Page 79 of Rejected By My Shadow Alpha
Later that evening, we arrived at the gathering beneath a canopy of twilight stars. The courtyard had been transformed, lanterns floated like orbs of light, and golden flags bearing the Lunaris and Cornerstone symbols fluttered proudly side by side.
Liora stood between us, her silver-streaked hair catching the light like moonfire. She held herself tall, her shoulders back, and her eyes sharp with confidence far beyond her years. My daughter, our legacy.
Darius stepped forward, flanked by council members, his voice clear and commanding.
"Tonight, we witness not just the union of two powerful packs, but the birth of something greater. A future forged in blood, sacrifice, and unity. The child before you," he motioned to Liora, "is no ordinary heir. She is the alpha of tomorrow. The Lunaris and Cornerstone lines will live on through her, stronger, wiser, and unbreakable."
Applause roared around us.
Darius turned to me as the cheering died down, his voice lower now, just for us. "That mining field you offered… a steep price, Drew."
"But the takedown of Alpha Alfred?" I replied evenly. "It was worth it."
He smiled, that wolfish glint in his eyes. "Drew, thank you. I am satisfied with what I got."
"And thank you," I replied just as coolly, "for keeping your word when it mattered most."
He clapped me on the shoulder and drifted off into the crowd.
Ruby turned toward me, her brows lifting. "You okay?"
I scanned the faces around us, so many wolves, allies, even former enemies, standing in shared victory.
"I am now," I murmured, slipping my arm around her waist. "Just making sure the last of the snakes are out of the garden. I'm done fighting. I just want peace."
She tilted her head. "You trust Darius?"
"I trust that he's too smart to cross me now," I said, then leaned in and kissed her softly, right there in front of everyone.
She leaned into me, pressing her lips softly to mine. "Then let's enjoy tonight."
I kissed her back, my hand resting over her heart. "We've earned it."
The music swelled, and Liora stood on her chair and waved her staff proudly in the air.
Chapter 34
Ruby
Seven months.
That's how long it had been since the storm passed and the world settled into something I never believed I could have. Peace, love, joy, and the promise of a future that keeps unraveling goodness and commitment.
I stood in front of the full-length mirror, my hand resting gently on the curve of my belly, and for a moment, I simply breathed. The woman who stared back at me had no fear. She wasn't running anymore, and there were no more shadows clinging to her heels. All she has now is just light, love, and life.
The silk of my white gown shimmered like moonlight, soft and flowing around my ankles. The fabric hugged me gently, tailored for the small but undeniable swell beneath my palm, a tiny heartbeat pulsing within me, strong and steady. A new Lunaris life, a future I once thought had died with the ashes of my past, but here I was. Whole, fulfilled, happy, and content.
Drew had become everything I once feared I'd never find again: my safe place, my joy, and my partner. He was gentlewhen the world overwhelmed me, fierce when I needed strength, and always, always present. I'd watched him with Liora every day, the way he carried her through early morning frost and danced with her barefoot through puddles. The way he read her stories about magic and taught her that love was not something to fear. He had become her father in every way that mattered.
And today…he will become my husband.
The thought made me smile. I touched my belly again, feeling the flutter inside like the baby already knew today was special. Just then, the door burst open.
"Mommy!" Liora squealed, racing in with bare feet and flower petals tangled in her hair. "You're gonna be late! Everyone's waiting!"
I laughed, turning to face her. "I'm the bride, sweetheart. They'll wait for me."
She huffed dramatically. "Daddy's already standing under the flower arch. He keeps checking the path like this…" She mimicked Drew, puffing out her chest and squinting into the distance. "You'd think you vanished!"
