Aria's POV 

"Yes, you can join in tomorrow, Kitten", Kael says with a reassuring smile to my surprise. 

A loud squeal escapes my lips, this will be so exciting. It's my first step to cementing my claim of being his Luna. I need this really bad, the fact that no one knows about my abilities gives me an upper hand.

The waiter walks in with our order, and places it on our table.

"You won't regret this, I promise", I mutter in excitement as I dig into the food savouring the explosive bursts of spices in my mouth.

"I'd do anything to make you happy", he replies with a glint in his eyes.

We finish our dinner making small talk and head to the car. I lay my head on the window and pass out from exhaustion.

"....tten, Kitten", a faint voice echoes in my ears, someone shakes me awake. 

"Mmmmmm?" I say, rubbing my eyes to clear any sign of sleep.

"We are home, can I carry you to your room?" He asks.

"Yes please, my feet hurt from the heels", I answer with a groggy voice.

"I was only trying to be civil but you're in no shape to walk", he states picking me up gently with ease, walking towards the pack house. 

This baby treatment is making me feel like numerous butterflies are flying all over my belly. I didn't think he'd actually do it, I'm definitely not used to being treated well.

"Is she okay?" I hear Martha's sweet voice asking my mate about me.

"Shhh" He shushes her, "She's fine but sleepy."

He pushes a door open and lays me gently on the bed, kissing me softly on the forehead. I quickly fell deep asleep again. 

***

I pry my eyes open as the rays of sunlight hit me. I feel almost suffocated...

Ooops!!! I didn't change my dress yesterday, I had slept off. A soft smile appeared on my lips, he didn't undress me and that means so much I'd like to take everything slow.

"Get up, lazy bum we'll be late for training" Martha hollered right outside my door.

"Give me a minute", I answer with a loud voice.

I fling my duvet aside racing towards the bathroom in a hurry. In about ten minutes I was set for training. With my tank top, biker shorts and hair pulled in a ponytail. 

"Are you done yet?" Martha asks just in time as I pull the door open. 

"Remind me to refuse going anywhere with you, jeez", I say with a glint in my eyes.

"Whatever", she says, pulling my arm so I can catch up with her.

We walk past the hallways heading towards the back door so we can reach the training grounds faster since we're running late. We bump into someone.

"Watch where you're headed, runt", Omari's baritone voice echoes in my ears.

The years of harsh words and abuse flood my thoughts. I take in a sharp breath and freeze waiting for the hit to come but it never did.

"You'd do well to treat pack members with respect", Martha says in a firm voice standing between us.

He grits his teeth in irritation and gives her a long stare.

"And if I don't hmmmmm?" He replies, "What are you going to do about it? Filthy Omega."

"Well maybe there's nothing I can do about it", Martha utters firmly, "But there is a lot that Alpha Kael can do, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want to get on his bad side."

She pulls me by the arm towards the back door. Omari snickers "It's a shame that you're so easy".

We ignore him and head to the canopy of trees between the pack house and the training grounds. She then pulls me into a bear hug as I break down completely. 

"It's okay, I'm here", Martha coos in my ears, "I didn't know your pack treated Omegas this bad."

"It's a...always been like that, I t...thought I was over it but..", Fat tears flow freely down my cheeks and my shoulders shakes uncontrollably. No other words come out. I am careful not to mention the matter of my rejection. 

"It is okay, we'll talk when you feel better, okay?"

Martha is silent for a short while and her eyes glaze over for some moments then she stares at me with a smile.

Her back suddenly goes stiff, my mate's deep, soothing voice fills my ears.

"What's wrong, Kitten, I felt a strain on the bond" Kael mentions sounding worried.

"I'll be at the training grounds, Ari, love you", Martha says with a soothing voice, letting go of my arms and heading towards the training grounds.

"Tell me what made you cry, Aria, I will fix it", Kael says soothingly. 

"Old memories, Kael, I've had my own fair share of pain", I mutter, not saying the whole truth.

"Do you mind telling me exactly what made you remember", Kael pulls me by the waist close to him, wiping the tears from my eyes.

"I think I'm just overwhelmed, so many things are happening at the same time, especially anytime I see the members of my pack that used to treat me like an outcast", I mutter staring at the grassy forest floor so he wouldn't catch up with my white lie.

A guttural sound escapes his lips, I stare at his dark eyes in shock. It seems like his wolf is finally out.

"Hmmmmmm, I'll fix everything soon, mate", he says with an unusually deep authoritative voice, cuddling me close.

"How will you do that, I'm fine, promise", I say a little too fast, giving his thick arms a firm grip.

