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Chrissy descended the steps in a floor-length red gown that hugged every curve of her body with loving precision.

The neckline dipped just enough to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of cleavage, while the slit along one side flashed her toned leg with each step.

Her dark hair cascaded down her back in glossy waves, topped with a delicate circlet of white island flowers.

The mate mark on her neck was proudly visible, a declaration to all who saw her.

She was magnificent. Regal. His.

"Damn," Zev muttered under his breath, his body instantly responding to the sight of her. He pushed off the car and strode to meet her at the bottom of the steps, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Well? Will I do?" Chrissy asked, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness as she gave a small twirl.

Zev's hand shot out to grasp her waist, pulling her against him with possessive force. "You're beyond perfect," he growled, his voice rough with desire. "Every male wolf in the pack is going to lose their mind, which means I'll be spending the entire day making it clear who you belong to."

Her eyes widened, darkening with a matching hunger. "I like the sound of that."

Zev helped her into the car, his hand lingering possessively on her lower back. As they drove through the jungle roads toward the event center, he couldn't stop glancing at her, memorizing how the sunlight caught in her hair and illuminated her skin.

"You're staring," she teased.

"I can't help it." His hand found hers, their fingers intertwining. "My wolf can't believe you're really ours now."

The event center came into view—an elegant structure of natural wood and stone that blended into the landscape. Lights twinkled from within, and soft music drifted through the open doors. Zev parked and came around to open Chrissy's door, offering his hand.

"Ready to meet your pack, Luna?"

Chrissy took his hand, her chin lifting with quiet determination. "Lead the way, Alpha."

The moment they stepped through the doors, a hush fell over the gathered crowd. One hundred pairs of eyes turned to take in their Alpha and his newly marked mate. Then, as one, the pack members dropped to one knee, heads bowed in respect.

Zev felt Chrissy's grip tighten on his arm in surprise. These were the same wolves who had surrounded her villa in anger just yesterday, now kneeling before her in absolute submission.

Ewan stepped forward first, rising to his feet. "On behalf of the Isle Luna pack, we welcome our Luna." He turned to the assembly. "Rise and celebrate!"

The room exploded into jubilant sound as tables laden with food were unveiled and music swelled. Pack members approached one by one to introduce themselves properly to Chrissy, each showing deference that clearly both surprised and moved her.

"They're completely different," she whispered to Zev between greetings. "Yesterday they wanted to run me off the island."

"Yesterday you were an outsider," Zev explained, his arm never leaving her waist. "Today you're Luna. The mark changed everything—you're pack now."

As the evening progressed, Zev watched his mate charm every member of his pack. She remembered names, asked thoughtful questions, and laughed generously at their stories. His wolf preened with satisfaction. They had chosen well.

When the band struck up a slower melody, Zev pulled her onto the dance floor, wrapping his arms around her waist and drawing her close against him.

"Happy?" he asked, his lips brushing her ear.

"More than I knew was possible," she admitted, her arms looping around his neck as they swayed together. "I never thought I'd find this—belonging, freedom, you."

Zev's hand slid down to the small of her back, pressing her tighter against him. "When this celebration ends, I'm taking you home and showing you exactly how much you belong to me now," he promised softly.

Chrissy's lips curved into a smile against his neck. "Is that a threat or a promise?"

"Both," Zev growled, spinning her in a slow circle as the music enveloped them. "Definitely both."

The way her red dress shimmered in the light as they moved sent fire racing through his veins.

His wolf paced, already impatient for the celebration to end so he could claim her again.

The pack had honored her beautifully today, but now he wanted her alone, and wanted to peel that dress from her body inch by tantalizing inch.

Zev inhaled deeply, drawing in the intoxicating scent of her. That scent now carried notes of his own, a primal declaration to any wolf shifter that she was claimed. She was his, now and forever.

The song drew to a close, and Zev dipped her dramatically, earning delighted laughter from his mate and appreciative cheers from the pack members watching. As he pulled her upright, he caught sight of Ewan shoving through the crowd, his expression grim.

Zev's instincts flared instantly. He'd known Ewan since childhood—the man didn't panic easily. Something was very wrong.

"Alpha." Ewan's voice was tight, barely controlled as he reached them. Sweat beaded his forehead, his breath coming in quick bursts. "We have a situation. A major one."

Zev's arm tightened around Chrissy's waist, his body automatically shifting to place himself between her and any potential threat. His wolf lunged forward under his skin, teeth bared. "What is it?"

Ewan's eyes darted to Chrissy, then back to Zev, clearly weighing whether to speak freely in front of her.

"She's my mate," Zev growled, the possessive edge in his voice leaving no room for argument. "Whatever it is, she hears it too."

The music around them seemed to fade as a cold knot of dread formed in Zev's stomach. Only one thing could cause his second-in-command to look this alarmed on tonight of all nights.

Marty. The rogue wolf shifter had sensed their mate bond had fully formed—had felt Zev's claim marked officially and permanently on Chrissy. And now Marty was coming for what he still considered his.