Ember
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Alpha Theo Stormblade
“We are excited to announce that Alpha Stormblade has found his mate and our Luna, Ember Howling of the Lunar Pack!”
The pack radiated pure joy as Ember walked up onto the stage, her aura that of a natural-born leader. Her bright white smile made the crowd go wild while the maids followed behind her, lifting every inch of her enormous dress as she ascended the stairs to the podium.
She waved to the crowd, blowing kisses to her new pack. Her skin glowed beneath the lights, her hair bouncing in perfect shoulder-length curls as she moved with excitement. Pearly white silk gloves hugged her arms up to her elbows.
I rose from my throne as Ember approached, reaching out and taking her hand. I pressed a kiss to her knuckles. She curtseyed—with the help of her maids—her huge puffy dress blooming around her.
“My Luna,” I purred, my gaze locked with hers. “Stunning.”
She winked, bowing her head slightly. “Alpha Stormblade, it’s a pleasure to be your Luna.”
The pack whistled and howled at our first moment together on stage. Wolves fought for a better view—jumping on each other’s backs, pushing forward, lifting mates and pups into the air just to see us.
Footsteps echoed on both sides of the podium as the elders joined us. The Stormblade elders, dressed in their finest evening gowns, formed a circle around us. Each wore a black cape over their shoulders and a pendant signifying their status.
When the elders reached their positions, I dismissed Ember’s maids with a nod. They scurried offstage and into the crowd.
The elders bowed down on one knee in a perfect circle, heads lowered. The pack followed them, bowing in unison to grant privacy for the Luna Ceremony.
Thousands of wolves filled the pack house, yet the silence was absolute—so still that a pin could have dropped and echoed.
I took Ember’s hands. Determination and love shone in her eyes. Leaning close, I whispered, “No one is watching. They’re giving us privacy.” I chuckled softly, and she shivered.
Ember laughed quietly as I lowered my lips to her neck. “That’s nice. At least they lowered their gaze.”
I extended my canines and searched for the perfect place between her neck and shoulder. When I found it, I paused—giving her a moment to prepare.
She nodded.
With her consent clear, I bit down. Ember let out a small gasp of surprise.
I immediately licked up the blood from her mark, sealing the wound. Power surged through me as I looked at the forming tattoo—an outline of her crest, swollen and new.
The pack made soft cheers at the scent of blood, but not one of them raised their heads.
Ember extended her canines next. She gently placed her hands on my chest, leaned in, and marked me in return—leaving her unique tattoo on my collarbone.
Our eyes met as our bond snapped into place—Alpha and Luna, perfectly connected. Sparks raced across our skin, our veins alive with the pack spirit. Strength, power, and unity flowed through us.
The elders stood. The pack rose with them.
“Stormblade Pack,” the eldest announced, “your new Luna, Ember Howling!”
A deafening howl filled the air, shaking the walls.
I pulled Ember into my arms and kissed her. She laughed as I lifted her bridal style, making the pack erupt into chaos.
Across the kingdom, other packs joined the chorus, offering their congratulations.
“I can’t wait to take that dress off you tonight,” I murmured against her ear, frustration building at the volume of fabric.
Ember giggled. “This dress took five maids to put on. Good luck getting it off yourself.”
“You’d be surprised what a newly marked Alpha will do to get to his Luna,” I teased. “I’ll rip this shit right off without a second thought.”
She swatted my shoulder. “Gee, Alpha. At least wait until we get to our room.”
Her maids hurried back to help her down the podium. Ember raised a hand. “No need, maids. I can take it from here. Enjoy the party—you’re dismissed for the evening.”
Their faces lit up with excitement at being given the rest of the afternoon off. “Thank you, Alpha, Luna,” they said in unison before running off.
“Ember! Theo!” My sister Aspen popped out of the crowd, her large group of friends trailing behind her. “Where are you going? Come dance with us, Alpha and Luna!”
Aspen’s friends whispered and giggled behind her. Aspen, five years younger than me, was still painfully immature—thanks to our parents spoiling her senseless.
She never needed to ask for anything; the answer was always yes. Designer clothes, jewelry, handbags—she had it all. When she learned to drive, our father bought her any car she wanted. Naturally, she chose a bright pink Bugatti.
Ember smiled warmly, taking Aspen’s hands like a true Luna. “Oh, we would love—”
“—to another time,” I finished firmly, shooting Aspen a warning glare.
Before Aspen could pout or whine, I ran off with Ember in my arms, taking the back way up to our suite to avoid being stopped again.
