Chapter 79 An Old Friend
1443words
I took the black dress from Alpha Jaxon in one hand, holding it up to examine the gorgeous silver rhinestone beading along the neckline. I had never seen anything like it; it was sexy yet conservative enough for a funeral, all in one. I wasn't quite sure what a modest outfit looked like for the occasion—most shifters were simply placed in a grave with only immediate family present. Given Luna Fraya's status, it was only appropriate that the invitation would extend to all the shifters of Midnight Moon.
Alpha Jaxon grabbed my hand and led me to the washroom, turning on the water to heat up before guiding us both inside the glass enclosure. He tenderly washed my body with the loofah and then poured shampoo into his hand, giving me the most blissful head massage I had ever experienced. It was almost as satisfying as the orgasm he had caused to erupt within me shortly before—almost. He quickly washed himself, then stepped out onto the bath mat, grabbing two fluffy white towels for us. He wrapped me up like a caterpillar in a cocoon and then tied his towel around his waist, slightly exposing his Adonis belt, which I couldn't help but notice.
I tied my hair into a bun at the very top of my head and returned to Alpha Jaxon's bedroom to put on the stunning black dress. It had a sweetheart neckline with long sleeves, hugged my body—especially around my curves—and fell just below my knees. I was starting to wonder if Sophia had begun making dresses for me herself, because they all seemed to fit as if they were custom-made.
My eyes drifted to Alpha Jaxon, who was still buttoning up his black dress shirt that made his bright amber eyes stand out against the dark fabric. He looked delicious whenever he wore a suit, but if he kept dressing like this, once we officially mated, he'd have to peel me off of him every morning and night. My gaze lingered on him as my mind wandered back to the intense session we'd just shared. My wolf became restless with the urge to mark Alpha Jaxon. I kept reminding her that she'd get her chance soon—but not until the mating ceremony.
Without even looking up, as Alpha Jaxon adjusted his sleeves, he teased, "If you're still hungry, I can fix that problem, you know?"
My cheeks flushed, heat crawling over my body in embarrassment. "Let's just say there's nothing like an Alpha in a suit," I teased back. His eyes widened and shot up to meet mine, curiosity shining in them. "I'll have to make a note to wear suits every day from now on," he chuckled. Alpha Jaxon walked over and spun me in a circle. "Just when I think you can't get any more beautiful, you prove me wrong, don't you?" How did I end up with the most perfect man on the face of the earth?
I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face. "And don't you forget it," I said with a smirk. I turned to go into the walk-in closet to the full-length mirror where I usually did my hair and makeup, but hands pulled me from behind, wrapping around my waist. Alpha Jaxon took in a deep breath, as if trying to calm his wolf, and I let him, sinking into his broad frame for a moment longer.
I heard him groan when I moved to pull away, knowing we were already going to be late. I blew Alpha Jaxon a quick kiss as I strolled into the walk-in closet and stood in front of the mirror. After a quick blow dry, I pinned my hair into a low bun, with a few curled strands pulled out. I rummaged through my makeup bag until I found my favorite eyeshadow palette, then applied a nude shimmery shade to my eyelids, finishing the soft look with eyeliner and mascara. For the final touch, I added a slightly pale pink lip gloss and smacked my lips together. I stood and admired the finished look, noticing Alpha Jaxon watching me in the mirror from behind, golden swirls dancing in his eyes. I turned and wrapped my arms around him. "You just can't keep away from me, can you?" I asked sarcastically, batting my long lashes at him.
He chuckled, his eyes studying every feature of my face. He pulled out the necklace he'd given me, which once belonged to Luna Fraya, from his pocket, and I couldn't stop the panic that tightened my chest. I'd been so busy trying to survive the abduction that I hadn't even noticed I'd lost her necklace. "I'm so sorry, Jaxon. I didn't even know..." I managed to say, guilt pounding inside me. That ruby necklace was now the only thing I had left to remember Luna Fraya and all her kindness.
He shook his head and moved behind me to fasten the necklace. "Don't apologize, Adeline. I'm just happy you're back where you belong," he whispered softly in my ear. "I just think you should wear it right now—it just feels right," he added as he fiddled with the clasp.
I turned and tilted my head, staring in the full-length mirror. So much had changed in such a short time. I was once scared and intimidated by the prospect of becoming Luna—let alone Luna of Midnight Moon, a pack with such a reputation. Now, I found the pieces of the puzzle had somehow fit together. I finally felt like I was where I was meant to be. Luna Fraya had been right about everything she'd told and taught me. I still couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that she was dead, not locked away in her loft anymore, waiting for one of her children to come check on her.
"What are you thinking about, princess? You seem lost in your thoughts," he asked, curious. I felt no need to hide anything from Alpha Jaxon anymore—he loved me for who I was, through and through. He knew my insecurities and even helped me fight them. There was no doubt in my heart that he really was my missing half. I finally understood what everyone had talked about my entire life—the hype about the mating bond.
My eyes grew glossy, but I managed to pull myself out of my thoughts before I became a mess in front of Alpha Jaxon. "It's just... Luna Fraya was right about everything. I finally feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be, living out my destiny with my mate by my side," I said, reaching out to squeeze his hand.
He was clearly uplifted by my words, happy that I was finally comfortable in my new role. Alpha Jaxon nodded and pressed his lips together. "We always knew you would be one day," he said, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. We walked out of the bedroom and into the hallway hand in hand. We had already been through so much together, and I selfishly couldn't wait for what was next in our journey.
"Nervous?" he chuckled as we moved down the pack house staircase. I nodded. "A little. It's really the first official time the pack will see us together. I just hope everything that's happened hasn't tainted how they feel about me."
He put his arm around my shoulders when we reached the bottom of the stairs, his warm touch sending my heart into a flutter while still calming my nerves. "They'll see you for who you are, and then they'll have no doubt why their Alpha is so madly in love with you," he replied. Beta Don was waiting outside the back door to escort us near the clearing—the same spot where Alpha Jaxon's father was buried. He knew his mother would want to be buried near her mate, to be reclaimed by the Moon Goddess; it was in our nature to want to continue into the afterlife with our one true mate, after all.
Beta Don wore a concerned expression that quickly softened when he saw us. "Alpha. Luna. Looks like you two have been busy," he joked. Oh, leave it to Beta Don to always lighten the mood, I thought. Alpha Jaxon rolled his eyes at his Beta. "Don't you have actual work to do instead of pestering us?" he teased.
Beta Don nodded, but his fun demeanor quickly turned serious. "Alpha," he began, "Alpha Christian has arrived unexpectedly for the burial." Alpha Jaxon released a dangerous growl, dropping his hold on me and pushing through the doors, his wolf searching fiercely for his old friend.
