"I will love you until the day I die, and then I'll love you from hell." -Angelino Bellandi (Forgivable Sins)

My mouth waters as a rush of nausea goes through me.

It's been two hours since I woke up on Zane's chest caked in mud and smelling like a pig. I cannot believe I let all that time go when I should have been planning and making sure everything was in order for the party tonight. Actually, "party" might not be the right word. Today is the day that my pack is going to run with me and Zane as their alphas.

It's important for this to go perfectly and just the mere thought of walking downstairs to greet everyone makes me want to throw up.

I close my eyes and lean against the dresser. I focus on the cool wood at my fingertips and the brisk breeze coming into the room because of the balcony door. My eyes open and I stare at myself in the mirror above the dresser. I opted to keep my hair back in a low bun with some loose tendrils of hair framing my face. The burgundy sundress I'm wearing matches my earrings.

A knock sounds on the door followed by a deep baritone voice.

"Alessandra?"

"Come in," I respond.

Zane steps through the door dressed in a black button-down and black pants. His fingers are adorned with his usual rings and a thin chain with the pack's crest lies on his neck. His eyes give me a slow perusal before shining with lust.

"You look beautiful, amore," he says, walking closer to me.

"Thank you," I whisper, still trying not to puke.

The scent of pine nearly drowns me when Zane wraps my body in a hug. Simply inhaling his scent helps calm me down. I clutch on his body and try to take deep breaths.

"I don't know why I'm so nervous," I tell Zane, my voice slightly more clear than before.

"It's normal to be nervous. I assure you everything looks great for the party and everyone is so excited to spend an evening with their alphas," he says in a soft tone.

I nod unable to form any words at the moment.

Zane's hand grasps mine, the rings on his fingers cold against my sweaty palms. Gently, he brings up my hand and lays a kiss on each knuckle.

"If it gets to be too much we can come upstairs. Don't put too much pressure on yourself," he says.

I smile at my mate. Sometimes all it takes is having someone to lean on to make everything seem just a little bit easier.

With my hand still in his, we walk out of our bedroom which takes us directly to the landing of the stairs. The faces of our pack come into view and I'm instantly overwhelmed. I've known these people all my life but it's one thing to be them and another thing to be responsible for all of their safeties and concerns. I never imagined I'd be leading this many people at the age of 20 but despite the surge of emotions, I still feel like there's no other place I'd rather be.

I belong here with Zane and all these people I care for so deeply.

Applause sound as Zane and I make our way down the stairs. A chorus of cheers erupt and a bright smile stretches across my face and I even see Zane's lips tilt a little.

"For the very first time, I announce to you all, Zane and Alessandra De Luca, the leaders of our pack," Katerina yells.

More cheers go around and I wait for the chatter to die down before beginning my short speech.

"It's an honor to join Zane, my mate, in leading this pack. We both have big dreams for the future of Blood Moon and I hope one day all of them become a reality," I say.

"I've been blessed with an intelligent woman as my mate and I couldn't imagine anyone better suited to lead Blood Moon. Our pack has been missing a luna for a long time now and I know my mother would have been delighted to have Alessandra not only as Luna but also as the daughter she never got to have," Zane says.

My heart aches as I think of Luna Lucille and judging by the pack's faces, they feel the same.

"So to commemorate this day I'd like to give my mate something my mom would have liked her to have," Zane says, as his hand reaches into his pocket.

A royal blue velvet box rests in his hands and I know what's inside, I saw it on Lucille's finger countless times.

He opens the box and the most beautiful ring I've ever seen rests within.

The stone is surrounded by small little diamonds all encased in a platinum band. The stone itself is Lunite, a stone, that to our knowledge, only the first lycans know the origins of. There are only three with known whereabouts and it's assumed the rest are somewhere in the supernatural realm. One belongs to the Blood Moon Pack, acquired by Clarice De Luca in her early years as the alpha while the other two sit in the crowns of the king and queen, not that anyone has seen the monarchy in the last one hundred years.

The stone is a bright violet that cannot be compared to anything because of how unique it is. My mouth is still open in shock as Zane slides the ring onto my finger and brings my hand up for a kiss.

"Zane, this is too much," I whisper.

"It's yours and one day it will be our kid's to give to their mate as well," Zane replies.

I nearly burst out into happy tears because this is something I never expected from him. It's rare for a De Luca to actually give the ring to their mate because of how powerful it is and the advantage it gives the pack. The last alpha to do so before Giovanni was Clarice De Luca.

"You are my strength amore, which makes you this pack's strength as well, do not doubt my faith in you," Zane whispers, his hands holding mine.

I reach up and plant a swift kiss on his lips.

"Thank you."

"Always, little wolf."

"Now let's get the celebrations started," Zane shouts.

Everyone shouts and cheers and for a brief second I'm concerned about what the state of our house will be after this but I quickly brush it aside and join in.

I was wrong before, party is the right word.