Burned by My Ex, Reborn as His King's Mate

Seraphina's POV

The rhythmic click of my stilettos echoed through the grand hall as I ascended the stairs, each step carrying me closer to my destiny. Today would be etched into history-the day I finally claimed the mate the Moon Goddess had chosen for me.

And there he stood.

Darius Harlow-heir to the Blue Ridge Pack, my childhood friend, my first love, and soon, my eternal mate. Dressed in a black tuxedo that hugged his powerful frame, he watched me with an intensity that stole my breath. His emerald-green eyes, the most mesmerizing shade I'd ever seen, locked onto mine, unblinking.

A rush of warmth spread through my chest. After ten years of sacrifices-pouring my wealth, strength, and soul into securing his place as heir-this moment made every struggle worth it.

As I reached for his outstretched hand, a jolt of electricity surged through my fingertips, racing straight to my heart. The mate bond flared to life between us, fierce and undeniable.

He's mine.

And I'm his.

Finally.

"You're stunning," Darius murmured, his lips curling into that familiar, mischievous smirk. Heat flooded my cheeks, and I bit back a giddy laugh.

The ceremony was nothing short of extravagant. Pack members from both territories filled the hall, their cheers vibrating through the air. My parents, Alpha Bastian and Luna Athena, stood proudly beside Darius's parents, Alpha Julian and Luna Soraya. Their approving gazes only deepened the joy swelling inside me.

Elder Delon Rahen of the Blue Ridge Pack stepped forward, his voice resonating through the sacred space.

"Under the moonlight, before the spirits of our ancestors, and by the blood of your pack-do you, Darius Harlow, choose this woman as your Luna, your soulbound mate, and the guardian of your power?"

Darius never looked away from me. His grip on my hand tightened as he answered, voice rough with emotion.

"With my blood, my soul, and my body-I choose her. Today and forever."

Tears pricked my eyes, threatening to spill over.

Then the Elder turned to me.

"And you, Seraphina Luminara-do you accept this bond? Will you stand as his mate and protector of the pack he leads?"

I inhaled deeply, my heart pounding in sync with Darius's.

"With all my heart, I accept. I will be his mate, his strength, and his sanctuary."

The hall erupted in cheers, but all I heard was the steady rhythm of Darius's heartbeat-and his whisper, meant only for me.

"From this moment on, you are my true mate. You are my home."

Then his lips met mine, sealing our bond in front of the world. A single tear slipped free as warmth flooded my chest.

I was no longer just Seraphina Luminara.

I was Luna of the Blue Ridge Pack.

The rightful mate of Alpha Darius Harlow.

Joy overflowed in my heart when we returned to our wedding room after the ceremony was over. The wedding suite was a dream-bathed in candlelight, the bed strewn with crimson rose petals. The sweet floral scent was