I hope Martha didn't tell him exactly what happened earlier. In a moment I get lost in his eyes as his fingers graze my lips repeatedly then he pulls back abruptly.

"The things you do to me, mate, but I know you're far from ready and this isn't the right time", He says.

"I have an important announcement to make, it's a surprise though", he finishes with a smile.

He sits on the ground and pulls me between his thighs against his body. We stay in comfortable silence listening to the morning birds chirping noisily high up in the trees.

"It's about time for breakfast I'm guessing, would you like to join me?" I ask with a faint smile after a while.

"Sure, you know I'd never say no to you, Kitten."

We head back to the pack house, hand in hand. Loud noise and boisterous laughter filled the air, they must be done with training.

As we step into the house, the noise ceases completely. Most of his pack members stare at us with curiosity but my pack stare with disgust.

Well sucks to be them, they all made my life a living hell in Blood Moon, so I will bask in their displeasure. I'm pretty certain they think I'm unworthy to be next to him even as a mistress. I laugh out loud in my head as we walk to the head of the table.

"Have a sit, Kitten", Kael whispers in my ears.

I blush at his actions and shyly take a seat. My ears peer around in search of Martha.

"I'd like to make an announcement", Kael's deep loud voice vibrates across the large kitchen, distracting me from my search. 

"The members of the Blood Moon pack will now be officially joining the Cantara Pack later tonight."

Alpha Kael's POV 

Aria has no idea that Maria told me about the altercation with Omari. I never liked the way he treated Omegas in his pack as filth. 

I need to get his filthy claws far from my mate.

"That would be all," I say. The piercing silence is replaced with a chorus of "Yes Alpha."

"Meet me in my office after breakfast," I mindlink my Beta, Aldin.

"Yes, Alpha," He replies. His usual playful demeanour is replaced by a serious one. He knows when I mean business and is an extremely efficient Beta, though I won't tell him that to his face.

"Can I see you later, Babe," Jessica's high pitched voice fills my mind. 

"No, and if you value your position in the pack you will keep your distance."

Thankfully, I am able to enjoy the rest of my breakfast in peace.

***

A loud knock distracts me from the stack of papers I am working on, on my office table. 

"Come in." I say in response and my Beta pushes the door strolling in as if he owns the place. 

"You asked me to come, Alpha, is anything wrong?" He gives me a curious gaze.

"Yes, I'd like you to keep an eye on Omari, he seems to be bullying pack members." Aldin's eyes widen in shock, "His entire presence irks me," I finish.

"You've never been a huge fan of his since when we were kids," Aldin finally says. "He gives me the creeps, like there's something wrong about him."

"Same old friend, please do me this favour, the safety of my mate is at stake here," I say my voice laced with worry.

"Yes, Alpha," he then gives me an intense gaze, "What's your take on the Luna Trials?"

"It'll hold in a month's time, I wish there was a way around it but this is needed," I answer. 

"She has done something to you," Aldin says. "You were never like this, not even with Margaret."

To my surprise my wolf Alec, who has barely said much since Margaret's death, grunts in response. "I've never felt this sort of strong bond with our first mate," Alec states at the back of my mind, "I can even feel her emotions, though we are yet to mark her." He then goes silent.

"Is that Alec?" My Beta asks.

"Yes, it is" 

"What a pleasant surprise, anyways don't you think announcing her officially as your Luna will protect her within the pack at least."

"I thought about that but I need to place certain things in order, so that it wouldn't backfire especially now that the rogues are gaining ground in most packs." I say.

"Alright that's okay, I'll do as you've said but keep in mind that Jessica is spreading rumors that is creating a bad reputation for your mate."

"I'll do something about it, how are the preparations for tonight?" I ask with a curious gaze. 

A smile plays on his lips, "You know how our she-wolves enjoy events, so far they've been running everything smoothly."

I release a chuckle, "Well, that'll be all then."

"Have fun, princess," he teases, getting up and walking out. My eyes go back to the paperwork in front of me.

"Alpha Omari, are you here to see the Alpha?" Aldin's once teasing tone turns cold.

"Yes," Omari answers in a clipped tone.

Aldin assesses him for a while then asks though the mindlink, "Should I let him in, Alpha?"

"Yes."

"You know I'll gladly get rid of him," He says in a dark tone.

"Let him in, Aldin."

He gives him one last look before stepping aside so he can come through. Aldin then shuts the door but I can still feel his presence close, he hasn't left yet.

Omari reaches my desk, "Have a seat." He then plops on the chair in front of me.

"How may I help you, Alpha?" I ask with a stern voice.

