Chapter 4 MINE

Chapter 4: Mine

The night of the full moon had arrived, casting a silvery glow over the pack's sacred clearing.

Felicia stood there, her heart pounding in her chest, her fate sealed by the decree of the Alpha. Dressed in a flowing white gown, she faced Tyrus across the altar, feeling the weight of her destiny pressing down on her.

She had accepted her fate. It wasn't as if she had another lover, but the idea of being the Alpha's mate still felt foreign and unwanted. The wedding gown felt heavy on her shoulders, a stark contrast to the lightness she once felt in her solitary life.

The elder of the pack, a stoic figure with years of wisdom etched into his features, stood between them. His voice rang out, clear and commanding, "Do you, Tyrus, accept Felicia as your mate under the gaze of the full moon?"

"I do," Tyrus replied without hesitation, his voice strong and unwavering.

"And do you, Felicia, accept Tyrus as your mate under the gaze of the full moon?"

Felicia's heart skipped a beat. She could feel the dozens of glares from the other pack members, their eyes boring into her. Her breath caught in her throat, and she hesitated, the silence stretching unbearably.

Where on earth was Rwanda? Felicia's thoughts raced. They hadn't spoken since the last pack gathering meeting, and the absence of her best friend weighed heavily on her mind. She longed for Rwanda's reassuring presence, her unwavering support.

But there was no sign of her, and the elder's expectant gaze brought Felicia back to the present moment. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to push through the fear and uncertainty.

"Yes," she finally replied, her voice barely more than a whisper.

The elder nodded, a solemn expression on his face. "Then, by the power vested in me by the pack and under the gaze of the full moon, I declare you Alpha and Luna."

The declaration echoed through the clearing, met with a mix of cheers and murmurs. Felicia felt a rush of emotions-relief, apprehension, and a strange sense of finality. She was now Luna, bound to Tyrus and the pack in a way she had never imagined.

As the ceremony concluded, Felicia couldn't shake the feeling of unease.

She glanced around the clearing one last time, "Where did Rwanda go? She promised to support me no matter what." But her friend was nowhere to be seen.

Felicia found herself in her new room within the Alpha's castle, the opulence and grandeur a stark contrast to her simple home. She sat on the edge of the bed, feeling the weight of the day settle into her bones. The ceremony, the stares, the declaration-it all felt like a surreal dream.

The door creaked open, and Tyrus stepped into the room, his presence overwhelming and assertive. Felicia glanced up, her voice tentative as she greeted him, "Hello, Tyrus."

He didn't respond verbally but moved toward her with a deliberate, almost predatory grace. "We should get to it," he murmured, his voice a sultry, resonant purr that made her shiver.

Before she could react, he was upon her, his hands skillfully tearing her clothes away. Felicia's breath hitched as his lips brushed her skin, planting warm, lingering kisses along her neck, collarbone, and breasts. Each touch sent jolts of pleasure through her, making her moan softly and her breath come in ragged gasps.

"You are mine now," Tyrus whispered against her skin, his possessive tone both thrilling and intimidating.

Felicia struggled to process the flurry of sensations. Her desires surged, eclipsing her rational thoughts. She wasn't sure when it happened, but soon she found herself pleading, her voice trembling with need. "Please, Tyrus... please."

They united with a raw, primal intensity that night. Their bodies moved together with a rhythm that was both unfamiliar and instinctual. The initial encounter was a blur of heat and urgency, followed by a deeper exploration of each other's desires. The third time they came together was a melding of their mutual craving, a powerful crescendo that left them both breathless.

When it was over, Felicia lay beside Tyrus, her body sated but her mind reeling. She stared blankly at the ceiling, trying to make sense of the night's whirlwind. She had never imagined this path for herself, yet here she was, entwined with the Alpha in a way she had never foreseen.

As sleep began to pull her under, Felicia's thoughts wandered to the future. She was now Luna, bound to Tyrus by more than duty-a fierce, undeniable connection that promised a future filled with uncertainty and passion.

Felicia's attention was drawn by a knock on her door, and moments later, it swung open to reveal three maids. The first carried a tray laden with an assortment of delectable dishes, the second bore a stack of sumptuous clothing, and the third, who seemed to hold a position of authority, entered empty-handed. The head maid, who introduced herself as Grace, stepped forward with a polite nod.

"Good morning, Lady Felicia," Grace said with a practiced grace. "We've been sent by Lector to ensure all your needs are met during your stay."

Felicia offered a welcoming smile, intrigued by the unexpected yet pleasant surprise. Her eyes wandered from the tray of food to the assortment of clothing and finally to Grace. The maids' coordinated effort spoke volumes about the care Lector had taken to make her comfortable.

Grace set the empty tray on a nearby table and turned her attention to the food. "We've brought breakfast for you, which I hope you'll find to your liking."

Felicia approached the tray, her curiosity piqued by the spread before her. It featured a variety of fresh fruits, delicate pastries, and a steaming pot of aromatic tea. Her stomach rumbled softly in response, and she smiled appreciatively.

"This looks wonderful," Felicia said, her gaze shifting to the second maid who was now arranging the clothing. "And what about these?"

The second maid, who had been silent until now, began to lay out the clothes with a touch of reverence. Each set was crafted from luxurious fabrics, resplendent with intricate patterns and rich colors. Felicia's eyes widened at the sight.

"These were chosen to suit your needs for any occasion," Grace explained. "Lector wanted to ensure you have everything you require for both comfort and style."

Felicia glanced at Grace with a hint of amusement. "It seems Lector has gone to great lengths. I appreciate the thoughtfulness."

Grace gave a gracious nod. "It's our pleasure to assist you, Lady Felicia. We're here to make sure your stay is as pleasant as possible."

The maids began to quietly arrange the clothing in the closet while Grace took a moment to check on the food. As Felicia observed the meticulous care with which they handled their tasks, she couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude mixed with curiosity. What more would this day bring?

Once the maids had finished their tasks, Grace stepped back and addressed Felicia again. "If there's anything else you require or any special requests you have, please don't hesitate to let us know. We are here to serve."

Felicia nodded, her mind already wandering to the possibilities of the day ahead. "Thank you, Grace. I will keep that in mind."

With a final bow, Grace and the other maids prepared to leave the room. As the door closed behind them, Felicia turned her attention back to the tray of food. She decided to start her day with a leisurely breakfast, savoring the moment of tranquility before the busyness of her new environment fully enveloped her.

She selected a pastry and took a small bite, the flavors delighting her palate. The food was as exquisite as she had hoped, and she found herself relaxing into the comfort of her new surroundings.

As she enjoyed her meal, Felicia's thoughts turned to Lector's intentions and the significance of this elaborate welcome. What did this gesture truly signify? And what role would she play in the days to come? The questions lingered in her mind, but for now, she allowed herself to enjoy the present moment, savoring the luxury and the care that had been so thoughtfully provided.