Chapter 33

Jax

Today’s the day. The day I get married. A grin spreads across my face at the thought. I’ve heard it’s normal to be a bundle of nerves on your wedding day, but I haven’t felt a single flutter of anxiety.

I’m marrying the love of my life, Hayley. There’s nothing to be scared of. With her, everything is easy—like breathing. Today is going to be a day to remember.

We’ve got everything planned out. Hayley and I decided last night that we want a night wedding, outdoors under the watchful eyes of the Moon Goddess.

We’ll hold the ceremony when the moon is at its peak, so she can bless us and accept our bond.

After the ceremony, the whole pack will go for a run. Hayley will ride on me, since she hasn’t learned to shift yet.

Hayley picked out the spot where we’ll get married. It’s the same place where my dad died during a rogue attack years ago.

I used to go there every day to talk to him, but it just brought back too many painful memories.

I had to step up and be Alpha, so I couldn’t let my pack see me as weak.

The pack was already vulnerable after losing an Alpha. I didn’t want other packs to think we were weak and try to take our land.

I haven’t been back to that spot since, but I think it’s fitting that Hayley and I get married there. It’ll be like my dad is with us. I didn’t tell Hayley about this—I didn’t want her to change her mind.

I’m glad she’s pushing me out of my comfort zone. I never thought I’d be able to go back there, but Hayley makes everything seem possible.

Britney, a pack member who owns a clothing store, helped Hayley pick out her dress yesterday. I haven’t seen it yet, but I can’t wait to.

While Hayley was dress shopping, I was arranging the patrol schedule for the wedding.

I couldn’t figure out a way for everyone to attend the ceremony and still keep the pack safe, so some members will have to stand guard. But everyone will be able to join the run.

For werewolves, a run is a traditional celebration that the whole pack takes part in.

Britney is a great designer, too. She’s planned many celebrations before, so she and I got everything organized in the last twenty-four hours. I wasn’t much help, but I did my best.

Britney took care of most of the decorations—chairs, flowers, balloons, and anything else she could think of.

I haven’t heard from Luke, so the wedding is still on. I’ll have Rose’s phone with me the whole time, so I’ll know if there’s any danger.

I’m proud that one of my pack members chose to protect her pack over her mate. That shows her loyalty, and I’ll always be grateful for her bravery.

It must have been hard for her to betray her mate, but she did it for the safety of her Luna and pack.

I pull on my suit jacket and glance at my watch. Fifteen minutes to go. Not long now...

Hayley

It’s almost time. And I’m terrified. Almost as terrified as I was yesterday morning when I met the pack.

Luckily, Jax did all the talking while I stood there awkwardly, trying not to have a full-blown panic attack.

Everyone seemed happy about the announcement. All I could hear was cheering and clapping. After the meeting, I went over to thank a few members and officially greet my pack.

It wasn’t as scary as I’d imagined.

Everyone was really nice and welcoming. I’ll have to get used to people bowing to me everywhere I go. Some even tried to touch my hand, like I was royalty.

I can’t help but wonder if they’d react the same way if they knew about my past. Jax says they would, but you never know who’s just waiting to tear you down.

Hopefully, they’ll never find out. They can just believe that their Luna is like any other Luna.

Most people think the Alpha is the most important part of the pack, but it’s really the Luna. The Luna is the only one who can calm the Alpha, which shows immense strength and power.

A Luna can bring peace to the pack and help everything run more smoothly. Every Luna has a nurturing personality.

A pack can get by without a Luna, but it’s better for everyone if there is a Luna to unite them.

Less than ten minutes to go before I walk down the aisle. I feel like I’m going to throw up. “Don’t be nervous,” Axton whispers, reading my mind. “Just focus on Jax. Nothing else.”

Jax told me that someone usually walks the bride or groom down the aisle. So I asked Axton to do it for me.

He’s always been there for me, protecting me and helping me grow. I’ll do my best to return the favor whenever I can.

I asked Lily to be my bridesmaid. She’s my best friend, and no one else would be right for the job. She looks adorable in her lilac dress and beige pumps.

Her hair is half-up, half-down with a slight braid. It makes me want to pinch her cheeks.

I run my hands down the sides of my dress, trying to get rid of some nervous energy. I wanted my dress to be simple but elegant.

It’s a tight, white dress with a jewel neckline. There are silver petals on the shoulders to match the thin belt.

The dress goes all the way to the floor, covering my feet. I find it silly now, because no one can see my expensive shoes.

The dress has a small train that would look beautiful if we weren’t having an outdoor wedding. The dirt is definitely going to stick to my dress and ruin it. Great.

