THE MOON LYCAN'S WOLFLESS MATE

Chapter 16

C16: The Marriage

Raine stirred in her sleep as a sharp yet careful knock woke her up, it felt distant for a while til it became loud.

She sat up, rubbing her eyes as a soft yawn escaped her lips.

The knock came again and she furrowed her brows, wondering who and why the person was knocking, she walked to her door and opened it.

A short haired girl came into the picture, it was the servant who had almost spilled wine on her.

“What is it?” She asked in a low voice, struggling to keep another yawn in her throat.

“My lady, Luna instructed me to wake you up, she …she said it is time for you to work” the maid said reluctantly, her lashes fluttering as she tried to filter the Luna’s harsh words.

Raine shook her head internally, but what was today?, she thought before shutting her eyes.

Alice was getting married today,

“I'll be outside shortly let me get dressed” she replied and the maid left.

Once Raine was done dressing up in a peach plain dress she stepped out of her room and joined the servants.

The mansion was filled with life.

Servants moved around quickly, carrying trays, arranging flowers, and making final adjustments to the decorations.

The courtyard had been transformed completely. White and silver fabrics flowed from pillars, and lanterns hung carefully, waiting to be lit as evening approached.

Raine stood by one of the long tables, adjusting a floral arrangement.

Her hands moved carefully, placing each flower where it belonged, but her mind was elsewhere.

Everything was perfect,

Everything she had helped prepare but it wasn't for her but for them.

She paused briefly, her fingers tightening around a white rose before she forced herself to continue.

“Make sure the lanterns are aligned properly,” Luna Indira’s voice echoed from behind.

Raine stepped aside immediately, lowering her head as her mother walked past her without sparing her a glance.

Alice followed behind, dressed already in part of her ceremonial attire, her face glowing with excitement.

Their eyes met briefly, and Alice grinned and stood.

“Sister you are putting in so much effort, thanks a lot for this” she said and winked before leaving Raine behind who clenched her fist.

With Raines aid and instructions the marriage ground was fully decorated and the outer mansion as well.

Guests began arriving shortly after.

Alphas from different packs entered with their escorts, their presence commanding attention.

Murmurs filled the air as they took their seats, observing everything with interest.

Warriors lined the entrance, standing tall and unmoving.

Raine stood at the far end of the courtyard, partly because her family wouldn't want her near them, but most importantly she couldn't bear to stay in their midst.

Raphael arrived, he walked in with the elite warriors, dressed in black ceremonial clothing with silver details. His expression was calm, but his grey eyes were distant.

He did not look around much.

But for a brief second, his gaze shifted.

It found her standing at a corner at the far end of the courtyard, painfully still.

Then he looked away, and the ceremony began.

Raphael stood at the center of the raised platform, waiting for his mate.

Moments later, Alice appeared.

She walked beside Alpha Elmore, her white gown trailing behind her. The silver details shimmered under the fading sunlight.

Her steps were slow and steady filled with refined grace, her eyes were fixed on Raphael.

When she reached him, Alpha Elmore placed her hand into his.

Raphael accepted it, his face was calm and unreadable, but he took those hands holding them gently.

Raine stood still and rigid but her fingers curled slightly at her sides as she watched them take graceful steps till they stopped before the elder.

The elder stepped forward, his voice loud and cheerful.

“We are gathered here to witness the union of two destined souls,” he began.

His voice carried across the courtyard.

“The mate bond is sacred. It is not to be broken, but honored.”

Raine’s chest tightened, ‘even though it was manipulated?’ she asked in her heart, her lips sealed tightly.

“Do you, Raphael, accept this bond and the one chosen for you by fate?” the elder asked.

Raphael froze, he didn't speak for seconds before he finally parted his lips

“I do,” Raphael answered.His voice was steady.

“And do you, Alice, accept this bond?”

“I do,” she replied immediately, her voice soft but filled with emotion, the day she had long waited for.

The crowd murmured happily, the pack were elated to have them as a couple, beta Mascot searched for a certain redhead, when he saw her he simply sighed and looked away.

Everyone knew what came next, they all waited in anticipation, the warriors were eager to witness the major part.

“The bond must now be sealed,” the elder announced, raising his hands to the air.

Raine’s breathing slowed, her lungs couldn't function properly as her eyes remained fixed on them.

Alice stepped closer.

Tilting her head slightly, she exposed her neck, waiting patiently her brown eyes twinkling happily.

Raphael did not move immediately, as guilt washed over him, he looked at Raine, their eyes met just for a second.

Raine did not react her face remained calm,

But her eyes.. They said everything.

Raphael looked away, slowly he stepped forward and held Alice’s shoulder with one hand the other resting on her waist as he pulled her upward.

Some of the females giggled at the romantic sight before them.

Alice smiled at the closeness between them, in a flash he bit into her neck.

Alice gasped softly, her body tensing before relaxing into him.

A faint glow appeared at the mark.

The bond was sealed.

The guests applauded the couple acknowledging their union.

Raine froze her lips slightly parted for air to pass through, she heard and saw everything.

The cheers felt distant in her eyes, her heart beat rapidly against her ribcage as if they were about to burst in pain.

Alpha Elmore stepped forward, his voice loud and firm.

“The union is complete. From this day forward, Raphael stands not only as a warrior but as family and the future alpha of the silver pack”

More applause followed and the music began.

Servants moved to serve food and wine.

The celebration started.

Raine turned quietly without a word, she walked away from the courtyard.

No one stopped her, or better still no one noticed.

She walked through the halls, her steps steady.

Only when she reached her room did she stop.

Closing the door behind her, she leaned against it.

Her breath hitched, but no tears came.

Instead, she walked to the window.

Looking out at the distant lights of the celebration.

Her hand moved unconsciously to the back of her neck, the spot between her shoulder and her neck, she felt a tingling sensation there.

She couldn't make out what it felt like.

She furrowed her brows as her fingers pressed against it then the feeling was gone,

Confusion flickered across her face.

Raine closed her eyes, she could still hear the music and their joyous cheers.

“It's truly time to let go, what is mine would be mine and what is not won't be” she muttered softly as she opened her eyes slowly a tear escaped freely but that was all.