Wedding Eve Redemption

The silver moon hung high over my mating night. By Vaelric law, my alpha was supposed to come for me, step through the gate of fangs, carry me down from the tower, claim me before the pack. But when the doors opened, it wasn't just him standing there; his little female bestie had come too. The sacred doors were pushed halfway open, yet chaotic laughter drifted in from outside. Why is everyone looking at me? The doors are already open. Go greet your future luna! The crowd pushed Elizan, the alpha heir of the Vaelric pack, into the room. He walked straight toward me with the mating bouquet, skipping the vow we'd practiced over and over. Afinna, stop stalling! Everyone is waiting. Let's head to the moon temple right now. Don't start this tonight. My boys are all here. Just help me get through this. We've been together for years. And we are mates fated by the Moon Goddess. The vow is just for show, but Varella just returned from another pack; she hasn't even eaten yet. Without waiting for my answer, he walked toward the door. Varella hooked her arms around Elizen's neck, smiling. She wore a white offtheshoulder long dress; her bare skin gleamed under the moonlight. Today almost felt like their wedding.

If you don't mate with me, who else are you going to choose? We are fated by the Moon Goddess. Afena, stop throwing a tantrum over nothing. The elders are there; the whole pack is there; delegates from other packs are there. Don't embarrass me in front of everyone. Besides, I spent over six months planning this ceremony for you. You haven't even seen it yet. I promise you'll love it. It's a massive surprise. Yillison, I'm starving. You really can't take care of yourself without me. He threw me a hasty wave, turning his back on me. He opened the car door for Varelda. They drove off. How dare he treat you like this when he begged you to mate him? He cried so hard he dropped the ring. And look at him now! What kind of spell did Viriala cat on him? Afinna, don't be sad. It's your special day. If only my brother had shown up earlier, it's fine. I tilted my head up and swallowed back the tears I stepped into another car.

The elders are still waiting at the Moon Temple. Virelda is frame beside she just got back and doesn't know her way around. I'm taking her first. Ilissin, this is our mating ceremony. I only get one. But we have a lifetime together, don't we? After this, I'll buy you something expensive, okay? This goes against tradition. You're supposed to carry Afina down and head to the Moon Temple together. If the ritual is incomplete. the Moon Goddess will bless us. He turned, ready to leave with Virelda. I lifted the hem of my gown and chased after him. Yilissin. If you walk out that door right now. the mating is off. His steps faltered.

Listen, why did you come out? Won't your future Luna mind? She's not that petty. Why didn't you tell me you were coming back? I should have picked you up myself. My friends exchanged glances when they saw how pale I was. The confetti they prepared ended up raining down on the crowd cheering around Virelda. Virelda tilted her chin up. Your Luna doesn't want to leave with you. Aren't you going to do something? Go on, Illicon, your bride's upset. You should go make it up to her. Elise and frowned and sighed. Stop throwing a tantrum. Let's hurry to the Moon Temple. He held his hand out to me, which reminded me of the past. When I was young, I would hide in the closet. Elisen always found me; he would reach out, waiting for me to grab his hand. Once we mate, we'll have our own home. You'll never be scared again.