Everyone’s in their seats, waiting for me to walk down the aisle. Britney comes through the pack door and asks, “Ready?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I mumble, feeling the nerves tingling in every part of me.

“Here. Take this,” Britney offers, handing me a stunning purple bouquet I hadn’t noticed she was holding. I take the flowers, shaking my arms and legs, trying to shake off some of the anxiety.

“It’s time,” Britney nearly squeals with excitement. “Lily, come on, sweetheart.” Lily scampers over to me and wraps her arms around my legs. She looks up at me, her face split by a huge grin. “Good luck.”

She then turns to Britney, who hands her a small basket filled with white rose petals and guides her out the door towards the waiting crowd. A soft, beautiful melody fills the air, quieting my racing thoughts.

Axton takes my hand, linking our arms together. “I’ve got you,” he whispers, his words exactly what I need to hear. The music continues to play as we make our way towards the tree-formed archway. My future is just beyond it.

I keep my gaze fixed on the ground as we come into view of everyone. I hear the rustling of people standing up.

Taking deep breaths, I match my steps with Axton’s, not wanting to trip and fall.

I notice the soft, delicate petals scattered on the ground, the perfect final touch, courtesy of Lily.

Axton gently pats my hand, pulling me back to the present. Gathering my courage, I slowly lift my head, searching for one person. And there he is.

Jax.

Dressed in a black button-up suit, paired with a royal blue tie, he looks absolutely breathtaking. I can’t see anything but him. It’s just him and me in a field. Nothing else. No one else.

Before I know it, we’ve reached Jax. Lost in my own world, Axton gently places my hand in Jax’s. Sparks fly through my body, and a wave of calm washes over me.

I look up into Jax’s piercing grey eyes and let myself relax. A soft “wow” escapes Jax as he takes me in. I notice a single tear sliding down his face, which I wipe away with my thumb.

My fingers brush against his stubble, something I’ve grown to love. “Don’t cry,” I whisper.

“Says you,” he chuckles softly. Only then do I realize that I’m crying, my emotions a jumbled mess. I quickly dab at my face, but Jax takes my hands again. “You look beautiful.” As always, his compliments make me blush.

As I stand in front of Jax and the ceremony begins, I finally allow myself to look around. Fairy lights hang from the tree branches, casting a soft glow over the area.

The waterfall continues to flow, creating a soothing backdrop. On the same rock as the other morning, the same two pigeons sit, watching us as part of the audience.

Baby pink flowers are attached to the sides of the benches where people sit, watching eagerly. I meet a few people’s eyes before turning back to the officiant.

Her short platinum hair flutters in the wind, and her hazel eyes flicker between Jax and me. She must be a werewolf; otherwise, she’d find things around here very strange.

As the officiant talks about the responsibilities of marriage, Jax and I keep our eyes locked on each other, savoring the moment.

Even though there are hundreds of people here, it feels strangely private.

After a few minutes, the officiant turns to me. “We will now begin with the vows. Hayley, if you would like to go first.”

Taking a deep breath, I remember what Axton told me when I asked him what I should say for my vows: listen to my heart and tell Jax everything. So here goes. In front of everyone.

“Before I met you, I didn’t have a great life... I didn’t think I would ever find a mate, and I stopped believing you were out there, but I was so wrong. I’ve been given everything I ever wanted… and more.

“I would go through everything I’ve been through, ten times over, as long as I had you at the end... You’ve made me the happiest I’ve ever been... and I will do everything in my power to do the same for you.

“You’ve given me so many wonderful memories, and I look forward to making many more with you. When I’m with you, everything else fades into the background. You’re all I see. You’re my life, my greatest gift, and my love.

“All I need in this world is you. I love you, Jax,” I finish, tears streaming down both Jax's and my faces. I place my hand over Jax’s heart, trying to calm both of us down. There’s so much more I want to say to Jax, but words seem inadequate.

“That was beautiful, Hayley. Thank you. Jax,” the officiant says, indicating it’s Jax’s turn. I take a deep breath, bracing myself for what he’s going to say.

“I’m not going to be able to top that,” Jax half jokes, half sobs, causing everyone to laugh.

Taking a deep breath, Jax begins, “My Dad used to tell me when I was younger that when I met my mate, it would be the best moment of my life. That nothing would even come close, but he was wrong.” Where is he going with this?

“Because every moment I’ve spent with you, Hayley, has been the best. There’s not one moment that tops another; every second I’ve spent with you is my favorite.

“I can’t believe I’m standing here about to start a wonderful life with my best friend, my greatest miracle, and the person I love most in this world. Never think that I don’t love you, because my heart and mind are filled with nothing but you.

