Xena’s POV
Knock! Knock! Knock!
“Ama?” I asked in surprise when I opened the door to find her standing there.
“You look fucking amazing!” she said, looking me up and down.
Hearing those words from Ama, I knew my choice was right. Her eye for fashion was always spot on.
“What do you think?” I asked, giving her a little spin.
“Absolutely! Ryder sent me to come check on you.” Ama’s smile was so wide it looked like it might split her face.
“Why?” I asked.
“You really did pick the perfect dress,” Ama said, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward the hallway.
“Why?” I was even more confused now. Her expression was too excited.
“Just smile and keep walking,” Ama said, pulling me toward the back door. The moment she opened it, I realized this wasn’t just an ordinary barbecue gathering.
Somehow, Ryder had changed into khakis and a white polo shirt. He stood at the end of a flower path that ran through the crowd of people.
Oh my God. What surprise was he pulling now? My heart started racing, but this time it was the good kind of nervous.
Ama gave me a gentle push and then walked out, closing the door behind her. My feet moved involuntarily, carrying me down the flower path toward Ryder. He took my hands and gazed into my soul.
In front of all these people, in this moment, I felt more loved and cherished than I ever had before. The feeling filled my heart with warmth.
“We’re going to have your Luna ceremony. All the food and decorations you chose are ready. But after everything we’ve been through, I want to give you something,” Ryder said, pulling a ring from his pocket. I immediately recognized it as the ring his mother had worn.
“This ring has been passed down through generations… from my great–great–grandmother to my mother. Every Luna has worn this ring. My mother was going to give it to you at your Luna ceremony, but I want it to be worn by a Luna. This ring symbolizes our unity and commitment. Not just as mates, but as our commitment to lead this pack together. There’s no hierarchy between us… you’ve proven to everyone here how much you care for them, countless times putting your own life at risk to save others. Please accept this ring, and let’s walk into the next chapter of our lives together.”
I couldn’t speak. All the emotions rushed through me–love, gratitude, a sense of purpose, and a deep feeling of belonging. This wasn’t just at ring; it was a legacy, an eternal promise.
I could only nod, tears welling in my eyes, as he slipped the ring onto my finger.
“Are you ready?” Ryder asked as we boarded the plane. It had been exactly one week since we discovered the pregnancy. Since then, I’d seen the doctor and confirmed it. So far, it was a healthy pregnancy with no symptoms. Since it was still early, only four weeks, we hadn’t told anyone else yet. Obviously, Ama immediately told William, but that was it.
Currently, I was sitting in a seat on the private jet. I’d been admiring the ring he gave me. It was platinum with a one–carat black round–cut diamond. The band had a twisted pattern. Ryder’s great–great–grandfather had mined this stone and designed the entire ring. Due to years of wear, the metal had to be replaced, but they kept the design and the gemstone.
My fingers traced the surface of the ring, feeling those delicate patterns. Thinking about how this stone had witnessed generations of love, a
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Chapter 319
warm current surged through my heart.
“Earth to Xena!” Ryder waved his hand between my eyes and the ring..
“What?” I looked up, somewhat startled.
I was pulled back to feality by his sudden movement, a flash of embarrassment crossing my face. It seemed I’d been spacing out again, something that had been happening frequently lately. Maybe it was because of the pregnancy, or maybe the nervousness about uncovering my mother’s secrets was making it hard for me to concentrate.
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