Chapter 6 Have you as my luna

Damon's POV

The moment Reina stepped into the moonlit garden, the world around me seemed to fall into one place, and that was her. The aisle was lined with white petals, and as she moved toward me, the silk of her gown clinging perfectly to her frame, my breath caught in my throat. She held a tiny bouquet with trembling fingers, but her face was a mask of expressionlessness.

There was no bridal glow, no spark of anticipation. She didn't want this bond; she didn't want me. My heart tightened with the knowledge that while I had spent a lifetime craving her, she didn't desire someone like me.

My gaze drifted to the curve of her neck, where a fading mark marred her skin. I had noticed it earlier. Someone had discarded her only hours ago, tearing their soul away from hers and leaving her hollow. It was the reason she had fought me; the reason she looked at the altar as if it were a scaffold.

Fredrick reached the end of the aisle and came to a halt. Without a word, he placed Reina's hand in mine. Her glove was cool, but I grasped her hand firmly, offering a silent strength she wasn't ready to accept. I led her the final few steps toward the priest, whose robes fluttered in the evening breeze.

"The moment is auspicious," the priest murmured, gesturing toward the glow above. "It appears the Moon Goddess herself has descended to witness the union of two destined mates."

I felt Reina flinch at the word destined.

"Start the official ceremony," I commanded.

The priest gave a solemn nod and began the sacred incantations. Then, the time came for the exchange of promises.

"I, Damon Kingsley," I began, "vow to protect you, to love you, and to respect you for as long as I draw breath. In every triumph and every shadow, you will find me standing firmly by your side. I swear my eternal loyalty and my heart to you, Reina Ashfall."

I watched her closely, searching for any crack in her composure. Her long eyelashes fluttered against her cheeks, a solitary sign of the storm brewing beneath her skin, yet she still refused to meet my gaze. It was only when it was her turn to speak that she finally lifted her head. As she repeated the holy vows after the priest, her eyes locked onto mine for a fraction of a second.

"Please, exchange the rings now," the priest said.

My beta stepped forward with a decorated basket that had two ring boxes laid in it. I picked one while Reina picked the other. I slid the ring onto her finger, and then she slid into mine. Her touch was cold, yet it sent a burning sensation through my entire body. Was this what they used to say a mate's touch?

"I declare you both husband and wife. May Alpha Damon kiss his bride."

I lifted the veil slowly and saw her hands tightly clutching the bouquet this time. I cupped her face when our eyes met. However, I didn't kiss her on the lips; instead, I planted a kiss on her cheek. As I pulled away, I saw a shocking look in her eyes. I passed her a smile and said, "Reina, it is my honor to be your mate. I am so happy to have you as my luna."

~~~~~

Reina's POV

I stood in stunned silence. I never expected an Alpha, especially one of his stature, to speak to me with such reverence. He seemed genuinely, inexplicably happy to claim me as his Luna. What shocked me even more was his restraint; he didn't force a kiss to seal the union, a mercy I hadn't anticipated.

"Shall we go?" he asked, his voice softening.

I gave a stiff nod and allowed him to take my hand. As we turned to leave the altar, my eyes caught Mariana. She was biting her nails, her face twisted in a mask of pure envy. In all the years of living in her shadow, I had never seen her look at me with anything but disgust; this new expression was unsettling.

We had barely started down the aisle when my father stepped forward, blocking our path. "I have nothing grand to offer you," he said, his voice devoid of its usual coldness. "But this is a small wedding gift from my side. I hope you stay happy."

I stared at the envelope in his hand, bewildered. Before I could reach for it, Britany lunged forward. "Honey, there is no need to give money to Reina," she hissed, her fingers twitching to snatch the envelope back. "She has secured a very rich husband for herself."

She was inches away from grabbing it when Damon's hand shot out, intercepting the envelope with terrifying speed.

"A father wishes to provide for his daughter, Mrs. Ashfall. I fail to see a problem with that." His voice was low, vibrating with a subtle threat that made the air around us feel heavy.

"I don't need it," I snapped, the bitterness rising in my throat. I pushed past them, refusing to look back. The audacity of my father's "blessing" stung more than his neglect ever had. How could he tell me to be happy today, when he had spent a lifetime ensuring I wasn't? He wasn't being kind; he was performing for the man standing beside me.

"Ahh!"

In my haste to escape their gazes, my heel caught on a stone. My ankle twisted sharply, and a pain shot up my leg, forcing a cry from my lips as I stumbled toward the ground.

However, before I could fall down, Damon's strong arms protected me, and the next moment, I was in his arms.

"Careful, love," Damon said with a smirk as he began walking, "and hold me tightly."

I slid my hands up his shoulders and locked them behind his neck. Up close, he looked far more handsome and intimidating at the same time.