Mated To My Mate's Worst Enemy Chapter 31

ARIA

"That's a good answer," Nina said. "And if Alpha Cross does show up at the ceremony, if he tries to issue a challenge or disrupt the ritual—"

"Then I'll shut him down," I said with more confidence than I felt. "Publicly. Finally. I'll make it clear that I don't want him, that I've chosen Kael, that nothing he does will change my mind."

Nina smiled. "That's my Luna. Now come on—we have work to do. If you're going to publicly reject an Alpha during your bonding ceremony, you should probably practice what you're going to say."

We spent the rest of the afternoon preparing. Not just learning protocols, but crafting words I could use if Damon appeared. Statements that would be firm but diplomatic, that would shut down his challenge without causing an international incident.

By the time dinner arrived, I felt more prepared. More certain of my choice. Whatever happened in two days, whoever showed up to challenge or disrupt—I knew what I was doing and why I was doing it.

The pre-ceremony celebration was smaller than I expected—just the core pack leadership and a few of the wolves I'd grown closest to during my week in Shadowmere. Nina had set up a beautiful dinner in one of the private dining rooms, with candles and flowers and food that smelled amazing.

Kael was already there when I arrived, his massive form somehow not out of place in the elegant setting. He'd positioned himself near the head of the table, and I saw his ears perk up when I entered.

*"You look beautiful,"* he said through the mindlink.

I'd changed into one of the nicer dresses Nina had given me—deep forest green that brought out my eyes. Nothing fancy, but better than my usual practical clothes.

*"Thank you,"* I thought back, moving to sit beside him. *"This is lovely. Did Nina organize all of this?"*

*"With some input from Eliza and the other healers,"* Kael confirmed. *"They wanted to make sure you felt celebrated. That you knew how much the pack appreciates you choosing us."*

The sincerity in his mental voice made my chest tight with emotion. These wolves barely knew me, but they'd accepted me without reservation. Had welcomed me as their Luna before I'd even earned the title.

The dinner was warm and full of laughter. Pack members shared stories about previous ceremonies, about their own bonding experiences, about what it meant to be part of Shadowmere. I found myself relaxing into the conversation, letting the worry about Damon fade into the background.

This was my future. These wolves, this pack, this life I was choosing.

Eliza stood partway through the meal, raising her glass. "To our future Luna Aria. You've shown more courage and dedication in one week than some wolves show in a lifetime. We're honored to call you pack."

"To Luna Aria!" the others echoed, and I felt tears prick my eyes at the genuine warmth in their voices.

*"You're crying,"* Kael observed gently through the mindlink. *"Happy tears, I hope?"*

*"Very happy,"* I confirmed, wiping at my eyes. *"I'm just... I'm overwhelmed. In the best way possible."*

*"You belong here,"* he said with absolute certainty. *"I know the circumstances that brought you weren't ideal. I know you're still processing complicated feelings about your past. But Aria—you belong in Shadowmere. This pack needs you. I need you."*

The vulnerability in that last statement made me reach out without thinking, my hand finding the soft fur of his shoulder. He leaned into the touch, and I felt contentment flow through our bond.

Maybe Nina was right. Maybe love could grow from respect and trust and shared purpose. Maybe what Kael and I were building would be stronger than the desperate, unrequited love I'd felt for Damon.

The dinner continued late into the evening, with more stories and laughter and the occasional toast. By the time people started drifting away, I felt exhausted but genuinely happy.

Nina caught me as I was heading to my quarters. "How are you feeling? Really feeling, not just the brave face you've been wearing."

I considered lying, then decided she deserved honesty. "Scared. Excited. Guilty about what's happening in Blackwood but determined not to let it derail my choice. Worried about what Damon might do at the ceremony but confident I can handle it." I paused. "Is it normal to feel all of those things at once?"

"Completely normal," Nina assured me. "Bonding ceremonies are intense even under the best circumstances. Add in ex-Alphas threatening challenges and imprisoned Lunas, and it's a miracle you're handling it as well as you are."

"I have good support," I said, meaning it. "You, Eliza, Kael—everyone has made this so much easier than it could have been."

"That's what pack does," Nina said, echoing her earlier words. "We take care of each other. And Aria? Whatever happens in two days, know that we have your back. Every single wolf in this pack will stand between you and anyone who tries to take you against your will."

The certainty in her voice made me believe it. Made me feel safe in a way I hadn't felt in years.

"Thank you," I whispered. "For everything."

Nina hugged me tight, then sent me off to bed with instructions to get plenty of rest. "Tomorrow we do final preparations. The day after, you become Luna. You need your strength."

I fell asleep that night to the sound of the pack settling in around me, to the warmth of knowing I was surrounded by wolves who'd chosen me as much as I'd chosen them.

And if nightmares about Damon storming the ceremony plagued my sleep, if I woke several times with my heart racing and fear clawing at my throat—well, that was between me and the darkness.

By morning, I'd be ready to face whatever came.