#4 Moonlight on the Water

Navy

“Hello, ladies! I want you to meet my mother, Queen Isla, and my sister, Princess Nadia.” I said proudly. Jenna, Mally, Natasha, and Julia scrambled around, looking unnerved. They all muddled threw some sorry excuse for a curtsy,

“Please…please stop.” I begged them. My mother actually laughed,

“That’s not necessary. Isla is quite alright. And you are?”

“This is Jenna, Knox’s sister, Julia, his sister-in-law, Natasha who is Dover’s mate, and Mally who is my handmaiden.” I introduced the crowd,

“Oh, and this is Jenna’s baby, Titan.”

“And you are with child as well?” My mother looked towards Tasha.

“I am, ma’am.”

“It’s good to see that Navy has motherly company.” She nodded approvingly.

“Nadia will be participating in the ceremony so we need to get her a matching gown. Mother, do you need something as well?” I asked.

“No, I brought many appropriate evening gowns, unless there is a specific dress code I should be wary of?” She asked thoughtfully.

“No, it’s really informal. Only the participants in the ceremony are coordinating.” I said.

“What of Knox’s mother? Perhaps I should coordinate with her.” Jenna and I shared a look,

“My mother won’t be in attendance.” Jenna replied.

“Oh?”

“Knox isn’t exactly on speaking terms with his parents.” I explained.

“Something you had in common with him then.” Mother said coolly.

“Yes, but not anymore.” I smiled at her.

“Come on, we can talk about all that later. Let’s get to the boutique.” Jenna broke the tension just as Mason appeared in the nursery.

“Just in time, Mason!” Jenna smiled at her mate, offering him a kiss.

“You ladies have fun. Titan and I are meeting Knox for the men’s fitting.” He waved at us.

“Oh, Isla, this is my mate, Mason.” Jenna quickly introduced the two before we scurried out of the room.

“You have quite the handsome husband.” My mother said as we rode the elevator back down to the ground floor.

“Oh, we aren’t married.” Jenna waved her hand dismissively.

“Is that not common practice for werewolves?”

“I would say it’s 50/50.” Jenna shrugged.

“I’m married to Clay.” Julia added.

“And Dover and I are married.” Tasha smiled at her mate.

“And you dear, do you plan on marrying your mates?” She asked me.

“I suppose it’s up to them to ask.” I shrugged.

“Oh, Knox will definitely propose. He’s always wanted to get married.” Jenna said.

“Didn’t he say something about another sister?” My mother asked.

“She’s with our parents.” Jenna mumbled and my mother knew enough to drop it.

Dover escorted our group out front where two vehicles were waiting to take all of us into town. We all climbed in and took the short trip to the boutique. The boys were the lucky ones, the tailors were coming to them. Although, I did enjoy the excuse to get out of the packhouse and grounds for a little while.

“I’m surprised your grandmother isn’t here?” My mother said as we rode together in the back seat.

“She’s coming. She took the carriage, her and Harper.” I laughed.

“The carriage?” Mother looked at me in confusion.

“Grandmother despises cars, she refuses to ride in them. So, Quinton found a carriage and some horses to take her wherever she needs to go. Harper goes with her to keep her company.” I explained.

“I must admit, these moving metal boxes are not enjoyable.” Mother said,

“Is Cordelia in the ceremony?” She asked.

“No, but I wanted to get her and Harper something nice to wear. Quinton and Henry are the same.” I said.

“Well, then, I can match with her.” Mother nodded decisively. I smiled at her,

“Whatever you’d like.”

“Explain to me what the ceremony entails.” She asked.

“First, she will be inducted into our pack officially,” Jenna began to explain,

“She will have blood drawn and added to a chalice where Knox, as Alpha, will ask her to pledge her loyalty to the pack. The pack members will have to accept her. Once she’s a member of the pack, the Luna ceremony will begin. The eldest member of the pack will ask her a series of sacred questions. Her and the Alpha will both draw blood and place it into the Alpha’s chalice. When that is done, she will be connected to the pack as our Luna and as a member. She will be able to mindlink then.”

“Cameron will be inducted into the pack then, after Nadia crowns me.” I smiled at my sister.

“Traditionally, the Luna would lead a pack run with the Alpha but since she’s not a werewolf, that obviously won’t happen.” Julia said and I looked over at her in surprise,

“I didn’t know about that.” I said. Julia clamped her mouth shut.

“It’s fine, Luna, nobody minds.” Tasha said. I ignored her, instead I was thinking of my own plan. I pulled out my phone and started texting with Knox and Cam.

N- Why didn’t you tell me about the werewolf run at the Luna ceremony?

K- Sorry, baby. I didn’t think it was important.

C- It’s not a big deal, angel.

N- Of course it’s not a big deal to you, Cam, you’re not a werewolf. I have an idea.

K- What is it?

N- I think you should still run with the pack. Then, we should go to the beach for a swim. They’ve never seen a siren so how can they trust us? I want to shift and show them who I am.

C- I’d shift with you.

K- I don’t know if that’s a good idea.

N- You’re just saying that because I’m half naked when I change.

K- Well….yeah!

N- Cam.

C- I’ll talk to him, angel, enjoy your day.

N- Love you both.

C- Love you, angel.

K- Love you, baby.

“Navy? We’re here.” Jenna waved her hand in front of my face.

“Oh, right.” I dropped my phone in my pocket and climbed out of the car.

We all piled into the boutique which was closed to the public. Of course, Knox rented out the entire shop for our fittings.