I Am His Wolfless Luna Chapter 181

Ethan‘s POV

The days following my father's death passed in a blur of solemn ritual and administrative necessities. Sleep became a luxury I could scarcely afford as I shuttled between funeral arrangements, pack meetings, and brief moments with my family. Each night when I finally collapsed into bed beside Aria, I felt the weight of responsibility settling more firmly onto my shoulders.

The funeral itself was a testament to my father's impact—hundreds of werewolves from across multiple territories gathered to pay their respects. Even in death, he commanded reverence. I stood stoically throughout the ceremony, my mother on one side, Aria on the other, both women lending me silent strength as I struggled to maintain the composure expected of an Alpha. Lucas stood before me, his small shoulders squared with determination as he mimicked my stance.

After the traditional seven days of mourning, it was time to formally announce my official succession—a ceremony that, while technically unnecessary since I'd been acting Alpha for months, held significant symbolic importance for the pack.

I chose a clear, bright morning for the announcement. The sunshine felt like a good omen after days of emotional darkness. From our bedroom window, I watched pack members gathering in the central clearing, their faces turned expectantly toward the Alpha residence.

"Nervous?" Aria's voice came from behind me as her arms slipped around my waist, her cheek resting against my back.

"Not about the ceremony," I admitted, covering her hands with mine. "But about what comes after. Victor is still out there, growing bolder by the day."

"One challenge at a time," she murmured, squeezing me gently before releasing her hold. "Today is about unity and strength. Let's give them that."

She looked stunning in a silver dress that hugged her curves, her recovery from childbirth nothing short of miraculous thanks to Cassandra's return. The twins were with my mother, who had insisted on watching them during the ceremony. Lucas, however, would stand with us.

"Ready, buddy?" I asked, finding him in the hallway, fidgeting with the collar of his formal shirt.

"This thing is itchy," he complained, but straightened immediately when he saw my expression. "But I'll wear it. Because it's important, right?"

I dropped to one knee, my fingers working to straighten the collar that was bothering him. Lucas's small face was scrunched in discomfort, but I could see the determination beneath it.

"Today is very important, buddy," I said softly, meeting his eyes. "This ceremony shows everyone that our family leads together—you, me, your mom, and someday your sisters too."

His chest expanded as he took a deep breath, shoulders squaring as if physically accepting the responsibility. Pride gleamed in his eyes, transforming his expression.

"I'll make you proud, Dad," he promised, lifting his chin. "I'll stand super straight and look serious." He demonstrated by furrowing his brow in an exaggerated imitation of my expression during pack meetings. "Just like this. Like you do."

"You know what," I said, gently smoothing his hair, "just be yourself. That's more than enough." I leaned closer, lowering my voice as if sharing a secret.

The moment we stepped onto the ceremonial platform, a reverent silence fell over the gathering. Hundreds of eyes looked up at us—my pack, now officially mine to guide and protect. I felt Aria's steady presence beside me, a source of strength I'd come to rely on more than I'd ever thought possible.

David stood rigidly at attention to my right, his loyalty evident in every line of his posture. Several Silver Moon representatives stood among our pack members, their presence acknowledging the unprecedented alliance forming between our territories.

"I, Ethan, son of Alexander, claim my birthright as Alpha," I said, the traditional words flowing naturally.

I accepted the goblet, taking a careful sip of the bitter liquid before passing it back. The ancient ritual continued with its familiar rhythms, culminating in my formal vow to protect and guide the pack with wisdom and strength.

When I finished, a collective howl rose from the gathered wolves—first from the elders, then rippling outward until every voice joined the chorus of acceptance. The sound washed over me, both humbling and empowering.

When the howling subsided, David stepped forward and knelt before me, head bowed in formal recognition.

"Alpha Ethan," he pronounced, his usual stoicism briefly giving way to genuine emotion. "Shadow Fang follows your lead." Rising, he added quietly, "Your father would be proud."

Those simple words hit me harder than I'd expected. I clasped his shoulder, grateful for his steady presence.

Next, as tradition dictated, I presented Aria as my chosen Luna. "This is Aria, my mate, mother of my children, and Alpha of Silver Moon Pack in her own right. Together, we will forge a new path for both our territories."

A murmur of appreciation rippled through the crowd as Aria stepped forward. Many had already witnessed her strength and compassion firsthand. She smiled, the sunlight catching in her amber eyes as she addressed the pack.

"I stand beside Ethan not only as his Luna but as his equal," she declared, her voice ringing clear across the clearing. "I pledge to defend Shadow Fang as fiercely as I defend Silver Moon."

A spontaneous cheer erupted from the gathered wolves—a reaction far more enthusiastic than traditionally reserved responses to a new Luna. Aria had already won their hearts, just as she'd won mine.

Finally, I placed my hand on Lucas's shoulder, gently urging him forward. He took a small step, his body trembling slightly under the weight of hundreds of watching eyes.

"And this," I said proudly, "is Lucas, my son and heir."

Lucas swallowed visibly, then surprised me by speaking up.

"I promise to learn everything I can," he announced, his high voice carrying clearly despite its slight quaver. "I'll be brave and strong like my dad, and smart and kind like my mom."

As the formalities concluded, the gathering transitioned into celebration. Tables appeared laden with food, music started playing, and children darted between adults with excited laughter. These moments of joy and community were precious—reminders of what we fought to protect.

Lucas was gone in a flash, his formal demeanor abandoned as quickly as childhood allows. Watching him run off, I felt a momentary pang of envy for his ability to shift so easily between responsibility and carefree joy.

I found a quiet moment to pull Aria close, her body fitting perfectly against mine as we swayed slightly to the distant music.

"I still owe you a proper wedding," I murmured against her hair. "Something befitting the Luna of Shadow Fang and the Alpha of Silver Moon."

She tilted her head back, amber eyes sparkling with amusement. "This isn't enough pomp and circumstance for you?"

"Not even close," I replied, brushing my lips against hers. "You deserve a ceremony under the full moon, with both packs gathered to witness our union. Silver decorations everywhere, lanterns hanging from the trees, and you..." I traced the curve of her jaw with my finger, "in a dress that makes everyone's breath catch. Our children watching as we formally bind ourselves together for all eternity."

A soft smile curved her lips. "That sounds beautiful," she admitted, leaning into my touch. "But unnecessary. We're already bound in all the ways that matter."

"Still," I insisted, pulling her closer. "I'm giving you the wedding you deserve. That's a promise."

As she leaned up to kiss me, a commotion at the edge of the gathering caught my attention. David was moving swiftly through the crowd, his expression grim as he approached us.

"Alpha," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Forgive the interruption, but we've received reports from the northern patrol. The rogues have launched a major assault on our border defenses."