Chapter 24: Unification Ceremony.

S E B A S T I A N

It's here.

Tonight.

The Unification Ceremony is tonight, and I feel nothing but joy and anticipation.

I can't wait to make Ember mine in every sense of the word officially, the Alpha, my former rival... and now the love of my life. We have overcome many obstacles and challenges to be together, from our initial hatred to our past traumas. She has accepted me for who I am, flaws and all, and I worship her for everything she is.

I want this day to be perfect and memorable for both of us.

"So, are you ready?" Ivory asks me with a smirk on her face.

She is sitting across the desk from me in my office, where I have been trying to work but failing miserably. She knows how eager I am to finish this day and start the ceremony.

"At least I am not as nervous as you were at your ceremony with Flora. You were so sick that you could barely stand up, let alone say your vows." I tease her, remembering how she looked like a ghost on her big day.

Ivory and Flora married two weeks ago, so I don't get what's there to brag or be smug.

"That was not nerves. That was alcohol poisoning. Thanks to your mate and her brilliant idea of taking me out for a wild night before the ceremony. I don't think I have ever drunk so much in my life!" Ivory says, laughing at the memory of their crazy bachelorette party.

One word: Disaster. It was a disaster.

I roll my eyes and snort. "You didn't seem to mind at the time. You were having a blast dancing and flirting with everyone. It was only after Flora found out that you blamed it on us like we dragged you out against your will." I point out, knowing how furious Flora was when she saw Ivory's condition.

Flora is one scary she-wolf when she is angry.

"Flora is very protective of me, you know that," Ivory says, rolling her eyes at how possessive her mate is.

"Protective or controlling? You might want to check that leash she has on you, Ivs. You might need some breathing space." I mock her, knowing she hates it when I say that.

"Fuck you. I bet Ember keeps you in line, too. She's the real Alpha in your relationship." She retorts, trying to get under my skin.

I grin wickedly, then wink at her. "Oh, yeah. She knows how to take charge when it matters most. Don't you worry about that," I say in a suggestive tone, making her cringe.

"Eww." She shakes her head in disgust and narrows her eyes. "I don't want to hear any more details than that, thanks big bro."

She quickly gets up from her seat and leaves my office, probably trying to erase my last comment from her mind.

***

45 days.

That's right. I waited for this day for 45 days to come, and it's finally here. I will marry the woman I love and unite our packs as one... Woah!

There she is.

The reason that takes my breath away and makes my heart race. I gasp in awe.

My Mate. Rayne.

I mentally snort at Duke's whipped self, but who am I kidding? I'm madly and completely in love with that beautiful, stubborn, headstrong woman.

Ember looks flawlessly gorgeous at the end of the aisle in her ceremony dress. I clench my hands, trying to be calm and patient and not ripping our guests' eyes for merely looking at her.

Her dress is an emerald green strapless mini-dress with rhinestone boots, but it is tight and fits in all the right places. She wanted to wear something that matched my eye colour, and who am I to say no?

It's her special day, mine too, but I want to make her happy—the happiest, if possible. I feel my insides twitch. She is so fucking sexy!

My gorgeous bride.

Duke howls, and I grin in agreement. Damn right, she is gorgeous!

My stomach aflutters with nervous excitement as the band plays the music, and she begins to gracefully walk down the aisle through the arch decorative doorway piece with Dexter by her side, escorting her with a proud brotherly smile.

I know I can be a tadbit possessive and jealous, but it's Dexter. I can control myself knowing he has his own mate and is a father of three kids, even if he is Ember's best friend, right? I remember Dexter's face lit up when Ember asked him to be the one to escort her down the aisle. He even bawled his eyes on her shoulders before I tore them apart, and he moved on to his mate.

It's a shame neither of our dads... our parents are here to witness this moment, but I know they would be so happy and proud of us, finally finding and loving each other.

I catch my mate's gaze and lock eyes with her as I smile warmly at her.

My mate, my girl, my everything.

She looks at me with such happiness that it makes my smile bigger if that's even possible.

How did I get so lucky?

