Chapter 73

The day of the wedding had finally arrived. I was getting ready in my dream dress, and I was also receiving reports from my guards every hour to make sure that Jennifer would not interfere with the celebration.

Ryan fully agreed and supported that she be banished immediately, but we actually wanted to know exactly where she was on this day, so the guards kept her trapped in the tiny cabin where she'd trapped mother all these years.

My mother was there with me, helping me get ready with moral support from her seat nearby. Her presence calmed me. I could not stop looking over at her as if I might discover that she was a figment of my imagination.

"I wish I could see you in your dress." She said from the chair.

Michelle was also there, and had helped me put on the gown. "Let me describe it. My dress has a huge white skirt completely covered in golden flakes. Small diamonds surround the v-neck bodice and sleeves. There's lace at the bottom of the skirt, and a long lace veil." I described to her so that she could imagine it.

She tilted her head back and closed her cloudy eyes to imagine it better. "It sounds so beautiful."

There was a knock at my dressing room door. "Who's there?" I called.

"It's Michael," Ryan's beta called back glumly. He would be the best man.

"Shouldn't you be getting ready?" I scolded, gesturing to Michelle to open the door and see why he was there.

"I have a delivery for you." He said.

He handed Michelle a large bouquet of red roses from Ryan. I took them and smelt the deep luscious sweet scent. His note said; To my bride, my best friend, my mate. I love you with all my heart.

Then the most pleasant voice I had not expected hit my ears. "Oh my dear, you look lovely! So beautiful!" Donna, Ryan's maid from Starstream Pack, ran in the room practically pushing Michael aside.

"Oh my! Donna, you're here!" I jumped up and down with delight, but had to be careful not to crease my dress when I embraced her.

"You think that I would miss this wedding for anything?" She said happily.

"Donna, this is my mother. I hope that you will be great friends." I introduced them.

"Brianna," My mother gave her name. They began chatting merrily about me and Donna bragged about all my accomplishments from my days at Starstream pack.

"Hurry," Michelle reminded me. I was almost so happy that I forgot to keep getting ready. "It's almost time."

I could not wait to be with Ryan forever. I had dreams of a life of adventure with him. I hoped he'd live a long life despite the curse that plagued us. I wondered if there could be a cure for it. Perhaps together we could find that someday. Maybe if I prayed hard enough to the Moon Goddess, we could come by an arrangement.

I heard the music playing.

"Donna, could you help my mother out to the front of the audience. Please sit with her too." I asked.

"Of course, Luna," She beamed at me. "Oh, this is so wonderful!" She exclaimed as she guided my mother from the room.

And her contagious smile was only enhancing mine so that my cheeks ached from too much grinning. I never imagined I could feel this happy. I hardly knew if I even deserved this.

I met Dylan at the top of the aisle. He had come to walk me down the aisle. It seemed fitting since I had been known as Clan Harris' goddaughter, and he was my closest friend.

He whispered towards me, "Are you ready for this?"

"Yes, so ready," I said.

"I've never seen you look so happy. That makes me feel like this is right for you," he said sweetly.

"I am."

"Ok, it's time," he gestured, and I took his arm.

We stepped out and the crowd hushed. The entire rom bowed as we proceeded down the long velvet carpet.

At the end near the elder who would marry us, stood Ryan. He wore a black silk coat and pants. His broad shoulders blocked out the sky like a mountain. He was so handsome; I could hardly believe my eyes. His fierce tawny eyes burned with passion even from this distance.

My heart beat in my chest, and Ariana responded in a new way. It was as if she finally saw her mate. I could hardly believe the sensation forming inside me, and I could not wait to steal away with Ryan after the party.

His eyes met mine as I walked down the aisle, and I saw true peace and happiness in them. I could witness all the love, and he sent me mental images of us, and all his intense longing, love and tenderness for me.

We looked at each other with smoldering desire. I could not help but want to be alone with him, mating and making love. My urges were strong inside me, my desires for him reflected on his face.

Maybe this was fate. I considered. It had been my choice, but it seemed as if all this must have been meant to be. The Moon Goddess had tricked me, but I was far too joyful to harbor any resentment. She must have known better than I after all.

In this moment of bliss, I let all my fears go for now. This moment felt right.

Dylan left me standing at the alter with Ryan. I stood before my mate, and I never let my attention draw anywhere else. Elder Fritz pronounced us mates for life, and we kissed. Ryan swooped me up in his arms, kissing me harder, and I tangled my fingers in his hair.

We twirled around with our lips locked, and for a moment, it was like we were not in the midst of the crowd, and it was only us.

Elder Fritz cleared his throat, and we stopped from getting too carried away. Another elder brought out a crystal and golden crown for the Luna.

Ryan set my feet back on the ground, and in front of all the Crowalt attendees, I was crowned the Luna. I bowed my head in respect to the elders who had approved this honor for me. Ryan took my hand and we face the crowd together.

They cheered. "Alpha Ryan Alexander! Luna Alyson Clark-Harris Alexander!

This wonderful day was only the first step in a beautiful life together.

• The end of book 1 –