Barely Breathing

'Her hair is still as fiery as the fire and so is her spirit. Her eyes, the same shade of moss green that tells a tale of bravery and
brokenness combined. Like a rose defined by its beauty and thorns. And, so is her story.
She still looks the same. Nothing changed much just like her past that could never be altered. But as I looked at her, she has that
glow that wasn't there before. I haven't seen her smile like that. Her eyes didn't usually shine - today's the brightest.
As I looked into the mirror, I see not a girl but a grown-up woman. I see not a weak rogue but a warrior with a strength
incomparable. I see the scars of her soul but feel the pain no more.
I see the same Willow but in a different light. I smiled at my reflection.
I let down my wavy hair cascading below my waist. I am wearing a sleeveless halter neck dress in red that flows down just below
my knees. It complements my hair and skin perfectly. In my head was a crown of flowers made by the twins.
I descended the stairs while humming my favorite song. And, into the forest where everyone was waiting for me.
It was night, the sky was lovely and serene even without the moon. Colorful lantern lights adorned the trees, serving as a guide
unto the center of the forest. Petals of flowers laid on top of the snow-covered ground onto each step I thread. It was winter.
Small snowflakes gently cascading, adding ambiance for this night.
Tonight will be the officiating ceremony of Xyrus and me as mates, and crowning me as the new Luna of Blood Moon pack.
I could hear a melody, singing and lights were getting brighter as I reached the meadow. Tash was waiting for me at the entrance
of a beautiful arc with a curtain made of flowers and leaves.
"Willow, I am so happy for you." Tash hugged me and kissed me on the cheek. She handed me a bouquet.
"Wow, it's beautiful Tash." I chuckled. It was a bouquet of sunflowers.
"You are far more beautiful Willow." She smiled. "The alpha is waiting."
She parted the curtains of hanging flowers and leaves. And I stood in front of everyone. Elony was waving at me, beside her was
Julian who gave me a salute.
Heather was there too, wiping her eyes and nose with a napkin. The twins, Callie and Cassey we're on the other side, with wide
smiles on their faces.

Carter and Ehren were there too. And so was everyone in the pack.
"There's a calm surrender
To the rush of day
When the heat of a rolling wind
Can be turned away"
I started to walk onto the pattern of flower petals that leads me to him...to the man who will move mountains just to be with me.
"An enchanted moment
And it sees me through
It's enough for this restless warrior
Just to be with you"
Xyrus stood at the center looking handsome as ever, wearing an all-black suit. He has a warm smile that melts my heart. His
eyes were on me. And I could have sworn he has tears in them.
"And can you feel the love tonight?
It is where we are"
I still remember when I had to fight my way out with him at the mate hunt. Oh boy, I was so mad at him...
"It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer
That we got this far."
...and those moments when he saved me and kissed my cheek after the challenge...
"And can you feel the love tonight
How it's laid to rest?
It's enough to make kings and vagabonds

Believe the very best."
...and his pained look when I was about to die during the war...
I stood in front of Xyrus with mixed emotions. I could not believe this man is mine, my mate. And he was gazing at me too, with
strong emotions lingering on those hooded eyes. Having him this close...this near...put warmth in my heart.
Xyrus held my hand and kissed it.
"You are a sight to behold." He whispered in my ear and gave me a wink.
I blushed at his compliment.
He guided me to his father, former alpha Caden. Alpha Caden will be the official in the ceremony.
"Members of the Blood Moon pack, today we are gathered to celebrate this wonderful event that has happened to our pack. For
Xyrus, my son, your alpha, has finally chosen a mate, Willow Ellis, the daughter of alpha Mason and luna Lily of Storm Forest
pack.
By the power and blessing, the moon goddess has bestowed me, I now proclaimed you, Xyrus Mcintosh, and Willow Ellis as
mates, and, as Alpha and Luna of Blood Moon Pack.
May the moon goddess bless you, with immeasurable love, that even death will not separate, what she has united as one.
Go forth now, son and daughter of the moon, may you bring peace and order to the Blood Moon Pack, for as long as you live.
You may now kiss your mate, son." announced alpha, Caden.
Xyrus tucked fallen strands of hair behind my ear and lifted my chin. His lips met mine in a soft kiss and the flutters in my
stomach intensified. Time stopped as my senses clouded with that simple kiss.
I felt his palms on my cheeks as he deepened the kiss. This one was different. A possessive kiss, claiming and demanding which
set my body on fire.
When the kiss ended, he leaned his forehead against mine, both of us barely breathing but with smiles on our faces.