The sun had climbed higher into the sky, casting its warm glow over the mountainside. The air was crisp and clean, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and snow. Brison and Kate walked side by side, their hands entwined as they made their way toward the next leg of their journey.
The bond between them felt stronger than ever, a palpable connection that seemed to hum with energy. But Kate couldn't shake the feeling that there was something Brison wasn't telling her.
"You've been quiet," she said, glancing at him.
Brison hesitated, his jaw tightening. He looked ahead, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "There's something I need to tell you," he said finally, his voice low.
Kate stopped, pulling him to a halt as well. "What is it? You're starting to worry me."
Brison turned to face her, his expression a mix of determination and apprehension. "You know how I said this bond changes everything?"
Kate nodded, her brow furrowing.
"It's more than just our connection," he continued. "There's a reason why the bond between mates is so powerful. It's because… I'm an alpha."
Kate's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. "An alpha? You mean…"
Brison nodded. "The leader of a pack. It's in my blood. My father was the alpha of our pack, and when he… when he was taken by the shadows, the mantle passed to me. I've been running from it ever since."
Kate stared at him, trying to process what he was saying. "Why didn't you tell me before?"
Brison sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Because I didn't want to burden you with it. Being an alpha isn't just a title—it's a responsibility. And now that we're mates, you're part of that responsibility. You'll be my Luna, Kate. My equal, my partner. The one who stands beside me to lead."
Kate's heart raced as the weight of his words sank in. She had heard stories about alphas and Lunas, about the strength of their bond and the role they played in protecting their pack. But she had never imagined herself in such a position.
"Brison," she said softly, "I don't know if I'm ready for something like this."
"You don't have to be ready right now," Brison replied, his voice gentle. "This is new for both of us. But I need you to know that I can't do this without you. You're my strength, Kate. You always have been."
Kate searched his eyes, finding nothing but sincerity and devotion. Despite the doubts swirling in her mind, a part of her felt a deep sense of belonging—a sense that this was where she was meant to be.
"What does being a Luna mean for me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Brison stepped closer, taking both of her hands in his. "It means you're my partner in every way. You'll help guide the pack, protect them, and lead by my side. The bond we share makes us stronger—not just for ourselves, but for everyone who looks to us for guidance."
Kate swallowed hard, her emotions swirling. The idea of becoming a Luna was overwhelming, but the way Brison looked at her made her believe she could rise to the challenge.
"And you really think I can do this?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Brison cupped her face in his hands, his touch steady and reassuring. "I know you can. You've already shown more courage and strength than most alphas I've known. You're everything I could ever want in a mate and more."
Kate felt a surge of warmth in her chest, her fears beginning to dissipate. "If we're doing this," she said, her voice firming, "we do it together. No more secrets, no more running."
Brison smiled, his eyes shining with pride. "Together," he agreed.
As the sun climbed higher, they stood there, their bond stronger than ever, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead—not just as mates, but as partners destined to lead.