Magnus’ p.o.v. Marley and her Mates don’t resurface until the next morning, but if they thought they had avoided doing chores, they were mistaken. Mom has a list of chores they need to do this morning, to compensate for their absence yesterday. Mauro and Malek are softly mumbling, while Marley is humming as her eyes glide over the list in her hands. Layina is smiling at the scene in front of us and I am glad we got them out of the hell they were living in. “It won’t do you any good to complain. Dragging your feet means it will take longer to finish the chores.” Marley says as she walks out of the main dining room and gets a few strange looks from the Pack-members. “My Granddaughter is right. If you have to do something you don’t like, you'll find many ways to avoid it or push it to the back burner. What will be the result of doing that?” She asks out loud. I doubt she is asking someone in particular and I smile when one of our Warriors answers her. “It will eventually mean that you have to do it at a time you could have been doing something fun or you have to cancel plans to do it. Do chores when they cross your path and you will get to enjoy your time off.” He answers. Mauro and Malek have already left the dining room, but I will make sure to pass the message along to them. Everything for the Alpha Ceremony is done about an hour before lunch and we sit in the main living room, just talking about whatever to pass the time. The women head up to the Alpha floor to get ready for the party, while the men get ready on the Beta floor. None of us knows what the women are wearing and I can guarantee you that we have tried to find out. All Milcah was willing to tell me was that it was a floor-length dress. I don’t know what color, what kind of fabric. I never thought I would be interested in knowing what a woman wears, but for some reason, it is different with my Mate. “Get in the shower, Magnus. You are the last one.” I hear Dad say and I quickly move toward the bathroom. I had been daydreaming about my Mate and the dress she would be wearing. Our dress code is simple. We are all wearing a tuxedo as Mom requested. Myka and Makay chose a navy blue tuxedo, while Mauro and Malek are wearing a dark grey tuxedo. I chose a burgundy tuxedo because I like to have a little color in my outfits. Mom did warn me not to get a color that is too bold or I would clash with my Mate. We head down the stairs once we are ready and wait at the bottom for our Mates. Our parents and siblings have already made their way down the stairs, and now we wait for the girls to make an appearance. I think my jaw hit the floor when they finally step onto the landing at the top of the last flight of stairs.Milcah is wearing an emerald green, floor-length dress. It is what I heard my Sister call a one-shoulder dress, made of chiffon. She looks fantastic as she takes the first step down and the thigh-high slit becomes visible. I take a quick look at the other girls before looking at my Mate again. Marley and Meadow are also wearing floor-length dresses, but Marley’s dress looks similar to Milcah's. Marley’s dress is what I would call blood red and also shows a thigh-high split as she walks down the stairs, but her dress has pleats at the waist. Damn, I think I have spent too much time listening to my Mom and Sister. I know more about dresses than I would have thought, because I know that Meadow’s deep purple dress is form-fitting, floor-length and has ruched details on the bodice and near the waist. “You look amazing, Angel.” Makay says to Meadow, while I pull Milcah close to tell her how gorgeous she looks. Each of them looks stunning and I am pleased to see that their marks are fully exposed. We are waiting in the ballroom for the guests to arrive, while Mom and Dad are on the front porch to greet them. Five surrounding Packs were invited to the Alpha Ceremony and Mom made it clear that she expected unmated Pack-members to join their leadership. As for Gold Moon, Mom allowed every unmated Pack-member to join. She is hoping that many will find their fated Mate tonight and only a handful declined the invitation.Milcah is talking to Meadow and a few other girls as I stand behind her, looking at the guests who walk into the ballroom to find the tables Mom appointed to their Pack. I grimace as Alpha Corbett walks toward us, while his eyes roam over the women at the table. My annoyance level rises when I see Amelinda right behind him. “Magnus, I didn’t realize that you were back. Thought you were still stuck in that pathetic little Pack your Father obtained.” Corbett says as he continues to look at Milcah. “Who is this gorgeous little thing?” “Not that it is any of your business, Alpha Corbett, but I am Milcah. Future Luna of Gold Moon Pack.” Milcah says before anyone can respond. “Did your Father decide to hand over Gold Moon to Hank’s heir?” Corbett asks. “I figured he would allow you to screw it up.” Amelinda is giggling as she steps next to her Brother, but her eyes are still as cold and calculated as ever. “No, I will take over as the Alpha one day. Milcah is my fated Mate and therefore the future Luna.” I answer as I slide an arm around Milcah’s waist. “Why the hell would you accept an Omega as your Mate?” Amelinda growls. She still hasn’t given up hope of becoming my chosen Mate, even though I have told her and her family no on multiple occasions. Milcah releases her Alpha aura, which is strong enough to force Amelinda to her knees, “Who are you calling an Omega, Serpent?” Milcah asks.“Oh, you didn’t know that your name means work serpent.” Milcah responds to the confused look on Amelinda’s face. Milcah’s understanding of what a name means is one of the things I love about her, and she loves to share its significance to make me laugh.