Chapter 12 Elowen POV : ) ) 64 Taya's room looked like a glitter bomb exploded during prom week . We had deviduto get ready at her house tonight for the ceremony . 2 Hair curlers hissed on the counter , dresses were slung across every chair , and highlighter sparkled in the air like war paint . She twirled in front of her mirror , her deep green dress hugging every perfect curve , her long red hair in waves that would make a goddess jealous . " You sure I don't look like a broccoli themed stripper ? " she asked , cocking an eyebrow . I snorted . " You look like the entire forest would worship you , shut up . " She tossed a makeup sponge at me . " Alright , Moon Barbie , your turn . " I turned toward the mirror . My silver dress shimmered like starshine , hugging my waist and falling into a thigh high slit that was one strong breeze from a scandal . The neckline was lower than I'd usually go , Lyssira's idea , obviously , and the color almost exactly matched the weird new shimmer in my hair . Like it was meant for this version of me . The post prophecy , glowing eyes , destined to fix the creature world version . " I feel like I'm wearing my trauma , " I muttered , adjusting the straps . " Good , " Taya said , standing behind me with her hands on her hips . " Make it hot trauma . Make them regret every shitty word they ever said . " We grinned at each other in the mirror . And for a second , I forgot all the doom . The pack ceremony was held in the moonlit clearing near the gathering lodge..long tables of food , flickering lanterns strung between ancient pines , and wolves everywhere dressed to the nines . The scent of roasted meats , wild herbs , and mooncakes filled the air . Taya and I walked in together , both of us tall , radiant , and 100 % over the petty stares , Vaela , Soria , and their clone squad were already there , draped in crimson and gold , whispering like little gremlins . " Slut shimmer , ten o'clock , " Vaela stage whispered as I passed . I smiled sweetly and flipped her off without breaking stride . O 1/3 11:56 Mon , Sep 22 Chapter 12 A 64 The Alpha King caught the exchange and shot them a glare sharp enough to slice bone . They shut the hell up faster than I thought possible . We took our seats as the pack quieted . Alpha Draven stood , towering in his regal black suit , his voice calm but powerful as it echoed through the clearing . " Tonight we honor the coming of age for Elowen Skye Thorne , daughter of our previous Beta , Alpha Caelan , who served this pack loyally and faithfully until the Hollow Creed killed him seven years ago , and every other wolf blessed under this moon . You now step into your full strength . Into your path . Into your power . " A murmur of approval passed through the crowd , and Luna Queen Aelira smiled warmly from beside him . I tried to smile back , but ... he wasn't here . I scanned the crowd again . No sign of Daxon . Not his stupid smirk . Not his too broad shoulders . Not his hurricane scent that had haunted me all damn day . Just ... empty space where he should be . And gods help me ... I felt disappointed . Taya noticed . " He's not here ? " " Nope . " ' Good . Less drama . " " Yeah , ' I said , but my heart squeezed anyway . Why did it hurt more than it should ? Why did it feel like rejection ... when I never even asked to be chosen ? Daxon POV I stared at the half empty bottle of fireroot whiskey like it held the goddamn answers . It didn't . 2/3 11:56 Mon , Sep 22 Chapter 12 64 All it gave me was a slow burn down my throat and a buzzing in my head that did nothing to shut Talon up . " She's ours . She's ours . Go to her . Claim her . Mine ! " " Shut the fuck up . " Talon snarled , but I slammed a mental wall between us hard enough to make my temples throb . Across the room , Jace and Rylen were lounging on the worn leather couch , throwing popcorn at each other and arguing over whether Elowen could beat Rylen in a fight . Spoiler : She absolutely could . And had . Twice . " She's your mate , man , " Jace finally said , leaning forward . " What the hell are you even doing here ? " " Drinking , " I muttered . Rylen snorted . " Yeah , like that's gonna stop the mate bond . Talon's going rabid . " " He's not wrong . Go to her . Smell her skin . Bite her throat . " Talon growled . Chapter Comments 5 Write Comments SHARE 3/3 11:56 Mon , Sep 22 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!