The atmosphere in the pack’s meeting room was tense. I stood off to the side, watching

Vincenzo as he faced his pack members. Their voices rose and fell, filled with anger and

disbelief. I could feel the weight of their judgment pressing down on me.

“How can we allow a human to become our Luna?” one wolf shouted, his voice echoing in the Vincenzo stood tall, his jaw clenched but his eyes fierce. Emily is not a threat! She’s my mate, and I will protect her at all costs!”

“Your mate?” a woman scoffed, stepping forward. You’re risking everything for someone who doesn’t understand our ways! She’s just a rogue!”

“Enough!” Vincenzo shouted, silencing the room. You don’t understand what she’s been doing.

Through. She has lost everything, just like many of us. She deserves a chance!”

“But she’s human!” the woman argued. “What if she doesn’t have what it takes to lead us?”

“I will prove myself!” I shouted, surprising even myself with the strength of my voice. I may be human, but I care about this pack. I want to help!”

The pack members exchanged glances, uncertainty flickering in their eyes. Vincenzo looked at me, pride shining in his gaze. “See? She’s willing to fight for us. That’s what it means to be a Luna.”

The woman shook her head, her expression hard. “You’re blinded by your feelings, Vincenzo.

We cannot let emotions dictate our future. A Luna should be strong and powerful, not an

outsider!”

“Then give her a chance to prove herself!” Vincenzo replied, his voice steady. If she fails, then I will accept the consequences. But I won’t let you judge her before she has had the opportunity to show her worth.”

The tension in the room was thick, and I could feel the eyes of the pack on me, weighing me.

down. I wanted to scream that I was ready, that I could do this, but doubt crept in. Did I truly belong here?

“Fine,” the woman relented, crossing her arms. “But if she fails, it will be on your head, Alpha.”

“Agreed,” another wolf added, nodding. “This is a dangerous gamble." We’ll see if she can.

Handle the responsibility of being Luna.”

Vincenzo met my gaze, determination shining in his eyes. “You can do this, Emily. I believe in

you.”

The meeting ended shortly after, and I felt a mixture of relief and dread. As the pack members dispersed, Vincenzo approached me, his expression softening.

“I know this is hard,” he said, reaching for my hand. But you have to trust me. Together, we can make this work.

“I’m scared, Vincenzo,” I admitted, biting my lip. “What if I can’t live up to their expectations?”

“You already are,” he said, squeezing my hand. “You stood up for yourself." That shows strength.

Just be yourself.”

The next day was the wedding, and I felt a whirl of nerves as I prepared for the ceremony. I was going to marry Vincenzo, but the doubts lingered in the back of my mind. Would I truly be accepted by the pack?

As I entered the room where I was getting dressed, I found a young woman waiting for me. “Hi!

"I’m Esther,” she said with a bright smile. “I’m here to help you get ready.”

“Thanks, Esther,” I replied, trying to return her enthusiasm. “I’m a bit nervous.”

“That’s completely normal!” she said, guiding me to a plush chair. “Let’s make you look stunning."

You’re going to be a beautiful bride!”

Esther began to work on my hair, weaving it into an elegant style. “Vincenzo is lucky to have you,” she said, glancing at me in the mirror. “The pack may be uncertain, but I think you’re going to surprise them.”

“Do you really think so?” I asked, feeling a flicker of hope.

“I know so!” she replied confidently. “You’re brave, and that’s what they need." A Luna who can stand strong.”

As she worked, we chatted about the wedding and what it meant to be part of the pack. “You’ll do great,” Esther assured me, fastening a delicate flower into my hair. “Just remember, you’re marrying Vincenzo for love, not to please anyone else.”

The weight of her words settled in my heart, but the doubts still lingered. “What if they never accepted me?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly.

“Just be you,” she said, looking me in the eyes through the mirror. “That’s all they need to see.”

Once Esther finished, I stood in front of the mirror, wearing a beautiful white dress that flowed

around me. I felt like a different person, but doubts still swirled in my mind. Would I truly be accepted as their Luna?

When it was time to leave, I took a deep breath and stepped outside. The clearing was set up beautifully, decorated with flowers and ribbons. The pack members were gathered, their eyes watching me closely as I approached the altar. Vincenzo stood there, looking handsome and proud. His gaze locked onto mine, and I felt a rush of warmth. “You look amazing,” he whispered as I reached him.

“Thank you,” I breathed, my heart racing.

The officiant began the ceremony, and I tried to focus on the words. Vincenzo and I exchanged vows, promising to stand by each other, to protect one another. But as we stood there, I could feel the tension in the air, the weight of the pack’s judgment pressing down on me.

When it was time for the kiss, I leaned in, feeling the warmth of Vincenzo’s lips against mine.

Just as our mouths connected, a flash of memory surged through my mind, a dark night, chaos, and the image of Vincenzo standing over a woman. My heart dropped as realization hit me.

I pulled away suddenly, gasping for breath. “No! I can’t do this!”

“What’s wrong?” Vincenzo asked, concern etched on his face.

“I’m marrying the man that killed my mother!” I shouted, my voice filled with anguish.