“You’re the first thing I think of when I wake up and the last thing I think of before I go to sleep. But it doesn’t end there, you follow me into my dreams.

“I promise to be there to catch you if you stumble, to listen, and to always consider your feelings on our eternal journey. I love you so much, Hayley, as long as we both shall live,” Jax declares passionately.

Tears pour down my face as I gasp for breath, overwhelmed by Jax's promises. I know he won't break them, just like he won't break my heart, but after being starved of love for so long, accepting it isn't easy.

Jax's gaze never leaves mine during his heartfelt confession, his eyes filled with sincerity and unshed tears.

I gently take Jax's large hands in mine, giving them a small squeeze as a silent thank you. The Moon Goddess has blessed me with the perfect mate, and I couldn't ask for anything more.

“Thank you, Jax. That was beautiful,” the woman says, her voice filled with warmth as we both start to regain our composure.

“Now, for the rings,” the officiant continues. Dimitri, looking sharp in his suit, approaches us, holding out a small white pillow with two gold rings. We each take the other's ring before returning to our places.

“I give this ring as a sign of my love,” Jax says, his voice filled with sincerity. He gently slides the ring onto my left finger, where it will stay forever. I do the same for Jax, a giggle of pure joy escaping me. Once I'm done, I turn back to the officiant.

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss your bride,” the woman announces with a smile.

“My pleasure,” Jax murmurs, just before his lips meet mine in the most passionate, loving kiss he's ever given me. It's filled with raw emotion, and I'm taken aback by its intensity.

As we slowly pull apart, the officiant announces, “It is my great honor and privilege to introduce for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Lauder.” Cheers and applause fill the air as I look out over the crowd, seeing nothing but smiles.

Lily is jumping up and down with excitement, while Axton is crying, comforted by another man who I assume is his mate. I turn back to Jax and leap into his arms, needing to feel his embrace. I've never been happier than I am in this moment.

Jax

She's breathtaking.

I never thought I'd see anything as beautiful as the sight before me. Her dress hugs her in all the right places, making her look like a goddess. She leaves me speechless.

I'm the luckiest man alive. As stunning as Hayley looks, I can't help the small part of me that wants to rip off her dress and have my way with her.

I quickly mindlink the entire pack to start shifting behind the trees, wanting a private moment with my wife before we start our run.

My wife. How wonderful does that sound?

As everyone leaves, I pull Hayley close by her waist, unable to stop my eyes from drinking in the sight of my wife. “Like what you see?” she teases, her smile mischievous as she gestures to her dress. She knows I love it, the little minx.

“You've never looked more beautiful, Mrs. Lauder,” I whisper, before leaning down to kiss her again. Her lips are always so soft and inviting.

As I pull away, Hayley's eyes roam over my body as I strip down to my boxers. “Like what you see?” I ask, a blush creeping onto her face as she's caught in the act.

I leave my clothes and Rose's phone in a messy pile in the middle of the field. To spare Hayley further embarrassment, I shift into Aaron and give him control. Immediately, he goes over to our mate and starts rubbing against her, marking her with his scent.

He sniffs her entire body, reassuring himself that she is ours.

Aaron struggles with the fact that we haven't marked our mate yet, constantly fearing that someone will take what belongs to us.

I keep reassuring him that the day will come, just give it some time. Aaron respects Hayley's wishes as much as I do, so he would never force himself on her.

Once Aaron is satisfied that her scent is mixed with ours, he gives control back to me. I crouch down in front of Hayley, signaling for her to climb on.

As Hayley gets comfortable on my back, I trot over to the rest of the pack in the forest, where everyone has gathered, including the wolves on watch.

We make our way to the front, ready to lead the pack in the run. Before we set off, I start howling, quickly joined by the rest of the pack in a chorus of gratitude to the Moon Goddess for watching over us.

It's a sign of gratitude, as she is the one who plans everything in the werewolf world, and we should be thankful for her blessings.

After a few seconds, when the howling dies down, I set off with the pack close behind.

I start at a fast pace, leaping over logs and fallen trees to give Hayley a bit of an adrenaline rush. Her small hands cling to my fur, but I can't miss her little giggles of joy.

She hasn't been able to shift in years, so she's probably missed the thrill of the wind against her skin.

There are no words to describe the feeling of running in your wolf form, and until Hayley can do so, I will be her wolf.

I slow down to a comfortable pace for the pack to run alongside us, and a few barks are heard as they greet their Luna.

I'm glad they haven't asked questions about why Hayley can't shift and are respecting her privacy. They know how to make their Alpha proud.

We continue our peaceful journey, the atmosphere filled with joy at the new marriage, until I receive multiple frantic mindlinks, all saying the same thing. “ROGUES!”...