“Dad, it’s okay.” I tried to soothe him.
“I-just-I am so happy for you, after, well, you know,” He choked on his words. “We didn’t know if there was a chance for this. But seeing you this happy, it made everything worth it.”
“It did.” I agreed, “Now let’s get me married so we can stop with the ceremonies.” I tried to joke.
“Fine, fine, but walk slow. I don’t want to give you away just yet.”
“Dad, we’re not human, and you have an apartment less than a minute’s elevator ride away.”
“I know, but just the sentiment.” He took a deep breath.
The music changed. The door opened, and I looked at my dad, tears shining in his eyes. He made his face stoic and gave me a brief nod.
We started to walk down the long aisle. It felt a bit pointless because we only invited a handful of people. We were having a reception open to the pack and other ranked members this afternoon. Caspien and I wanted this just for us. We shared so much of our lives with the pack, and I loved having them there for it, but we both wanted the ceremony to be family and close friends only.
The room was tasteful, an old dark wood church. White flowers dotted the front pews, and a thick carpet of white petals lined the aisle.
Caspien was standing under an archway of flowers and greenery, but I stopped looking around when my eyes met his. His icy stare bore me with such intensity that it made my breath catch. No matter how many times I saw him, I never got used to his sheer intense beauty or the way that he made me feel, even from across the room.
There was so much love, affection, and adoration in his gaze. The bond only intensified those feelings, but it wasn’t just the bond, it had never just been the bond. My feelings for him grew each day, and I had no idea that anything like this could exist. I was the luckiest person in the world.
“This is it,” My dad sighed, letting me go as Caspien cleared the last few steps between us.
“I would say take care of her, but I know you will. You already have.” My dad looked at Caspien briefly before pulling him into a tight hug, “Thank you,” my dad whispered.
Caspien pulled back, bewildered. “For what?”
“For everything you’ve done for us and our daughter and grandson.”
“It’s an honor, an absolute honor,” Caspien said and swallowed.
“Should we, maybe?” I nodded toward the officiant.
“Yeah, of course,” Caspien and my dad cleared their throats.
He took my hand and led me up the few steps, “Willa, you, you look, wow.”
“You too,” I took him in.
I’ve seen him in a full suit before, plenty of times. But every time, it took my breath away. His golden crown sat on his hair, and a few midnight pieces fell over his forehead. The fact that this man dressed up to marry me blew me away. “Mama, look at me too,” Emmett said, and I turned to see his little matching black suit clamping on a smile.
“You look dashing,” I called out, and our friends and family laughed.
“Shh.” Emmett said, putting a small finger to his lips, “Lily is sleeping.” He frowned.
“Dad,” Emmett whispered too loudly, “I’m watching Lily,” Emmett said proudly.
Caspien’s lips tugged into a blinding smile, “Thank you, you’re doing great.” Emmett smiled back at us.
“Are we ready then?” The officiant asked.
“Yes,” I said, not looking away from Caspien. I was lost in that moment, to everyone and everything that wasn’t my prince and how he looked at me. “Willa, will you go first?”
C.rap, it was time, my hands felt clammy, and I went to move them from Caspiens, but he held mine tighter and gave me a shy smile that I still rarely saw.
“Okay then.” I smiled at him, “Hi.”
“Hi.” He raised an eyebrow, fighting back a laugh.
“Basically, you know how I feel.” I shrugged.
“Tell me.” His voice was deep and filled with need.
How could I deny him anything? I knew I couldn’t.
“I’m going to try to keep this short and hopefully not too cheesy. You know how I feel about you.” I swallowed, “I don’t know what I can promise you that you don’t already have. You have everything and you worked for it, and I am so incredibly proud of you.”
His eyes flickered, and he took a deep breath, “I can only promise you myself. I can only promise you what I know I can give. I promise you unconditional love and support. I can promise you I’ll be there in any capacity you need, whether as your Luna, your mate, your friend, or your wife.” Caspien smiled widely, the smile that was only reserved for me, made for me.
“I can promise you only that I can give you, but you have every single part of me, and I hope that’s enough.”
Emotions I didn’t think I would feel clawed at me. Try not to cry. I didn’t want to cry.
That is all I ever wanted – Caspien linked me.
“I see you, every part of you, even the parts you try to hide. I love every single one of them. I love every version of you I’ve met and those I have yet to meet.” Caspien let out a shaky breath.
“I promise that I will give you everything I have. I promise you everything I am and everything I will become. I promise to give everything to us.”
Caspien swallowed but didn’t move his hands from mine to wipe the single tear that fell down his face.
(Caspien)
I felt a bit better when we were finally in the church. I nodded to the guests, the few of them that we invited.
The music changed, and the doors opened. Holden and Cali walked in first at the pace of fucking turtles. I swear Griffen and Nora walked even slower. We were wolves, for f.ucks sake. I fought the overwhelming urge to link them to start running.
I had to see her.
Emmett walked slowly and seriously down the aisle, and I had to fight to keep a straight face. He was so adorable, my heart filled with love at the sight of my son helping us on our wedding day.
A year ago, I never thought this would happen. I started losing hope of finding a mate, and when I found her, I didn’t think she would want me. A year ago, this day seemed like a dream I wouldn’t have even considered.
“Here.” He gave the rings to Holden, “Keep them safe.” Emmett said seriously.
“I will guard them with my life,” Holden promised, holding a hand over his heart.
Loreli skipped down, throwing petals over the ones already on the aisle.
“Good job.” Holden smiled proudly at his little girl.
The music changed again, and I held my breath. We were so close. I needed to see her.
The door slowly creaked open, and there she was.
My world shifted.
I couldn’t take my eyes off her beautiful face. She murmured something to her dad and fixed her brilliant green eyes on me. I was undeserving. I thanked the Goddess for allowing her to be mine. With every step, my nerves settled. She was my haven, my home.
I took her hands in mine and finally looked at her dress. It was regal; she was born to be royal. I didn’t know what to expect but she floored me in it. The dress clung to her gorgeous figure. Gold details were woven in, and I noticed some were flowers. I would have to send Anthony a personal thank-you note. He outdid himself.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.