Chapter 38

Jack made it back to his clan with all the much-needed supplies. They could get everyday things in town; getting supplies when you are not human can be a challenge. For instance, you can't find special herbs and medicines in a regular store. Bulk food is always a good thing, they could get it at a whole foods store, but it isn't the same. He even managed to bring ten cases of jars back for their honey and maple syrup production.
They sold both honey and syrup in town; they also made their jams. Jams were werebears favorite even over the love and were primarily made for consumption.
Did they need all these things from the King? Not really, but it was a gift? Jack never turned down presents as long as there were no strings attached. This gift was a simple thank you from the King.
Werebears tend to like things as natural as possible, such as they grow their foods and can dry, freeze, or can them. Of course, they hunt fish for their meat, do the same dry, freeze, and can that as well; what they buy is more of a luxury than a need, and those needed are well maintained. No one goes without medicine or doctors.
They even have their modernized mill to process grains and such for different types of flour.
They don't have internet or television. Nor do they use cell phones while in clan territory. Cell phones don't work in the mountains anyway. They do have a landline for several phones stationed in the houses, so they can call if needed.
They have their doctors and hospitals, and Jack ensures they have all the modern equipment and training they need and whatever supplies and medicines they request.
They also have jobs out in the human towns. Such as sheriff and police officers to truck drivers. There is a wide assortment of jobs they tend to hold down; the only thing in common with them all is that werebears tend to stay in the small towns and rural areas.
Jack's clan is a little bit more unusual than usual; they are a big clan, mostly grizzly, which is very rare that it is more legend and old stories than reality anymore.
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Adira stood in front of a full-size mirror, looking on in disbelief that the woman staring back at her was her. His gown was gorgeous; it was an empire waist, and it was off-white with gold trim and designs. It was made as a velvet overskirt with silk and tulle. It had lots of sparkles.
Adira almost didn't wear it because she discovered that the sparkle was diamonds. It also had a cathedral train. Her lady’s maids did a fantastic job on her hair; it was in an elaborate style of braids and curls.
A small golden crown with diamonds and sapphires attached to a long flowing lace veil was upon her head. It was perfect. She was just about ready to leave to go to the waiting area at the court when a knock came at the door.
When the lady’s maids opened the door, there stood the King in his finest, with a massive smile.
"Your highness, Adira gave a very graceful curtsy."
That was when she noticed what the King was holding in his hands. It was her bridal bouquet; it was beautiful with white and cream-colored roses. The roses themselves looked like the tips of their petals were dipped in gold.
"My dear girl, you look beyond amazing; I thought you would need someone to walk you down the aisle. I want to volunteer for this duty if it is alright."
"With teary eyes, she said, I would be honored to have you walk me down."
"Adira, the honor is mine, little one. Now let’s get going before your very nervous Duncan explodes."
"Why would Duncan be so nervous? He knows I love him and that we are forever."
"All males, whether they know it or not, think that their brides love them, and it is a sure thing. They are still nervous at that end of the aisle, waiting for their brides to come to join them. I think it has something to do with the fact that at this moment, you could run away and wouldn’t be able to stop you."
Marnie was just in the nick of time, looking beautiful in a deep red and gold-trimmed velvet bridesmaid dress. She was practically jumping up and down in excitement. She gracefully picked up Adira's train, gave the King a curtsy, and took her position.
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As Duncan stood at the alter, everything went beyond what he thought was possible. The King went all out for their wedding; he chuckled to himself. Small wedding indeed.
Everything was covered in gold or silver sparkles; at least ten Christmas trees were also done in primarily gold and silver sparkles, and fairy lights were everywhere. Someone magically made snowfall from the ceiling; it never landed on the floor though it was magical.
A red carpet was going down the center of what looked like a sea of chairs made out of sparkling snow. There was light music playing though Duncan couldn't pinpoint where it was coming from.
He was there with Marco at his side; Duncan was happily surprised when Marco showed up with Marnie. He told Duncan that he wouldn’t let his best friend get married without him. That was that, and now here they are waiting.
The chairs were filled, and the music became louder as they heard the main doors to the hall begin to open; everything but the music was silent.
There she was on the arm of the King; it was as if time had stopped. There was no one else there but Duncan and Adira. Apollo had to remind him to breathe. She was a goddess, his goddess. Till death do they part and beyond.
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Adira was in a state of awe. It was everything and anything you could ever want for your wedding and so much more. She gave the King’s arm a little squeeze of thank you. When she looked down the aisle, there he was, her Duncan.
Everything else faded away; time no longer had meaning as she looked into his loving eyes. The King leaned in and whispered, “Just Breathe” in her ear.
They slowly made their way down the aisle to Duncan. The High elder asked, "Who Gives this Bride?".
The King spoke in a very firm and loud voice..."I do." He then reached for Duncan's hand and put Adira's hand in it. He stepped back and went to his seat.
Duncan and Adira only had eyes for each other; they would answer the questions when asked. It was time for them to say their vows. Duncan went first.
" Adira, you woke my heart from a winters sleep,
the flames of my love are yours forever to keep.
I will always protect and love you till my dying day.
I am your rock; always I will stand, never will I stray."
Adira looked at him with happy tears in her eyes; they shone like diamonds. He felt their bond grow even more than he thought was possible.
" Duncan, I am your other half; forever be I here.
We are facing all our troubles and facing all our fear.
My love for you will never be broken or end.
My prayer they did hear, for you they did send."
Now they spoke the last lines of their vows together. While holding hands.
" Together we are tied, as before all we stand,
We are blessed, and it is by the goddess's hand.
On this day till the end of days, our love will be,
Forever and beyond, it's just you, and it's just me."
"The elder spoke again. Your highness, lords, and ladies. I now give you Alpha Duncan and Lady Adira of the Storm Crow Moon Pack. First bound by Love and now by Law."
"You may now kiss your bride."
Duncan pulled her in for a deep passionate kiss, not caring who was watching. Hoots and whoops were heard coming from the audience. Adira was bright red as they walked back down the aisle and out into the hall.
Once the doors closed again, Duncan picked up Adira and swung her in the air as they both laughed in happiness. She pulled his head in close to hers for another kiss. Deep kisses came one after another as their satisfaction consumed them.
"I am the luckiest wolf in the world right now. You are so beautiful I feel there isn't a word created that would do justice to describe your beauty."
Duncan carried Adira to the banquet hall, kissing and laughing all the way there.
Marnie and Marco followed from behind, taking pictures as they went. The couple was completely unaware that it was going on, making for some great images.
The banquet hall doors opened, and trumpets sounded as they entered; the King himself announced their presence. Everything was decorated just like it was at the court Ball. Except for the chair for the bride and groom, it was a love seat in red and gold velvet. Duncan sat down with Adira on his lap. They were not letting each other out of sight as they fed each other.
That was how they spent their last night in the castle, in each other’s arms.