Chapter 4 4

~ 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.