“Although she doesn’t have a mate yet?” Alpha Jace asks curiously.
I shrug. “She doesn’t need a mate to rule the pack.”
Jace smacks my shoulder proudly like I am one of his sons. “Finally, you noticed,” he hollers.
“And here you wonder why your sons act carefree,” Elden rolls his eyes. “Wonder who they learned from?”
They tease each other for a bit longer while I gaze at my daughter. It’s time to announce her as my official successor. She is ready to take over.
Chapter sixty-six
Epilogue #2 Wedding bells
*ANNALISE*
Wedecidetokeepour actual wedding rather private and small, just celebrating with our families and closest friends. Tomorrow we will have a huge festival with the whole pack to involve them in our happiness. But today belongs to us. I chose a white knee-length dress with little tulle flowers embroidered into the skirt. The top is made of lace and covers most of my shoulders and arms, yet it gives a summery vibe due to its length and the flowers. The only fancy part is that it’s a backless cut. It’s not a classic wedding dress style, way less pompous, but I didn’t want it any other way. I always wanted my wedding dress to be dreamy, elegant, and simple.
Liam and I wanted to have a simple outdoor wedding, so we waited for June to come around, and the Goddess gladly gifted us with warm sunny weather. Together with Ella, Celine and little Emily, I had flower crowns ordered for all female guests to wear as a little surprise, and it looks so good on all of them. Flora and Mom, in particular, were really into the idea.
Liam and I booked a vineyard for the day, away from the pack area so that Dave could come too without straining our luck with the Council. Change happens slowly, and while many were shocked to see him during our inauguration ceremony, no one dared to say anything, especially after he gave that speech about me already being his Luna.
I made it my goal though to work towards better relationships between wolves and other beings. It’s a long-term goal, but slow steps, starting with one of my best friends…. It spurred me to put more effort into my studies as well. I borrowed books from Elden’s library and from the Council concerning that matter.
A minister, a friend of my father, leads us through our wedding ceremony, keeping it short and light-hearted. We say our vows, and he announces us as husband and wife.
Dante is Liam’s best man, and Ella is my maid of honor, which in a way is hilarious on its own. Even Elden cracks a few jokes about this combination. Meanwhile, Flora is being her very extra self, loudly urging Dante into proposing to Ella.
“Please, someone, tell her to stop,” Ella whispers dramatically when it’s just the both of us with Celine, Finn and Dave. The old gang reunited! We sit down around one of the tables and have a glass of wine together. Liam is talking to his parents and his other siblings. "Things are going so well with Dante. Marriage can really wait for a while."
Finn chuckles.
“She is so cute, though, like a fairy.” Dave giggles. “It feels like she is out of this world.”
“Well said,” Celine agrees.
“Annie!!!!” Harmony and Steve approach us too, sitting down with us. Harmony hugs me. “You look so beautiful today! It's like you are glowing!”
Steve nods his agreement. “I almost started crying during your vows.”
Harmony nudges him. “Almost, huh?”
“Hey, this time, even Mom cried a bit, not only Dad!” He sighs, looking at me through his puppy eyes. “Tell me he is always going to make you happy.”
I chuckle. “I can’t promise you something like that, Steve. Because there will be times when we argue and hurt each other. No one can make anyone happy every second, but I know he will always treat me with love and respect.”
“Good enough,” he mutters.
“And you?” Ella asks Celine with a smile. “Did you find your mate?”
There is a flash of pain in Celine’s eyes. It’s gone fast, but we have all seen it. “I am not sure,” she says evenly.
Harmony stares at her in shock. “What do you mean, Alpha? You found your mate?”
She doesn’t answer at first before she sighs. “I would like this day to be for Annie and Liam. We can discuss my issue another time.”
Harmony has her brows furrowed deeply. She doesn’t like it… I can easily tell. She is pissed for Celine’s sake, especially since she is her Beta. “So, there is an issue?”
“If there weren’t, I would have company today,” Celine says evenly.