Second Chance Luna
Chapter 52

The sun set hours ago. The patio was lit with soft white and blue lights in addition to the brilliant moon shining above. Floating lights in the pool added even more magic to the ambiance. Chairs were lined-up for the alphas and lunas dressed in their finest. Most lunas wore bright, bold colors but a few had chosen light blue which bordered on the silver or white reserved for the honored Luna.

It was a direct challenge, one that made Blue Moon pack members sneer in disapproval. Jason merely frowned at the offending lunas and making note of the packs who dared challenge him. Several alphas nervously pulled at their collars as his amber gaze marked them. His eyes passed over them, settling on William, who sat rather proud, his arm around his mate. Lily seemed a little self-conscious, but that didn't stop her from leaning toward him. Occasionally, he glanced over his shoulder to glare at Liam and his escort, who had been quickly patched up.

Jason couldn't blame his friend for being obsessive. But William wouldn't do anything to ruin the ceremony.

"Daddy!" Emma squealed as she ran down the aisle.

Jason chuckled, catching her as she reached him. She wore a pretty embroidered dress with a light blue ribbon around her waist and matching ones in her hair. Some paragraphs are incomplete if you are not reading this novel on Ebookex.com. Visit Ebookex.com to read the complete chapters for free. Blake trotted up after her, dressed in a suit to match the other males, though he was told it was unnecessary. Jason patted his head giving him an approving smile.

Blake hesitantly smiled back, self-conscious in front of so many. Giving both pups a found squeeze he escorted them to the chairs reserved for his family as his mother arrived in a dark blue evening gown. All of the pack wore blue or black, signifying their allegiance. He settled them together before returning to his place at the front with Elder Ansel.

The Elder chuckled. Like everyone he had been surprised to learn Jason adopted the pups but after meeting Phoebe and seeing them together he was less shocked. And they did seem to be a close family unit though he did worry how this would affect Jason decision when it came time to choose an heir. Most alphas selected their first-born son or, lacking that, a close blood relative.

Ben and Lucille emerged next to take their seats followed by Luke and Mona who took places as the Beta pair. Jason breathed deep as the atmosphere shifted and Phoebe finally emerged.

Her thick hair was pulled in a half-up style. Her gown was shimmering silver in the moonlight as if a part of it.

Against Phoebe's pale skin it gave her an even more pronounced heavenly glow. Jason sucked in his breath as she quietly made her way down the aisle. All eyes followed her, captivated, as her gentle aura enveloped them. They were in awe and unable to utter a single word.

Jason's chest smelled with pride as he stepped forward to take her hand and guided her up to stand in front of him.

Her gaze shimmered silver, and he knew he were amber given how close Lobo pressed forward, eager to gaze on their mate. She was gorgeous, and she outshone everyone else. None compared, and they were fools to try and compete with her.

"We are gathered here on this blue moon to formally recognize Phoebe Aiman as Blue Moon's rightful and beloved Luna," Elder Ansel intoned. "As our world has gotten bigger replaceing our fated mates has become more difficult. In trying times, many grow impatient and act impulsively.

"We forget that our mates are sacred gifts from the Goddess herself. They are our second half, our match, and the one who completes us. A union between fated mates is always blessed by the Goddess, and great things await those who accept the Goddess's blessings with their whole hearts.

"Let us therefore rejoice and celebrate Alpha Jason Aiman's good fortune at replaceing his match. May this bond be forged and blessed by the Goddess for all time."

Jason pulled Phoebe close. It had been torture to hold himself back but now there was no reason. His arm snaked around her waist as he tilted her chin and sealed their bond with a kiss. Her soft lips responded, beckoning him to more passionate pursuits. He was reluctant to release her even as their audience applauded, reminding him they weren't alone.

*I love you, Phoebe," he whispered softly nuzzling noses.

"I love you, Jason."