"I didn't think you would agree to my opinion on merging the packs, you were not too keen to accept."

A scowl appears on my face, how dare he!!!

"So what's your point, Omari?" I say dropping any form of courtesy. 

"Is it because of your latest side piece, Aria?" He taunts, "I never thought you would stoop so low and sleep with a low-life......

My canines and snout protrude almost instantly and my fingers and nails elongate in seconds. My fingers wrap tightly around his throat, slamming his back against the wall repeatedly. My eyes are seeing red, no one dares to insult my mate. I have been patient enough with this low life.

"You will respect her, I never want to hear her name come out from your filthy mouth, else you'll lose your head," Alec speaks with a deep, authoritative voice. Rage pulses in my veins. 

His attempts to pull me off are futile, he is strong even for an Alpha. But, I'm a Lycan from one of the original bloodlines, he doesn't stand a chance. 

The door bursts open and I sense my Beta behind me.

"Alpha, he's not worth it," he mutters soothingly, aiming to calm me down.

I let out a grunt and apply more pressure, no one disrespects my mate.

"Please, Kael, Aria won't like to see you like this."

I freeze completely, taking back a bit of control from Alec.

"You called her here?" I ask in annoyance, still partially shifted. 

"Kael, what's wrong are you okay?" My mate's ethereal voice fills my ears. She peeps into the office.

"Get him out of my sight," I ordered. I barely paid attention to him picking up the barely conscious Omari.

My eyes meet hers, I'm so certain she'll make a run for it. She always makes me feel like I'm the best thing to look at. Even now she approaches me slowly with parted lips. I'm yet to tell if it is admiration or fear.

Her fingers graze my face, the scars I have in my human form are also visible in my Lycan form.

My wolf whines at her touch, she then lets out an adorable giggle. "You're so adorable," She finishes.

Did I hear her right? I'm pretty sure I look almost feral. My eyes turn red when I'm raging.

My lips stretch in a smile, "You're the best thing that has happened to me, mate."

"I'm sorry I lost it, he was spewing nonsense."

"It's Omari we're talking about, he spews nonsense a lot." She has a glint in her eyes. "I was more worried about you when Martha said you were in trouble."

"Someone has fallen hopelessly for me," I tease with mischief. A red hue floods her cheeks. 

"I need to go now, and get ready for tonight," She says in a bid to leave. 

Her presence has calmed me down and I've shifted back to my human form. 

I wrap my arms tightly around her waist, pulling her closer to me.

"I'd like to announce you as my Luna to the pack tonight."

Aria's POV 

"Wait, really?" My eyes widened in shock. I've always had a nagging thought in the back of my mind that he probably saw me as inadequate, maybe that was why he never showed me his pack.

Omari's rejection and humiliation cut me really deep, it seems. 

"Why are you surprised? I should have even announced it earlier but I needed to place certain things in place first." He says lovingly.

"What things?"

"Well they will have to wait, it's now or never," he replies.

I smile approvingly, "Let's do this, then."

I get lost in his blue orbs, so handsome. His scars look so appealing and attractive. I wrap my hands around his neck, going on my tip toes. 

"To hell with this," I scream in my head. I slam my mouth against his, he stills for a moment and regains himself. Pulls me lush against himself and deepens the kiss, our tongues fight for dominance. 

A loud knock makes me pull away from him abruptly, a growl reverberates in the back of his throat. He attempts to pull me towards him ignoring the person at the door, but a loud knock is heard again. 

I shake my head towards him pointing at the door. He pouts in frustration, "Let's ignore it."

"No, it might be an emergency," I insist. I push his bulky body towards the door. I know he let me do that, there's no way I would have been able to even move his finger.

With a sigh of resignation he takes some steps towards the door and pulls it open with a scowl. 

"What?" He asks, I can't see who it is but a loud friendly voice answers.

"Hey, man can I at least come in, mmmm?"

"No," my mate refutes, blocking the door with his bulky body.

"Fine, it seems you're busy," the man says with a mischievous voice. 

A lingering silence fills the room. My mate should have been nice enough to answer.

"Well we are done preparing for the initiation tonight, we'd like you to come see and approve, maybe even make suggestions."

"I'll be there," my mate answers rudely, then bangs the door. 

He stares at me almost like a predator assessing its prey, "Come, Kitten, we aren't done yet."

"I need to dress up for tonight, you know," I say, stepping backwards to put in some distance between us. I don't know what got into me earlier, but now I'm feeling all shy. I can barely look in his face.

