The morning air grew warmer as Kate and Brison made their way down the winding mountain trail. The revelation of Brison's alpha status and her role as his Luna still echoed in Kate's mind, filling her with a mixture of apprehension and excitement.
Brison had been quiet since their conversation, his gaze distant. Kate reached out, touching his arm gently.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
He glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I'm fine. Just thinking about what comes next."
"And what does come next?" she pressed, her voice soft.
Brison sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I need to take you to the pack. They need to meet you—our Luna."
Kate blinked, her steps faltering. "The pack? Now?"
"It's time," Brison said, his tone resolute. "They need to know that their alpha has found his mate. It'll give them hope, especially with the shadows looming closer."
Kate's pulse quickened. Meeting the pack felt like stepping into a world she wasn't sure she belonged in yet. "What if they don't accept me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Brison stopped, turning to face her. His hands found hers, squeezing gently. "They will," he said firmly. "Because you're strong, compassionate, and everything a Luna should be. They'll see that, just like I do."
Kate nodded, drawing strength from his unwavering confidence. "Okay," she said. "Let's meet the pack."
The journey to the pack's territory was long, the trail winding through dense forests and rocky cliffs. As they approached, the air seemed to hum with energy. Kate could sense the presence of others, though she couldn't see them yet.
"They're watching us," Brison murmured, his voice low.
Kate glanced around, her senses sharpening. "How can you tell?"
Brison gave her a small, knowing smile. "I can feel them. Wolves are always aware of their own."
Kate was about to respond when a figure emerged from the trees ahead. A tall man with dark hair and piercing green eyes stepped into their path, his stance both wary and curious.
"Alpha," the man said, bowing his head in deference.
"Sam," Brison greeted, his tone calm but authoritative. "I'm back. And I'm not alone."
Sam's gaze flicked to Kate, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Who is she?"
"This is Kate," Brison said, his voice steady. "My mate. Your Luna."
The words hung in the air, heavy with significance. Kate felt her cheeks flush under Sam's scrutinizing gaze.
"Luna?" Sam repeated, his tone laced with surprise.
Brison's expression hardened slightly. "You heard me. She's mine, and she's here to stand by my side."
Sam hesitated for a moment before nodding. "If she's your choice, Alpha, then she's ours too."
Kate exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding as Sam stepped aside, motioning for them to follow.
The pack's camp was nestled in a wide clearing surrounded by towering pines. Small cabins and tents dotted the area, and wolves in both human and lupine form moved about, their eyes turning toward Kate and Brison as they entered.
Kate felt the weight of their stares, a mixture of curiosity and wariness. She tightened her grip on Brison's hand, drawing comfort from his steady presence.
Brison led her to the center of the clearing, where a large fire pit sat surrounded by wooden benches. He turned to face the gathering wolves, his voice ringing out with authority.
"Everyone, gather around!"
The pack obeyed, forming a loose circle around them. Kate could feel their eyes on her, the weight of their judgment pressing down on her shoulders.
Brison's gaze swept over the crowd, his tone firm but warm as he spoke. "I've been gone for too long. I know that. But I'm here now, and I'm not leaving again."
A murmur rippled through the crowd, but Brison continued.
"There's something else you need to know," he said. "I've found my mate. This is Kate—your Luna."
The murmurs grew louder, some voices questioning while others sounded approving. Kate felt her cheeks flush, but she stood tall, refusing to let her nerves show.
"She's not like us," a voice called out from the crowd. "How do we know she's worthy?"
Brison's eyes darkened, his alpha presence radiating power. "She's worthy because I say she is. And if anyone doubts her, they can challenge me directly."
The crowd fell silent, the weight of Brison's authority unmistakable.
Kate stepped forward, her voice steady as she addressed the pack. "I know I'm new to this world," she said. "And I know earning your trust will take time. But I promise you this: I will stand by Brison and by all of you. Whatever comes, I'll fight for this pack with everything I have."
A ripple of approval passed through the crowd, their gazes softening as they took in her words.
Brison turned to her, pride shining in his eyes. He took her hand, raising it for the pack to see. "This is our Luna," he said. "And together, we will protect this pack and destroy the shadows once and for all."
The crowd erupted into howls of approval, their voices echoing through the mountains. Kate felt a surge of warmth and belonging, the bond between her and Brison solidifying even further.
As the pack's howls filled the air, Brison leaned close, his voice low and meant only for her. "You're incredible," he murmured.
Kate smiled, her heart swelling with determination. "And we're just getting started."