The Mystical White Wolf

One Week Later: Eclipse Valley Mall

Staci POV

"Oh! Staci, what about this one?" Evelyn asked as I turned to stare.

Evelyn held a dark gray sheer A-line V-neck asymmetrical lace chiffon dress with pleated ruffles. I made a face and stuck my tongue out as Monica giggled.

"Maybe not," Evelyn said, sighing as she returned the dress.

We were dress shopping for Monica and me at the Eclipse Valley Mall for the Luna ceremony set for tonight during the full moon.

"I love this!" Monica shouted, startling the young woman working the floor as she jumped and held her chest.

Monica showed us the dress that caught her attention as Evelyn, and I smiled and said that's the one. It was a gray V-neck cocktail dress with an A-line skirt that flowed in the back.

"That's beautiful," Evelyn said and examined the dress.

"Perfect for the Beta Female," Evelyn smiled.

"Now all you need is some heels. Maybe black or dark gray will go perfectly with this style," Evelyn suggested.

I sighed, as we still hadn't found my dress. I wasn't picky; it was just that nothing appealed to me. Solaris was whimpering because she missed our mates and wanted to be at home, curled up next to them.

As Evelyn quietly observed me, I walked around the dress racks and skimmed through the choices. I was having a hard time finding the perfect dress for the ceremony. I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair in frustration.

"She does that when she's thinking, angry, or having a panic attack," Monica whispered to Evelyn.

"Calm down," Solaris said.

My hands started shaking, and I felt a strange force flow through my veins. It disappeared as quickly as it came, making me wonder what the hell that was. I turned away from Evelyn and Monica, taking deep breaths. I opened my eyes, looking straight ahead, and gasped.

"Why didn't I see this before," I thought as I ran toward the window.

The shop window had the perfect dress, and I loved it. It was a royal blue A-line V-neck floor-length chiffon dress with ruffles. I squealed as I asked the floor associate if I could see the dress up close. She smiled, carefully took the dress down, and showed it to me.

"Is that the one?" Evelyn asked as she and Monica walked forward smiling.

I nodded, held this dress against my frame, and did a little twirl to see how the dress flowed. The material was soft and delicate; it felt amazing against my skin as I ran my fingers over the fabric.

"Go try it on," Evelyn suggested as I beamed and ran for the dressing room with Monica following behind.

Once inside the dressing room, I stripped off my clothes and slipped on the dress. After zipping it up and looking in the mirror, I gasped and slowly turned, watching the dress fit my body like a glove.

"Staci? Are you okay?" I heard Evelyn ask from outside the dressing room.

"Coming," I said and opened the curtain.

"Oh my..." Evelyn said as her deep green eyes sparkled, and she smiled.

"That's the one, sweetie. It fits like a glove, and you're glowing," Evelyn said as Monica walked forward and approved.

"Now, a dress is not complete without the heels, dear, so..." Evelyn said, pulling a shoebox from behind her back.

I gasped as I read the name and brand on the box. I looked up at Evelyn, and my mouth was hanging open. Evelyn was holding a London Rag shoe box, and when she opened the box, I squealed. Inside were a pair of dark gray Clarisse diamante faux suede high-heeled pumps. Monica had the same pair, but hers were black.

"Evelyn...I," I started speaking as my eyes glistened with tears.

Evelyn shook her head and smiled as she gently took my hand and looked into my eyes.

"This is a gift from Aquila and me because we are proud of you."

"Our son is happy because you came into his life when he was on the verge of losing hope," Evelyn said as the tears leaked from my eyes.

Evelyn pulled me into a motherly embrace and made shushing noises. Her scent of bergamot orange helped me calm down, and I wiped my eyes.

"Let's pay for this stuff and head home. Before my son loses his shit," Evelyn chuckled once I completely calmed down.

We headed for the cash register as the cashier walked around and asked if everything was to our liking. We gave the store a great review, and the cashier smiled and thanked us. Juliano and the few warriors who came with us were waiting outside, and they helped with our bags as we entered the SUVs.

I looked out the window as Liam and Juliano sat up front and drove us back to the pack so we could prepare for the ceremony. Evelyn mentioned that after Antonio announces me as the Luna, Juliano and I will have to initiate the Luna/Gamma bond.

Evelyn explained the process from when she became the Luna and how she had to initiate her Luna/Gamma bond with Juliano's Father, Felix. We returned to the pack as Liam drove through the gates and headed toward the castle.

Once Liam parked before the castle, the house omegas quickly emerged from the castle and collected our shopping bags and other items.

"Ah! Leave the dress bags with me," Evelyn shouted, signaling the omega to bring her our dress bags.

