Sold as the Alpha King's Breeder
Chapter 1170 - 81 : The Moonlight Above Us

Chapter 1170: Chapter 81 : The Moonlight Above Us

*Rion*

I slid my arms through the sleeves of my dark gray shirt before doing up the buttons on the front. Daphne had chosen the shirt, insisting that it looked amazing on me since it matched well with the color of my eyes.

This was a pivotal moment and we wanted to make a good impression.

Daphne was facing a large full-length mirror on the far side of the room. I watched her expression through the reflection, noting the way her smooth pink lips were turned down, her eyebrows furrowed.

I shook my head with amusement and finished getting dressed before approaching my mate. Understandably, she had left her more extravagant dresses at the palace, packing only a few simpler gowns. The one she wore now was a pale blue color that reminded me of the early evening sky. Her wavy brown hair was slightly flowing delicately down her back.

She looked radiant. All she was missing was her signature sunny smile.

Daphne watched me as I walked up behind her. To my immense disappointment, she didn’t even crack the tiniest grin when I wrapped my arms around her waist.

I rested my chin on top of her shoulder, making eye contact with her through the mirror. “Nervous?” I guessed, giving her an affectionate squeeze.

She nodded and laughed shakily, the corners of her mouth finally turning up. “Is it that obvious?” she asked, lifting her arms so she could rest her hands over mine.

“Probably only to those who know you very well,” I replied with a shrug. I kissed her cheek. “And I happen to be one of them. Don’t be nervous. I’m going to be right there with you and besides, I’m under the strong impression that we’ve already won a lot of the members over.”

Daphne rolled her eyes at my confidence. “Everyone seems really nice so far,” she said with an agreeing nod, but then she bit her lower lip. “But we’ll be in front of the entire pack for the first time tonight. It just feels like a huge moment.”

I nodded in understanding. I could pretend to be overconfident all I wanted, but the truth was that I was nervous too, even though there was excitement in there as well.

“This is really it, though,” Daphne continued. She turned so that she could look into my actual eyes as opposed to their reflection. “After tonight, we’ll officially be the leaders of this pack.”

“Yes,” I said slowly, wondering where she was going with this. I could tell that she had already fallen in love with this community in the short time we’d been here, so I knew it wasn’t regret that I saw swimming in her hazel orbs right now.

Those eyes suddenly hardened with determination, her irises seeming to glow in the dim lighting of the guest room we had been occupying. “These people will be officially under our care, and I just want to give them everything I can.”

I felt affection pour out of me at my mate’s words. For a moment, I just stared at her, marveling at her drive and compassion. I took her hand and squeezed it firmly.

“We’ll give them everything we can,” I corrected her before leading her out of the room.

***

It was clear that summer was transitioning to fall as we stood on the small wooden stage. The cool, crisp air danced around us. I glanced at Daphne briefly, worried that she might be cold in the thin dress that she was wearing, but she didn’t look bothered by the slight chill at all. Her round eyes were focused and determined as we faced the pack members who sat in neat rows in front of us.

Alpha Cyrus stood on my other side and now stepped forward, clearing his throat before lifting his hands to quiet the group. The pack looked up at him with a mixture of admiration and expectation.

“While I’m sure many of you have already had the pleasure of meeting these two lovely people, allow me the honor of formally introducing them to you all,” he said in his deep, slightly gravelly voice. “From the Crimson Kingdom... Rion Stormfall and Princess Daphne.”

There was polite but still enthusiastic applause from the crowd. I recognized many of the friendly faces. Daphne and I nodded and waved.

“We are so pleased to have them,” Alpha Cyrus said. He cleared his throat, taking a deep breath in as if to prepare himself. “As many of you also know, I am getting on in years, and while I’m regretful to not have any heirs of my own, the circumstances have led to a promising development.”

A slight murmur rose up over the crowd as they processed their Alpha’s words.

Alpha Cyrus turned and gestured for Daphne and me to step forward. I took my mate’s hand before we made our way to the front of the stage. We both lifted our heads high.

“After getting to know Rion and Daphne well and observing the way they have interacted with our pack members, there is no doubt in my mind that they will thrive as my successors.”

There was a mixture of shock and elation that spread out over the sea of people. It was clear that at least some of the members had suspected this announcement. The clapping was boisterous, and many of the pack members stood to their feet to cheer for us.

Daphne grinned at me, some slight relief showing on her features. I wrapped an arm around her shoulders as we continued to smile and wave to the pack.

Alpha Cyrus waited for the applause to quiet down before he turned to face us. Daphne and I turned as well, our eyes rounding when the old man removed two necklaces from around his neck and held them up, causing another stir in the crowd.

