Betrayal

•10•

Shopping with Ginger -as Lyla was instructed to call her or mom (but she wasn't comfortable with that yet)- wasn't as terrible as she thought it would be. As promised, after they bought several outfits and of course the 'ceremony clothes' they ate lunch then with much pleading on Lyla's part to not be involved she was dragged to a nail salon for mani and pedi's then to the hair salon. Lyla was extremely worried as to the final effect due to Gingers hushed conversation with the stylist and not being in front of a mirror. All she knew was the concoction in the bowl smelled awful and it took awhile to put the pasty stuff in her hair.

Finally after what seemed like hours the chair was turned to face the mirror and the girl looking back at Lyla was absolutely breathtaking. The girls did an excellent job at both the makeup and hair. The ringlets that framed her face made her look younger and there were caramel colored streaks mixed in with her medium length brown hair. Lyla is not usually one to wear makeup but the subtle eyeshadow brought out the color of her hazel eyes. Now for the dress. Oh, how she was already dreading the rest of day.

After arriving back at the pack house the guards brought all the bags to the owners rooms and quietly exited the house to debrief the alphas and their replacements. Both Tyler and his dad were out with the pack making sure all guards were in place and extra patrols were making rounds. The decorations and food were all in place and ready for the celebration. All that was left were the present and the soon to be Luna. The pack was mingling in anticipation of formally accepting their future Luna.

Lyla, when you and mom are ready we will come get you. We are making rounds to ensure everyone's safety.

Already? I thought it was going to be later this evening.

Don't be nervous, these are your pack members that you grew up with. Everyone already thinks of you as their Luna this is just a formality.

I know it's just a big responsibility being Luna and I am scared of messing things up.

Nonsense hunnie, you will make a terrific Luna and you can't mess things up so stop worrying and get ready.

ugh, fine!

Tyler laughed as he joined his father in greeting some of the pack members that traveled back to the pack for this glorious occasion, inside Lyla was panicking.

"Lyla sweetie, calm down. Here put the dress on and let me look at you." Ginger instructed.

Lyla did as requested and taking a deep breathe she turned to show her mates mother the finished look. With a gasp Ginger grinned and hugged Lyla. "Tyler will have a hard time controlling himself out there."

"Is it that bad? Here I can change into...." As Lyla was turning to go back to the closet Ginger grabbed her elbow. "Oh no Lyla. That's not what I meant. My son will be eyeing any male that even glances in your direction. His wolf is very possessive, and no male will be able to be within ten feet of you without him wanting to attack."

"Can you talk to him? Ask him to control his emotions or something. I don't want to be the reason a member gets attacked."

Ginger laughed loudly, "Lyla, no one but you can control Tyler or his wolf." With that she took Lyla's hand and led them downstairs to meet the guys. "But how do I do that?" Lyla asked as her foot hit the last step.

"Do what sweetie?" Tyler asked before he caught sight of his beautiful mate. "Wow! You look.."

"I can go change, I knew it was too much." Before Lyla could attempt to return upstairs Tyler grabbed her and held her in place.

"You look absolutely ravishing." Tucking a curl behind her ear Tyler kissed from Lylas mark up to her lips. "No not just ravishing, gorgeous beyond words."

"Really? I was worried a Luna wouldn't wear things like this." Lyla admitted.

"Like what dear? A Luna needs to look respectable and dignified. Dressing nice and looking amazing is one of the perks of the job." Ginger shared with wink.

"And you my dear look the part." Alpha Drew kissed Lylas hand placing it on his son's arm then taking his mates hand Alpha Drew led them out to greet the pack.

Tyler whispered in Lylas ear, "Relax and be yourself, we are surrounded my friends and family."

As they neared the bulk of the pack complete silence fell. Alpha Drew made a path to the front and took position next to his mate with Tyler beside his mom and Lyla on his other side.

"Thank you all for joining us on this glorious occasion. We have anticipated this moment from the time of Tyler's birth and we are extremely thrilled the moon goddess has chosen such a unique and brilliant mate for your new alpha." Alpha Drew smiled at his son and Lyla.

"As you all know by now one of our own has been paired with Tyler. She has been loved by this pack for most of her eighteen years and we are happy to call her a part of our family now. Tyler if you will." Alpha Drew gave Tyler the floor.

Applause erupted as Tyler stepped forward. "Thank you all again for coming together for this joyous event. As you can see, Lyla Collins and I have mated and I would like to officially announce her as my mate and your future Luna."

When the applause and whistles died down Lyla shyly started to speak. "Thank you all for accepting me. I am deeply honored to be picked to be our packs Luna and mate to Tyler. I promise to do my best to help Tyler with anything the pack may need and if anyone has any concerns or problems please let us know and I will personally see to it." Lyla stood proud beside her mate as Alpha Drew once again spoke.

"Calm down everyone. Formally we will hand over control of the pack to Tyler and Lyla after graduation but Tyler has already taken responsibility of the day to day running of the pack so please go to either Tyler or Lyla for any pack needs. Of course, myself and Luna Ginger will still be available during the transition. "

"Drew and I wish to thank you for the continued support and respect and we just ask you to give the same to our son and his mate. Now please eat and have fun!" Ginger dismissed the pack at the same time a howl rang through the air.

"ROGUES!!!"

The warriors shifted and ran toward the sounds of fighting and guards surrounded both Ginger and Lyla. "Hunnie go with them to the house and get in the safe room." Tyler kissed Lyla and started to follow his father. "Wait! I want to fight."

"I'm sorry Lyla, you are now Luna so you need to be protected and I can't lose you know. Please go with mom. I love you." Tyler pulled her into his embrace and deeply kissed her. "Please go!"

"I love you. Please hurry back." Lyla held on a moment longer then let lose and Tyler shifted into his magnificent black wolf.

The women were brought to the house and they locked themselves in the safe room. With two guards inside with them they sat on the couch and waited for any word from their mates.