Everything moves too quickly, and before I know it, Lucas and I are standing in front of the entire pack.


    All the scouts are back for the occasion. Even the humans who lived in this community before our arrival are here.


    This place was long ago chosen as a safe place in case of invasion, though I''m sure previous alphas never believed such a day would happen.


    Lucas stands before the pack, his presence a palpable force that washes over the gathered crowd. I can''t help but marvel at the sheer power he exudes, even without his memories. His alpha aura blankets the area, and I watch as it affects both wolves and humans alike.


    The weaker members of the pack bow their heads, unable to meet his gaze; it''s a stark reminder of the hierarchy that exists within wolf society. But it''s the stronger wolves that catch my attention, their eyes glittering as they watch Lucas. A mix of pride and unease churns in my stomach. How many of them are eyeing his position, waiting for a moment of weakness?


    Lucas''s voice rings out, clear and commanding. "I have found my mate, your new Luna."


    The cheers that follow are halfhearted at best, a ragtag chorus that lacks true enthusiasm. My heart sinks a little. I knew this wouldn''t be easy, but the lukewarm reception still stings.


    "Ava," Lucas says, gesturing for me to join him.


    I step forward, my legs feeling like lead. As I look out over the crowd, I''m not surprised to see several faces twisted with discontent. Their disapproval is written plainly across their features, and I fight the urge to shrink back.


    Lucas continues, his voice steady and sure. "Ava has been working tirelessly to bring allies to our pack. She understands the threats we face and is dedicated to our survival."


    I keep my expression neutral, though inside I''m a mess of nerves. It''s also strange to hear Lucas speak about me this way when I know he doesn''t remember our history.


    "In fact," Lucas says, his tone taking on a note of pride that makes my heart skip, "it was Ava who brought Sister Miriam to us. As we know, her actions have saved countless lives."


    Ask Lucas to formally bring you into the pack as Luna, Selene''s voice echoes in my mind. It''s time.


    I take a deep breath, steeling myself. This is it. The moment that will cement my place in this pack, for better or worse. I turn to Lucas, my voice steady as I recite the ritual words I''ve been taught.


    "Alpha of the Westwood Pack, I stand before you and our people. I offer myself as your Luna, to serve and protect this pack with all that I am. Will you accept me as your mate and as Luna of the Westwood Pack?"


    Lucas''s eyes lock with mine. His voice is strong and clear as he responds.


    "Ava Grey, I accept you as my mate and as Luna of the Westwood Pack. May your strength be our strength, your wisdom our guidance, and your love our shelter."


    As the last word leaves his lips, I feel it. A sharp, sudden snap inside me, like a rubber band breaking. I gasp, my hand flying to my chest. It takes me a moment to realize what I''m feeling—or rather, what I''m no longer feeling. The pack bond, the one I''d never truly felt before, has broken. It was brittle and frayed, barely existing within my soul.


    But before I can fully process this loss, a new sensation floods through me. It''s warm and golden, spreading from my core to the tips of my fingers and toes. It feels like coming home, like finding a piece of myself I never knew was missing. This, I realize, is what a true pack bond feels like.


    The wolves in the crowd begin to cheer, but it''s hesitant, uncertain. Their confusion is palpable, a living thing that hangs in the air between us.


    Suddenly, Selene''s voice rings out, not just in my mind, but in the minds of everyone present. We will serve the Westwood Pack as Luna with our very life. This is our vow, our promise, our destiny.


    The shock on the faces of the pack members is almost comical. Some stumble back, others shake their heads as if trying to clear them. A few of the stronger wolves growl, their instincts rebelling against this strange intrusion.


    But Selene stands strong against the confusion, and I can feel it.


    A presence stronger than any wolf here, pulsing from her.