“These amulets belonged to my late wife and me. They are symbolic of the immense responsibility the two of you will hold in order to lead this pack, but also of the unyielding support you will gain from this family through your promised leadership.”

Daphne sent me a wide-eyed look. It was full of compassion and excitement.

Alpha Cyrus held the soft blue amulets out to us. The two matching stones had intricate engravings of the moon in different phases. He held one out to Daphne first, who stepped forward confidently.

Alpha Cyrus nodded to her. “As the new Luna, do you promise to defend the morals of Crimson Creek and to lead with a compassionate heart?”

Daphne glanced at me briefly, her wide hazel eyes shining. “Yes, I promise with all that I am.”

Alpha Cyrus smiled gently at her before slipping the amulet over her head so that the stone rested against her heart. Daphne looked down at the stone and gazed at the amulet as if it were the most precious thing in the world.

I squared my shoulders and stepped forward once Alpha Cyrus looked over at me. “Rion Stormfall, as the new Alpha of this pack, do you swear to protect its members and defend the morals with which they stand?”

I nodded firmly, more determined than I had ever been in my life to do just that. “I promise to protect and defend this pack in every way, with everything I’ve got.”

Alpha Cyrus nodded seriously and slipped the amulet around my neck. I took a second to really feel the weight of it as it rested against my chest. The two stones that Daphne and I now wore seemed to glow beneath the moonlight above us.

Alpha Cyrus gestured for us to face the pack. His voice boomed, loud and strong. “May the Goddess bless Rion Stormfall and Daphne Crimson as the new Alpha and Luna of Thorn Forest.”

The pack cheered in agreement, raising their hands up. I couldn’t help but look over the people with pride.

My people.

Daphne took my hand, and I squeezed it firmly as we stood tall together.

“May the new Alpha and Luna prosper and lead for many years to come!” Alpha Cyrus concluded.

The feast that followed was surprisingly rowdy but also extremely welcoming. Daphne stayed by my side as we wandered through the huge garden area where the party was taking place. Picnic tables filled with fruits and grilled meats were oriented neatly. Torches were lighting up the perimeter of the celebration area. A small band played some lively tunes on their stringed instruments.

I was overwhelmed by how warmly welcomed Daphne and I were. It was clear that many of the members didn’t realize we were visiting in order to decide whether or not we would take over as Alpha and Luna and yet, they still treated us like family with their kind smiles and friendly exchanges.

“We are so excited to have you taking over for our dear Alpha,” an older couple told us, taking our hands warmly in theirs.

“We’re really happy to be here,” Daphne told her, looking at the wife, whose dark brown eyes had a ring of blue around the irises.

“You kids be sure to come to us if you need any help at all,” said the husband, who had long gray hair and a slight tremor to his voice.

“We will, sir,” I said with a friendly nod.

We had similar exchanges with almost all the members of the pack, even the vampires, who seemed to keep more to themselves but were friendly and warm. The young women seemed especially taken with Daphne. I could tell they thought she was beautiful with her flowing dress and confident air about her.

She carried herself like a powerful but kind queen. I had no doubt that she was going to be an amazing Luna.

Daphne glanced at me while we sat at the head of a long table. Once we got through all the greetings and introductions, we finally had a moment to sit down and enjoy the carefully crafted feast.

“I’d like to give a short speech,” she told me, her eyes wide with excitement. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, but she looked happier than I had seen her in a while.

I chuckled lightly. “You’re the Luna,” I reminded gently. “You don’t need anyone’s permission to give a speech.”

She stood up from her chair and winked at me. “I wasn’t asking for permission.” She took a metal spoon and clinked it gently a couple of times against her glass. She blushed slightly when all eyes eventually found hers.

“I was nervous about coming here,” she admitted in a soft, but clear voice. Then she squared her shoulders. “But I have been so moved by your obvious determination and strength. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with this community.”

Our pack members gazed at Daphne with absolute admiration.

“I can just tell that this community has so much heart,” Daphne continued, her hand going up to cradle her new amulet. “And that is why I would like to share my vision for our pack. Thorn Forest has so much potential. I think it’s only a matter of time before it is thriving and self-sustaining. I would like us to move forward with farming improvements as well as plans for education for each and every one of our children.”

The pack began to applaud and chatter excitedly about the optimistic plans for the future. The table where the vampires sat was especially boisterous with unbridled enthusiasm. It was obvious that they were pleased by the inclusion.

No one was more starstruck by Daphne than I was, however. I watched my mate as she settled back into her seat, looking pleased. I raised a hand so that I could gently turn her face to mine and press a chaste but still loving kiss to her lips.

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