“We could have stayed a little longer and danced with your sister,” Ember said gently, holding onto my neck. “Maybe Boris and your parents too?”
“No way, kitten,” I scoffed. “We can see them anytime. I just claimed my sweet, delicious, divine-smelling Luna.”
With a nudge of my foot, I pushed open the tall wooden doors to our room. They creaked dramatically. “Welcome to your new room, Luna,” I breathed as I stepped inside and locked the doors. I dimmed the lights.
“You had the maids bring my things?” Ember gasped. The closet was packed with her clothes, belongings, even suitcases left to unpack.
I carried her to the center of our massive bed and laid her down gently. She looked tiny against the enormous mattress. She pursed her lips, inviting a kiss.
A loud bang hit the door.
“Alpha, are you coming?” Boris shouted.
I groaned and closed my eyes. Of course. Stupid Beta.
“Come back later!” I snarled, brushing Ember’s curls behind her ear.
“I’ve been knocking for an hour!” Boris said, jiggling the doorknob. “Are you still in bed?”
I rolled my eyes and turned back to Ember. “Sorry, kitten. Now where were—”
But she was gone.
“Alpha, are you dreaming again?” Boris asked softly. “Come on, the elders are waiting.”
My hand was empty. The room shifted.
I snapped awake, drenched in sweat. The room was cold, emotionless. The bed was empty.
It was just a dream.
“Fuck off, Boris!” I yelled. “Stop knocking when I’m in my fucking room!”
I dragged myself out of bed. The clock read twelve minutes past noon. I was late.
I’d agreed to meet the elders today—for the first time since Ember died five years ago. They’d respected my grief and held meetings with Boris instead. But today they insisted.
Boris told me they wouldn’t reveal the agenda. Meaning they knew I’d avoid the meeting if I didn’t like the topic.
I showered quickly. Ember’s fading marks on my neck caught my eye in the mirror. I rubbed them gently, then chose a button-up shirt with a high collar to cover them.
Taking a deep breath, I opened my door.
“Wow, you look like shit,” Boris said immediately, straightening from where he leaned against the wall. “Your room doesn’t look much better. I’ll send the maids.”
“Let’s get this over with,” I growled, slamming the door. “I can’t stand talking to the elders. It’s always something—always worried about bullshit.”
“That’s their job, Alpha,” Boris reminded me as we walked to the conference room. “Don’t take it personally.”
Inside, the elders whispered among themselves. Boris and I bowed.
“Alpha Stormblade, Beta Darkmoon,” they greeted. “Thank you for meeting with us.”
Boris and I sat at the end of the long oak table.
“I’m busy,” I said bluntly. “Without a Luna, I perform the duties of two wolves. Let’s make this quick.”
An older woman stood, giving me a soft, pitying look. “Alpha Stormblade, that is why we requested this meeting. We have come to a unanimous agreement.”
Another elder—leaning on a cane—rose. “We have agreed that you must find a new Luna.”
“And produce an heir,” a male elder added. “A Luna would benefit both you and the pack.”
“The child must be born soon, so you can train him before retirement,” another chimed in.
I shoved my chair back and stood. “Come on, Boris. I won’t listen to this. The answer is no. I will never mate again. Not unless Ember comes back from the dead.”
Boris grabbed my arm. “Alpha, wait.”
One elder stepped forward. “We know the loss of a mate is not easy—”
“They’re right,” Boris said quietly. “You used to be fun. Easygoing. Now you work yourself to death and rot in your room. You barely interact with your pack.”
“I protect my pack,” I snarled. “I’m their Alpha, not their friend. They’re provided for—that’s all that matters.”
“You’re not even my friend anymore,” Boris whispered. “You don’t go to your mom’s dinners.”
“We understand this will be hard,” another elder said calmly. “But many wolves accept second-chance mates. After the mating process, your feelings will grow. Your bond will develop.”
“Listen—” I growled, my canines extending. “I said I will not take another mate. The pack will survive. They have my mother. Boris will meet his mate soon.”
“Alpha Stormblade,” the elders said firmly, “we cannot accept that decision. If you refuse, we may be forced to strip your title.”
I dragged my hands through my hair. I couldn’t lose my position. Not for me—
For my pack.
“I will agree to have an heir,” I snapped. “I will have a pup. But I will not mate.”
Boris stared at me like I’d lost my mind. “Where are we going to find an unmated female willing to be your surrogate?”
The elders whispered among themselves, then nodded.
“Very well. We accept.”
“We will send word to all packs. We will find a suitable female.”
I prayed they wouldn’t.
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