~ Ryder's POV ~

I would be lying if I claimed yesterday wasn't still weighing on my mind during the mating ritual, the painful scene of Julius rejecting Doris replaying over and over.

Part of me had felt satisfaction and relief. She had been out of his reach and for reasons I couldn't explain, that made my chest tighten in a strange kind of happiness. 

But there was also guilt. The rejection had been brutal, and I had seen how badly it hurt Doris.

A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.

"Come in," I said, straightening.

The door swung open, Julius and Blade walked in-my closest friends since childhood.

"Don't tell me you're not going to the ceremony today," Julius teased, leaning against the doorway with a smirk.

Blade chuckled, giving me a light punch on the shoulder before sliding into the chair at my desk, calm in contrast to Julius's energy.

"Obviously, I'm going to the mating ceremony," I replied evenly, my voice steady.

Julius raised an eyebrow. "But come to think of it, Alpha Ryder," he emphasized the title with mock bowing, "you don't even have a mate or a girl you're dating, so how are you going to pick your Luna today? 

The elders make it compulsory. You can't rule for years without a Luna, you know the principle.

Blade leaned back, smirk tugging at his lips. "Except he's probably going for Clara."

Julius's eyes widened in mock horror. "Clara? Really? Clara rejected every mate that came near her. Yeah she's probably been waiting for you all this time, that's so classic."

Blade laughed quietly. "It's going to be a show. Clara Anthony doesn't even know what's coming."

I rolled my eyes and stepped closer, catching Julius by the shoulder and giving him a playful shove. 

"Who says I don't have a Luna in mind, huh?" I said, letting the challenge hang in the air. "And who says it's going to be Clara Anthony? You'll see. It's going to be a surprise for both of you."

They laughed, but I held my ground, smiling faintly. "Now, it's time for you two to leave my room."

"No, no," Julius protested, flopping onto the edge of my bed with exaggerated flair. "We are not leaving. 

Come on, Ryder just tell us who your Luna is. We're your Beta and Gamma-you should tell us first."

Blade crossed his arms, grinning faintly. "Yeah. We're your left and right hands, Alpha. Transparency is part of the job."

I shook my head, laughing softly. "No. Not until the ceremony because I want it to be a surprise for everyone."

Julius groaned dramatically. "You're impossible."

Blade simply shook his head, smiling faintly, as if he had expected nothing less.

I brushed past them toward the door. "Consider this your warning...leave my room, or I'll drag you both out myself."

They exchanged a look, amused but exasperated, and slowly got up. Julius threw a teasing wink over his shoulder, and Blade gave a small nod. 

The door clicked shut behind them.

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Today, the ceremony and I would find her.

A few hours later, it was time for the ceremony. 

By the time I stepped onto the grounds, everyone was already seated. 

The crowd buzzed with anticipation, but as I walked forward, murmurs quieted.

 All eyes fell on me.

I paused, letting the weight of the moment settle, then raised my voice.

"Today, I will be picking my Luna, following the rules of our pack," I announced. 

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Raising a hand for order, I continued. "But first, we will honor those who have already found their mates."

"If you have a mate, or one you wish to choose as your mate, come forward with them so the elders and I may bless your bond before I select my own Luna."

Immediately, pairs stepped forward. 

Julius took his mate Veronica by the hand, leading her confidently. 

Together, they stood before the elders and me, their union blessed and bound by tradition. Their proud smiles spoke of the ceremony's promise reserved only for the worthy.

And then my focus shifted.

I scanned the crowd for the one who had quietly captured my attention. 

My eyes finally landed on her. 

Doris.

She stood at a distance, almost invisible, quietly observing everything. 

The moment our eyes met, she quickly looked away, hands tightening at her sides.

No one dared meet my gaze.

"I, Alpha Ryder Stone, take Doris Charles as my Luna and chosen mate of the Moonpack," I declared. 

Silence fell immediately. Every whisper, every movement froze as the crowd processed what had just been announced.