"Now you're trying to torment me," he whines like a hurt puppy. It's so unlike his cold personality, he makes me feel so special because I get to see the best sides of him.

"Not so, promise," I answer with red cheeks, "I just need to dress up real good, you know I need to make a good first impression since you will be announcing me as your Luna." I'm being rather daring than usual.

"You got me there, though whether you're in sack bags I'd still find you extremely beautiful," he says, "But I know women and their beauty so have fun babe."

I walk briskly towards the door. "Kitten," he says, making me pause and turn toward him. 

"I had a dress delivered at your place earlier, this time there's a guard placed outside your door so it wouldn't get damaged again mmmmmm?" He gives me a faint smile and returns to his ever high stack of files. 

I am in shock for a short moment before spinning around and rushing out the door.

I put a bit of distance between myself and his office then I lean against a nearby wall, an involuntary smile pulls on my face. I've just had my first kiss, with the most handsome man ever. I can't believe it. 

I'm cut out of my day dreaming by a sharp feminine voice, "I see you've grown wings, mutt."

"Not again," Willow says with a tired yawn in my head.

I turn to the right, coming face to face with one of my worst tormentors, Alicia. Though she had never laid her hands on me, she took my mate away from me which hurt more than any physical pain.

"What do you want, Alicia?"

"Well, I'm not surprised at your guts, seeing that you're now Alpha Kael's new play thing," She says with a condescending tone. "I came to warn you to stay clear of my man."

I chuckle rather loudly, "You said it yourself, I'm now Alpha Kael's new plaything, why in the world will I want anything to do with your mate," I taunt.

I raise my hands and interrupt her to continue, "He has no title currently and has failed in his duty as an Alpha, being unable to keep his pack safe."

"How dare you?"

I giggle with glee at her expense, "Well you shouldn't have come here if you didn't want any insults thrown in your face."

"You made Alpha Kael hurt my mate, he obviously doesn't want you, so stay clear of him," She says panting hard with rage.

"Sure thing, is that all mmmmmmm?"

"Your guts is something, watch your back though," She turns to walk out on me, but I will not back down this time.

"No, you watch your back, wanna be Luna.

She stops for a few seconds, but keeps walking away.

***

"You look so beautiful, Luna," Martha says, giving me a bear hug.

We give ourselves one last look at the mirror. Our makeup and dresses are so beautiful, Martha is good at things pertaining to fashion.

My arms pull at hers, and we head out her room that now looks like a hurricane hit it. I already had my dress brought by Kael. Wait, how did he even know about someone messing up my dress.

"Martha," I mutter deep in thought.

"Yes, what's up?"

"Did you happen to tell Kael about the incident where my dress got ruined, last time?" I ask, peering at the side of her head since we are walking hand in hand.

"No, I didn't, I only informed him about the incident with Omari," she answers. "Is there a problem?"

"Not at all, Bestie," I say. "I was just surprised that he knew about it, that's all."

We arrive at the pack clearing just in time for the initiation.

My handsome mate clears his throat, and speaks into the microphone on the podium. "Today marks a beautiful day for our pack, we will be initiating new pack members from the Blood Moon pack."

"Can the new pack members stay in line and approach me one after the other in a single file for the initiation." He then picks a knife, cuts into his palm deep.

"The moon goddess bears us witness today, you become one with the Cantara Pack. I promise to protect, lead and provide for you as your Alpha." He then presses his palm so droplets of blood flow on a rock below stained with dry, old blood. 

"I vow to you, today," he says, "Come, forward."

Omari goes first, "I renounce my place as Alpha of the Blood Moon pack, and submit to the Lycan of the ancient blood lines, Alpha Kael of the Cantara Pack." Kael cuts his palm open, and he spills droplets of blood on the rock.

"I promise to be loyal and to defend the pack at all costs."

Alicia goes next and every other pack member, they had always viewed me as the least in the pack, so I came last.

Martha stands right beside me for a while until it's my turn to go up the podium. Kael gives me an alluring smile.

He then walks towards me helping me up the stage since I was on heels. I repeat the same words and actions as previous members of my pack. Kael cuts me with apprehension and a bit of worry. 

After I spill my blood on the rock, he does something that sends a spiral of shock across the pack.

He then cuts his already healed palm and grips my cut palm making our blood mix. Sparks shoot beneath my skin, a flood of voices infiltrate my mind.

"Mine," he booms in my mind.

He spins us towards the crowd steadying me. "Cantara Pack, I announce Aria as your official Luna, I have found a second chance at love and my second half."

Hoots and cheers can be heard, mixed with murmurs and looks of disdain. 

"I object," a voice screams in scorn.