17_Wedding Day
1512 Words
Ariella POV
“Shouldn’t we be getting back?” I ask Ruth, doing my best to hide my irritation. It turns out I do not like shopping one bit – but Ruth does. It feels like we have been doing this for an eternity, but it has only been an hour.
“Listen, I don’t mind giving you all my clothes, but I draw a line at underwear,” she rolls her eyes. “And don’t tell me you’ll feel all sexy and seductive in burrowed sleepwear.”
“But we already bought that stuff,” I protest and look at the bags I am carrying.
“That’s not fit for a honeymoon,” Ruth smiles wickedly and pushes me into a small shop filled with everything lace and silk. My eyes widen when I pick up the tiny pink lace triangle with beads. Do people wear these?! How could these be comfortable in any universe?
“There’s not going to be a honeymoon,” I quickly put the pink thingy back before I start blushing. “We have vampires to kill.”
“Urgh,” she rolls her eyes. “My big brother, killer of joy and romance. No wonder he’s rushing this wedding. He couldn’t care less about flowers and food. He just wants to get the paperwork done so he can go back to ruling everyone. There wasn’t even enough time to invite the neighbours and extended family.”
“Even if you had months, they wouldn’t have come,” I argue. “Not with the current vampire situation.”
“Still,” she rolls her eyes. “It wouldn’t have killed you to wait a month or a week.”
“Ruth, it could,” I say softly. “They almost killed me yesterday. Yes, we can wait and one of us could die and then there’s no wedding. I’d rather be his Luna for a week than just his mate for an eternity.”
“I’m sorry,” she smiles sadly. “You’re right. It’s just … Cole doesn’t trust me with anything. Then he asked me to pull off a wedding and inauguration within twenty-four hours and I want to show him I can.”
“And you did,” I rest my hand on her arm. “I don’t know how you did it, but my dress is breathtaking.”
“It’s nothing,” she shrugs nonchalantly, picking up something that I assume should be a pantie, but it is nothing more than a bunch of strings. “Oo, this is nice.”
“It’s everything,” I say firmly taking the strings out of her hand and putting it down. “You’re the best sister-in-law and bridesmaid I could ask for.”
“My brother doesn’t deserve you,” she sighs theatrically. “You’re too good for him.”
“I can say the same about him,” I argue.
“You’re just blinded by the mate bond,” Ruth snorts, picking up another ridiculous piece of clothing. “It’ll wear off. Just wait and see.”
“Let’s just agree to disagree,” I pick up a pantie with an appropriate amount of material at the appropriate places. “From the moment I met him, he has been nothing but curious and kind.”
“Sure,” she shrugs and hands me a matching bra. “Until you go against him.”
“I have,” I shrug. “And then we discuss it.”
“Mate-bond,” Ruth smirks, placing more clothes into my arms. “Come on, we need to get your hair and nails done.”
Cole POV
“I miss your mother,” Dad says as I push him to the garden where the ceremony is being held. “She would’ve loved to see you get married.”
“I know Dad,” I smile weakly. The truth is, I miss her as well, and I know she would have loved Ariella. “I’m just grateful you’re here.”
“But, weirdly, I’m attending your wedding before meeting the bride,” he grunts.
“I’m sorry,” I say patiently. “But with the vampires ...”
“Ah, stop it,” Dad chuckles. “You just want to get her into bed.”
“That’s true,” I smile sheepishly.
“Ruth did good,” Dad nods as I park his chair in the front row next to Grandpa’s chair. “I’m proud.”
“You should tell her that,” I pat his shoulder. “She would want to hear it.”
“So should you,” Dad says firmly.
“I will,” I nod, looking at Dad and Grandpa before I walk to stand next to Preston.
“For the record,” Preston pulls on his tie. “I didn’t neglect my duties as best man. I had no time to throw you a bachelor’s party.”
“It would’ve been the loneliest bachelor in the history of mankind,” I grunt. “Since everyone’s on patrol.”
“Was on patrol,” Preston smirks. “The holy water is working, remember? Our Luna sure knows her stuff.”
“Your statement sounds more like a question,” I look at him sternly. “Is there something on your mind?”
“Cole, you’re my best friend,” he sighs. “I’m only concerned. This wedding is happening awfully fast and … uhm, you saw what her blood can do. Doesn’t it bother you a little?”
“I know who and what she is,” I smile reassuringly. “And this wedding is happening now because I cannot wait a day longer to spend the rest of my life with her.”
The sweet, calming notes of the violin fill the air and I turn towards the arch where Ariella will appear. My heart is beating like a wild horse in anticipation.
Ruth is smiling from ear to ear as she walks down the aisle, and my heart swells with pride. My little sister turned into a gorgeous young lady.
My breath hitches in my throat when I see Ariella. Her luxurious brown hair is in a braid and decorated with the fairest of white flowers. I am aware that her white gown makes her look like a princess, but it is the light in her eyes that captivates me. She is exquisite.
Everything fades as she walks towards me. All my problems and insecurities evaporate. All that matters, is her. I can see my future and it is as bright as the sun shining behind her.
I look deeply into her eyes as the ceremony commences. Honestly, I have no idea what is being said. I am too mesmerized by her.
“I do,” her voice is clear and melodious.
“I do,” I repeat when it is my turn.
I do not wait a second longer, I pull her into my embrace and kiss her lovingly.
“And while you kiss your bride, I’ll announce you husband and wife.”
Reluctantly, I let her go and walk towards my father. I push his chair to the table, take Ariella’s hand and together we stand in front of him.
“Ariella,” Father smiles brightly at her. “Welcome to the family.”
“Thank you, sir,” she replies politely.
“Are you ready to become our Luna?” He asks.
“Yes, I am,” she nods.
I hold her hand tightly while Dad reads the Luna’s oath. Once he is done, she kneels in front of him, he lays his hand on her head and swears her in.
“Rise, Luna Ariella,” Dad announces, and I help her up while everybody applauds.
“Congratulations, Luna,” Dad smiles. “If I could’ve stood up right now, I would’ve.”
“Thank you, sir,” she leans over and kisses him on the cheek.
She turns towards me, and I cannot help myself, I take her into my arms and kiss her until she is panting for air.
“Leave something for the bedroom, brother,” Ruth slaps me against my shoulder.
“Come here,” I let go of Ariella and pull Ruth into a bear hug.
“Thank you,” I whisper in her ear. “I’m proud of you, little sister.”
“Really?” She asks emotionally.
“Really,” I gently kiss her on the forehead. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
She nods slightly and I take Ariella’s hand. We walk down the aisle together while the guests shower us with rose petals.
Pack members come around to congratulate us and introduce themselves to Ariella. I graciously smile and thank people while I impatiently count the minutes.
“That’s it,” I pick up Ariella.
“What are you doing?” She gasps, throwing her arms around my neck.
“I waited long enough,” I start walking with long strides. “We’re consummating this marriage right now.”
- Writer