I walked toward her, ignoring the murmurs and whispers. Doris's eyes widened, and instinctively she covered her ears, shaking her head as if she'd misunderstood.

She even stepped back, ready to flee.

I stopped right in front of her, my gaze never leaving hers.

"There's no running from this," I said softly, but firmly.

I held out my hands. She hesitated, pulling back, but I stepped closer and gently took her hands in mine. 

Her fingers trembled as she walked beside me toward the center of the ceremony.

Then I noticed she was barefoot, her feet cold against the ground, exposed.

I lifted her into my arms without a second thought. She stiffened, startled, but I held her close, steadying her as I carried her straight to the center.

Once we reached the center, I set her gently on the floor. She pressed herself against my chest, as if trying to hide from the world.

I noticed just how scared she really was, and my gaze softened. She had never felt protection like this before.

I lifted my head, letting all eyes fall on us. "As promised, I present to you the Luna of Moon Park."

The grounds fell silent and all eyes were on us. She pressed closer, hiding against my chest, every inch of her body tight with tension.

Then I raised my hand, signaling the end. 

"The ceremony is concluded, everyone may now celebrate with their mates-visit your mate's family or any place you wish to honor your bond."

I walked with the elders, Doris remained quiet at my side, leaning lightly against me. She barely moved, simply letting me lead her where we needed to go.

That's when her family came into view. I led Doris toward them, ensuring she remained safe under my watch.

I could feel her fear, even without a word, and it was her family that frightened her most.

This was only the beginning, from now on, my Luna would never face fear without my protection.

~ Doris's POV ~

My heart was hammering so hard I thought it might jump out of my chest.

I couldn't believe what had just happened on the field. In front of the entire pack, Alpha Ryder had looked straight at me and said the words no one ever expected.

"She's my Luna."

Me.

The one everybody calls "a loser" right in my face.

I stayed close to him as he guided us through the crowd, my arms tight around his waist. His body was solid, like a wall between me and the rest of the world. Even so, I felt their eyes burning into my skin, no one tried to hide it.

"Why her?"

"A mute Luna? Seriously?"

"She can't even speak during meetings, how's that gonna work?"

"Ryder must've lost his mind tonight."

"Probably felt sorry for her. Charity case."

"Clara Anthony would've been perfect, at least she can open her mouth."

Every word stabbed a little deeper, I pressed my face harder against Ryder's shirt, breathing in the clean smell of vanilla and something warm.

His hand rested gently on my back.

We finally reached my family near the edge of the gathering. Dad stood up straight the second he saw us coming and for once he didn't look angry. 

He actually stepped forward and shook Ryder's hand.

"Alpha," Dad said, voice low and formal. "Welcome."

Mom stayed sitting, arms crossed tight over her chest, watching everything like a hawk. 

Her lips were pressed into a thin line, I knew that look. It meant trouble.

Before I could even catch my breath, Mom grabbed my wrist and yanked me a few steps away, pretending she just wanted to "fix my hair" or something. 

The second we were out of their earshot she leaned in close.

"How did you do it?" she hissed. "How did a useless thing like you trick the Alpha into picking you? You think you're special now? You're still bad luck and always have been."

Her words landed like slaps but I kept my eyes on the ground, staring at the patches of my worn gown. 

What was I supposed to do? what would I say to the woman who'd spent years telling me I was nothing?

She dragged me back to the group and sat me on a low wooden bench in the corner. 

Every time Ryder glanced over, she flashed him that big fake smile she saves for important people but when she looked at me? Nothing but cold stares.

I curled my fingers into the edge of my dress and tried to disappear inside my own head. Why me? 

The question kept spinning around and around. Did Ryder even know I was mute? Like, did he really know? Or did he just see a quiet girl and think it was cute? What happens when he finds out I can't give speeches, can't yell orders, can't even argue back when someone insults the pack?

A shadow fell over me, I looked up and there he was-Ryder, tall and calm with those dark eyes watching me like I was the only person in the whole world.

"You okay?" he asked softly.

I swallowed hard and nodded once. It was all I could manage.

