My Second Chance Mate is a Barbarian (Sera and Fenris) novel Chapter 1

Sera

"Thank you all for coming tonight."

Kane's voice carried across the ceremonial hall, strong and clear. I stood at the back, smoothing down my dress for the hundredth time. Blue, because he'd told me it brought out my eyes. I'd spent hours getting ready for this moment.

Three years. Three years of waiting, and tonight he was finally going to make me Luna.

The hall was packed. Every wolf in Blackwater had turned out for the ceremony. Kane stood on the platform in his formal Alpha robes, looking exactly like the man I'd fallen in love with three years ago. Tall, broad-shouldered, those blue eyes that had locked onto mine across a bonfire and changed everything.

"Tonight marks an important moment for our pack," he continued. "Three years ago, I found my mate."

My heart jumped. This was it.

His eyes found mine across the crowd. "Sera has been by my side through some of our most challenging times. She's worked harder than anyone I know, proven her dedication over and over, shown this pack what real commitment looks like."

People turned to look at me. I felt my face heat up but I kept my expression calm. Professional. Like a Luna should.

"I want everyone here to understand how much I value what she's done for Blackwater," Kane said. "The effort she's put in, the late nights, the work she's taken on without complaint. It hasn't gone unnoticed."

Someone nudged me forward. I took a step, then another. The crowd parted to let me through. My legs felt shaky but I kept walking, kept my head up. This was what I'd been waiting for. What I'd earned.

"But the truth is," Kane said, and something in his tone made my stomach twist, "she can't do it all alone."

I stopped walking.

What did he mean by that? I frowned, trying to understand where this was going.

"The role of Luna is demanding. It requires someone who can handle the political pressures, the pack dynamics, the constant demands on their time and energy. And Sera has been shouldering that burden for three years without the actual title or authority to back her up." He paused. "I think it's time we fixed that. Time we gave her the support she deserves."

My chest loosened a little. Okay. He was building up to it. Making sure everyone understood why it took so long.

"Which is why I'm pleased to announce that Elara Vance will serve as Luna of Blackwater Pack."

The words didn't make sense at first.

Then they did.

The hall erupted in applause.

Elara walked up from the opposite side of the crowd wearing white. An actual white dress like this was her wedding day. She climbed the platform steps and Kane took her hand, raised it high for everyone to see. The pack cheered louder.

Not Second Luna. Not support. THE Luna. My position. The title I'd been working toward for three years.

He'd given it to her.

I turned around and left before anyone could see my face.

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