Hope

The day we had been working for had finally arrived. We were able to move up the ceremonies, and Connor has been on edge ever since. I think he would have forgone the whole thing and slit palms in the back yard if his mother wouldn't have murdered him for it.

We spent every spare moment training my shield ability. It was mentally exhausting, but I was able to do it more as a reflex now, not needing to focus as much on it. Connor seemed pleased with my progress. Kade less so, especially when Connor punched him in the face and my shield faltered.

Connor and I spent the day relaxing, knowing the ceremony would take a toll on us. Plus it was nice not having him bark orders at me, constantly pushing me. I know he was only doing it because he cares about me, but that doesn't make it less annoying.

A couple of hours before the ceremony my parents arrived and my mom and Liz came to the house to help me get ready. They shooed Connor away, not wanting him to see me before the ceremony. He made sure Draven, Kade and Dean stayed with me as well as my dad. I had been feeling his anxiety through the bond all day. I know he's uneasy, worried something bad will happen. It would be easy for someone to take advantage on a day like this where the whole pack is focused on something else. I just hope moving up the ceremony threw off any potential attackers, not giving them time to plan anything.

"I'm so glad you're here mom." I say hugging her tightly. She runs her hands through my hair like she always did when I was a child and I relax immediately.

"Me too, baby. You know I wouldn't have missed this." She says with a warm smile, cupping my cheek and kissing my nose making me giggle.

"You guys should just transfer to our pack." I say as my dad walks in the room.

"Oh we plan too. Asher isn't half the alpha his father was and since Kade is no longer in training for head warrior, we have no reason to stay." He says looking me over. His features soften as he smiles at me before scooping me into a fierce hug.

"You look beautiful, baby girl." He says before putting me down. I turn to the mirror to appraise myself. My long, flowy white gown will blow beautifully in the wind, accented by bits of gold embroidery. My gold sandals match. Luna Farrah wanted me to wear heels, but I knew that was asking for trouble. Luckily she took pity on me.

"It's showtime! You ready to go?" Dad asks just as Liz finishes the soft curls of my hair, pinning a bit back to keep it out of my face. I nod excitedly and my dad scoops me up to carry me. It's not far and my mom gives him an amused smile making him shrug.

"It's been a long time since I've carried my little girl. Let me enjoy it." He says. It doesn't take long to reach the field where the ceremony will take place.

There is a small stage at the front, and Connor is already there waiting for me. I feel my heart rate kick up as I scan his body. He looks delicious in his tux, the black suit making his emerald green eyes stand out even more.

Eyes that I realize are set on me.

My breath hitches as we lock gazes and when his face breaks out into a warm smile I feel all of the anxiety melt from my body, leaving only joy and content. My dad walks me to the stage and up the stairs before standing behind me, ever the watchful guard. I stand next to Farrah for the time being, as Connor's Alpha ceremony will take place first. I hear the pack murmuring and watching me. It's then I realize that with how tightly guarded I am, most of them have never even seen me. Something I hope to correct soon.

Gideon, Connor's father, steps up to a small table with a blade on it and welcomes the pack.

"Today we are celebrating the next leader in a line of powerful Alphas!" He says, which is met with many cheers and hollers making me smile.

He stands across from Connor, repeating the sacred oath to protect this pack and uphold its laws. He cuts his palm, handing the blade to Connor who does the same. They clasp hands and I can see the visible change in Connor. He seems to almost get bigger, his muscles swelling with power, standing up taller than before. I feel the strength flow through our bond, making my fingers tingle and heart palpitate. I know it will be even stronger when we share blood.

Gideon smiles warmly at Connor before giving him a firm hug. My affection for my father in law swells, seeing how proud he is of his son. I can almost feel the relief wafting off of Draven now that he officially is not responsible for the Alpha title. The thought brings a small smile to my face.

Gideon turns towards me and waves me forward. Farrah gives me a gentle nudge and warm smile, encouraging me forward. I walk carefully so I don't trip and make a fool of myself, before taking Gideon's place across from Connor. He gives me a bright smile as Gideon moves around to face the pack.

'You look beautiful, sweetheart.' He mind links me. I decide to be sassy and send him a mental image of me bent over the bed with my dress around my hips, him thrusting into me from behind. His breath hitches and I wink at him before he gives me a playful, warning glare.

'You just look so handsome, honey. I can't help it.' I say innocently and he chuckles.

"If you two are done I'd like to continue." Gideon teases making the pack erupt in laughter and my face burn red with embarrassment. Connor just chuckles and reaches out to grasp my hands.

"We are also here to celebrate our next Luna, Connor's mate, Hope. She is sweet, kind, thoughtful and generous. She is intelligent, level headed and suited perfectly not only to keep this pack in check, but to keep Connor in check as well. We are lucky to have a gifted healer as our Luna. She will help keep this pack strong and help build alliances with those around us. We should all be grateful and treat her with the respect and love she deserves." He says giving me a warm smile with a twinkle in his eye.

"Most don't know this," he continues. "But I always wanted a daughter. Especially after raising Draven for a few years. That boy was a challenge." He says eyeing Draven affectionately while the pack chuckles at his expense.

"But after Connor brought Hope home and Draven brought home Liz I realize I was blessed with two wonderful daughters. Farrah and I love you both." He says looking from me to Liz. My eyes prick with tears and I can't help the small sniffle that escapes me. Connor squeezes my hands gently and I smile at him.

"I love you." He says quietly.

"I love you too." I answer and Gideon speaks again.

"Now, to the fun part." He says.

He picks up the blade and begins a chant in another language that I'm not familiar with. Irish perhaps, but only a guess. He takes Connor's hand, reopening his wound then he takes mine, slicing carefully down the middle. There is a prick of pain before red blood oozes into my palm. Gideon takes each of our hands and brings them together.

All of a sudden everything goes quiet, my eyes close, but there is a bright light as I feel warmth envelope my body, similar to how my hands feel when I heal. The warmth gets stronger and tingles erupt over my whole body, much like the mate bond sparks. I open my eyes and look down at our entwined hands. I see a faint glow under my skin as I gasp and try to pull away from Connor, not wanting to hurt him. He doesn't let go of my hand, only holds it tighter. The glow begins to spread from my hands up my arms. The warmth intensifies, but it's not painful. It's comforting, but I can also feel the power and energy coursing through me. The glow continues to spread until my entire body is alight, gently glowing like a lamp on a dark night. After a few moments, Connor let's go of my hand and the glowing begins to recede, but the warmth and strength never fades.

"Did you know that would happen?" I ask Connor. All he can do is shake his head, his mouth still agape in shock.

"That was crazy." I hear Draven murmur and realize the entire crowd is staring at me with shocked, confused expressions.

I can feel the alpha aura radiating from every inch of my body. I feel invincible and so incredibly strong. Gideon clears his throat to get everyone's attention. He opens his mouth to say something just as a warrior runs into the clearing. He's breathing heavy, sweat pouring down his chest.

"Alpha!" He calls, making Connor's head snap in his direction. "We're under attack!"