The Rejected Luna

Chapter 10

_Kaden's POV_

The morning was calm, but my heart raced with excitement. I had never felt so free, so ready for a new beginning. Today was the day Anna and I would finally be together. I was preparing for the engagement ceremony, fixing the collar of my black suit as I looked in the mirror. It was surreal. The mate bond with Avery was broken, and now, I could finally be with the one I truly loved.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. My father, Alpha Elias, stepped in. He looked at me with a stern but approving gaze.

"Well, Kaden, today is the start of something big," he began, crossing his arms as he studied me. "You will soon be engaged, and not long after, you’ll take over as Alpha of this pack. You understand the responsibility that comes with it?"

I nodded. "Yes, Father."

He sighed, taking a step closer. "Being an Alpha is more than just leading in battles or making decisions. It's about loyalty, honor, and looking out for everyone in the pack. You have chosen Anna, and I have agreed to this, but remember that an Alpha must always put the pack above his desires."

"I understand," I replied, my voice steady. "But I love Anna, Father. I’ll be the Alpha this pack needs, with her by my side."

He studied me for a moment, then nodded. "I trust you, Kaden. Just remember that leadership isn’t just about power. It’s about setting an example, about respect. Make sure you’re ready for that."

I felt a surge of determination. "I won’t let you down."

With a nod, he gestured for me to follow him. We made our way to the ceremony hall. When we walked in, the decorations took my breath away. The hall was draped in rich, deep reds and elegant golds, and everything looked warm and inviting, yet grand.

And then, I saw her.

Anna stood near the front of the hall, dressed in a stunning red gown that hugged her curves perfectly. Her blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and emotion as she looked around the room. My heart felt like it would burst. She was beautiful and radiant. This was the woman I wanted by my side forever.

I took a deep breath, feeling grateful and relieved. Avery had done the right thing by releasing me, and now, finally, I could start a life with Anna.

My father led me to the stage and I took my seat beside her. She looked over at me with a shy smile.

"Kaden, you look… incredible," she whispered.

I grinned. I could feel a warm sensation spread through my chest. "And you look like a goddess, Anna."

She blushed, and I couldn’t help but reach out and squeeze her hand.

My father stepped forward, addressing the pack with a booming voice. "Welcome, everyone! Today, we gather to celebrate the union of my son, Kaden, and his chosen mate, Anna." His eyes softened as he looked at us. "Kaden will soon take on the role of Alpha, and with Anna by his side, I have no doubt they will lead this pack with strength and unity."

The crowd cheered, and I felt Anna’s hand tighten in mine. I glanced over at her, and she was already looking up at me, her eyes shining.

"So," I said, leaning close, "you really kept that dress a surprise, didn’t you?"

She laughed softly. "I wanted it to be special."

"It is. You’re… perfect, Anna." I could feel the sincerity in my voice, and I saw her eyes soften.

"Thank you, Kaden," she whispered, her fingers brushing against mine. "For choosing me. For everything."

"I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else," I replied and I meant it.

The officiant stepped forward, nodding toward us with a smile. "It’s time for the ring exchange."

Anna and I stood, facing each other as the rings were brought to us. I held her hand, and she looked at me with such love that I felt my heart swell.

"Anna," I said, slipping the ring onto her finger, "from this day forward, I promise to be by your side, to protect you, to love you. I’ll lead this pack with you, and I’ll build a future with you."

Her eyes filled with tears as she slipped a ring onto my finger. "Kaden, I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. I promise to stand with you, to support you, and to love you for the rest of my life."

The officiant smiled and nodded. "By the bond of this pack, I now pronounce you promised mates. May your union bring strength and honor to us all."

The crowd erupted in applause, and I could feel my father’s approving gaze from the front row. Anna and I looked at each other, our hands intertwined, and I felt complete. The bond I had once dreaded, the duty I had once resisted—it all felt right now.

I leaned in, whispering, "I love you, Anna."

She smiled, her face glowing with happiness. "I love you too, Kaden."

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of congratulations, laughter, and celebration. My father pulled me aside at one point, clapping a hand on my shoulder.

"You’ve done well, Kaden," he said, pride in his eyes. "Lead with the strength I know you have."

I nodded, glancing at Anna, who was surrounded by pack members eager to congratulate her. "I will, Father. For the pack, and for Anna."

As the night went on, I couldn’t stop watching her, couldn’t stop marveling at the fact that this was real. I was free of the past, and my future was here, with Anna.