SCARLETT
It was a beautiful day, the sun shining brightly and a gentle breeze making the weather just perfect. My father and I strolled leisurely toward the ceremony area.
We had decided to have the ceremonies outdoors, a decision made to accommodate all the wolves in the pack, ensuring everyone felt included and could watch. The south was uniting with us, bringing with it a multitude of wolves.
My mother, Karen, Caroline, and Thomas had already made their way there. When we arrived, the sheer scale of the event hit me.
We had set up an altar in the center, on a sort of stage with the triad members and two sets of chairs, two larger and two slightly smaller. Our families, friends, and council members would be seated close to us, followed by the pack members.
The crowd was massive. Thousands of people had gathered.
My nerves were already on edge, but seeing the crowd made my heart feel like it was going to leap out of my chest. My father gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. I tried to return his comforting smile, but as I reached the end of the path to the altar, I saw her.
The sweet red-haired girl in a white dress, holding a basket of petals, smiled at me. In that moment, everything else faded away. It was just her and me. My nerves seemed to dissolve, and I found myself smiling genuinely.
âAre you ready?â my father asked.
I nodded, smiling back at him.
The little girl began to walk, her steps small and measured. I followed her, my father by my side.
Then I saw him, the love of my life, waiting for me at the altar. Seeing Christopher in a tuxedo, his hands clasped in front of him, his body shaking slightly with nerves, warmed my heart.
I felt incredibly lucky.
I was worried about tripping, but as I walked down the aisle, it felt as if my body was moving on its own, as if it knew this was my destiny. I saw familiar faces as I walked, but my gaze always returned to him.
As I got closer, Christopher descended the altar stairs and waited for me. My father turned to me, kissed my forehead, and said, âI love you, Scarlett.â
âI love you, Dad,â I replied, smiling.
He returned my smile, hugged Christopher, and then left the stage.
And then it was just Christopher and me.
Lost in Christopherâs gaze, the rest of the world seemed to disappear. As my fear and nervousness melted away, I felt my heart fill with love and joy. It was the most intense feeling of ecstasy I had ever experienced.
Christopher approached me, and I couldnât help but smile as he kissed my forehead. Before he pulled away, he whispered in my ear, âYou are wonderful.â His words sent a shiver down my spine.
âYou too,â I replied, smiling at him.
He offered me his arm to help me up the steps.
Once we were at the altar, the triad was there, dressed in long dark-red cloaks fastened with golden crescent moon brooches. They were the three leading elders of the council, there to officiate the wedding and appointments.
We stood in front of the altar, my hand gripping Christopherâs arm. He responded by placing his hand over mine and gently rubbing his thumb over my skin. His touch calmed me, and I let out a sigh of relief.
âWe are gathered here to celebrate the union of Scarlett Byron and Christopher Hender, and the naming of Scarlett as luna of this pack,â the middle member of the triad began.
The crowd erupted in cheers and howls of joy, which made me smile even more. It was the people accepting me, celebrating me. I was at a loss for words to describe the feeling.
âLove is pure, but it is far from simple. It is full of paths, detours, and second chances, just like your love was. And that makes this feeling even more special and genuine. I am happy to celebrate this union of an alpha couple loved by their people, who will now lead and care for another people.â
A tear trickled down my cheek.
âMiss Scarlett Byron, do you accept Alpha Christopher Hender as your husband and mate? If the answer is yes, say âYes, with the blessing of the Goddess.ââ
âYes, with the blessing of the Goddess,â I said, my voice loud and clear, my heart in every word.
âAnd do you, Alpha Christopher Hender, accept Scarlett Byron as your wife, mate, and luna? If the answer is yes, say âYes, with the blessing of the Goddess.ââ
âYes, with the blessing of the Goddess.â Christopherâs voice was loud, strong, and certain, as if it were the most obvious truth in the universe.
âBy the power granted to me by the council, I pronounce you married. You may kiss the bride.â
Before I could even process the words, I turned to Christopher, who was waiting for me with a smile. His hands quickly moved to my waist and the back of my head, and he spun me around, lifting me in the air as he kissed me.
The crowdâs cheers grew even louder. Christopher set me down, and another member of the triad gestured toward the two larger chairs at the altar. Christopher took my hand and led me to our seats. I couldnât stop smiling.
âIn front of the people here, we would like to nominate the betas. Thomas Coyt Strauss and Karen Byron Strauss, please come to the altar.â
Karen and Thomas took our previous places in front of the altar.
âThe role of betas involves not only assisting the alphas in their leadership role, but also caring for and wishing well for your people. May you receive the blessing of the Goddess to carry out this important work. By the power granted to me by the council, I declare you betas.â He gestured toward the other chairs.
Then the triad moved further behind the altar, standing behind where the chairs were positioned.
âOn this special day of celebration, we will also unite two peoples who were once one. May these leaders guide these people with love, make decisions with empathy and intelligence, and manage with skill, always under the blessing of the Goddess. From now on, I consider everyone here as one.â
The crowdâs cheers were deafening, their howls echoing around us, as if this unification was their salvation.
And maybe it was.
At that moment, my cheeks ached from smiling so much, and I felt a chill run down my spine when I heard her voice in my head.
~Well done, Scarlett.~
***