He crouched down a little so we were closer to eye level. "Can we go somewhere quieter? Just to talk? There are a few things I need to say before we move forward."

Before I could even think, Dad jumped in. "Our house is close by we can go there."

Ryder nodded. "That works perfectly."

The walk home felt like a dream. Ryder kept his hand on my lower back the whole time. Like he was saying I've got you without using words. 

Dad actually walked beside us instead of ahead like he usually did, he kept stealing little glances at me, like he was seeing me for the first time.

When we got inside, Mom rushed to offer Ryder the good chair and a glass of cold water. 

He thanked her politely but didn't sit, he stayed standing, looking around our small living room like he was measuring it.

"I don't want to drag this out," he said, voice steady. "Doris is my chosen mate now and that means she's my Luna." 

"Tonight she becomes my wife in the eyes of the pack, I'm taking her with me when I leave but first I want your blessing. Both of you."

The room went dead quiet.

Then Vanessa exploded.

She'd been sitting in the corner pretending to scroll on her phone, but now she jumped up so fast the chair scraped the floor.

"Are you serious?" she snapped, staring at Ryder like he'd lost his mind. 

"Her? The mute girl? You're the strongest Alpha in three territories and you pick her? She can't talk! She can't lead! She's... she's nothing! Look at her, she's plain, she's awkward, she's basically a charity case." 

"I mean, even the beggars in the market have more dignity than her!"

I felt my face burn, I shrank back against the wall, wishing I could melt into it.

Ryder didn't even blink, he just looked at Vanessa calmly, like she was a barking puppy.

When she finally ran out of breath, he spoke.

"I heard you," he said simply. "But my decision isn't changing."

Mom saw her chance, she quickly stood up, smoothed her dress, and gave Ryder her sweetest smile.

"Alpha, please," she said in that soft, fake-nice voice she uses when she wants something. "Can I talk to you for a second? Alone?"

He nodded and followed her to the far corner near the kitchen doorway.

I stayed where I was, but the house is small. I could hear every word.

"Look at her, Alpha," Mom started. 

"She can't speak, not even a single word. How is she supposed to be Luna? The other packs will laugh at us and they'll think we're weak."

"She's messy, dirty and a sl*t just like her real mother was with no class but Vanessa?" Mom waved a hand toward my stepsister. 

"Vanessa is beautiful. She's confident and she can talk to anyone, charm anyone. She's exactly what a Luna should be."

My chest hurt so bad I could barely breathe.

Ryder let her finish, then he answered, voice low and even.

"Mrs Anna," he said, "I'm not picking a Luna because she's pretty or loud." 

"I felt the bond with Doris, I looked at her and I knew that's it. No one and not you, not Vanessa, not the whole pack is going to change my mind. Unless Doris herself gives me a reason not to trust her, she's coming with me tonight."

Mom went quiet, I could almost hear her teeth grinding.

Ryder walked back over to me, his eyes softened the second they met mine.

"Doris," he said gently, "go pack a few things. Whatever matters to you. We're leaving soon."

I shook my head a little. My hands felt shaky as I signed the words slowly so he could understand: Nothing important to pack.

He studied my hands for a second, then nodded like he got it. 

A tiny smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Okay. Then we'll get you new things and whatever you need."

I looked around the tiny living room one last time, the spot on the wall where Henry had drawn a stick-figure wolf when he was six. 

This place had never really felt like home for nineteen years. 

Just then the back door banged open.

Henry came running in, cheeks red, grinning so wide it almost split his face.

"Doris!" he shouted. He threw his arms around me and squeezed tight. "You're gonna be Luna! Luna! Can you believe it?"

I hugged him back just as hard. Tears stung my eyes.

He pulled away a little, still smiling. "I'm so happy for you, sis. You deserve this. Go be amazing. And visit me, okay? Promise?"

I nodded fast, throat too tight to even try signing.

Henry glanced at Ryder and gave him a shy little wave. "Take care of her, Alpha. She's the best."

Ryder dipped his head. "I will."

Henry gave me one more quick hug, then stepped back.