The night was filled with the joyful howls of the Blue Moon pack from all corners of their territory. Phoebe gave a start, but Jason merely chuckled. His voice slipped into their mindlink, "I told you they would love you." Elder Ansel cleared his throat, "As is tradition...would Alpha Jason and Luna Phoebe like to lead their pack in a moonlit run?"

Jason breathed deep. This was the moment he dreaded and anticipated most. Though he often sensed her wolf and his own assured him it was there he hadn't yet seen her wolf with his own eyes. He desperately wanted to run with her. He sensed her wolf would be glorious.

"Phoebe, are you..." Jason suddenly stiffened his gaze darted to the forest.

Beside him Luke was instantly on alert and Ben lurched to his feet. The celebratory howls suddenly fell silent before an alarm howl sounded. Phoebe stiffened feeling the packlink open as the border patrol reported in. Jason growled pulling her close in a protective embrace as their guests began to realize something was amiss.

"What is it, Jason?" William stood.

"A breach," Jason answered. He blinked as Phoebe mindlinked him with her suspicion.

"A rogue attack?" another alpha stood, slightly panicked.

"No. It's a lone wolf," Jason answered. "The patrol is trying to catch up with it. It doesn't smell like a rogue. It's something else. Mom, take the pups inside."

Norah stood gently shooing Blake and Emma inside.

Lucille stood and followed making certain the pups didn't try to return where it wasn't safe but also to guard them. As an alpha's daughter and the pack's gamma she was an impressive fighter in her own right. "Shouldn't we all be evacuating?" a luna asked.

"One wolf is hardly a threat," William scoffed though he maintained a protective stance near Lily with a soothing hand on her shoulder.

"Well, he sent those two back inside," the luna huffed.

"That has nothing to do with danger," Jason said before dropping his voice to a whisper. "Are you sure, Phoebe?"

"It's him."

Jason growled bowing his head and kissed her forehead, "

This will only take a moment."

Pulling off his coat he tucked it over her shoulders before turning and walking toward the nearby forest. Luke and Ben flanked Phoebe watching as their Alpha went to meet the intruder. "What's he doing?" an alpha demanded. "Where are your warriors?"

"He's sent them back to their stations," Luke answered

"He what?"

"They are not needed," Ben added. "This is personal. Luna, we should take you inside."

"I'll stay," Phoebe shook her head. This was something she needed to see but that didn't mean their guests needed to watch. "Everyone, drinks and food should be ready. If any of you are hungry, please feel free to head inside."

***

Jason walked purposefully undoing his tie and cufflinks as he opened his mindlink to his warriors, "Stand down and return to your posts."

"But Alpha, the intrude..."

"Is here to challenge me. Let him come. It's time to finish this once and for all."

"Yes, Alpha."

Jason paused once he reached the field. He carefully removed his shirt, folded it and dropped it on the ground.

As he straightened he spotted the large brown wolf rushing out of the trees. Reaching the open field it came to a sudden halt before spotting Jason. It cautiously stalked forward.

"Hello Graham," Jason greeted. "Long time, no see."

The wolf snarled stepping closer.

"I'd ask what brings you here but I think I already know the answer," Jason said evenly not sure if the other alpha could even understand him. "You see Phoebe told me everything...about how even after her rejection there were remnants of the bond and she could feel it when you were with your chosen Luna. It got me thinking what would happen to a wolf who hadn't accepted the rejection. How much pain would they feel when someone else claimed their mate. So how did it feel when Phoebe gave herself to me?" Graham's wolf snarled.

"That bad?" Jason smirked. "I told you, she would scream my name. And you have no one but yourself to blame for rejecting perfection."

Graham's wolf growled but it came out more as a whimper.

"She's mine. You should accept that and move one. You have your Luna."

The wolf snarled.

Jason's gaze narrowed, "It's too late, isn't it? You've gone feral. You're only a step away from going full rogue, aren't you? Well, it seems I have no choice but to put you down. Are you ready?"

Graham's wolf leapt on the attack.