❤ But she did. ❤

Shining above the wedding guests, the brilliant rays of the sun showed off the uniqueness of every snowflake, lazily falling to the ground and rows of decorated chairs. One by one, the guests took their places, impatiently waiting for the arrival of the groom and his bride. Zane's parents sat on the right side, near Aiden and his mate- one meant for the bride's family while the pack members took seats on the groom's side. Cheerful chatter overtook the wedding avenue, women audibly louder than men. Some still admired the setting, a little skeptical- for some reason, the pack rather spent the cold days indoors than closer to nature. Yet, despite the debates and rumors, most guests couldn't get over the wonderland setting their Alpha would hold his wedding at- it was once in a lifetime experience.
A wedding to remember.

As the groom arrived, the guests stood up, cheering for the young man as he walked down the aisle- shaking hands and hugging elderly guests. Zane reached the podium, hugged the priest, and turned his attention towards the guests, a genuine smile of happiness plastered on his lips. Despite the feeling that this would be his day, the young Alpha couldn't get rid of the excitement about his mate. Zane woke up, thinking about his wedding day, but soon rephrased himself- it was their day, their wedding day. There was no such thing as him alone anymore. From this day, there would be Camilla and Zane, the Alpha and Luna of the Blood Warrior pack. And, hopefully, soon enough, they'd become a full family.
His eyes took in the smile on his mother's lips, the slight hint of tears of happiness filling her eyes. His father stood still, watching his son, feeling the utmost pride for the man their son had grown to become.
Zane took a deep breath, shook his head a little, and addressed the guests: "Family, friends, pack members. I couldn't find the words to explain how honored I am to see so many people here today, witnessing the next step of the journey I am lucky enough to live through alongside my mate. The bride should arrive within a couple of minutes, but I'm not too sure," Zane glanced at his watch, a little irritated. "I wouldn't know; someone thought it was a good idea to separate me from the love of my life for two days." His eyes landed on his mother, the woman's cheeks turning slightly pink.

"Don't try to be disrespectful towards the woman who birthed you, brat. I brought you to life; I can erase you as easily. The bride and groom have to be separated for a little before the wedding. It's a tradition, don't blame me. We all know that you'd do anything to get a sneak peek of the dress, and that's bad luck, Mister!" Zane's mother crossed her arms, defending the good intentions she had. Sometimes dealing with her son was way too much, especially if someone tried to get Camilla away from him for longer than five minutes.

Even the wedding dress shopping had been a disaster- she brought Camilla to the store as a secret. The woman didn't tell her son since the young Alpha was too nosey and would do anything to join them. Zane was ready to do anything to stay next to his mate- even suffering countless hours of shopping, being the one who carried the bags. The male caught on Camilla's absence sooner than his mother thought, and within a couple of minutes- the whole pack was out to look for their missing Luna. When the women arrived home, they found Zane in the office, trashing the place in anger and fear. Back then, he had thought that Camilla changed her mind and left him for good.

"My apologies, mother. I'm sure everyone here could understand why I'm so worried and paranoid at times- I have one mate, and even Gods couldn't separate us if they tried. Not while I'm still breathing." Zane chuckled, his eyes set on people in front of him. Many laughed at the little argument he had with his mother, but the majority ignored them since it wasn't the first time the pack got to witness their arguments. The young Alpha quickly collected his thoughts to address the pack again: "As I said, I'm honored to see so many of you joining our special day. Please, be seated and enjoy yourselves, the waiters will present many drinks to choose from- both sparkling and warm, depending on whatever you'd prefer. Thank you for being here; I appreciate every one of you who found time to join us today."

Even though the Alpha's speech wasn't impressive- the guests cheered. His words were simple yet genuine, and Zane managed to say enough to make his guests feel special. Again, the pack members discussed the big day- some still worried about the outdoor wedding, some wondering what dress would Luna choose, while the older generations spoke about the possibility of the young couple becoming parents. Zane overheard how some even started a bet- month, two, and even a week until the Alpha couple would announce the pregnancy. All he could do was smile. The bet and rumors didn't affect his mood. If anything- those made him feel pride in the people who surrounded them. While some would silently judge Camilla- they still awaited for her to become their Luna and mother of Zane's children.

The young Alpha stood next to the priest, impatiently waiting for the arrival of his bride. Zane's eyes focused on the aisle; the young male feared blinking if that'd prevent him from taking her beauty in fully. Instead of Camilla, a little girl ran down the aisle. The little feet brought her straight in front of her Alpha.

Panting, the little girl looked up, holding a hand over her side: "Mister Alpha, the lady.. Camilla.. You know, your mate- she's here. Your mom and dad need to go to the parking lot, she's waiting," the girl whispered under her breath. Zane knew that the information wasn't meant for everyone, so he nodded and thanked the little girl. The male mind-linked his father and repeated the same thing the girl had said.

As the Alpha watched how his parents stood up and excused themselves, his heartbeat fastened. While others had no idea why his parents left- the muscle in his chest pounded against his ribcage as violently as never. This was it- he was getting married, about to spend the rest of his days next to the perfect woman, one he still didn't deserve, yet she was there, ready to willingly give him her heart, hand, and utmost trust. If this wouldn't become the happiest day in Zane's lifetime, he had no idea what might. His eyes darted between the watch on his wrist and the aisle Camilla would walk down to meet him. Seconds didn't feel like hours anymore; each move of the watch hand felt like an endless eternity, slowly torturing him. The male's palms started sweating. Only now he would understand how overwhelming the wait was.
The music boomed through speakers. Guests rose from their seats one after another; their attention turned towards the aisle Zane couldn't stop staring at. His breath hitched as Camilla came to his view.

