Page 219 of An Omega for the Lycan Prince
“It’s not only that,” Geneva interrupts them. “I hate to bring politics into this talk, but a wolf like Annalise is rare. Imagine an Omega werewolf with her rare gifts being crowned as a queen. It’s revolutionary, to say the least.”
“Paris is a beautiful place,” Bernard chimes in with a bright smile. “You’ll like it there, Elden!”
“I’m just wondering how I should break the news to Flora,” dad groans. “Give me a few more years, will you? I can’t decide without her.”
“All right,” Samuel sighs. “Until one of your children takes over Silverlake. Then I want a decision from you.”
Dad drives his fingers through his hair and groans. “All right, all right.”
“Now on to another pressing matter,” Samuel looks at us now. “The Council already blessed Liam because of his royal heritage. But as you are his mate and Luna now, Annalise, you’ll be blessed too. I assume Liam told you about it?”
She nods.
“It sounds fancier than it is,” he smiles at her. “Don’t be afraid. We could do it right here and now, but I assume maybe you want your parents to be there for it? I think they would like to see it.”
“It’s that private?” Annalise asks, sounding relieved.
He nods. “We always do this in private, my child,” he smiles warmly. “We bless the Lunas in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, with only the most necessary people around. And then… later, we’ll crown you in front of the crowd. They always like the show.”
“They do,” Bernard hollers. “It’s not even necessary to crown anyone, it’s just a metaphorical thing to do but they love it! They just love it!”
“Then I would love to invite my parents,” Annalise smiles happily. “I’m sure they would appreciate it.” She turns to Elden. “Would you and Flora like to come too?”
His eyes widen in surprise at her question. Annalise really loves and respects him, and it probably just dawned on him. When he looks at me, I give him a short nod. “It would be an honor,” he says with a genuine smile.
Chapter sixty-three
Chapter 63 Blessed
*ANNALISE*
TheCouncil’sBlessinghappensa day before the official ceremony in front of the pack. It’s a full moon night, and the Goddess’ power is particularly strong on those nights. I should feel nervous and full of anxiety; but instead, I just feel calm. I’m so glad this is going to be a private moment for me.
Geneva told me it’s all about me, and I should be the one to feel comfortable. I don’t even have to dress fancy. I make sure I look appropriate though in a flowy white dress, a very simple, but elegant one. Nights in early spring get chilly, so Geneva made sure to wrap me in a thick and warm blanket, reassuring me that the place itself was going to be illuminated with candles that would make me feel warm enough not to feel uncomfortable.
The place they chose for the ceremony is the clearing right next to the lake, close to the spot Liam proposed to me. The others went ahead to prepare the ceremony. Only Mom stayed behind with me to keep me company. Soon enough, she walks next to me through the forest. She doesn’t say much, just keeps squeezing my hand. Before we reach the destination, she turns to look at me. “I’m so proud of you, Annie,” she says. “Not for being blessed by the Council, not for becoming Luna, not for your new rank. I’m proud of the woman you have become. To see you stand up for so many people like you did in your teenage years for Ella and Dave and now for the Red Claw Pack. The way you treat your siblings, the respect you show everyone, and how confident you grew to be.”
I feel touched. “Thank you Mom, but part of the credit goes to you and Dad too. You never minded my rank; you had my back my entire life. Without you, I wouldn’t have grown up as confident in my skin as I am now.”
She smiles warmly at me. “All a mother can ask for is that her child finds their own happiness. And you did. I’m so happy to see you blossom and grow, and find your purpose in life. I’m happy you found a mate who respects you, someone who never cared about your rank. We are reaping what we sow, and you will certainly reap a lot of good things. You were born to become Luna, and I think the Moon Goddess knew it too. That’s why she gifted you.”
“Goodness, mom,” I say with tears in my eyes. “You’re going to make me cry.”
“Don’t worry,” she winks at me. “Elden told me how Fenris defended Leah’s honor. If you cry, he and Liam will make sure to dry your tears and growl at the elders.”
I giggle a bit. “Thanks, Mom.”
“What for?”
“For being my mom, for having me as your daughter.”
Her eyes widen. “Now it’s you who gets the tears flowing,” she teases. “Come, let’s go and hurry to make sure we get this over with.”
I laugh slightly and follow her along until we reach the clearing. The place is lit up by candles reflecting blue light. There are runes surrounding the middle of the clearing. In the middle they built a stone pedestal for me to receive my rites.
Just as promised, only the elders, Liam and our respective parents are here. Geneva approaches me and takes my hand. She smiles warmly at my mother, who now walks over to Dad, wrapping her arms around his middle while they keep watching in awe.
“Have you seen such a ceremony before?” Liam asks his father in the silence.
