Claiming Emerald: Four Alphas At Her Feet
Chapter 80: Dance With Me...

Chapter 80: Dance With Me...

"If I remember correctly," Viola muttered in her head, "you swore you wouldn’t wear this. Something about it being too ’damsel in distress.’"

Emerald rolled her eyes as she twisted one last curl into place. "It’s not like I had many options. Nessa packed it when I wasn’t looking."

"And thank the Moon she did," Viola added smugly. "Because right now? You look like every brooding Alpha’s dream come true."

Emerald stood in front of the mirror, her hands resting on the wooden vanity. She wore a dark green dress that hugged her body, looking almost black in the dim light.

A slit ran up the leg to just above her thigh, and the neckline dipped just enough to be elegant... and dangerous. Her makeup was simple but striking: dark eyeliner and soft colour on her lips. Her hair was casually pinned up, with a few loose curls framing her face.

"You look like so... so...," Viola whispered. "I don’t know, but I love it."

Emerald rolled her eyes but smirked anyway.

She stared at herself for a long moment. "I still can’t believe I’m doing this," she whispered.

"He’s trying," Viola said softly now. "Let him."

A soft knock echoed at the door, and Emerald turned toward it just as the clock struck eight.

She opened it slowly.

Lucien stood on the other side, wearing a black tux and a crisp white shirt. his collar slightly loose. His hair was swept back in that relaxed style that still made her feel a flutter in her throat.

He blinked once, then twice, before the corners of his mouth lifted in genuine surprise and admiration.

"...Wow."

"Wow??" Emerald raised a brow. "That’s all you got?"

"You’re..." He exhaled slowly. "You’re breathtaking."

Emerald tried to suppress the small smile forming. "Now, that’s better. You clean up nice yourself."

He offered his arm. "Shall we?"

She took it.

—

As they walked out of the estate, the only sound was the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet. Emerald glanced at him and asked, "So, are you going to tell me where we’re headed?"

"Nope," Lucien said, eyes twinkling. "You’ll see."

They walked across the main road toward the town square, and that’s when she noticed it.

Lights were everywhere... soft, golden lanterns hanging from the trees and rooftops; beautiful white flowers lined the pathway.

In the centre of it all, a small round table sat under a blooming archway, with candles flickering beside shiny silver cutlery and sparkling crystal glasses.

Emerald stared. "Lucien... you outdid yourself."

He chuckled, pulling out her seat for her like a true gentleman. "That was the goal."

She sat, still stunned, as he took his seat opposite her.

"This is..." she trailed off, taking in the gentle glow of the lights, the music playing faintly from somewhere nearby, and the fact that for the first time since she arrived, it didn’t feel like she was preparing for battle.

It just felt... normal. Soft.

No sooner had they sat, plates of beautifully arranged dishes were brought out by silent kitchen staff: roasted lamb with herb butter and warm bread. It smelled divine.

"Wine?" he asked, pouring gently.

"Sure," she said, still staring at the lights in awe.

As they began to eat, Lucien cleared his throat. "I need to say something."

She looked up.

"I know I’ve said this before, but I want you to know that I mean it. I’m sorry."

"For everything," he continued. "For dragging you into this mess, for not protecting you when it mattered most. You didn’t deserve any of it."

Emerald studied him for a long moment, then gave a small nod. "Thank you for saying it."

"And thank you for staying."

Emerald nodded as she took a sip of her wine.

He gave her a grateful look. "Why?"

"I wish I knew," she admitted, then gave him a small smile. "But I’m glad I did. You’re not as terrible as the rumours say."

Lucien laughed. "I’ll take that as a compliment."

He relaxed after that, the tension in his shoulders easing.

They kept eating, laughter becoming easier, the tension easing away with each sip of wine and each stolen glance.

"So..." Lucien asked, leaning in slightly, "How would you rate your stay?"

"Be honest," he added.

Emerald snorted. "Worst vacation of my life."

Lucien choked on his drink.

"Assassination attempts. Rogue battles. Treason. Fire. Chains. Romance." She ticked each off with her fingers. "An absolute disaster."

Lucien smiled, shaking his head. "Next time, I’ll show you the good parts."

Emerald raised a brow. "You’re confident there’ll be a next time?"

He leaned in slightly. "I’m hopeful."