***

E M B E R

Everyone has outdone themselves, turning a plain old forest into an enchanted wonderland. Candles and tea lights guide the way, decorating the ground and trees, making them seem magical. The procession music starts to play as baby Millie, accompanied by Rachel, walks down first, throwing flowers along the way, giggling and smiling.

Laurie and Joe follow them next in identical James Bond tuxedos from the kid section.

Then Ivory walks with Bluetooth earpiece busy bee, Flora by her side, enjoying their moment. Ivory brings Flora's playful side out, and as surprising as it was, it's so good. It's so good to see them so happy together.

I shake my head and clutch my bouquet, focusing back on my steps.

One, two, three. One, two, three.

I count my steps, trying to keep it graceful and not do a faceplant in my white 5-inch heels.

Four, five, six... I raise my head and look up, meeting Sebastian's eyes—Green, matching the colour of my dress. I didn't want to wear the usual white gown, even if I knew I looked totally amazing in them when I tried them on. I wanted my dress to be unique and bold, like our relationship and his beautiful eyes.

Clayton is beside Sebastian as his best man, and Elder Eisha politely bows and sweetly smiles when meeting my eyes. I smile back. As the oldest member, she is the one who's going to perform the rituals of the ceremony that will bind our souls, our powers, and our destinies as one.

I barely hear the crowd's roar as I walk down the garden path. The blossoms of the wildflowers spread across the aisle beautifully, but all I can stare at is Sebastian ahead of me. He has the biggest grin plastered on his face. My heart slightly jumps in my chest, and my stomach somersaults. I squeeze the bouquet in my hand, feeling nervous. Why am I so nervous I am marrying the man that I love? I guess I am not used to having so many people looking at me, but if I am their queen, I am going to have to get used to it.

I take a deep breath when Dexter whispers to me. "You, okay?"

Startled, I glance sideways at my best friend. He has a concerned expression. I shake off my jittery emotions and smile and nod at him. "Of course I am..." I turn my head and look back at my one and only, my mate.

This is it.

The big step... to unite the two Alphas, to bind them together for eternity, and their packs as one. I am going to be with him for the rest of our lives together. We'll have our lives together. Grow old together. Let me tell you, I CAN'T WAIT! I squeal and do a mental, happy dance as Rayne howls in delight.

If Mum and Dad were here, I know they would be so happy.

I take a brief look around at the people in the pews. All of our guests. My bridesmaids. His groomsmen. They all stand and look at me, joy written all over their faces. I then see Jenna in the corner, who scowls and immediately looks away.

Okay!? Remind me why she's here again.

I know, but she has a right to. She is, sadly, in our pack now.

Oh yeah. Sadly.

I roll my eyes at her and keep walking. I should focus on something else... or someone better than anyone else in this world.

As I get closer, I don't tear my eyes off his as we beam at each other, and I notice the moon highlighting his breathtaking features, offering me his soul to entwine with mine for eternity.

Dexter and I reach the front, and the music stops. My former Beta kisses me on the cheek, earning a growl from you-know-who... we turn our heads and find Sebastian with a jealous pout, pretending to be as cool and calm as a cucumber.

I almost laugh at him and have to bite the inside of my cheek to hold it in.

Dexter steps aside after a brief handshake, and I feel nervous. Sebastian's eyes lock on mine, and he flashes a wicked smile. "Damn!" he exclaims, reaching for my hand.

He lowers his head and gently kisses the back of my hand, never breaking eye contact. His gaze is so intense I can almost hear his thoughts. And I do.

You look amazing tonight. I can't wait to ravish you tonight, sweetheart.

I gasp as his voice echoes in my mind, but his words surprise me.

"You too," I whisper, barely audible.

I feel a flush of heat on my cheeks as my body reacts to his words. He makes me want to skip the formalities and find a private place to unleash our passion... if you catch my drift.

Rayne cheers in my head, eager to mate with him. She's such a lustful creature!

He smirks, satisfied with his effect on me.

I pretend to be cool and force myself to roll my eyes as I step up across from Sebastian. He looks at me with a mischievous smile and whispers, "Are you ready to be stuck with me, sweetheart?"

