Beneath the Alpha's Moon
Chapter 154: Preparations

Chapter 154: Preparations

TERESA’S P.O.V.

The morning after the proposal felt surreal, like I’d woken up in someone else’s fairy tale. Except, of course, this fairy tale involved Lucian Blackwood—the infuriating, rich, sarcastic alpha who had somehow stolen my heart and was now sitting at the head of the long dining table with a smug grin plastered across his ridiculously handsome face.

I, on the other hand, was a mess. My cheeks were flaming, my palms were clammy, and I was entirely too aware of every single pair of eyes darting curiously toward us as we sat down for breakfast.

"You look like you’re about to bolt," Lucian murmured, his voice low and teasing as he leaned toward me. His hand brushed mine under the table.

"Maybe I am," I hissed back, glaring at him. "You just said you’re going to be making an announcement to the entire pack!"

"Of course, I am. They need to know their future Luna said yes to their Alpha. It’s tradition." He grinned, looking far too pleased with himself. "Besides, they all love you."

Before I could protest further, Lucian rose from his seat. The room immediately hushed, all eyes snapping to him. He radiated authority, even in casual breakfast clothes. I had to admit, he made commanding a room look effortless.

"Good morning, everyone," Lucian began, his voice carrying effortlessly across the hall. "Before we dig into breakfast, I have an announcement to make."

Oh no.

I sank lower in my seat, willing the floor to open up and swallow me. Lucian’s smirk widened, clearly sensing my discomfort.

"Last night," he continued, his tone softening in a way that made my heart squeeze, "I asked Teresa to marry me."

Gasps erupted across the room, followed by a deafening cheer.

"And she said yes."

The hall exploded into chaos. People were on their feet, clapping, cheering, and yelling their congratulations. Even Rylan, who usually looked like he had a permanent smirk etched onto his face, was grinning and clapping enthusiastically.

I covered my face with my hands, trying to hide my burning cheeks. "I’m going to kill you," I muttered through my fingers.

Lucian chuckled, leaning closer. "You’re adorable when you’re embarrassed."

"Quiet!" Lucian’s voice boomed, silencing the room almost instantly.

He stood tall, his presence commanding as ever. "According to pack tradition, the elders will choose a suitable date for the moon marriage. Until then, it’s your job to take care of Teresa and prepare her to become the perfect Luna for this pack."

The room erupted into cheers once more, and this time, I couldn’t help but smile. The genuine joy and acceptance from the pack were overwhelming in the best way.

*********

Over the next few days, the pack embraced me as one of their own. They came to me for advice, invited me to join in pack meetings, and even included me in their daily activities. It was surreal.

Then the elders announced the date—a full moon in two weeks. Two weeks! It felt impossibly soon, but I didn’t have much time to dwell on it because Mara, the Omega assigned to help me, arrived the very next morning.

Mara was a whirlwind of energy, barely over five feet tall but somehow managing to make me feel like I was in boot camp. She dragged me through endless lessons on pack traditions.

"This," Mara said, holding up a jar of some suspiciously glowing substance, "is moonstone dust. You’ll need to sprinkle it over the ceremonial fire during the bonding ritual. But be careful! Too much, and the fire will flare up, which is bad luck."

I nodded, furiously jotting down notes.

"And don’t forget," Mara continued, "the Luna’s dance. It’s symbolic of unity, so every step has to be perfect."

"Wait," I interrupted, blinking. "Dance? Nobody mentioned a dance."

Mara gave me a look that said she thought I might be a little slow. "Of course there’s a dance. Didn’t Alpha Lucian tell you?"

I glared at the mention of his name. "Of course, he didn’t."

By the end of the week, I was exhausted but determined. For the first time in my life, I felt respected, valued. The pack treated me like I was already their Luna, and it was... overwhelming, but in the best way.

One evening, I sat down with my phone to make calls. First up was my brother, Luke.

"Teresa!" Luke’s voice boomed through the phone, filled with warmth. "What’s up, kiddo?"

"Luke, I have news," I began, feeling a nervous flutter in my chest. "I’m getting married. To Lucian."

Silence.

"Married?!" Luke finally shouted, sounding both shocked and thrilled. "About time that man stepped up. I’ll be there—with the whole family!"

Next was Adrian.

"Teresa," Adrian drawled, his deep, smooth voice sending a shiver down my spine. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I’m inviting you to my wedding," I said.

"Your wedding?" Adrian’s tone was warm and teasing. "Well, congratulations. Lucian’s a lucky man—blind or not."

I rolled my eyes. "Thanks, Adrian. You and Juliette better be there."

"Oh, we wouldn’t miss it for the world," Adrian replied, his tone turning serious for a moment. "I’m happy for you, Teresa."

The days leading up to the wedding were a blur of activity. Decorations, catering, ceremonial rehearsals—it was chaos. But Lucian was there every step of the way, his calm presence grounding me.

One evening, as we sat on the edge of our bed, I turned to him with a tired smile. "Did you know that being Luna involves memorizing about a million rituals?"

Lucian smirked. "Sounds about right."

"You’re lucky I love you," I muttered, leaning into him.

"I know," he replied, his voice soft. "And I don’t take it for granted."

We stayed like that for a while, talking, laughing, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

Then the phone rang.

I groaned, reaching for it. "It’s Kenneth," I said, handing the phone to Lucian.

Lucian frowned, his sightless eyes narrowing. "Why is he calling so late?"

He answered the call, his tone sharp. "Kenneth, what’s going on?"

There was a pause, and then Lucian’s expression darkened.

"What do you mean I’m on the news?" he demanded.

I shot him a worried look. "What’s happening?"

Lucian didn’t reply. Instead, he reached for the remote and turned on the TV. The screen lit up, and my jaw dropped.

"Oh my God," I whispered, half in horror and half in disbelief.

"What does it say?" Lucian asked.

"It’s a press release. It seems they have finally caught up to your blind secret.

Lucian’s lips twitched. "Well, that’s one way to go viral."

Despite the seriousness of the situation, I burst out laughing. "Lucian! This is serious!"

He leaned back, his smirk firmly in place. "Relax, Teresa. Let’s wait until after the wedding then we’ll handle it. Still, I wonder how they found out; I thought I had everyone fooled."

I couldn’t help but laugh harder. This was going to be one memorable wedding.

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