Matilda's POV
I closed the door behind me, leaning against it as I exhaled slowly. My heart was still racing—not just from the way Marco had looked at me, but from everything that had happened today.
I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to calm myself. The warmth of his touch still lingered on my skin.
Why did he have this effect on me?
I walked to the vanity, glancing at my reflection. My cheeks were still flushed. I wasn't used to this to him. Marco was intense, overwhelming, and yet… I felt drawn to him in ways I couldn't explain.
A knock on the door made me jump.
"Matilda?"
It was Elera.
I quickly composed myself before opening the door. She stepped inside, closing it behind her, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
"How was dinner?" she asked casually, but there was a teasing glint in her eyes.
I crossed my arms. "It was. fine."
She hummed, tilting her head. "Just fine? Not special? Not intimate?"
I rolled my eyes. "It was just dinner."
She chuckled. "Uh-huh. Sure." Then, she stepped closer, lowering her voice. "So… do you like him?"
I froze.
Did I?
The way my heart reacted to him, the way my body responded to his presence—it was something I'd never felt before. But liking him? That was a dangerous thought.
"He kidnapped me," I reminded her, though my voice lacked conviction.
Elera shrugged. "And yet, he protects you. Cares for you. And you feel something for him, don't you?"
I didn't answer.
She smiled knowingly. "You don't have to decide now, Matilda. But just… think about it."
I sighed, sitting on the bed. "I have been thinking about it. That's the problem."
Elera laughed softly. "Then maybe you already have your answer."
She patted my shoulder before heading for the door. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, the pack members want to officially meet you."
I blinked. "Meet me?"
"Yes. You're their future Luna. They want to know who their Alpha has claimed."
My stomach twisted at the thought. I wasn't ready for that.
But was I ever going to be?
Elera smiled one last time before leaving, and I lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
I had three weeks left before I had to decide if I wanted to stay.
The next morning, Ana barged into my room with a wide grin, carrying a bundle of fabric in her arms.
"Rise and shine, future Luna!" she chirped, setting the clothes down on my bed.
I groaned, pulling the blanket over my head. "Too early for this, Ana."
She yanked the covers off, laughing. "Nonsense! The pack members are eager to meet you, and you can't do that looking like you just rolled out of bed."
I sighed, sitting up. "Do I have to?"
Ana softened. "I know this is overwhelming, but they just want to see the woman their Alpha has chosen. It's important for them to accept you."
I bit my lip, nerves creeping in. "And what if they don't accept me?"
Elera, who had just walked in, smiled reassuringly. "Then they'll have to deal with Marco. And trust me, no one wants to be on his bad side."
That didn't make me feel much better.
Ana clapped her hands. "Enough worrying! Let's get you ready."
She helped me into the dress she had brought a soft blue gown that hugged my figure without being too extravagant. The fabric was smooth against my skin, making me feel more elegant than I had in a long time.
"Perfect," Ana said, stepping back to admire her work. "You look stunning."
I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. The woman staring back at me looked.different. More confident.
Maybe I could do this.
"Alright," I exhaled, standing up. "Let's get this over with."
Elera and Ana exchanged a glance before leading me out of the room.
As we walked toward the main hall, my heart pounded. The closer we got, the louder the voices became. The entire pack was waiting for me.
For a girl who had spent most of her life trying to be invisible, this was terrifying.
We reached the entrance, and before I could panic, Ana squeezed my hand.
"Just breathe," she whispered.
I nodded, inhaling deeply as Elera pushed open the doors.
All eyes turned to me.
And at the center of it all, Marco stood tall, his golden eyes locking onto mine.
Whatever fear I had melted away in that moment.
Because as long as he was there, I knew I wouldn't face this alone.
The hall was filled with people wolves, warriors, women, children all watching me with curious eyes. Some whispered among themselves, while others simply stared. My hands clenched at my sides, but before my nerves could take over, Marco stepped forward.
He was impossible to ignore, his towering frame commanding attention. He reached for my hand without hesitation, his touch grounding me.
"This is Matilda," he announced, his deep voice echoing through the hall. "Your Luna."
Silence.
Then, a few heads bowed in respect. A woman smiled warmly at me, while a few warriors exchanged approving nods. The tension in my chest eased slightly, but I could still feel some doubt lingering in the room.
"She's human," someone murmured.
I stiffened, but Marco's grip on my hand tightened. His golden eyes swept over the crowd, sharp and unwavering. "She is my mate. That is all that matters."
His words left no room for argument.
Darius stepped forward, clearing his throat. "We will officially welcome our Luna at the upcoming gathering. For now, she will be getting to know the pack."
There were murmurs of agreement, but I couldn't focus on them. My heart was still pounding from Marco's bold declaration.
He led me toward a group of women, their expressions ranging from friendly to skeptical. Ana and Elera stayed close, offering quiet support as introductions were made.
A dark-haired woman, older but regal, stepped forward. "I am Elder Miriam," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "You have a long road ahead, child, but I sense strength in you."
I swallowed, nodding. "Thank you."
The conversations around me gradually became easier. The warriors spoke about training, the women about the upcoming ceremonies. It wasn't long before I found myself relaxing, slowly feeling like I could belong here.
After a while, Marco leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. "You're doing well, little one."
I turned to him, surprised at the softness in his voice. "Really?"
He nodded. "Better than I expected."
A flush crept up my neck at the rare compliment.
Just then, a servant approached Marco. "Alpha, dinner has been prepared."
Marco looked down at me. "Come."
I hesitated for only a moment before following him toward the dining hall.
I was still nervous. Still unsure of where I fit into this world.