"I will have your dresses cleaned, starched, and pressed for tonight. Now, relax and take a load off."

"I have everything under control," Evelyn says and waves as Aquila drives up in their white Cadillac CT4.

The ceremony started at seven, and it was only two in the afternoon. I felt tired and stretched as Juliano and Monica stood by, and Carter walked up.

"You missed a killer training session. Woooo!" Carter said, drinking water from his jug.

"I had Gamma duties, or did you forget what today is," Juliano said, folding his arms as Carter's eyes widened.

"Oh, shit, today is the day, huh," Cater said and smacked his forehead as he looked at Monica.

I giggled and headed inside, Juliano following closely behind. The Omegas were buzzing around the castle, preparing everything for the ceremony.

"I'm going up for a nap. Thank you for keeping me safe," I looked at Juliano, who beamed with pride.

"Luna," Juliano said, bowed as I stepped inside the elevator and went to the Alpha floor for a power nap.

When I arrived on the eighth floor, a warrior guard stood in the hallway near the door and saw me approach. He bared his neck as I stopped before the door and smiled after he lifted his head. Antonio mentioned that my aura was changing and getting stronger.

I don't know what he meant by that, and when I asked Solaris about it, she just changed the subject and talked about something else. I didn't like being in the dark about my life and wanted answers. Sometimes, I feel this strange energy coursing through my body at night, and have weird dreams.

I kicked my ankle boots off, pulled my sweater over my head, lay across our King-sized bed, and closed my eyes. I noticed Solaris was eerily quiet and dozed off to sleep.

The Ceremony: (Still Staci's POV)

Sometime during my nap, I caught the scent of sandalwood and citrus. Of course, Solaris purred from her slumber, and I felt strong arms around my waist.

"Wake up, my love," Antonio's husky accented voice filled my ears.

I yawned and stretched before opening my eyes and staring at my handsome mate's gorgeous greenish-blue orbs. Antonio leaned down and gently kissed my lips, his beard tickling my chin, making me giggle.

"Time to get up and get ready," Antonio said after he released my lips.

I groaned, looked at the time, and noticed it was almost 5 p.m., which gave me an hour to shower and get ready. I rolled out of bed after Antonio let me go and headed for our bathroom; I flipped the light switch on, set my iPhone on the dock, and hit play as Aaliyah's song (More Than a Woman) started playing.

I walked over to the shower, turned the water on, and set the temperature to my liking. Once the water heated, I stripped off my clothes and stepped inside, feeling the water cascade against my body as I sighed.

"Room for one?" I jumped as Antonio stood in the shower doorway, completely naked.

I smiled and nodded as Antonio stepped inside. We stared at each other for a while, getting lost in each other's eyes. I inhaled his scent profoundly and saw his wolf flash in my eyes; Antonio smirked, grabbed my bath sponge, and washed my body.

After our shower, Antonio and I emerged from the steam, grabbed our towels, and dried off. I wrapped my towel around my body and grabbed a medium-sized towel to dry my hair. I walked over to the vanity and wiped the water from the mirror.

"Mom, had your dress delivered," Antonio said as I smiled.

I finished in the bathroom, walked toward the bedroom, and headed for my closet. The dress bag hung behind the door as I smiled, unwrapped the towel, and put on some lace panties and a bra.

I walked toward the closet door, unzipped the dress bag, and smiled. The dress was perfectly pressed, with no wrinkles, and the fabric looked amazingly clean.

I pulled the dress out of the bag and slipped it on. I walked over to my vanity and started on my makeup while my hair air-dried. My hair seemed to curl up more when wet; all I had to do was add hair muse to it.

Once I finished my makeup, I grabbed some hair muse and applied it to my curls. I felt Solaris presence as she purred and approved of our look. I got up from my vanity and went to sit on the bench where my heels were situated. I sat down to put them on.

"Come in," I called out as a knock sounded on the door.

I was standing before my floor-length mirror, adjusting the last-minute touches, when I heard a gasp. I looked through the mirror as my Mother stood inside the doorway with her hand over her mouth, tears glistening in her eyes.

"Oh, my goddess Staci. You look gorgeous," my Mom gushed.

I turned around and quickly ran into my Mother's open arms, hugging each other tightly. I was trying to keep my tears at bay, but when your Mother surprises you on the night of your Luna ceremony, you can't help but be emotional.

"I brought something for you," Mom said after we released each other.

Mom pulled a box from behind her back that I didn't notice was there. I looked at her suspiciously, and then Mom opened the box, gasping at what was inside.

"This was your Grandmother's and has been passed down to every generation of Lunas from my family. Now it's your turn," my Mother said.

