THE ONLY PERSON THAT MATTERS

CHAPTER 49: THE ONLY PERSON THAT MATTERS
~ Harper’s POV ~


I took the first step outside the double doors onto the landing of the staircase. Suddenly, I was taken aback by a familiar scent, cedar, and pine! Only this time, it was way more enticing and welcoming. Gabriel!? Is my mate Gabriel? I quickened my pace taking one step at a time down the staircase. I held my dress up as I took each step, careful not to trip. I stopped for a moment to look around, nothing... I proceeded to the bottom of the staircase and turned right. I was getting a lot of attention from guests and pack members as I passed by, but they didn’t matter to me. I made my way through the crowd, following the prepossessing scent. It was getting stronger and my senses were becoming overwhelmed. My wolf was in a frenzy. I stopped when I felt like I was next to whoever this scent belonged to. I looked all around, there were people lost in conversation. I didn’t see anyone I knew. My heart fell... Why was my mate not trying to find me? With that thought I looked ahead of me, and people were clearing a path for someone. My breathing quickened as my nervous feeling reached an all-time high.

The last person to move stepped aside, and I was looking at a set of enchanting silver eyes. He was staring at me as if I were the only person that mattered. My heart exploded with delight, as I looked into my mate’s eyes. Everyone else disappeared around us. He was soon standing straight in front of me. I was frozen in place. He placed his thumb and forefinger under my chin and lifted my head to look at him. My heart was now threatening to beat out of my chest as he drew his mouth closer to mine. The entire world was spinning around us. Everything seemed to be in slow motion... then our lips met. Fireworks exploded in my head. Mia was jumping from side to side. Her tongue was hanging out and she was wagging her tail. He slowly pulled away from me. I could still feel his lips brushing against mine when he said the word that I have been so desperate to hear.
“Mate.” I felt him smile still close to my lips. Happy tears fell from my eyes. Nothing in this world could make me happier than this.
“Mate.” I replied. Gabriel pulled back looking at me from top to bottom. He gave me an appreciative look while capturing his bottom lip with his teeth. I giggled at him. Then he quickly moved, picking me up bridal style. I laughed and squealed as he spun me around and around. We were lost in each other’s eyes. He stopped when the crowd around us cheered. Gabriel set me down on my feet and brought his hand up wiping my tears away. He slid his arm around my waist and pulled me close to his side. He then leaned down and kissed my forehead. A feeling of possessiveness was coming from him. I looked up at Gabriel as he was replying to congratulations from pack members and guests. I couldn’t help but smile. I love this man. I love him so much, and I will tell him tonight.

~ Gabriel’s POV~
The moment her scent hit me I became hypnotized. Her scent gave me no choice but to go to her, she drew me in like a bear to honey. I watched her on the staircase all the way down to the ground. Mika was jumping around in my head; it was already hard for me to think. I pushed my way through the crowd. I couldn’t get to her fast enough. When the last person stepped aside, I almost hit my knees. This woman in front of me is my mate. There are no doubts now. She is mine and I am hers. I gave her a gentle kiss that stopped my world from turning. Harper is my mate. This woman is everything to me. I don’t know how long we were lost in each other’s eyes when the roaring of the crowd caught my attention. I had forgotten that I was in the middle of a celebration that had hundreds of guests present. I pulled Harper close to my side, not wanting to let her go. I was met with lots of congratulations and pats on my back. I took Harper's hand and led her through the crowd and upon the stage. There is something I want everyone to witness.
“Everyone.” I spoke loudly across the crowd. People turned to look at me. I was smiling from ear to ear. “Everyone, I would like your attention please. I have something important I must do. I would be honored if my pack members and my closest allies could witness it.” Everyone cheered, clapped, and whistled. The crowd fell silent once I turned to look at harper. She was nervous, but she smiled at me.
“Harper, I want everyone to witness this. I feel like the luckiest man alive. I was concerned at the thought that you may not be my mate. I thought about what I would do. How would I accept you mating with another? The truth is, I wouldn’t accept it. You are mine; you have been mine since the moment I first met you. I was ready to take on the moon goddess and fate if they threatened to take you away from me. There are a few things left to do to complete our mating bond, but there’s only one of those things I can do to you while here in front of this crowd.” The crowd erupted with cat calls and cheers. One voice stood out in the crowd.
“Get it! Claim your mate Alpha!” Tanner said to everyone. I looked toward him and grinned, then turned back to Harper. A cute little blush settled on her cheeks. I smiled at her and continued.
“I, Gabriel Mason, future alpha of the harmony moon pack, accept you Harper Rae as my fated mate and future Luna of my pack.” I said. It was hard to contain my excitement. This woman completes me. Harper’s smile widened, and her beautiful eyes twinkled with happy tears. She took a deep breath and began.
“I Harper Rae accept you Gabriel Mason of the great harmony moon pack as my fated mate and future alpha of my pack.” I threw all shade to the wind and grabbed Harper and pulled her close. I pitched my head back and let out an echoing howl. It was one of Mika’s ways of celebrating his new mate. My howls were met with those of my pack and allies, but the one that got me was Harper’s howl. The most satisfying and sexy thing I have ever heard. I leaned down and kissed her neck. She sucked in a deep breath, and I grinned at her response.
I looked up to find my mother walking toward Harper and I on the stage. She stepped close to Harper and grabbed her up into a big hug, then stepped back and took Harper's hands in hers.
“I am delighted to have you as a daughter in law and future Luna of our pack. I knew you were special, and I was hoping that you would be my son's mate.” She leaned into Harper and whispered low. “I was praying for the moon goddess to send Gabriel his mate before he wound up with that witch Samantha.” I laughed at my mother. Harper giggled at her while covering her mouth so no one could see.
“I am proud to be Gabriel’s mate and future Luna of the Harmony Moon pack.” Harper said back to my mother. They smiled at each other, and my mother dropped Harper’s hands. Then she turned and kissed my cheek. I almost choked at what she said next.
“My son, I can handle everything here. You have done well here tonight. Your father would be so proud. Now, go spend time with your mate.” My mother got behind me and ushered both Harper and me off the stage. Cheers erupted over the crowd again. I didn’t take my time grabbing Harper's hand and guiding her back through the crowd to the staircase. I was desperate to be alone with her. I grabbed her up in my arms and bolted up the staircase, into the packhouse, and to my room on the top floor.

I put Harper down so I could unlock my door. She thought she would be funny and turned to run back down the staircase. I didn’t even notice her leave. What! Where? I looked left and heard her giggling as she ran away from me. My eyes darkened like I was a predator playing with its food. It took me no time to catch up to her. I swung her over my shoulder and walked back to my room.
“Oh. No. You don’t. You are mine, little Luna.” I said. Mika was going crazy in my head.
“Mate! We must mark our mate!” The urge to throw Harper onto my bed, mate, and mark her right now is my primal instinct. It is difficult to fight against. Especially now that we have the mate bond pulling us together. I opened my door and gently sat her down on the floor. I stepped away from her to get a better look at how stunning she is. She found the gown I picked out for her. She is perfect. She nervously looked down at her gown.
“I hope no one gets mad at me for wearing this gown. It was just there, and I was in such a rush. Not to mention it's beautiful.” I placed my finger over her lips to shush her.
“It was meant for you, Harper. You look breathtaking tonight.” I said. My face took on a more serious look, and I leaned in to breathe her delicious scent in. Somehow the hole that was made when my father passed has been filled by Harper being my true mate. Tonight, I am focused on her. We will see where tonight leads us.