Chapter 48: Chapter 15

SCARLETT

The days leading up to the ceremonies whizzed by in a blur. As luna, I was in charge of all the arrangements. Thankfully, having my sister as my beta made the process a lot smoother.

I’d always envisioned a simple mating ceremony. I’d even mentioned it to Christopher. But how could it be simple when I was about to become the new luna?

There were two induction ceremonies, a mating, and a pack union on the cards. It was far from simple or small. Thomas planned a bachelor party for Christopher, and Karen did the same for me.

The boys would have whiskey and cigars, while the girls and I would enjoy some light-hearted chatter over nonalcoholic drinks. I found myself appreciating the bond between Thomas and Christopher. It was strange that I’d never considered them as friends before.

They were so alike in their thinking, caring, and leadership styles, yet so different in their perspectives. It was this contrast that made them complement each other so well.

They were the perfect alpha and beta duo.

Tiff, my mother, Karen, and I got together. I tried to avoid it, but the thought of Brisa being there under different circumstances made my stomach churn. The night before the ceremony was relaxing and worry-free.

Karen assured me she’d handle any issues that arose. I trusted her implicitly, which put me at ease. We called it a night early, knowing the next day would be long and start early.

Even after his bachelor party, Christopher came home early. He reeked of cigars and alcohol. He took off his shirt and crawled into bed, pulling me into his arms.

“I miss you when you’re not around,” he mumbled before drifting off to sleep.

I fell asleep in his arms, feeling a sense of belonging. For the first time, I felt Anthony move inside me. It brought a smile to my face, and I corrected myself mentally, ~our place~.

I was awakened by two knocks on the door. Christopher’s arms were still wrapped tightly around my waist.

“Alphas, time to wake up.” It was Karen’s voice. Only a beta would dare to knock on the alpha’s door.

Christopher slowly let go of me and lay on his back, letting out a loud sigh.

“Do you realize how many rules you’re breaking by waking me up like this?” Christopher shouted back. There was silence for a few seconds.

“You don’t have any other betas. It’s us or no one. And if you don’t get up, there won’t be time to nominate us,” Karen retorted. I heard Christopher chuckle.

I checked my phone. It was early, but we needed to get a move on to stay on schedule. I slipped into a bathrobe and opened the door. Karen and Hensen stood there with stacks of folders and boxes.

My eyes drifted to Caroline’s door. She emerged, her hair tousled and eyes sleepy. She walked over to me, and I picked her up. She hugged me tightly, whispering, “Good morning, Mom.”

I carried her to the bed, and she jumped into Christopher’s arms, making him sit up.

“Good morning, Daddy,” she said, her voice still heavy with sleep.

“Good morning, my love,” he replied. “After a greeting like that, I have no choice but to wake up,” he said, getting out of bed.

“What’s the plan for today?” Christopher asked, rubbing his face and stretching. I must admit, it was hard to concentrate with him shirtless.

“We’re having a girls’ day here. We’ll get Scarlett ready in your room, and Thomas will meet you in your office,” Karen informed him. Christopher simply nodded.

Karen then pulled out an aspirin and a bottle of water from her bag. Christopher smiled and reached for them.

“Always one step ahead. I like that, Karen,” he said, popping the pill and downing the water. “I’ll leave you girls to get ready then.” He looked at Caroline and kissed her forehead. “And you, I’ll see at the altar.” He pulled me close—our bodies colliding as he kissed me.

His hand was at the back of my neck, his tongue exploring my mouth. The intensity of the kiss took me by surprise. The contact sent electric shocks through my body.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, wishing the moment would never end.

“See you at the altar,” I whispered, our lips still close. He smiled, and I found myself eagerly anticipating our wedding.

Christopher left, and Karen rushed to prepare a bath infused with essential oils. I took a relaxing bath while my mother and Tiffany arrived. We had breakfast in the room, enjoying a lighthearted moment amid the whirlwind of emotions and anxiety.

My mother, Karen, and I had chosen a beautiful lace dress with intricate details. The skirt was open, making it fit for a princess. We were unsure whether to style my hair in a romantic bun or leave it wavy.

Karen had hired two hairdressers and two makeup artists to get us ready. As I was getting my hair and makeup done, there was a knock on the door.

“Who could that be?” I asked Karen. She shrugged and went to answer the door.

Karen opened the door slightly and said, “You can’t see each other before the wedding.” But Christopher, looking dashing in a tuxedo, walked in, ignoring her.

“I need to talk to Scarlett, alone,” he said. His words sent a chill down my spine, but his wide smile reassured me.

The girls left, with Karen carrying Caroline. Christopher walked toward me, looking incredibly handsome.

“I get it, you were hoping for a low-key mating ceremony. But, sweetheart, you’re marrying the alpha. That’s not really an option,” Christopher began, dropping to one knee and pulling out a small red velvet box from his pocket. As he flipped it open, I caught sight of the most stunning engagement ring I’d ever laid eyes on.

“I want you to know, right here, right now, that you’ve been the most amazing surprise of my life. You fill me up, complete me. I’m the luckiest man in the world to have you by my side. Will you accept this ring as a symbol of my love? A promise that I’ll always be there for you, no matter what, even if it means giving up my life for yours.” His gaze was intense, his words resonating deep within me, as if they were etched into my heart, my soul.

“I do,” I replied, my smile growing wider.

He rose to his feet, and I met his lips with mine as he swept me up into his arms, spinning me around.

I pulled back just enough to whisper in his ear, still wrapped in his embrace. “I’m the happiest woman in the universe to be marrying you. With you, I feel safe, cherished, like the most loved woman in the world. I can’t thank you enough for being in my life. I love you, now and forever, because we are two halves of a whole. I love you.”

My confession was heartfelt, and I sealed it with a passionate kiss.

Christopher held me close, our shared love creating a beautiful aura around us. It was perfect—until the bedroom door burst open, and Thomas barged in.

“Alpha,” he said, his eyes wide as he looked at us. “I need to speak with you.” He was panting, struggling to catch his breath.

“Speak, Thomas,” Christopher instructed, but Thomas gestured for us to leave the room.

“I’ve known you forever. I can read your face. I won’t worry any less if you don’t tell me,” I insisted, and Thomas let out a heavy sigh.

“It’s Hensen. He’s hiding something.” His words sent a chill down my spine, making my knees buckle.

~Not Hensen.~