The Luna Queen - Chapter 25: Chapter 25

_Kayden's POV_
The day of the engagement party had finally arrived. The entire pack had been buzzing with excitement for weeks, and now it was here; the day I would announce my future Luna, Selena. The pack house was decorated from top to bottom, filled with elegant flowers, shimmering lights, and luxurious red and gold banners. The grand hall, where the ceremony would take place, looked magnificent. Tables were draped with fine linens, and the scent of freshly prepared food wafted through the air. Everything had to be perfect.
Ray and Fred were overseeing the last-minute details. I could see Ray double-checking the seating arrangements, his sharp eye ensuring nothing was out of place. Fred was handling the catering, making sure everything was ready for the banquet. I knew they both understood how important this day was, not just for me but for the whole pack. An Alpha’s engagement was a major event.
Selena was already at the pack house with her family. She looked stunning in her red dress; the one she had chosen specifically for this day. The dress hugged her curves perfectly, and the diamond necklace and earrings I had bought for her sparkled under the soft lights. Her family surrounded her, beaming with pride. Selena smiled brightly at everyone, but I could tell she was nervous. She wanted everything to go perfectly. This was her moment, the day she had been waiting for.
But I wasn’t there yet.
I paced back and forth in my room, my heart pounding. My thoughts were racing, consumed by memories of Leah. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t push her out of my mind. My wolf, Leo, wasn’t making it any easier. He had been restless all day, growing more agitated as the engagement ceremony drew closer.
"She is still out there," Leo growled in my head. "We should never have rejected her. You will regret it."
I clenched my fists, trying to suppress the anger and frustration rising inside me. "I’ve told you, Leo. She’s a rogue now, a criminal. We had to reject her. It’s over."
Leo’s growl deepened. "No, it’s not over. I can feel her. She’s stronger now. You’ll see."
I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. Sweat trickled down my forehead as I tried to focus on what was important. This engagement was the right thing to do. The pack needed a Luna, and Selena had been by my side, proving herself loyal and capable. Leah was a mistake, a chapter I had already closed. But no matter how much I tried to convince myself, Leo wouldn’t let it go. The bond with Leah may have been broken, but my wolf still clung to her. It was maddening.
A knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. Ray’s voice came from the other side. "Alpha? Everything okay? The ceremony is about to start, and everyone is waiting for you."
I took a deep breath, forcing the turmoil inside me to settle. "I’m coming," I called out, wiping the sweat from my brow. I straightened my suit, ran a hand through my hair, and pushed all thoughts of Leah aside. I couldn’t let anyone see me like this. I had to act normal. For Selena. For the pack. For the future we were building together.
When I walked into the grand hall, all eyes turned toward me, and the room fell silent. The weight of their expectations pressed down on me as I made my way to Selena. She stood at the front of the room, glowing in her red dress, her smile wide and welcoming.
"You’re late," she whispered, her tone teasing, but I could hear the worry behind her words.
"I’m sorry," I replied, leaning in to kiss her lightly on the cheek. "I had some things to take care of."
Her smile faltered, and I could see her searching my face for answers. "Let’s begin," she said softly, stepping aside so I could face the pack.
I turned to the crowd, my voice steady as I spoke. "Thank you all for being here to celebrate this day with us. Tonight, we begin the journey toward a new future for our pack. Selena will be your Luna, and we will lead this pack together." My voice didn’t falter, but inside, my thoughts churned. I needed to get this over with.
"I would like to exchange the rings now," I said, keeping my tone firm.
Selena frowned. "But Kayden, that wasn’t in the plan—"
"We’re doing it now," I cut her off, my voice cold. "I’m the Alpha, and this is how I want it."
She looked taken aback but didn’t argue. Fred stepped forward with the rings, his expression neutral as he handed them to us. The exchange was quick....too quick. I slid the ring onto Selena’s finger, my expression unreadable. When it was her turn, she hesitated for a moment before placing the ring on my finger, her hands trembling slightly.
I turned back to the pack. "Selena is your Luna now. We will be married soon."
The room erupted into applause, but I barely noticed it. The tension between Selena and me was palpable. I could feel it, and I knew she could too. This moment should have been meaningful, but all I wanted to do was leave. My wolf was clawing at me from the inside, demanding freedom.
As the banquet was being prepared, Selena reached for my hand. "Let’s go eat with everyone," she said gently.
"I’m not feeling well," I replied, pulling my hand away. "I need some air."
Before she could say anything, I kissed her lightly on the lips and walked out of the hall. I didn’t stop, didn’t look back. I couldn’t take it anymore. Leo needed to run. I needed to escape.
The moment I stepped outside, I shifted into my wolf form. Leo, large and powerful, took off toward the woods, running as fast as he could. The wind whipped through my fur. The forest blurred around me as I pushed myself harder. I needed this. I needed the release, the freedom. For a few moments, I could forget everything. The engagement. Selena. Leah. But as the adrenaline coursed through me, Leah’s face flashed in my mind again.
Leo growled. "You’ll see. You’ll regret rejecting her."
I ran harder, my muscles aching with the effort. I didn’t want to think about Leah. Not now. Not ever.
Back at the hall, I knew Selena would be watching, wondering what was wrong. She would convince herself it was just nerves or the pressure of the engagement. But deep down, I knew better.
Something inside me was slipping away.