It was a beautiful sapphire pendant necklace shaped like the moon on a white gold chain. Mom took the necklace out of the box as I turned, and she clasped it around my neck. I admired the necklace as another knock sounded on the door.

"Come in," I called out as the door opened to reveal my handsome mate.

Antonio was dripping with Alpha dominance, and he looked damn good in his suit. He wore a three-piece royal blue Armani suit, with a black button-up shirt where he left the top three buttons undone, and black loafers.

"Aren't you a sight to see, my love," Antonio said, making me blush.

My Mother quietly excused herself as Antonio and I undressed each other with our eyes. Antonio walked toward me like a predator stalking his prey, pulled me to his chest, and kissed my lips with fiery passion.

I moaned into the kiss, feeling his beard tickle my chin and making me giggle. I knew we needed to head downstairs for the ceremony, so I pulled away and looked into his eyes.

"I'm ready," I said and smiled.

Antonio and I left our bedroom and headed toward the elevator. I watched as he pressed the button, calling for it. When it arrived, we stepped inside, and he pressed the button for the first floor as the elevator descended.

When we reached the first floor, Antonio grabbed my hand and led us outside; when we got to where the ceremony was being held, I gasped at how beautiful everything came out. There was a stage, decorated tables, and a DJ.

Luna Evelyn ensured the omega kitchen staff prepared everything we suggested in our quick meeting. I saw my parents and brother talking to Antonio's parents. Antonio and I walked up to the stage. I saw an elder standing by the podium as he looked at us.

"My, my Alpha Antonio, she's a beauty no less," the elder said as Antonio growled lowly but quickly covered it with a cough.

"Thank you, Gerard, and thank you for coming to do the ceremony," Antonio said to the elder after they shook hands.

"Oh my, love, this is Elder Gerard Baskin. He's an old friend of my Uncle Ricardo," Antonio introduced us.

I held my hand out as he took it and shook it gracefully. I heard my mate let out a low growl, and I turned to look at him.

"Sorry," Antonio said as I giggled quietly.

"Pleasure to meet you, elder Gerard," I smiled.

I stood beside the elder and watched as Antonio walked up to the podium, all eyes on him. He radiated dominance and power.

Antonio POV

I walked up to the podium and looked out at my pack. I felt a sense of pride and admiration. Tonight was going to be one to remember.

"Good evening, members of the Blue Eclipse pack."

"Thank you all for attending the special celebration of welcoming your new Luna Staci Blackwind."

"But also, in addition to the Luna ceremony, we will be welcoming our new Beta Female, Monica Davis, into the pack," I heard cheers and claps from my pack and smiled proudly.

I stepped back as elder Gerard stepped up to the podium.

Monica POV

"Good evening, Blue Eclipse pack."

"We will introduce the Beta Female."

"Will Monica Davis, please step forward," the elder announced as I stood beside him.

"Monica Davis, do you vow always to protect and honor the members of the Blue Eclipse pack?"

"I vow to do so," I replied.

"And do you vow to uphold the laws and rules as the Beta Female of the Blue Eclipse pack?"

"I vow to do so," I replied.

'Lastly, do you vow to continually support and protect the Alpha and Luna of the Blue Eclipse pack?"

"I vow to do so," I replied.

"Alpha Antonio, please step forward," elder Gerard called the Alpha forward and stood on the other side.

Elder Gerard took out the golden dagger and sacred chalice. He sliced my palm and did the same to Antonio. The Alpha didn't flinch or show any signs of pain.

"He's strong," my wolf Mars said.

We interlocked our hands as the drops of blood collected into the chalice. I felt the wind pick up as the pack-linked formed, and everyone welcomed me into the pack.

"Blue Eclipse pack, I present Beta Female Monica Hailey Davis," the elder announced.

Pack members howled and cheered for me. I ran into my mate Carter's arms, and we embraced and shared many kisses.

Staci POV

"Will Staci Blackwind please step forward," elder Gerard announced.

I walked up and stood next to the elder. I was a bit nervous, but one look at Antonio standing there and smiling was all the encouragement I needed to get through this next part.

"Staci Blackwind, do you vow always to protect and honor the members of the Blue Eclipse pack?"

"I vow to do so," I replied.

"And do you vow to uphold the laws and rules as the Luna of the Blue Eclipse pack?"

"I vow to do so," I replied.

"Lastly, do you vow to continually support and stand by your Alpha of the Blue Eclipse pack?"

"I vow to do so," I replied.

Antonio was still rooted in the same spot. The elder held the golden dagger and sacred chalice. He sliced my palm and did the same to Antonio.

We interlocked our hands as the drops of blood collected into the chalice. I grabbed the chalice and drank our mixed blood.

I felt the wind pick up as the pack link formed, and the pack's voices filled my head simultaneously. It gave me a headache as Solaris told me to block the voices out individually.

