Mated To My Mate's Worst Enemy Chapter 42

ARIA

"—can't believe how beautiful Alpha Kael is in human form," Beth was saying. "I was on guard duty this morning and caught a glimpse when they were moving him to his quarters. He's like something out of a story."

"Ivory must be thrilled," Lucia said. "After all that work, all those years of searching, she finally succeeded. That's got to feel incredible."

"Do you think—" Emma lowered her voice, but not enough that I couldn't hear. "Do you think she wishes it was her bonding with him tonight instead of Luna Aria?"

"Emma!" Sarah scolded. "That's inappropriate speculation."

"I'm just saying what everyone's thinking," Emma defended. "They've been close since childhood. She's done so much for him. And she's gorgeous and talented and—"

"And Kael sees her as a sister," Claire interrupted firmly. "He's said so multiple times. There's never been anything romantic between them."

"That doesn't mean she doesn't wish there was," Beth pointed out. "I've seen the way she looks at him sometimes. Like—like there's something more there, at least on her side."

"Well, it doesn't matter what Ivory wants," Sarah said with finality. "Alpha Kael chose Luna Aria. They're bonding tonight. That's all there is to it."

"I'm just glad we're finally getting a Luna," Lucia said, apparently deciding to change the subject. "The pack has needed proper leadership for too long. Whether it's Aria or Ivory or anyone else, we need someone in that position."

"Aria's nice," Emma offered. "She was really sweet when she helped with the children last week. And she did save Alpha Kael's life."

"Once," Beth said. "Ivory's been saving him for three years."

The conversation continued, but I'd heard enough. I sank deeper into the bath, letting the water cover my ears so their voices became indistinct murmurs.

They meant well, I knew. Were trying to be supportive in their way. But hearing them compare me to Ivory, hearing the uncertainty in their voices about whether I was the right choice—it reinforced every doubt I'd been trying to suppress.

When I finally emerged from the bath, wrapped in a soft robe, they fell silent. Sarah gave me a knowing look that suggested she was aware I'd heard at least some of their conversation.

"Time for hair and makeup," she said brightly, steering me toward the chair they'd set up by the window. "We're going to make you absolutely stunning, Luna Aria. Alpha Kael won't be able to take his eyes off you."

They worked for hours, their hands gentle but efficient as they transformed me. My hair was styled in an elaborate arrangement—half up, half down, with small braids woven through and tiny crystals catching the light. The makeup was more dramatic than I usually wore but somehow still looked natural, emphasizing my eyes and bringing out the color in my cheeks.

Through it all, they chattered about pack news, about preparations for the ceremony, about anything and everything except the obvious tension surrounding tonight's events.

I heard updates through their gossip—Ivory was working with Nina to fortify the entrances, positioning guards at strategic points to watch for Damon's arrival. Kael was still resting in his quarters, reportedly still in human form and stable. Guests from neighboring packs had started arriving, including several Alphas who wanted to witness Shadowmere's new leadership firsthand.

The sun was starting its descent toward the horizon when Sarah finally brought out the gown.

It was even more beautiful than I remembered. The seamstresses had made a few final adjustments since my last fitting, and now it fit perfectly—emphasizing my figure while maintaining an air of elegance and authority. The silver embroidery caught the fading light, making me look like I was wrapped in moonbeams.

"Oh," Emma breathed when they'd finished helping me into it. "Luna Aria, you look like a Moon Goddess."

I turned to look in the full-length mirror they'd brought in, and for a moment, I didn't recognize myself. The woman looking back at me was composed, regal, every inch a Luna. The gown transformed me, the makeup and hair elevated me, and the way I held myself—shoulders back, chin up—projected confidence I didn't quite feel.

"The jewelry," Sarah said, producing the velvet case containing the Luna pieces. "These will complete the look."

She helped me put on the moonstones—the circlet settling on my forehead, the earrings dangling past my jaw, the choker with its large pendant resting at my throat, the bracelets clasping around my wrists. As each piece clicked into place, I felt that rush of sensation again—stronger this time, more insistent. The pack lands reaching out to recognize me, the territory itself acknowledging what I was about to become.

"There," Sarah said, stepping back to admire her work. "Perfect. Absolutely perfect."

The others nodded in agreement, their faces showing genuine pride in their handiwork. Despite their earlier gossip, despite the doubts I'd heard in their voices, they'd given their all to making sure I looked the part.

"Thank you," I said, meaning it. "All of you. I know this isn't—I know there's been talk about whether I should be the one standing in the ceremonial clearing tonight. But I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to be a good Luna. To serve this pack well. To make you proud."

Sarah's eyes grew suspiciously bright. "You already make us proud, Luna Aria. The way you've dedicated yourself to learning our customs, the way you interact with our children, the courage you showed during the nightwalker attack—those things matter. Don't let anyone make you think they don't."

The other girls murmured agreement, and I felt something warm bloom in my chest. Maybe not everyone was against me. Maybe there were more wolves in my corner than I'd realized.

A knock on the door interrupted the moment. Nina entered, already dressed in formal attire for the ceremony, and stopped short when she saw me.