I was pacing about my room nervous and worried.

Today was the day. The great day I would officially be an adult, the day I would be finally welcomed into the pack.

I had written a letter to my mother a few days ago, telling her about my new home, my meeting with the Moon Goddess and my strange gifts. The letter would probably reach her today and I hoped she would be happy with the decision I had taken.

"It will all go well." Bella reassured me as she stepped into my room with the gown I was supposed to wear for the ceremony.

I gave her a weak smile as she came towards me.

"I hope so too." I said as let out a breath of air hoping to calm my overwrought nerves.

I had been nervous and panicky since the past hour. Zara had been trying her best to reassure me too, but to no avail.

"Lets get you dressed now. The ceremony starts in a while. You must look your best today." She said.

I nodded as I stood up.

I said nothing while got she me ready. In fact I was so tense, that I kept my eyes averted from the mirror most of the time. I didn't have the courage to look my reflection, fearing it would me freak out.

"You can look now." Bella said after an hour and I could figure the amusement in her voice.

How was I looking? Decent or disastrous?

I never wore make up or gowns and was totally new to all this. I'd choose jeans over gowns any day, if it were up to me.

I slowly opened my eyes and hesitantly faced the mirror.

I blinked at the woman in front of me. She blinked back.

I raised my hand to my cheek, so did she.

I blinked again.

Was the woman in the mirror really me?

I looked so different from my usual self that it was even hard believing that the person staring back at me, was indeed me.

Really, make up can do miracles....

"I look different." I murmured, still refusing to take my eyes of the mirror. "Like, really different."

It was now that I really understood how the Ugly Duckling felt when he realized he had transformed into a swan...

Bella laughed behind me, "Not just different, you look exceedingly gorgeous too."

I smiled as I turned to her. "Thanks Bells," I said sincerely, holding her hand in mine.

She had always been there for me. As a sister, as a friend as I person I could pour my heart out to. Perhaps she was a bit crazy and hot headed at times, but still she was like a sister to me.

She gave me a reassuring smile. "You are welcome. You are part of our family now and you will always have my support in whatever you do."

I stood behind the rows of people who were seated waiting for the ceremony to commence. My eyes searched for Ashton as I waited. I hadn't seen him since breakfast where he had just given me a smile and a reassuring hug. Of course PDA in front of pack members is a total no no.

Once our feelings for each other was out in the open, he no longer avoided me. In fact, everyone had come to accept us as a couple now.

"You look beautiful, Ki." A husky voice spoke in my ear which caused me to blush deep red instantly.

It was annoying how the simplest compliments from him would make me blush now.

"You don't look bad either." I said, turning around to face him.

He gave me a fake pout. "Not bad? Is that a synonym you use for dashing and handsome?"

I laughed. Egoistic as ever.

He was actually anything but 'not bad'. To be honest, I was having a hard time not drooling over how handsome he looked in a tux.

But me being me, I could never let him go without puncturing his ego a bit. What should I say? old habits die hard...

"Oh well," I said sighing, "If you really need an ego boost that badly, then I suppose a few fake compliments would help."

The look on his face was worth - everything.

His jaw dropped dramatically.

"I am not so desperate for a compliment." He huffed, "In fact you have no idea of the number of girls swooning over me right now."

My eyes automatically swivelled towards Claire, who stood a few feet away from us. She was indeed staring at Ashton and passed me a stiff smile when she saw me look at her. I smiled back, containing my jealousy.

Don't judge me, it is really difficult restraining yourself when someone cast such longing looks on your boyfriend.

"Clearly they are blind." I joked, turning back to him, "Or else they suffer from insanity."

Ashton rolled his eyes. "Says my girlfriend who has a hopeless crush on me."

I blushed beet red as looked away refusing to meet his eyes. Unfortunately, he was right for once.

"You are lucky." I mumbled. "I don't give my heart away to many."

He stepped forward which caused me to blush at our nearness.

What was he doing? The closeness was...

"I know I am." he said softly as he cupped my face with his hands making me look into his warm brown eyes which was swirling with emotion now.

My eyes fluttered shut as he closed the gap between us and I was suddenly acutely aware that his lips were just inches away from mine. My heart was racing and my breathing hitched at our closeness.

"Ki?" he whispered and the unspoken question lingered between us. I nodded my head not willing to open my eyes.

His lips softly brushed against mine and I smiled savoring the precious moment between us.

His touch was soft and gentle yet so full of warmth and affection. It was a simple gesture, yet it spoke a thousand things. It didn't matter to me what the future held for me, all that mattered to me now was that I felt loved again.

I clutched the folds of my gown as I waited nervously for Ashton to finish his speech.

Any second now, and I would be called on stage for the welcoming ritual.

Don't panic, I told myself. Just breathe in, breathe out... Breathe in, breath...

"—So let us invite Kiara Evergreen, who has chosen to join our pack and become a part of our family." I immediately felt a multitude of faces turn towards me.

I gulped nervously, placing a smile on my face as I put my foot forward.

I can do this. I will do this. I thought to myself as I walked past the hundreds of people who were ogling at me. I kept my gaze fixed on the only person dear to me now and my confidence grew with the encouraging smile on his face.

I took in a deep breath as Ashton took my hand in his and lead me to the stage.

This is it, Kiara, no turning back now.

"Do you Kiara Evergreen, agree to be a member of the Blood Hound Pack?

"I do." I answered with conviction.

"Do you swear to be loyal to the Pack, and treat each one as your own family?"

"I do."

"And do you promise to leave behind your past and look forward to your future with us?"

"I—I..."

A sudden image of Aden flashed before my eyes that made me halt midway.

I tried to ignore it and go on. After all, I shouldn't be pining for him anymore. I should be able to let go of him, shouldn't I?

"I—I d..." I stopped again, unable to go on as his face kept returning to my mind.

Something didn't feel right. Why was this happening now? Would this turn out to be a mistake in the end?

"Kiara?" A voice called out breaking into my reverie.

I was vaguely aware of the mutterings from the audience when I looked into a pair of questioning brown eyes again.

I swallowed nervously as I closed my eyes to think of the right answer.

Was I choosing the right thing? Would I regret my decisions in the end? Did I really want to do this?

"Kiara, are you okay?" His voice seemed anxious and the mutterings of the crowd seemed to grow louder now.

I knew what I wanted - a family.

"I do." I whispered opening my eyes.

A sudden pain shot through my heart as Ashton's hand touched mine. I could feel the old ties breaking away, and new bonds forming. Somewhere in my head, Aden's memories seemed to fade away which left me feeling hollow. I shouldn't be regretting this. This is what I wanted. This is what I dreamed of having ever since I was made an outcast.

I looked up at Ashton hoping to see a reassuring smile but saw him looking back at me intently.

The mark on my arm glowed blue and then faded again.

And it was done. Finally over. I was a member of the Blood Hound Pack.

Yet, my heart didn't feel right.