Rena's PoV
Even though I had been married to Jason for close to five years now, we had yet to do the Luna rituals because the pack elders didn't agree to it.
They had known me most of my life, but they wouldn't let me be their Luna because to them, I would always be a stray rogue they saved.
I blinked hard several times, pushing back the tears that were close to spilling from my eyes.
This was not the place.
I cleared my throat in the most subtle way I could afford before speaking again.
"Thank you, President Rhys, for the kind reminder. However, I started this project using the resources of the Iron Ridge pack; it would be quite unethical to jump ship."
Alpha Rhys seemed to have a small smile on, but I couldn't tell for certain because he looked away immediately and turned to the man who had welcomed me earlier.
Although they didn't say a word, I was fairly certain they were using the mind link.
After about a minute, Alpha Rhys spoke up, "In that case, we would need proof of your legal and binding affiliation with the Iron Ridge Pack before we can proceed."
That was quite easy. Our marriage certificate would work, so I nodded in agreement.
Alpha Rhys still had a small smile on as he stood up.
"My Beta, Jamie, would give you a promissory agreement of our investment…."
"…As long as the conditions are met," he added.
I was surprised by how quickly he agreed, and I resisted the urge to scream.
Because my mind was running wild.
I had actually gotten it! Nobody knew how much I needed this. How desperate I was to prove to Jason and those damn elders that I could be of use to the Pack.
As soon as Alpha Rhys left, a lot of the people in the conference room followed suit.
Very quickly, the room was empty save for Beta Jamie, who was now standing beside the printer.
"Here you go, the content is simple, and you just need Alpha Jason to sign it. Once you provide all the information we asked for, then we can sign a formal contract."
I was shocked the moment I took the one-page document and saw the amount written on it.
Ten billion dollars?
My eyes shot up to look at Beta Jamie, and he nodded.
"That's how much our Alpha believes in your research. I hope that you won't betray his trust."
At first, I shook my head and then felt that it seemed wrong, so I nodded quickly.
"I'll certainly do my best!"
The most Jason was hoping to get was a billion dollars. We had expected them to give us less than that, but they actually multiplied it by ten!
After filing some other things, I kept the paper in my folder and left the company.
Just as I expected, Kevin was waiting in the car and unlocked the door for me.
"Are we done here?" He asked while bringing the car to full ignition.
"Yes, but there are documents Jason needs to sign before tomorrow, so head back to the Pack instead of the laboratory."
Kevin turned slightly, just enough so he could meet my eyes.
"Alpha Jason instructed me to drive back to the laboratory."
On a normal day, I would have simply agreed. But today, I had the winning hand, and I really wanted to see my baby.
"There's no way Jason would make it to the laboratory today. Besides, we can't be late like today. We almost lost the deal."
Kevin stayed silent for some minutes, and after what felt like five minutes or less, he started the car and turned in another direction.
If he looked through the rearview mirror, he would have been blinded by my smile.
Today would certainly go down in my memory as one of my happiest days.
That much, I was certain about.
— — — —
I worked the entire drive to the Pack. Beta Jamie had requested some data, so I compiled everything and checked it two more times before closing my laptop.
As we got close to the Pack's border, I noticed that a lot of cars were parked around.
Was Jason holding a party? I ran quickly through the important dates. His birthday was in two months, and our anniversary was seven months ago. Daisy would be five in four months.
Nothing came to mind, so I let it be. Knowing Jason, he could make up any reason just to have a party.
Kevin managed to find a spot to park the car close to our house despite the loads of cars everywhere. But instead of heading home, I was too curious and headed to the Pack's hall.
On my way there, my ears picked up on some chatter.
"I can't believe our Pack is finally going to have a Luna!"
"The Luna coronation came out of nowhere. Alpha Jason is really surprising!"
Luna coronation? Instinctively, I glanced down at my outfit. Even though it was presentable, it was very formal.
I considered rushing back to change, but then decided against it.
If Jason planned this surprise, then he certainly wouldn't mind my outfit. Was this why Kevin actually agreed to bring me back today?
I pushed back the million questions that were tingling at the back of my mind and quickened my pace.
The doors to the hall were opened wide, and I could hear the chanting from the Pack's priestess.
I closed the remaining steps with a slight jog, but I stood frozen in place as I heard the Priestess next words.
"Lucy Sullivan, do you agree to stand beside Jason Reed and lead the wolves of Iron Ridge Pack together through hardship and success?"
Lucy Sullivan? The name sounded familiar, but I couldn't place it right now with the buzzing sound in my head.
My legs moved on their own until I could find a clear view of the stage, and then I saw it.
Jason was dressed in a blue suit I had never seen him wear and stood beside a woman who was wearing a white and flowing dress while carrying the one mantle I had dreamed of carrying for the last five years.
I shook my head and pinched myself. "This had to be a dream, right?"
But nothing changed, and her voice even rang clear in the hall.
"I agree to stand beside My Alpha and walk this journey together."
I heard a loud yell that sounded really close. Was that from me?
Before I could process anything, a firm grip wrapped around my wrist and then dragged me out of the hall.
Outside the hall felt better. My heart was still thumping wildly, but I could breathe now.
I took three deep breaths and then met the stern and cold gaze of Vanessa, Jason's sister.
"Why are you here? Doesn't the research team need you?"
I scoffed, unable to hide my anger like I always did.
"Did you guys plan to get him a Luna while I slaved away in the laboratory for the Pack?"
Instead of remorse, Vanessa's eyes shone bright with mockery, and she chuckled coldly.
"Cut it out, Serena. Don't pretend to be mad, you knew this was going to happen."
I took one step towards her.
"I knew this was going to happen?"
"You think I knew that my husband would decide to get a Luna instead of making me one?"
For the first time, Vanessa looked greatly surprised, and I couldn't tell if it was my words or my reaction that was the reason for that.
But I found out very quickly because her next words felt like she threw me into a freezing pool.
"Your husband? Since when were you guys married?"