Page 48 of Pack to the Wall

As they trudged up the beach, Olivia appeared, waving enthusiastically as she approached. Zev noticed the knowing smile on her face immediately.

"There you two are!" Olivia called out. "Perfect timing."

Zev raised his eyebrow. "Why do I feel like you're plotting something?"

"Because we are," Olivia admitted, not bothering to deny it. "The pack has arranged a surprise for you both. You'll need to change into something more... celebratory. The event center is being prepared as we speak."

"The event center?" Zev questioned, immediately alert. The pack's private venue was used only for their most significant occasions—mating ceremonies, pack leadership transitions, and birth celebrations. It sat nestled in a protected valley, far from the resort and closer to the pack's residential area.

Chrissy looked between them, confusion evident in her expression. "What's happening?"

Olivia's smile widened. "Your official welcome, Luna. The pack sensed the claiming last night, and they want to celebrate properly."

The realization finally dawned on Zev. Of course—the pack bond would have alerted everyone the moment he marked Chrissy. The primal energy of their union would have rippledthrough the collective consciousness of the Isle Luna wolves. And now they wanted to honor their Alpha's mate.

"I didn't expect this so soon," Zev admitted, a surge of pride rising in his chest.

"You know how traditions work," Olivia replied with a shrug. "Once a Luna is marked, the celebration follows." She turned to Chrissy, linking arms with her. "Come with me. I've got something perfect for you to wear. This is a big deal, trust me."

Zev nodded his approval. "I'll meet you at my car in front of the main lodge in an hour. We'll drive to the event center together."

As Olivia whisked Chrissy away, Zev returned to his villa, his mind racing with pride. Just yesterday, some members of his pack had surrounded Chrissy's villa, demanding she leave. Now they were planning her welcome celebration. The shift in energy told him everything—they had accepted her as their Luna, their Alpha female, despite her being human.

Zev showered quickly, washing away the salt and sand. He selected a tailored charcoal suit with a crisp white shirt, leaving the top buttons undone in a nod to island casualness. His wolf paced inside him, anxious to present his mate to the pack in her official capacity.

An hour later, Zev leaned against his black BMW, waiting. The sound of the resort's front door opening caught his attention, and he turned.

He almost forgot to breathe for a split second.

Chrissy descended the steps in a floor-length red gown that hugged every curve of her body with loving precision. The neckline dipped just enough to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of cleavage, while the slit along one side flashed her toned leg with each step. Her dark hair cascaded down her back in glossy waves, topped with a delicate circlet of white island flowers. Themate mark on her neck was proudly visible, a declaration to all who saw her.

She was magnificent. Regal. His.

"Damn," Zev muttered under his breath, his body instantly responding to the sight of her. He pushed off the car and strode to meet her at the bottom of the steps, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Well? Will I do?" Chrissy asked, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness as she gave a small twirl.

Zev's hand shot out to grasp her waist, pulling her against him with possessive force. "You're beyond perfect," he growled, his voice rough with desire. "Every male wolf in the pack is going to lose their mind, which means I'll be spending the entire day making it clear who you belong to."

Her eyes widened, darkening with a matching hunger. "I like the sound of that."

Zev helped her into the car, his hand lingering possessively on her lower back. As they drove through the jungle roads toward the event center, he couldn't stop glancing at her, memorizing how the sunlight caught in her hair and illuminated her skin.

"You're staring," she teased.

"I can't help it." His hand found hers, their fingers intertwining. "My wolf can't believe you're really ours now."

The event center came into view—an elegant structure of natural wood and stone that blended into the landscape. Lights twinkled from within, and soft music drifted through the open doors. Zev parked and came around to open Chrissy's door, offering his hand.

"Ready to meet your pack, Luna?"

Chrissy took his hand, her chin lifting with quiet determination. "Lead the way, Alpha."

The moment they stepped through the doors, a hush fell over the gathered crowd. One hundred pairs of eyes turned to take in their Alpha and his newly marked mate. Then, as one, the pack members dropped to one knee, heads bowed in respect.

Zev felt Chrissy's grip tighten on his arm in surprise. These were the same wolves who had surrounded her villa in anger just yesterday, now kneeling before her in absolute submission.

Ewan stepped forward first, rising to his feet. "On behalf of the Isle Luna pack, we welcome our Luna." He turned to the assembly. "Rise and celebrate!"

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