I grasp his hand and smile brightly at him. "There's no one I would rather spend being stuck with," I reply, facing him at the altar.

My heart is pounding like crazy.

I squeeze his hand and notice his sweet smile, knowing my nerves instantly fly out the window. I feel relaxed. I have never loved anyone as much as I love him. He's my everything. I will officially be Ember Knight. It is real, and there is no going back. How did I get lucky to have him love me and want to claim me publicly as his mate?

Elder Eisha clears her throat, interrupting the chatter of the guests. "Please be seated," she says in a solemn voice. The crowd obeys and quiets down, eager to witness the ceremony.

"We are gathered here today in this sacred forest, under the light of the full moon, to witness and celebrate the union of two powerful alphas, who have been chosen to be mates by the will of the Moon Goddess," she begins.

I try to pay attention to her words, but I can't take my eyes off Sebastian, who is standing across from me on a platform decorated with flowers and candles. He looks splendid in his black tuxedo with a blue orchid boutonniere, matching the colour of my eyes. His dark hair is neatly combed back, and his piercing green eyes shine under the moonlight.

He is the most handsome man I have ever seen, and he is mine.

"They have proven themselves to be worthy leaders of their packs, and they have shown us that they can overcome any obstacle with their determination and will," Elder Eisha continues.

Sebastian glances at me, and his smile widens when he sees me admiring him. He winks at me, making my heart flutter. He is so charming and confident, and he makes me feel special.

"They have chosen to mate not only for themselves but for their packs, who will become stronger and more united under their guidance. They have accepted each other as they are, with their flaws and virtues, and they have pledged to love and protect each other for eternity," Elder Eisha says.

We stare into each other's eyes with love and tenderness, feeling a strong bond, a deep connection. We are soulmates, destined to be together.

The rest of the world becomes irrelevant as we cherish the stillness between us.

"And tonight, we honour that blessing with the unification of two powerful bloodlines,"  Elder Eisha concludes, then looks at us and announces, "Now, your vows, Alphas."

Huh? I snap out of the trance as Sebastian offers his hands to me. I giggle softly, then hold hands with him. I feel a wave of heat in my body as our fingers intertwine. All my nervousness melts away, and I am filled with happiness and serenity.

"I pledge to honour and defend you and yours above all this..."

"... to join you in the struggles and victories, to be your companion, your protector,"

"... to be your comfort, your home, and as long as we both shall live,"

"... to be your family."

"To be your family."

Elder Eisha looks at us with a gentle smile.

"You two have endured a lot in your lives, rituals, trials and challenges. There is only one thing remaining. I now pronounce you married. You may kiss your partner."

I gaze into his deep blue eyes that reflect his soul. I feel a surge of emotion that makes my heart swell and my eyes water.

"I love you." I mouth the words to him in a low whisper, barely audible but full of meaning.

He smiles at me, a genuine smile that reaches his eyes and makes them sparkle. He leans closer and whispers back, loud enough for only me to hear. "I love you too."

I whimper and giggle softly as he closes the gap between us and presses his lips to mine.

"Let us celebrate them and pray for their prosperous and harmonious future," Elder Eisha announces, and the guests erupt in cheers and applause.

"Get some, Sebastian!" I hear Ivory shout from the crowd. Then I hear a groan, and she yells again. "Ow! What the heck, Clayton."

"Did you just pinch my mate, Beta-boy?" Flora snaps, sounding furious.

We break the kiss and rest our foreheads together. I feel his warm breath on my face and his heartbeat in sync with mine. "I love you, My Female Alpha." He murmurs in my ear, sending shivers down my spine. I squeeze his hand and chuckle softly, feeling happiness and gratitude.

We then turn to face everyone, and he grabs my hand and intertwines it with his as we walk down the aisle together.

Mr and Mrs Knight.

I see the faces of our friends and family, smiling and clapping for us. I notice the moon shimmering down on us, blessing our union. I smile warmly and proudly as we walk out amidst the applause and cheers. I feel his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him. I lean on his shoulder, feeling his lips on my hair.

I whisper to him, "We did it."

"I know. And I couldn't be happier," he whispers back.