I took a long, shaky breath. The air tasted different somehow, like the start of something new.

Ryder held out his hand.

I looked at it for a second, then I placed my smaller one in his.

His fingers closed gently around mine.

Together we walked out the door.

I didn't look back.

For the first time in my life, I wasn't running away from something.

I was walking toward something better.

And for once I wasn't walking alone.

Vanessa ran over and bent close, her voice low enough that only I could hear.

"Enjoy it while you can," she whispered. "You're stealing my place, and I won't let you keep it."

She smiled sweetly, then turned and walked away.

~ Doris ~

The car ride felt like it lasted forever. I sat in the back seat, staring out the window as trees and houses blurred by. 

Ryder drove quietly, his hands tight on the wheel. He didn't say much, just a few words like "We'll be there soon" or "Are you okay?" I nodded each time, but inside, my heart was pounding like a drum. Why did he pick me? It didn't make sense.

When we finally pulled up to his house, it was like stepping into a dream or maybe a fairy tale from one of those old books Henry used to read to me. 

The building was huge, like a castle made of stone and wood, with big windows that sparkled in the evening sun. 

There were flowers everywhere in the garden, red and yellow ones that smelled sweet. Tall trees surrounded it, making it feel safe and hidden. 

Back at my old home, our house was small and dark, with creaky floors and walls that always needed fixing. This place was so fancy, I felt like I didn't belong. My clothes looked even worse here.

Ryder parked the car and turned to me. His eyes were kind, but his face stayed serious, like he was holding something back.

"This is your new home, Doris," he said softly. "Come on, I'll show you around." 

He got out and opened my door, like a gentleman in a story. I stepped out slowly, my bare feet touching the smooth gravel path. It didn't hurt like the rough ground at the ceremony.

He clenched his jaw when he saw my bare feet.

For a second, he stepped a little closer to me. His hand even lifted slightly, like he wanted to pick me up.

But then he stopped.

His hand dropped back to his side, and he cleared his throat.

"We'll get you shoes tomorrow," he said quietly.

We walked up the wide steps to the front door. It was made of thick wood with carvings of wolves running under the moon. 

Ryder pushed it open, and inside, wow, it was even more amazing. 

The hallway had shiny floors that looked like they were made of marble, and a big staircase curved up to the second floor. 

Lights hung from the ceiling like stars, and there were soft rugs that felt fluffy under my toes. I could smell fresh bread baking somewhere, and hear soft voices from other rooms, people lived here I guessed. But it was so quiet and clean, not like my old house where my stepmom always yelled and the twins left messes everywhere.

Ryder led me through the hall. "The kitchen is that way," he pointed. "You can eat whenever you want. No one will stop you." 

His voice was gentle, but he didn't smile much. He seemed distant, like he was being careful not to get too close. 

Was he regretting choosing me already? 

My stomach twisted at the thought. "And over here is the living room. We have meetings sometimes, but you don't have to join if you don't want to." 

The living room had big couches and a fireplace taller than me. Bookshelves lined the walls, full of books I'd never seen before. I wanted to touch them, but I kept my hands by my sides.

We went up the stairs. "Your room is right here," Ryder said, opening a door at the end of the hall. 

I stepped inside and I gasped silently. The room was bigger than my whole old bedroom and the twins' combined.

 A huge bed with fluffy pillows and a soft blanket in light purple, my favorite color. 

How did he know? 

There was a desk with paper and pens, and a window looking out at the forest. 

A closet stood open but empty. It even had its own bathroom with a tub that looked like it could fit two people.

"This is yours," Ryder said, standing in the doorway. 

He didn't come in all the way, like he was giving me space. 

"If you need anything, just write it down or something. I'll assign someone to help you tomorrow." 

His eyes met mine for a second, and I saw something warm there, but then he looked away. 

"Get some rest. It's been a long day." He nodded and closed the door softly behind him.

I stood there alone, the room spinning a little. I sank onto the bed, the mattress so soft it hugged me. 

