at me Aella."

"I'm so angry Jude." I tried to breathe properly but I feel like the Hulk, ready to scream 'Hulk Smash' and throw Jude across the field. "I need to see if she's okay. It's my fault she's alone. I came here to protect her. You know I can help."

"I know my sweet fairy, but I need you here. Our Pack needs you, Aella. You are the Luna of The Shadow Hunters now. You've given your blood. I trust you to take the reins a bit. They need you here to protect them while I go get your Ma." He combed his fingers through my hair.

"If you don't come back in one piece, I get to smack your butt." I relented, unwillingly. If he trusted me enough to take care of his Pack, I would stay and protect them. They were mine too. Jude wasn't just any Alpha talking big words. He would get my Ma back. That was a certainty. However, it didn't mean I was content with just sitting around, watching the walls in boredom.

Jude scoffed but nodded, "Sure thing. Be safe. Alexei, Emerys and the others will remain back to help you if anything goes awry."

"Go before I make you stay." I brushed a kiss along his jaw.

He simply pecked both my cheeks before he darted off in a blur through the dense trees.

"Hurry Jude." I closed my eyes and prayed.