Free Web NovelChapter 116: Chapter 116
Victoria emerged from the crowd, already crying. Marcus dropped to one knee.
"Victoria, you’ve been my partner in every way that matters for three years. You’re the bravest warrior I know. The kindest person I know. Will you marry me?"
"Yes!" Victoria threw herself at him.
The pack exploded. Cheering, whistling, applause. I was crying again. Christian was grinning.
Diana appeared with champagne. Where did she even—never mind? That was just Diana.
"To Marcus and Victoria!" Diana shouted, raising her glass.
"To Marcus and Victoria!" Everyone echoed.
Someone started music. Christian turned to me with an exaggerated bow. "Luna, may I have this dance?"
"So formal, Alpha," I teased, but took his hand.
He swept me onto the makeshift dance floor. The pack formed a circle around us, clapping and cheering.
"You’re an excellent dancer," I said, surprised.
"My mother insisted on lessons. Said an alpha needed to be civilized."
"Remind me to thank her."
We spun across the floor, and I’d never felt so happy. So complete.
Then everyone else joined in. I danced with Connor, then Marcus, then about fifteen young pack members who shyly asked their Luna for a dance.
Christian danced with Diana, Victoria, and several older she-wolves who scolded him about working too hard.
Hours passed. The music varied from fast songs that had kids spinning wildly to slow ballads that brought couples close.
During a break, a group of teenagers surrounded us.
"Tell us how you met!" a girl named Ashley demanded.
"Oh boy," Christian muttered.
"Well," I said, grinning wickedly. "I showed up at Shadow Ridge having no idea what I was getting into. And Christian was the most intimidating, cold, unfriendly—"
"I wasn’t that bad."
"You barely spoke to me for weeks! You looked perpetually annoyed by my existence." frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓
The teenagers laughed.
I told them what they needed to hear...
"Everything changed when Christian stopped treating me like an obligation. When we started really talking. Really trusting each other."
Christian took my hand. "Sophie taught me that strength includes vulnerability. That being Alpha means serving, not dominating. That love is a choice you make every day."
The teenagers sighed romantically.
"The best relationships are built on friendship first," I told them. "Trust and respect, not just passion."
As midnight approached, the energy shifted. People settled around fire pits, talking quietly. I moved between groups with Christian, listening to stories, sharing moments.
My Luna bonds glowed so bright in my awareness. Every thread, every connection, weaving Shadow Ridge together.
Christian watched me with that look. The one that made my heart skip.
"What?" I asked.
"Just admiring my Luna. Watching you with our pack." He pulled me close. "You’re incredible."
"We’re incredible," I corrected.
Eventually, people started heading home. Calling out goodnights and thanks. Christian and I stayed to help clean up.
"That was perfect," I said, leaning against his chest. The fairy lights still twinkled overhead.
"It was." He kissed my head. "Watching you become Luna has been the greatest privilege of my life."
"Building this life with you has exceeded every dream I never knew I had."
We stood there in comfortable silence, surrounded by the evidence of our pack’s joy.
My phone buzzed. Connor.
*Alpha Karl sent a formal invitation. He wants to discuss strengthening alliances. Dinner meeting at their territory?*
I showed Christian.
"Diplomatic visit," he said thoughtfully. "Good timing, actually. We should strengthen neighboring pack relationships."
"Will I have to be all formal and diplomatic?"
"You’ll be perfect. You’re always perfect."
"Even when I knock over weapon racks?"
"Especially then."
I was about to respond when my phone buzzed again. Diana this time.
*Catherine, Northern Ridge’s Luna, specifically requested to meet you. She’s heard about the training program.*
Then Connor again: *Marcus mentioned they have two Lunas struggling with abilities. It might be a training opportunity. Christian read over my shoulder. "Looks like your reputation is spreading."
"Is that good or terrifying?"
"Both, probably."
Another buzz. Connor: *They want you to visit next week. Marcus was very insistent about meeting you both.*
"That’s fast," I said.
"Northern Ridge is known for being direct." Christian pulled out his phone, typing a response. "We should go. Strengthen alliances, share knowledge, and maybe help their Lunas."
"My first official diplomatic visit as Luna."
"You’ll be remarkable."
I wasn’t so sure, but Christian’s confidence was contagious.
My phone lit up one more time. Connor: *Confirmed for Thursday. They’re sending the formal itinerary tomorrow. Karl says Catherine is excited to meet Sophie.*
"No pressure," I muttered.
Christian laughed. "Come on. Let’s go home. You’ve got diplomatic protocols to learn."
"Oh God, there are protocols?"
"So many protocols."
"Why did I agree to this?"
"Because you’re Luna, and Lunas help other Lunas." He tugged me toward the packhouse. "Besides, you’ll probably revolutionize their entire Luna program like you did ours."
"That was an accident!"
"Was it, though?"
Fair point.
As we walked home under the stars, I felt nervous but excited. Northern Ridge Pack. Diplomatic relations. Helping more struggling Lunas.
Just another day in my completely insane werewolf life.
And honestly? I wouldn’t change it for anything.
