Chosen as the Cursed Alpha's Seventh Bride

Emilia’s POV

Sebastian shifted back to human form, not bothering with clothes as he approached me. In the werewolf world, nudity after shifting was completely normal, but it still made me want to look away.

"Don’t you dare," he said through the mind-link with amusement. "You’re going to have to get used to this."

He addressed the crowd, his voice carrying across the amphitheater. "Emilia has completed her first shift successfully. Her wolf’s name is Eve."

More cheers.

"Now," Sebastian continued, "as Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack, I formally invite Emilia Taylor to join our pack bond."

He knelt down in front of my wolf form, placing his hand on my head.

"Emilia, do you accept the Silver Moon Pack as your own? Do you swear to protect and serve this pack as Luna?"

Eve surged forward, lending me her voice. "I do."

The moment the words left my mind, something snapped into place. It was like a door opening in my head, and suddenly I could sense... everyone. Hundreds of minds, all connected, all part of the same web.

The pack bond.

"Welcome home, Luna," Sebastian said softly, then raised his voice. "The pack bond is complete! Let’s run!"

He shifted again, and dozens of other pack members followed his lead. Within seconds, the amphitheater was full of wolves of all sizes and colors.

"Come on," Sebastian’s black wolf said through the mind-link. "Let’s show you your new territory."

And then we were running.

The pack flowed around me like a river, all of us moving together through the forest. I’d never felt anything like it. The unity, the belonging, the pure joy of running with my pack.

My pack.

Sebastian stayed beside me the entire time, sometimes brushing against me or playfully nipping at my ears. Other wolves called greetings through the mind-link, welcoming me, congratulating me.

I was home. Finally, truly home.

When we finally returned to the amphitheater, exhausted and happy, I shifted back to human form. Someone had thoughtfully left robes for us, and I quickly wrapped one around myself.

Sebastian pulled me close, kissing me hard in front of everyone.

"My mate," he said against my lips. "My Luna. Mine."

"Yours," I agreed, smiling. "Always yours."

I’d started this journey as an outsider, a seventh bride no one expected to last.

Now I was Luna. Now I belonged.

The banquet hall of the Silver Moon Pack house was alive with celebration. Long tables were packed with roasted meats, fresh bread, and desserts. Pack members filled every seat, their laughter and conversations creating a warm buzz of sound.

I sat at the head table between Sebastian and Mila, still getting used to the pack bond humming happily in my chest.

"Emilia, dear, you simply must try this." Mila placed a generous portion of spotted butter-fish on my plate, her eyes twinkling. "It’s wonderful for fertility. Very nutritious. You’ll need your strength for all those grandbabies I’m expecting."

I nearly choked on my wine. "Mila!"

"What?" she said innocently. "I’m just thinking ahead. A Luna’s most important duty is securing the pack’s future, after all."

Sebastian’s hand found mine under the table, squeezing gently. His lips twitched, like he was holding back a laugh.

"Mom," Tiffany jumped in from across the table, grinning like a devil, "you gave her spotted fish. Are you trying to give Emilia spotted babies? Because that’s not how genetics works."

"Tiffany Simons!" Mila gasped. "What kind of nonsense are you talking?"

"It’s basic biology," Tiffany said, stabbing a piece of meat with her fork. "Though I suppose we can’t all be as well-educated as our dear Luna here."

I couldn’t help but laugh. "Actually, I think your logic makes sense, Tiffany. Maybe we should avoid anything with spots, stripes, or unusual patterns. Just to be safe."

Sebastian leaned close to my ear. "Are you encouraging my sister’s ridiculous theories?"

"I’m building alliances," I whispered back. "Very strategic Luna behavior."

" Emilia is right to encourage Tiffany," Mila said, though she was fighting a smile now. "At least someone in this family knows how to have a civil conversation. Unlike certain people who spent months being absolutely horrible to their fated mate."

Sebastian’s jaw tightened slightly, but I squeezed his hand. "Ancient history," I said lightly. "We’ve moved past all that."

"Have we?" Tiffany asked, her eyes shining with mischief. "Because I clearly remember someone saying, and I quote, ’That woman will be gone within three months.’ Ring any bells, big brother?"

"Tiffany," Titus warned, but there was amusement in his voice too.

"What? I’m just saying..."

"That’s enough," Mila interrupted, though she was laughing now. "Let’s talk about something else. Tiffany, dear, when are you planning on finding a mate? Your father and I aren’t getting any younger."

Tiffany’s expression changed immediately. "I’m in no rush."

"You’re twenty-four," Titus pointed out. "Most wolves your age are already mated."

"I’m waiting for the right person," Tiffany said quietly, and something in her voice made me glance at Sebastian. He was watching his sister with understanding in his eyes.

Before anyone could push further, a familiar voice called out from behind us.

"Alpha, Luna, congratulations!"

I turned to see Beta Fynn approaching, his usual easygoing smile in place.

"Fynn!" Sebastian stood to clasp his Beta’s hand. "You did a great job handling everything."

"Just doing my duty," Fynn said, then turned to me with a slight bow. "Luna Emilia, it’s an honor to officially welcome you to the pack."

"Thank you, Fynn," I said warmly.

Fynn’s gaze drifted past me to where Tiffany sat.

"Tiffany," he said, his voice softer. "You look beautiful tonight."

Tiffany’s face turned bright red. "I... thank you. You look... you clean up nice too."

The awkwardness was thick enough to cut with a knife. Sebastian and I exchanged glances.

"Well," Fynn said after a beat, "I should make my rounds. Duty calls and all that. Congratulations again, you two."

He left quickly, and I watched Tiffany watch him go, her expression a mixture of sadness and something else I couldn’t quite name.

"Tiffany," Mila said gently, "is there something you want to tell us?"