Dana POV

　　"Today marks my 19th birthday," Bathel announced, his voice carrying through the room as he held the microphone, a sense of pride evident in his demeanor. "It hasn't been long since I took on the role of Alpha for this pack, and I'm truly grateful to every one of you for being here to celebrate with me," he continued, his words met with enthusiastic applause from the gathered guests.

　　As Bathel concluded his brief speech, the members of the pack obediently bowed their heads in reverence, a gesture of respect that I mirrored instinctively.

　　"And I shall appreciate this gesture," Bathel added, his words tinged with a hint of detachment. His gaze remained fixed on me throughout, leaving me feeling both flustered and hopeful as I stole glances around the room, yearning for Ares's arrival.

　　My heart raced with anticipation as the door swung open, my hopes momentarily soaring, only to plummet when it was revealed to be another member of the pack entering. Disappointment washed over me, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a joyous occasion.

　　"Are you expecting someone?" Caught off guard by Jarius's inquiry, I realized he was still standing beside me, his presence a gentle reminder amid my distracted thoughts.

　　"Not really," I murmured awkwardly.

　　As Bathel continued to speak, addressing the pack with words of leadership and gratitude, the room filled with applause and words of acknowledgment from the gathered guests. Despite the celebratory atmosphere, my mind couldn't help but wonder, still hopeful for the arrival of Ares and Blaire.

　　Myriad aspects have eluded my perception due to my persistent state of anxiety lurking in the backdrop.

　　"I've been cognizant of the collective anticipation directed towards me regarding my mate since the tender age of sixteen," I finally apprehended his words, my heart palpitations quickening as I directed my gaze towards him.

　　The young ladies began to whisper, and as I glanced toward Farrah, I observed a gentle smile adorning her countenance while he conversed. A twinkle of anticipation shimmered in her eyes, indicating her long-awaited expectation of this very moment.

　　"I do not wish to make presumptions, yet it is plausible that the rationale behind such anticipation could pertain to me,"

　　"You harbor wishes beyond your grasp."

　　"Continue indulging in your fantasies."

　　"I understand that you may be unaware, but I have ultimately selected my life partner. The Luna who will soon co-lead this pack alongside me," I announced, prompting widened eyes and a smile to grace Anna's visage.

　　A palpable sense of nervousness gripped my heart as I absorbed the momentous occasion.

　　"Whom do you speculate it might be?" Jarius inquired in hushed tones, prompting me to scan my surroundings, my anticipation tinged with a hopeful longing for the Alpha and Luna of the Moon Stone Pack to make a dramatic entrance at the eleventh hour.

　　"Unexpectedly, I find myself uncertain," I murmured, striving to conceal the tumultuous energy stirring within me.

　　"I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out to be Farrah, but considering she already has her mate, I don't think-"

　　"I would like to introduce my chosen mate, who will stand beside me in leadership..." His announcement drew the attention of numerous onlookers.

　　"Her name is Dana Toussaint. My love, please join me here..." Finally, his gaze settled upon me.

　　All eyes converged on me, their expressions a mixture of astonishment and disbelief. The silence that enveloped the background amplified the intensity of the moment, yet my focus remained solely on Bathel amidst the sea of stares.

　　"Am I hearing correctly?"

　　"This is unexpected!"

　　"Wow!"

　　"Seriously, it's you?" Jarius questioned, his hand resting on his head, a blend of curiosity and disbelief evident in his demeanor.

　　With a newfound sense of confidence, I allowed a smile to grace my lips as I met Bathel's gaze, my grin widening into a radiant expression. Fear dissipated as I realized there was no need for apprehension.

　　Among the crowd, confusion lingered, particularly evident in the expressions of Divine, Adrian, and Rafael.

　　"Babe?" Bathel's endearing term of affection drew my attention once more. With a nod, I made my way to the center of the lobby, taking my place beside him.

　　His gaze, filled with warmth and adoration, met mine, and I couldn't help but be captivated by the beauty within his eyes.

　　Anna's unwavering support stood out amidst the lingering confusion among the others, who still grappled with the revelation of my identity.

　　"She is Dana Toussaint, my chosen mate, and she will ascend as the Luna of the Sun Flower Pack soon. I wish for her to be officially declared in the upcoming ceremony," Bathel declared with unwavering confidence, his voice resonating with authority as I nodded in acknowledgment to the gathered assembly.

　　Divine's lighthearted remark carried a hint of amusement as she processed the revelation. "Wow, you've been keeping that under wraps this whole time?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with surprise and jest.

　　Bathel's gaze swept across the assembled crowd once more before he spoke with conviction. "I trust that none shall dare to disrespect or question why she is my chosen mate. Our love for each other and our compatibility are undeniable, and in addition to that, we are also expecting a child together." As the announcement reverberated through the room, almost everyone's eyes widened in surprise, yet instead of feeling anxious, I couldn't help but chuckle softly.

　　"What? Today is full of unexpected twists!" I heard the murmurs of the pack members, echoing the sentiment of astonishment that permeated the air.

　　"Will you, people, accept my soon to be official Luna?" Bathel's question hung in the air, and I couldn't help but feel the rapid beat of my heart as I awaited the response. With doubts swirling in my mind, I braced myself for potential rejection, given the rumors that had circulated behind my back.

　　To my surprise and relief, the crowd bowed their heads in a unanimous sign of acceptance. A wide grin stretched across my face, and the sound of applause filled the room. Despite the confusion etched on their faces, I savored the moment, reveling in the unexpected acceptance of our relationship, shrouded in secrecy.