"Ladies and gentlemen" Alpha Johnson started. I tilted my head slightly in confusion. An Alpha was supposed to address to his pack as pack members. "My loyal pack members" he continued as if hearing my thoughts. "Today, we're all here, reunited together, to celebrate!" Alpha Johnson said in the microphone. His voice held power even if he was not the Alpha anymore. All the pack members seemed to absorb everything that he was saying. "My son, Your Alpha, has found his mate!" he finally exclaimed. Everyone cheered while lifting their glasses in celebration. We could hear the happiness in Alpha Johnson's voice. A chuckle escaped my mouth. I wouldn't have imagined that all this happiness was because of us. "So please, let me introduce you to your future Luna!" Alpha Johnson finally said as he motioned in my direction. My eyes widened as everyone turned to look at me.
What was I supposed to do?
"What are you waiting for?" Erik whispered. Roman turned to look at me.
"What am I supposed to do?" I asked Roman, sounding quite panicked.
"Calm down. You're supposed to stand up, wave at the pack members and walk to the stage" Roman guided me. I could feel my heart beats raced. I never talked to so many people before. My brother was always the one doing the speeches.
"You're coming with me" I told him, not actually giving him a choice. He didn't respond. I was in this on my own. I took a deep breath and stood up. Roman remained seated. I turned and waved at the people. They all started clapping their hands. Roman stood up next and gave a curt nod to everyone.
"I'm coming with you" Roman whispered, making me smile. Something that I didn't expect happen. Roman took my hand in his, making sparks fly on my skin. I gently squeezed his hand, to show him that I actually appreciated his action. We both made our way to the stage where Roman's father was waiting for me. I gulped before walking up the stairs. Alpha Johnson extended his hand in my direction. I took his hand in mine as he slowly guided me to the microphone.
"Dear pack members! Your future Luna!" Alpha Johnson introduced, making everyone cheer again. He moved so that he was now standing next to Roman. I cleared my throat loud. Extremely loud. Shit. I forgot that there was a microphone in front of me. When everyone winced, my eyes widened.
"Oh my god! I'm so sorry!" I quickly exclaimed in the microphone.
'Way to start your speech, Ava'. My mind screeched.
A wave of relief washed over me when I realized that everyone was laughing. I sighed then closed my eyes.
"Relax" Roman whispered loud enough for me to hear. I took a deep breath, then opened my eyes to look at the pack members in front of me.
"I wanted to make an awesome speech and here I go, making all of you deaf" I sighed, making the crowd chuckle. I laughed a little bit then shook my head. "Talking on a stage and making inspirational speeches are not things that I am good at" I said. I could see my brother and my parents nodding to this. "But what I know I am good at, is being a supportive member, being here when you need me, bring justice, help you and be by the side of my mate in any obstacle" I said, sincerity burning in my words as I gave Roman a side glance. I could sense pride oozing from my mate. He was proud of me. "Sure, I'm the future Luna" I started. "But I want you to consider me as a friend, a pack member and someone who you can confide to" I said. I could see the smile on everyone's face. "You might think that this is a regular future Luna speech. But trust me, I didn't prepare anything" I chuckled. "Yes, I am quite lazy" I told them, now earning a chuckle from nearly everyone. "But the other reason why I didn't prepare anything is that, I wanted to talk with my heart. I, Avanessa Lesnar, future Luna of the Silver Moon Pack, promise to protect this pack with all my heart" I said, making everyone cheer in happiness. Applauds were heard as I took a step backwards to show that I was done with the speech.
"You did good" Roman whispered as I joined him by his side and Alpha Johnson walked down the stage to sit by my father. "Really good" Roman whispered as he bypassed me. His compliment sent butterflies in my belly. He walked to the microphone and rose one hand to silence the pack.
"So serious" I mumbled to myself when I realized that Roman always had a blank facial expression when he would address to his pack. He turned to look at me.
Shit. He heard me.
I gave him a sheepish smile, making him shake his head as he turned to face his pack again.
"Pack members" he started. My eyes widened when I felt my wolf jumped in joy at how loud my mate's voice was. "We shall now proceed to the new member ritual" Roman said, turning to look at me. He motioned me to walk to him as a man brought a table with a knife and a bowl in front of Roman. I walked by the side of Roman.
"What am I supposed to do?" I asked my mate while looking at the knife in apprehension. In my pack, the ritual was a whole different.
"Cut your palm and let your blood flow a little bit. I will do the same. Then you place your palm on mine, thus bonding your wolf to my pack" Roman explained. I could see that everyone was watching us in admiration. I took the knife and placed my hand over the bowl. I cut it slowly, frowning slightly at the pain. Roman did the same. I, then placed my hand into his.
"Now?" I whispered.
"I, Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack accept you, Avanessa Lesnar as a member of our pack" Roman said in his Alpha tone.
And everything changed in the next seconds.