Filed to story: Luna Graced Book by KristiferAnn Thorne
There were all sorts of pack games going ontests of strength, agility, and skill.
But in the center of it all was her mate, shirt off and feet bare, chugging from a large beer mug he was holding in his hand.
He slammed his mug down, and a loud cheer went up.
Then he sniffed the air and snapped his head in her direction.
ROMAN Roman scented Abby as soon as she entered the training grounds, and his eyes followed her as she joined the other women under the umbrellas the men had set up for them.
He was pleased to see she was wearing his new favorite color.
And with the flowers in her hair, he thought she looked gorgeous.
So he told her as much through the link.
Beautiful.
To his satisfaction, Abby turned the same color as the roses hed given her.
And her wolf started purring, which the pack obviously heard as well since smiles broke out all over the sea of faces in the event area.
Alpha, she replied.
He grinned, ready for the next show of strength.
Theyd be flipping wooden telephone poles from one end to the other, and he looked forward to showing off for his mate.
Roman and a number of others lined up in front of their respective poles.
A whistle blared out and he was the first to flip his, then Logan, followed by Michael, Rye, and Tory.
The sound of the poles landing was thunderous, and Roman couldnt remember the last time hed felt so alive as he flipped his pole again.
He was three flips ahead of the rest when he reached the end of the grounds.
A loud cheer went up, and he raised his fist in the air, glancing at Abby.
It pleased him greatly to see her cheering for him.
The games continued, everything from sparring to running relays, and then it was time to feast.
When a whistle sounded, everyone headed over to the long tables, which were heavy with food.
ABIGAIL When Roman reached Abby, his chest was puffed up and his swagger was full of raw male power.
She was struck again by how handsome he was, with his tall, muscular frame and long, dark hair.
He held out his arm.
Luna, would you like something to eat? She blushed and took it.
I would, Alpha.
Thank you.
Large, jovial groups of pack members surrounded them, calling out congratulations and well-wishes as they made their way to the table that held plates and utensils.
Roman took a special ornate platter that had been set out just for them.
As they walked along the tables, Abby pointed to what she wanted and Roman piled their platter with food.
And when they were done, he led her to an umbrella with a pretty blanket underneath.
It was surrounded by a crowd of picnicking pack members.
After they sat down, Roman picked up a morsel of food from their tray and held it up to her lips.
The crowd hushed, and Abby felt everyones eyes on her as their alpha fed her the first bite.
Hed fed her like this once in private when they talked about marking each other, but their audience understood how significant it was for him to do this in public.
She fed him the next bite, and he nipped the tips of her fingers, making her gasp then throw her head back and laugh.
Are you enjoying yourself, mate? I am.
Very much.
Her throat tightened with emotion, and it dawned on her that she hadnt thought about what happened this morning in hours.
She took a moment to gather herself before asking, Are you? I am.
Honestly, I didnt expect all this, especially considering they only had a few days to pull it together.
The leadership really outdid themselves, and so did the rest of the pack.
But it shows you what Ive worked so hard to protect.
They both ate in silence for a few minutes, then Roman leaned back and propped himself on his arms.
How are you feeling after this morning? She wiped her hands on a napkin and sighed.
Im concerned, but not afraid.
And I havent let thoughts of him sully this perfect day.
Everyones been so wonderful… I almost feel a little guilty over not having a public marking ceremony.
I understand, however Im looking forward to spending some time with you alone, relaxing at home.
Perhaps we can enjoy a drink at the fire pit? She smiled nervously at the thoughts his words evoked.
Um, definitely looking forward to some quiet time.
She thought about the bath bombs he got her.
I could use a long soak in the tub.
Roman and his wolf both rumbled, and his eyes glowed gold as they took her in.
I think we should head homenow .
Abby blushed.
I like that color on you, mate.
He scented the air and his purr kicked in.
And Ireally like that color on your underthings.
He winked at her and stood up, then helped her to her feet.
They said goodbye to her parents, who hugged and kissed them both, taking her alpha off guard.
Then they gradually made their way to the edge of the training grounds, calling out their thanks to various groups of pack members scattered around.
They made sure to personally thank Mara and Logan and Rye and Bell, whod been responsible for orchestrating the days events.
THE ORACLE The Oracle sat in her kitchen in front of a cup of tea that had gone cold.
Shed been monitoring the pack link, enjoying the festivities vicariouslyand nibbling on some sweet treats Bell had brought her from the picnic.
So when the alpha reached out and expressed his appreciation to the pack, apologizing if hed missed thanking anyone in person, she knew it was time to go.
She hoisted her old bones out of the chair and linked her warrior escort to meet her at her door.
Dusk was setting in as she walked toward Alpha Romans house, but the jovial atmosphere was still vibrant, the alphas pride and happiness filtering through to everyone in the pack.
Lanterns and torches were being lit, and a small platform was being erected where the alpha and his luna would exchange the ancient mates pact.
She could feel how much everyone was looking forward to the official ceremony and after-celebration the following evening.
The Oracle and her escort reached the alphas home just as the alpha and his luna did.
She went inside and spent some time with them, making sure they were calm and ready to truly accept each other as mates.
After assuring them she would be available if they needed her, she put her hands on their heads and blessed them.
She saw a blanket of gold settle over them as she stepped back, smiling, then she turned and walked out the door.
The alpha and the graced luna were alone at last.
It was time.
ABIGAIL
While her mate took a long, hot shower, Abby fussed around the house, keeping busy.
She hung up her flower crown so it could dry and be kept as a souvenir and wrote out a list of pack members who would get a personal thank-you note for their gifts.
Then she retrieved the things shed bought for Roman.
Her mate had a particular penchant for chocolate, so shed asked Bell to help her buy a tower of boxes from the artisan chocolate shop in town.
ROMAN When Roman exited the shower, he shaved and put on cologne, taking special care with his appearance.
He scented the air and found he liked the smells that were mixing.
Abby had lit those candles hed gotten for her, and he also smelledchocolate .
It was all he could do to keep himself from running to the kitchen.
Instead, he pulled on a pair of low-slung black pajama pants and stalked out of the bedroom.
Abby was sitting on the couch, reading one of the cards that had been given to her that day, a stack of others in her lap.
He rumbled and sniffed the air.
I smell chocolate.
She smiled.
Yes, you do, mate.
I have a few gifts for you, and Id like to give them to you once Im more presentable.
In the meantime, theres a snack for you on the table.
She nodded her head toward a platter piled high with an assortment of prepared meats.
Beside it was a cigar and a small bottle of expensive whiskey.
There was a stack of gift boxes at the other end of the table.
ABIGAIL Abby raced to the bedroom and shut the door, then started a bath and took out the new pajamas shed bought in town.
They were black silk, and the top had a neckline that would allow the alpha access to her shoulder.