"Thank you, everyone. But please give me time to adjust to this many members simultaneously," I said as I linked the pack.

“Blue Eclipse pack, I present Luna Staci Marie Blackwind," the elder announced as cheers and claps filled the air.

"Luna Staci, you may now initiate the bond with your Gamma," the elder announced.

Juliano stepped forward and kneeled before me with his head bowed. I placed my right hand on his head and remembered the words Evelyn told me to speak.

"I, Staci Marie Blackwind, Luna of the Blue Eclipse pack, chose you, Juliano Rylan Oliveira, as my Gamma," I said.

"I, Gamma Juliano Rylan Oliveira, accept my duty as your Gamma."

"I will lay down my life to ensure your safety and protection," Juliano said his vow.

I felt our Luna/Gamma bond grow stronger as Juliano's wolf flashed in his eyes when he looked up at me and smiled. After the initiation, I turned to Antonio, who beamed at me and grabbed my hand.

Antonio and I walked off the stage to mingle with the members as music played. It was almost time for the pack run.

Antonio POV

After the pack members welcomed Staci, I felt relieved and happy that my mate was now part of the Blue Eclipse family and had the mind link.

I grabbed her hand as we walked off the stage and approached members of the pack. We chatted with a few as everyone congratulated Staci and kept asking how she could link all the members simultaneously.

I wondered the same thing as Staci, who shrugged and explained that she didn't know how. My beautiful mate was full of surprises as I inhaled her delicious, sweet scent of strawberry shortcake, which made Ares purr delightfully.

"Staci!" I heard her family call out.

Staci ran over to her family and hugged everyone. Her Mother hugged her, and I swear Alpha Brady's eyes glistened with tears while Seth smiled.

"Congratulations, baby, you were beautiful up there," Grace said to Staci.

"Thank you, Mom, that means a lot," Staci said to her Mother and looked at her Father.

"Daddy?" Staci called him as his green eyes looked up at her, and his lip trembled.

"See the big softie," Grace said and chuckled as her mate glared at her as he hugged his daughter tightly.

"Congratulations, baby sis," Seth said and hugged his sister.

"Are you guys joining us for the pack run?" Staci asked her family, making me smile.

"Of course, we wouldn't miss it for the world," Grace said.

"Everyone, please join us for the official pack run!" I boomed, grabbing everyone's attention.

We gathered in the forest behind the castle. I had patrol warriors going over every inch of this territory looking for that little bastard Grayson. It seemed he'd disappeared, and his family hadn't heard anything about him lately.

"Ready to run with our pack, my love?" I asked as Staci smiled and nodded.

I stripped off my suit as Staci watched with curiosity in her eyes. Ares came forward as we shifted and shook out our midnight black fur. Ares looked at Staci, whose eyes were wide as saucers, and her mouth was hanging open.

"Wow! You are huge!" Staci said and blushed.

I just remembered she didn't get the full view of Ares, and this is their first-time meeting. Ares snorted and puffed out his chest, making me roll my eyes. Staci lifted her hand and ran her fingers through Ares's fur, making him purr.

"Feels like silk," Staci said.

Staci carefully stripped off her dress and heels, removed the necklace her Mother had given her, and shifted into her beautiful white wolf form.

"Mate is beautiful," Ares said as he stared and drooled at Solaris.

Solaris brushed against us, and tingles shot up our spines. Ares ran in circles and wagged his tail.

"Alright, let's get this show on the road, Romeo. I'm starving," I said as Ares huffed.

Ares raised his head and howled to the night sky as Solaris and our pack joined in the chorus of howls to the goddess of the moon for this beautiful night to run.

Ares took off at top speed into the forest, with Solaris following behind. Caladon and Mars joined us, followed by Jackson and Mya. I learned from Staci that her parents are Bruno and Glory, and her brother is Spade. My parents joined us as well. We ran for hours as Ares and Solaris dodged trees and fallen logs while chasing each other.

After the pack run was complete, we returned to our clothes and prepared to be served for dinner. The omega staff served us, and I had to give my Mother her credit for the seafood paella, which was delicious and fulfilling.

After dinner, Staci and I danced and made this night one to remember. After a few songs and dances, I watched as Staci yawned and chuckled.

"Tired, my love?" I asked as Staci nodded.

It was almost midnight when her parents and brother came to say they were heading back to Crescent Moon. I offered them to spend the night, but Alpha Brady said he had Alpha duties that needed his attention in the morning.

Staci and I said good night to her parents and brother as they headed toward the front of the castle. We bid my parents and the pack good night as I picked up my half-sleep Luna and carried her inside the castle to prepare for bed.