Chapter 38
The sun was just beginning to rise over the forest, casting a warm golden glow across the clearing where the pack had gathered. Today wasn’t just any day—today was *our* day. My wedding day. I stood in front of a tall mirror in the packhouse, staring at my reflection as my heart pounded in my chest. Butterflies danced in my stomach, but they weren’t from fear. They were from the sheer excitement of what was about to happen.
“Prisca, darling,” came a soft voice from behind me. I turned to see Jenna, my aunt, and my last surviving family member. Her face was a mixture of pride and worry. She walked over, placing a hand on my shoulder as she looked at me through the mirror. “Are you sure about this?”
I blinked at her, surprised. “What do you mean?”
Jenna’s expression softened, but there was still concern in her eyes. “Marriage, especially in our world, is forever. There’s no turning back once you’re bonded. This is for life, Prisca. I just want to make sure you’re truly ready for that kind of commitment. It’s not just about love—it’s about sacrifice, about standing by Jake’s side no matter what. Through every trial, every battle, every storm.”
I took a deep breath, letting her words sink in. She was right. In our world, marriage wasn’t just a promise—it was an unbreakable bond, a commitment of mind, body, and soul. Once we were mated for life, there would be no going back. But as I thought about everything Jake and I had been through, every challenge we had faced together, I knew, deep down, that this was what I wanted.
“I know it’s forever,” I said softly, turning to face her. “But so is my love for him. Jake isn’t just my mate—he’s my home, my future. I can’t imagine my life without him, and I don’t want to. I love him, Aunt Jenna. And I know he loves me.”
Jenna’s eyes softened, and a smile tugged at her lips. “Then that’s all I needed to hear, darling.”
She pulled me into a tight embrace, and I felt a wave of warmth and comfort wash over me. When we pulled back, she smiled brightly, her eyes twinkling. “Now let’s get you ready. You’re about to become the Luna of the pack, after all.”
I nodded, my heart fluttering with excitement as I turned back to the mirror. My dress—*my wedding dress*—was stunning. The fabric was a delicate ivory silk that shimmered in the light, flowing down in soft waves to the floor. The bodice was adorned with intricate lace detailing, and the sleeves, made of the same lace, clung to my arms like a second skin. It felt light and airy, like it was made just for me, with delicate pearl buttons lining the back. The dress hugged my figure perfectly, making me feel both powerful and ethereal.
My hair was styled in soft curls that cascaded down my back, and a simple crown of wildflowers—lilies, white roses, and a few sprigs of lavender—sat atop my head. It was all so simple, yet so beautiful. It felt like *me*.
As Jenna helped adjust the last few details, the door opened, and Chris poked his head in, his usual smirk replaced with an uncharacteristic look of awe. “Wow, Prisca,” he said, stepping inside, “you look... incredible.”
I laughed, feeling my cheeks flush. “Thanks, Chris. Is everything set up?”
He nodded, grinning. “You bet. The entire pack’s already gathered in the clearing. Jake’s been pacing around like a nervous pup waiting for you.”
My heart swelled at the thought of Jake, my soon-to-be husband, anxiously waiting for me. “Well, we better not keep him waiting any longer, then.”
Chris grinned and extended his arm. “Shall we, Luna?”
I laughed and looped my arm through his. “We shall.”
Together, we walked out of the packhouse and toward the clearing. As we approached, I could hear the soft murmurs of the pack, the excited whispers and laughter, all building anticipation for the ceremony. When we stepped into the clearing, my breath caught in my throat.
The entire area had been transformed into something out of a dream.
The trees surrounding the clearing were draped in strings of twinkling lights that glimmered like stars in the soft daylight. White flowers, interwoven with vines and delicate greenery, lined the path, leading to a beautiful wooden arch at the center. The arch was wrapped in more wildflowers and greenery, and behind it, the forest seemed to glow with life, as if nature itself was blessing our union. Lanterns hung from the branches of the trees, casting a warm, golden glow over everything.
And then, there was Jake.
He stood at the altar, dressed in a tailored black suit, his usual rugged appearance transformed into something impossibly handsome. His hair was slightly tousled, but in the perfect way, and his eyes—those deep, warm brown eyes—were locked on me as soon as I stepped into view.
For a moment, the world seemed to fade away, and it was just us. Just me and Jake.
His gaze never wavered, his eyes filled with love, admiration, and a hint of nervousness. I smiled at him, my heart swelling with emotion as I took each step closer to the altar, my hand still linked with Chris’s arm. When we reached the front, Chris gently placed my hand in Jake’s, giving me a wink before stepping back.
Jake’s hand was warm, his grip firm yet gentle as he pulled me closer. “You look…” he began, his voice soft, but he seemed to lose his words.
“You too,” I whispered, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes.
The ceremony was simple, but it was perfect. The pack stood around us in a circle, their presence a reminder of the family we had built together. The air was filled with the scent of wildflowers and pine, the perfect backdrop for the vows we were about to exchange.
Elder Rowan, the pack’s eldest and wisest member, stood before us, his eyes twinkling with pride. “We gather here today,” he began, his voice deep and steady, “to witness the union of two souls, bound by love, trust, and loyalty. Alpha Jake and Prisca, you stand before your pack, before your family, to declare your commitment to each other. This bond is sacred, eternal, and unbreakable. Once mated, you are united for life.”
I felt Jake squeeze my hand, and I squeezed back, feeling the weight of his love and trust settle over me like a warm blanket.
“Do you, Alpha Jake, vow to love, protect, and cherish Prisca for the rest of your days?” Elder Rowan asked, his voice solemn.
Jake’s eyes never left mine as he spoke. “I do. I vow to stand by her, through every storm, every battle, every trial. I vow to love her with everything I am, for the rest of my life.”
My heart swelled at his words, and tears filled my eyes as Elder Rowan turned to me.
“And do you, Prisca, vow to love, honor, and stand by Alpha Jake for the rest of your days?”
I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded, my voice thick with emotion. “I do. I vow to love him with all my heart, to be his strength when he needs it, to stand by his side, always.”
Elder Rowan smiled, his eyes softening. “Then, by the power vested in me by the pack, and by the moon herself, I declare you mated for life.”
With those words, Jake leaned in, capturing my lips in a kiss that felt like pure magic. The pack erupted into cheers and howls, their voices ringing through the forest as Jake and I kissed, sealing our bond for eternity.
When we finally pulled back, breathless and grinning, Jake whispered in my ear, “Forever.”
“Forever,” I whispered back, feeling a sense of peace, love, and joy that I had never known before.
As the sun set on our wedding day, the pack celebrated around us, dancing, laughing, and basking in the love that filled the air. But for me and Jake, the world had already faded away, leaving just us—two souls bound by love, for life, and forever.
And it was perfect.
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