They continued eating, the conversation flowing more easily than it had in days. They talked about old stories, about the time he tried to sneak onto a rogue mission that ended with him being chased by a goose.

She told him about a time when she once baked and nearly set the kitchen on fire.

And then, as the plates were cleared and dessert was placed down, a dark chocolate tart with rose sugar, slow music began to drift through the air.

Lucien stood, offering his hand. "Dance with me?"

Emerald hesitated again, but only for show. She slipped her hand into his.

He pulled her gently into him, one hand resting at her waist, the other guiding hers to his shoulder. She curled her arm around his neck, leaning into the warmth of his body.

The music rose gently, and they started to sway back and forth.

Emerald closed her eyes, letting herself fall into the rhythm. His scent, his presence, the safety of the moment... it wrapped around her like a blanket.

No words were needed, just warmth, music, and the feeling of being close to him.

Emerald rested her head on his chest as Lucien’s hand gently traced the curve of her back, then moved down to the small of her waist.

As the music slowed down, she leaned her head back. Their eyes met, and in that moment, she stood on her toes and kissed him.

Lucien didn’t hesitate.

His hands tightened on her waist as he pulled her closer. Her fingers laced into his hair, and he tilted his head to deepen the kiss.

It was soft, then hot; slow, then urgent.

Her lips parted for him, and he claimed her mouth like he’d been waiting forever. Her heart thundered as their bodies moulded together, heat rising.

Viola practically purred in her mind. "Finally. You two were making me feral."

Lucien’s wolf, Shade, growled contentedly. "Took long enough."

They didn’t stop.

For long moments, there was nothing but the kiss, the scrape of teeth, the soft gasp as his hand slipped beneath her hair, and the slide of her fingers down his chest.

When they finally pulled away, they were breathless and laughing, foreheads resting together.

Then a soft murmur rose around them.

Emerald blinked.

People had begun to gather in the square, some clapping, while others watched with knowing smiles.

She stiffened, stepping back slightly. "Lucien...?"

Lucien turned, still holding her hand. "I chose this spot for a reason."

She blinked at him.

"Before Emerald, I never would have stood in this square like this... not in the open with them. I didn’t believe I belonged here with the people. I thought the hostility was permanent."

He looked at her.

"But she brought peace with her. She reminded me of what this pack could be. Because of her," he said, pointing to Emerald, "this pack survived. Because of her, I stood back up. Because of her, we saw the truth."

Then, turning to the crowd, he said, "Today, we mark the beginning of a new future."

His voice was clear as he declared. "From this day forward, this day will be celebrated every year... as the Day of Emeralds, a day to honour the one who brought us back from the brink."

The crowd broke into stunned silence.

Then applause.

Then a single voice started: "Luna Emerald."

Then another.

And another.

"Luna Emerald! Luna Emerald!"

The crowd broke into applause, into cheers, into celebration.

Emerald stood stunned, eyes wide.

Lucien smiled down at her. "You’re not my Luna officially... but you will always be my Luna."

She was stunned, speechless, and for the first time in a long time... happy.

The celebration carried on into the night. Music, food, dancing. Children ran past with streamers, couples twirled under lanterns, and guards toasted with mugs of ale.

By the time the moon was high, Emerald could barely feel her feet. Lucien walked her back to her room, the noise of the celebration fading behind them.

"You okay?" he asked.

She nodded. "Tired, ut okay."

He stopped at her door.

"I mean it," he said softly. "You’ll always have a place here."

Emerald smiled faintly. "Thank you."

He leaned forward, kissing her temple. "Goodnight, my Luna."

She slipped inside with a soft laugh.

—

Morning came fast.

The sun barely broke through the windows when her escort from Western Shadow Fang arrived. A black car waited at the front gates.

Lucien stood beside it, along with several guards and even some pack members who had gathered to bid her farewell. Some handed her small tokens, a flower, a ribbon, a carved trinket.

Emerald took one final look at the estate... at him, then nodded.

Lucien’s eyes found hers immediately. "Safe journey."

She nodded. "Thanks, Lucien."

"You’ll come back?"

"Eventually," she said, offering a small smile.

She turned to the others and gave a short wave. "Thank you all. For everything."

As the car pulled away, Emerald watched the estate fade into the horizon. Her thoughts were a blur, running through all that had happened from her arrival to this moment.

She didn’t know what awaited her at home after being gone so long.

But she knew she wasn’t the same woman returning.