CROWNED BY BLOOD

The ivory silk of my wedding dress rustled like autumn leaves as I stood before the ornate mirror in the Silver Moon Pack's bridal chamber. My reflection stared back, eyes bright with anticipation, cheeks flushed pink with excitement, dark hair cascaded in waves down my back exactly as Marcus preferred. Tonight, I would become Luna of the Silver Moon Pack. Tonight, Marcus Steele would complete our mating bond and make me his forever.

"You look perfect, Luna," my best friend Victoria cooed from behind me, adjusting the delicate silver tiara that had belonged to Marcus's mother. Her fingers were gentle as they tucked a wayward curl behind my ear, but something in her tone made my wolf stir uneasily. "Marcus is so lucky to have you."

I turned to face her, drinking in her reassuring smile. Victoria had been my constant companion through the three-year courtship, helping me navigate the complex politics of pack life, teaching me what it meant to be an Alpha's mate. Without her guidance, I never would have been worthy of Marcus's attention.

"Do you really think so?" I whispered, my hands smoothing nervously over the intricate beadwork of my bodice. "Sometimes I worry I'm not strong enough, not Alpha enough for him."

Victoria's green eyes flickered with something I couldn't quite identify before her expression softened into sympathy. "Oh, Luna. You're perfect exactly as you are. Sweet, gentle, caring are the qualities that make you special."

Her words should have comforted me, but that strange flutter in my chest intensified. Marcus had been distant lately, spending long hours in his office with Victoria discussing pack business I wasn't privy to. When I'd asked to help, he'd merely kissed my forehead and told me not to worry my pretty head about such serious matters.

"The ceremonies are about to begin," Victoria announced, checking the silver watch on her wrist. "Are you ready to become the Luna you were meant to be?"

I nodded, though my hands trembled as I reached for the matching silver necklace that would mark me as Marcus's mate. The weight of it against my throat felt heavier than usual, like a collar rather than a symbol of love.

The great hall of the packhouse had been transformed into something from a fairy tale. White roses and silver ribbons adorned every surface, their sweet fragrance mingling with the excited scents of the gathered pack members. Candles flickered from crystal chandeliers, casting dancing shadows across the stone walls that had sheltered the Silver Moon Pack for over two centuries.

As I walked down the aisle on my father's arm, I could feel the eyes of every pack member upon me. Some faces showed genuine warmth and excitement, while others seemed more reserved, almost pitying. I pushed down the uncomfortable thought and focused instead on Marcus, waiting for me at the altar.

He looked magnificent in his formal black suit, his broad shoulders and commanding presence making him every inch the Alpha he was born