Candy stirred in my mind. "This is our new home. It's nice, right? But I couldn't relax, doubts flooded in like rain. 

What if Ryder only picked me out of pity? 

Everyone at the ceremony laughed when Julius rejected me. They called me worthless. And now, the Alpha chose me? It felt like a joke, a cruel one that would end with me back in my old life, scrubbing floors.

My breathing got faster. I clutched the blanket, trying to calm down but memories crashed over me like waves. 

I was five again, up on that high building with Veronica and Vanessa. They were laughing, saying it was a game. "Jump, dumb Doris!" But they pushed me. The fall... the wind rushing past, the ground coming up too fast. 

Pain exploded everywhere when I hit. My body hurt, but my heart hurt more. After that, words wouldn't come out. I tried, but my throat closed up. 

Doctors said it was in my head, from being so scared. Anna, my stepmom told everyone I was born that way, but it was a lie. 

They made me this way.

Tears stung my eyes. I curled up on the bed, shaking. My chest felt tight, like I couldn't breathe. 

Why did they do that to me? 

The panic grew, making my hands tremble. I rocked back and forth, trying to push the thoughts away. 

Minutes felt like hours. Finally, the shaking slowed, I wiped my face, feeling empty. 

This room was pretty, but it didn't fix the hurt inside.

There were voices drifting up from the garden below.

I slowly moved toward the window and peeked through the curtain.

It was few of the maids from the house.

They stood near the flower beds, pretending to adjust the plants, but their heads were close together. Whispering.

"Can you believe it?" one of them muttered, her voice low but sharp. "The Alpha picked that mute reject?"

The other maid scoffed. "I heard she was rejected twice. Twice! And now she's Luna?"

They both laughed quietly.

"She's not worthy," the first one continued. "She doesn't even speak, how is she supposed to stand beside the Alpha? She'll embarrass him."

"I give it a month," the second maid said. "He'll realize he made a mistake."

Their words felt like stones thrown at my chest.

I stepped back from the window slowly, my vision blurring with tears.

Even here.

They still saw me the same way.

I hadn't even done anything yet.

Why did everyone hate me so easily?

My fingers tightened around the curtain.

Was this what being Luna would be like?

Smiles to my face but whispers behind my back.

Candy's voice was quiet but firm inside my mind.

"Let them talk. One day, they will bow.

But right now, all I felt was small.

I climbed back into bed, pulling the covers over my head. 

This new life was scary. The house was beautiful, and I had a mate now but the pain inside me was still there.

Would I ever truly feel safe?

Candy's voice was soft in my mind. "Give it time, we're stronger than they know.

I closed my eyes and held onto her words.

I hoped she was right.

*****

I woke up suddenly not because of any sound, but because of that heavy feeling you get when someone is watching you. 

My heart was already pounding before I even opened my eyes. I lay still, trying to convince myself it was just a bad dream until I heard it... a very soft scrape, like metal brushing against the window frame.

I forced myself to turn my head slowly toward the window. 

Through the thin gap between the curtain and the glass, I saw him.

A tall figure dressed in completely black hoodie pulled up, black trousers, black gloves. He was standing maybe one meter from the window, perfectly still. 

Moonlight caught the side of his body, and that's when I saw it clearly...the knife in his right hand. He was holding it low, pointing down, like he was ready to use it any second.

Because the window glass had that one-way tint from outside, he probably couldn't see in clearly. But from inside, with the room dark and the moonlight outside, I could see every detail of him like he was standing under a spotlight. 

My whole body went cold, I couldn't breathe properly. I just stared, frozen, praying he hadn't noticed my eyes open.

He tilted his head slightly, like he was listening or deciding something. 

Then he raised the knife a little, tested the window frame with the tip, very gently. The soft tink sound made my stomach drop.

I wanted to scream, but nothing would come out. I just kept staring at that knife, at his black.

And then... he just stopped, he lowered the knife, turned around slowly, and walked away like he had changed his mind or heard something. 

Someone had come for me. In my new home and on my first night as a Luna.

He knew exactly which room was mine.