Tangled

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304 Ava: Selene's Presence

The crowd falls silent, a wave of submission rippling through the gathered wolves. Some drop to their knees, eyes averted, while others struggle against the invisible force emanating from Selene. I watch in awe as her aura pulses, a shimmering curtain of power that washes over even the strongest wolves until they, too, lower their heads in deference.III

Even Kellan has his gaze lowered.

Only Lucas stands, unaffected.

but I can't

Of course. I would never undermine his authority here. Selene sounds way too smug. blame her. This display of raw power is unlike anything I've ever witnessed, and it's coming from my wolf-from a part of me I'm realizing I took for granted.

Lucas seizes the moment, his voice ringing out clear and authoritative. "Wolves of the Westwood Pack, bear witness. Ava Grey stands before you as your one true Luna. She is my mate, chosen by fate and accepted by me. I demand your loyalty, your respect, and your unwavering support for

her

His words carry weight, each syllable heavy with the command of an Alpha. I feel their impact. through our newly forged pack bond, a ripple of energy that seems to reinforce Selene's display of dominance.

Now is the time for your speech, Ava, Selene's voice echoes in my mind. Show them who you are.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. This is my moment-our moment. I step forward, feeling the

eyes of every wolf upon me. The silence is deafening, expectant.

"Wolves of the Westwood Pack, I begin, my voice stronger than I expected. "I stand before you not just as Lucas' mate, but as a warrior in my own right." Though the idea of calling myself a warrior falls flat in my head, Selene assured me it's the right word to use. "I may not have been born into this pack, but I choose it. I choose you."

across the crowd. Some faces are still wary, others curious, but

my wolf, as much a part of me as your wolves are a part of you. We are different, yes, but that difference is our strength." I gesture to Selene, who sits regally by my side. "In Selene, I carry the wisdom of ages, the strength of our forebears. Through her, I am connected to the very essence of what it means to be a wolf. And through me, she is tied to humanity in a way

can feel the crowd's energy shifting, curiosity replacing wariness. I press on, emboldened, but the weight of my words is heavy on my tongue. "I won't lie to you. The road ahead is difficult. We face threats from all sides-vampires, rogue wolves, even traitors within our own ranks.

Cada Ava Salorier's Preistince

more than just blood. We will rise again. With every last drop of my blood, with every last breath, I promise to serve as your Luna and lend my strength to our pack "You did great," Lucas says, rubbing a hand over my back. Lisa's not in the cabin-Kellan whisked her away, and I'm not asking questions.

and I are

Well, almost.

pack, Selene says, sounding almost blissful as she wiggles her husky body between us, shoving at Lucas' arm until he pets her

flicker. "Did she just say

she forgot how it feels to be

bit of light in his

as his

a way that should be playful, but feels to me as

Selene wiggles even harder, wedging herself more firmly between us as we sit on the couch. "Not feeling the pack? Can you tell it's missing? I've never felt a

emptiness. Like a hole that can't be filled. Lucas rubs Selene's ear tips, and my dog-wolf lets out an enormous,

Selene opines, licking his hand. She

even thought of asking while she

focused on you,

my own wolf makes

cringe.

with Sister Miriam? Selene says she might have some ideas

in its gentle fluffing of Selene's cars,

fine"

intense on mine.

sounds oddly unenthused at the

"What's wrong?

husky. Before I can press further, he grabs my waist and pulls me over Selene, settling