Arya sat on her bed. It was a dream, yet it felt so real. Was that really her great-grandmother? Could be. After all, she was a witch.
She looked around the room and found it empty. She freshened up and went downstairs.
She heard voices coming from the sitting room, and following it, she came to so many people, sitting on the sofa, talking and laughing.
Arya spotted her mate and waved at him, trying to catch his attention, when all of a sudden, everyone's head turned towards her.
Arya quickly put her hand down, feeling her cheeks heat up in embarrassment. Sometimes, she forgets that werewolves have a good sense of hearing and smell.
Alfa, sensing her discomfort, excused himself and made his way to her. "You okay?" He asked as they walked to the dining area.
"Yeah... I... I just...um," Arya didn't know what to say. Should she tell him about her dream? She decided not now. "So, who are these people?"
"They're the alfas of other packs, who came here for... " Alfa's voice trails off.
"I was thinking... I'm ready for this. The marking ceremony," Arya said, holding his hand.
Alfa studied her face. "Why the sudden change of heart?"
"Let's just say a luna gave me great advice on becoming one myself."
Alfa immediately understood who, but he was still curious as to how she wanted this just because his mother said so.
"Mum didn't pressure you, did she?"
"No. We just had an open conversation about why becoming a luna was important and how fears of the unknown shouldn't hold us back."
"So... this is final?" Alfa asked, staring at her with a playful gaze.
"Only if you accept it, before I change my mind," Arya said, winking.
The smile that crept up on Alfa's lips was breathtaking. The wonderful scent that filled the room was delicious. "Wait, why do you smell delicious?" Arya asked, looking into his eyes.
"I don't. But that does!" Alfa said, gesturing behind her.
Arya turned around to see a huge cake and following that, cookies, and muffins.
"What's all this?" Arya asked, as the servants holding the delicacies turned towards the kitchen.
"The treats for our marking ceremony, which is in six hours, by the way."
"Oh, that's... six hours? What do you mean six hours?" Arya asked, panicking.
"The ceremony is at seven."
"But... but I... I don't have anything... no dress, no makeup, no jewelry, and no shoes... "
"Love, don't panic. I bought everything you needed months ago. Your closet has a collection of dresses, shoes, bags, and jewelry. Just choose. Yes, if you don't like any from them, then we will have a problem," Alfa said calmly.
"You're the best."
After lunch, which was actually Arya's breakfast, she went to the room that she shared with her mate and opened the closet.
Arya's jaws nearly dropped to the floor. In there, Arya saw different colors of princess ballgown, heels, bags, and a drawer revealed elegant jewelry.
She went through the dresses first, and took out three gowns, a blue one with white lace flowers all over it; a maroon off shoulder dress with golden lace butterfly all throughout the skirt; and a red dress with a heart shape neck.
How much easier it would have been if she had help. The only two friends she had made were both at the hospital, one as a doctor, the other as a patient.
"How's it going?" Alfa asked from behind.
"You have to stop doing that! Do you like scaring everyone?" Arya asked, turning around.
"What can I say, I'm a bad person."
"Don't you dare say that about my mate!" Arya said, smiling.
"Forgive me, my lady," Alfa said, giving a bow that made Arya laugh.
"So, what do you think of these dresses?"
"Well, they're all gorgeous, but I don't know... a simple party gown would have been okay."
"Well, you always wanted to be a princess, so nows your chance," Alfa said, tilting his head.
"Well, you better get going, I need to try these on," Arya said.
"Your wish I'm my command," Alfa said, giving another dramatic bow.
Arya laughed harder as he walked out of the room.
After trying on all the dresses; all ten of them, Arya decided to go with a crimson dress. The body and skirt were made of plain satin, and the bottom border had large red roses. It looked simple, with a sweetheart neck, with just a strap on the shoulder.
Alfa Flowerew was in another room, trying on his tuxedo. He wondered which dress Arya was wearing so he could match his tie with her dress.
He called in two servants, "Go and see if your luna needs help, but your main task is seeing which colour dress she's wearing. Report back as soon as you can."
Arya heard a knock on her door. "Who is it?" She asked.
"It's us, Mandy and Sandy. We're here to help you get dressed," came the reply.
"Thank you, but I'm ready."
Alfa was pacing around the room. Sandy and Mandy were of no use.
"I welcome you all..." The announcement had already started.
"I now welcome the alfa and our Luna... " Oh no. Alfa had no choice.
Alfa was now outside of Arya's room to get her.
His heart nearly stopped as he stared at the person in front of him.
"Wow."
They held hands and walked to the ballroom. The crowd became silent and bowed in respect.
Standing on the stage, Arya felt nervous. "You alright?" Alfa whispered.
"Stage fright," Arya replied.
"The marking ceremony is a very important part of the werewolf packs." The old alfa Kane announced.
"It proves to the world that the young couple accept each other, in pain and happiness. I would like to call upon the elders of the pack to give the oath."
An older man and woman walked on stage. "They're from the council, here to officiate our marking," Alfa explained to Arya.
"Miss Aria Moonstone," the old woman began. "Do you accept Alfa Flowerew as a mate and companion for life?"
"Yes, I do."
"And you understand that after being marked by him, there's no going back."
"Yes, I do."
"And do you, Alfa Flowerew, accept Aria Moonstone as your mate and companion for life," asked the man.
"Yes, I do."
"And you understand that after being marked by her, there's no going back?"
"Yes, I do."
"We will now bear witness to these young ones mark each other."
'What now?' Arya asked Bella.
'Follow my lead.' She replied.
Both their eyes glowed, and it was obvious that Bella and Braxen were in control.
Each took turns to bite into the others neck, and the crowd cheared.