If Zane weren't an Alpha, a man who had to show an example and stay calm and collected under any circumstances- he would faint or choke on his saliva.

The male was speechless; already now, he knew that if anyone asked questions about their wedding day, he wouldn't be able to describe how beautiful Camilla was and would always be. The young woman wore a stunning, form-fitting mermaid style dress. Delicate lace covered her arms, a little loose around her wrists- both hooked to his parent's elbows. Even though the woman struggled to walk in the heels, her figure made her steps look as if she was floating rather than walking. The corset top showed off her breasts and hugged her waist perfectly. Camilla's wide hips took Zane's breath away- swaying from side to side, reminding him of a seductress. Her dark hair was styled in a neat braid, thrown over her right shoulder. Thankfully, today Camilla decided to avoid makeup the same as every other day, just pointing out her natural beauty.
Zane inhaled as deeply as he could and extended a hand for Camilla, still doubting if she'd ever take it.

But she did.
Zane's heart skipped a beat.

His mother was first to throw her arms around their shoulders, hugging the couple as tightly as she could. "I'm so proud of you, kids. Zane, son, listen to this advice- treat her like you're trying to win her over every day. That's the only way you won't lose Camilla in the future. Remember, she is your Queen, and you will be her King. I wish you both nothing but the best." Her eyes filled with tears of happiness. The woman never thought that she would still be alive to see the day when her son gets married. Miracles happen, and today, everyone could admit that the miracle that happened to them was no one else than Camilla. She changed Zane as no one else could; she brought the family together, and took care of the pack better than women, brought home by Zane ever could.

Zane's father hugged Camilla, whispering something in her ear, and shook his son's hand: "I'm proud of you, son." Even though the words didn't seem like much, those were all Zane was waiting for. The young Alpha knew that his father didn't mean only the wedding- he spoke about everything the male had done thus far, about the leader he seemed to be and overall the man he became.

The young Alpha faced Camilla, holding her hands in his. As their eyes met, the male couldn't stop admiring how she still managed to blush even after all that time they had spent together. He mouthed a silent 'I love you" and winked at his mate. The guests sat down, all eyes on them, most of them admiring how good-looking fit they were.

The priest cleared his throat. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in matrimony. Love is a beautiful, at times funny, but an overall magical feeling. Even though we shouldn't need to prove the pureness of our feelings in front of others, many chose to link their lives both through rituals and ceremonies. We are here to witness the ceremony of love for our young Alpha and Luna." The priest chuckled- despite the road he had chosen to go, the male still couldn't understand why so many shifters decided to get married when they had a marriage ritual of their own. His eyes fell on the young Alpha, who didn't seem to mind anything that was happening around them. By the look of adoration in his eyes, the priest knew that even an atomic war in the background wouldn't spoil their moment.
"Zane, do you take this woman to be your wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, to honor her, to comfort her? To keep her in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Zane answered without thinking; without a doubt, he was ready to become a married man. "I, Zane Snow, take you, Camilla Avery Tatum, to be my best friend, my faithful partner, and my one true love. I promise to encourage and inspire you and to love you truly through good times and one's bad. I will forever be there to laugh with you, to lift you up when you are down. And love you unconditionally through all of our adventures in life together. I love you." His words nearly made Camilla cry; the feelings he didn't bother to hide behind each word made the whole ceremony feel real. The young woman felt as if she had the entire world to her feet, but she had a part of it in reality. From now on, she would have the whole of Zane's world to her feet, the same as Zane himself.

The priest turned his attention to Camilla and smiled, repeating the same question: "Camilla, do you take this man to be your husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, to honor him, to comfort him? To keep him in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," the same as her mate, Camilla had memorized every little piece of paper they were presented with or anything they wrote down. The wedding had to be perfect; everything had to go as smoothly as possible- both of them deserved a day to remember. "I, Camilla Avery Tatum, take you, Zane Snow, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. I love you."

The priest's lips parted, but even a word couldn't leave them as the crowd broke out in laughter. Eyes focused on the aisle. Zane's best friend and Beta stood at the end of it, dressed in a short pink dress with a huge tulle skirt. The male didn't seem anything near happy as he gripped the basket with flowers in his hand. "The flower girl doesn't feel good, so I'm your new ring fairy- take it or leave it," Kaiden growled out, causing more laughter to break out.

Camilla and Zane struggled to keep straight faces as Kaiden tried to imitate the little girl's appearance to the extent of hopping instead of walking. He kept throwing flower petals at the guests, especially ones that laughed- a small, not too painful revenge.
"Here, take your rings, get married. I'm happy about you two, but I really need a drink; this dress is killing me," Kaiden handed Zane the small box with the wedding rings and smiled at them. Even though he was genuinely feeling uncomfortable, he wouldn't leave before the Alpha couple.

Zane opened the box, grabbed the beautiful ring Camilla had chosen, and held her hand: "I give you this ring as a token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love." His words echoed against the snow-covered trees; the laughter died down, replaced by barely audible whispers of admiration.

Camilla copied Zane's actions, holding his ring and looking up to his eyes: "I give you this ring as a token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love. I love you." She slid the ring on his finger. The next moment Zane wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her in, crashing his lips on hers. The Alpha didn't care about others, watching them- he had to wait for two days to see her, so he wouldn't waste a chance to kiss her.

The priest threw his hands up, well aware that the couple had led their own ceremony, forgetting that he still had to say a couple of things. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."