Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20: Chapter 20 The Hunt Festival

Victoria

Enzo’s face twisted with fury. "You ungrateful little half-breed! After everything I did for you—"

Before he could finish, Leo moved with blinding speed, gripping Enzo by the throat and lifting him off the ground. "Choose your next words very carefully," he growled, his eyes glowing with alpha power.

Enzo clawed at Leo’s hand, gasping for breath.

"Apologize to your Luna," Leo demanded.

When Enzo remained silent, Leo tightened his grip. "Apologize, or leave these grounds in pieces."

"S-sorry," Enzo choked out.

Leo released him, and Enzo collapsed to the ground, coughing and sputtering. "Now leave. If I see you near my Luna again, it will be the last thing you do."

As two security wolves escorted my half-brother away, Leo turned to me, concern etching his features. "Are you alright?"

I took a deep, steadying breath. "Yes. Actually, I feel... lighter."

Leo’s expression softened as he gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "You handled that perfectly, little wolf. You’re more Luna than you realize."

His praise warmed me from within, and for the first time, I felt a flicker of confidence about my new role. Perhaps I could do this after all.

"Now," Leo said, offering his arm once more, "are you ready to meet your pack?"

I straightened my shoulders, lifted my chin, and placed my hand on his arm. "Lead the way, Alpha."

As we entered the grand ceremonial grounds, I felt the weight of a hundred stares following my every move. The Hunt Festival was in full swing, with torches illuminating the night and silver decorations catching the moonlight. Pack members from every rank were present, dressed in their finest attire, their eyes watching—judging—the half-human Luna who walked at their Alpha’s side.

"Remember to breathe," Leo whispered, his hand warm against the small of my back.

I nodded minutely, forcing air into my lungs as we made our way to the raised platform where two ornate chairs awaited—thrones for the Alpha and Luna of Shadow Pack.

Leo guided me to my seat before taking his own. From this elevated position, I could see the entire gathering spread before us—a sea of curious faces, some openly hostile, others cautiously accepting.

Beta Tiny approached the platform first, bowing his head respectfully. "Alpha, Luna," he greeted, his massive frame belying his gentle manner. "Everything is prepared for the ceremonial howl."

"Excellent," Leo replied. "And the hunting teams?"

"Arranged as you instructed. The best warriors in each group, with newer members distributed evenly."

As they discussed logistics, I noticed a cluster of elegantly dressed women watching me from across the clearing. Their scrutiny was anything but subtle.

"Who are they?" I asked quietly when Tiny departed.

Leo followed my gaze. "The wives of neighboring Alphas and high-ranking officials. Important allies... and sometimes rivals." His voice dropped lower. "Be careful around them. Pack politics can be more dangerous than actual wolves."

Before I could question him further, a horn sounded, signaling the beginning of the ceremony. Leo stood, offering me his hand, and the entire gathering fell silent.

"Brothers and sisters of Shadow Pack," his voice carried effortlessly across the grounds, commanding attention. "Tonight we honor our ancestors, our traditions, and the Moon Goddess who guides us. Tonight, we also celebrate a new beginning."

His hand tightened around mine as he pulled me gently to stand beside him.

"I present to you Victoria Moretti, my mate and your Luna."

The silence that followed seemed to stretch for eternity before being broken by Beta Tiny’s powerful voice. "To Luna Victoria!" he called, raising a ceremonial goblet.

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