Chapter 28

28

EVER AFTER

Octavia

The soft light of the late afternoon sun filters through the sheer curtains of my suite, casting delicate patterns on the floor. I stand before the full-length mirror, my heart racing as I take in the sight of myself in the wedding gown. The fabric shimmers like moonlight, hugging my curves in all the right places, while the delicate lace accents whisper secrets of timeless elegance. I never imagined I would be standing here, just minutes away from my Luna Ceremony, a celebration of my bond with Wyatt Saltman, my mate, my Alpha.

My wolf paces restlessly within me, her excitement palpable. She nudges me, reminding me just how incredible Wyatt has been through all of this. “We should give him a spicy surprise tonight,” she whispers, her voice sultry and playful. I can’t help but grin, the thought igniting a wave of heat coursing through me. The idea of surprising Wyatt, of being his Luna in every sense, sends shivers down my spine. I can already picture his smirk, the way his eyes darken with desire when he sees me.

“Octavia, dear!” Jeanette’s voice breaks through my reverie, her head peeking around the door. She steps inside, her maternal energy filling the room. “It’s time.”

The word hits me like a drumbeat, and I nod, feeling a mix of joy and nerves fluttering in my stomach. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “I can’t believe it’s finally happening,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Jeanette smiles, her eyes shining with pride. “You look absolutely breathtaking. Wyatt won’t know what hit him.” She steps closer, adjusting a stray strand of hair that has fallen from my carefully styled updo. “You’re going to be an incredible Luna.”

I can feel my heart swell with her words. Being a Luna is more than a title; it’s a promise, a commitment to lead and protect our pack alongside my mate. I think of the challenges we’ve faced in the past week — the fake pregnancy flailing from Rachel, the kidnapping, along with the banishment of Lena, Eugene, and Rachel looms over us like a dark cloud. Their betrayal still stings, but I can’t allow it to overshadow this moment. I’m determined to step into my role with strength and grace.

“Are you ready?” Jeanette asks, her voice gentle yet firm.

I nod again, a surge of determination washing over me. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

Together, we walk toward the grand hall where the ceremony will take place. The air buzzes with anticipation, the scent of pine and wildflowers filling my lungs as we make our way through the moonlit garden. The pack has worked tirelessly to prepare for the ceremony, the path lined with glowing lanterns and vibrant blooms. Every detail reflects the love and support of our family and friends, and I feel a swell of gratitude.

As we reach the entrance of the hall, my heart races. I catch a glimpse of Wyatt standing at the altar, his presence commanding and magnetic. He’s dressed in a sharp suit that emphasizes his broad shoulders and strong frame. The way he stands, with an air of confidence and authority, makes my heart flutter. He is my Alpha, my other half, and soon, my husband.

The music begins to play, soft and melodic, and I take a deep breath as the doors swing open. The moment I step inside, the world fades away, leaving only the two of us. Wyatt’s gaze locks onto mine, and I can see the love and devotion reflected in his dark eyes. A smile breaks across his face, and I can’t help but respond with one of my own.

As I walk down the aisle, every step feels like a promise. I think of the future we will build together, the challenges we will face, and the love we will share. I can already see our pack thriving, united and strong, and I know that with Wyatt by my side, we can weather any storm.

The ceremony unfolds beautifully, the words spoken weaving a tapestry of hope and commitment. I can feel the energy of our pack surrounding us, their support wrapping around us like a warm embrace. When it’s time to say our vows, I take Wyatt’s hands in mine, feeling the warmth radiate between us.

“Wyatt,” I start, my voice steady despite the emotions swirling within me. “From the moment we met, I knew you were my mate. You’ve shown me strength, compassion, and love in ways I never thought possible. I promise to stand by your side, to lead with you, and to face whatever comes our way together. Always.”

His green eyes glisten with emotion as he replies, “Octavia, you are my heart and my strength. I promise to protect you, to cherish you, and to love you for all of my days. Together, we will build a legacy for our pack, and I will never let you face anything alone.”

As we exchange rings, the world around us melts away. It’s just me and him, our souls intertwining in a bond that transcends the physical. The cheers of our pack echo in the background, but all I can hear is the steady thrum of my heart, beating in time with his.

When we finally kiss, the world ignites in flames. It’s a kiss filled with promise, passion, and the fervent desire to begin our journey as partners. The heat of our connection sends sparks flying, and I can feel my wolf howling in delight.

The reception that follows is a whirlwind of laughter, music, and dancing. I revel in the joy of our friends and family, their love wrapping around us like a warm blanket. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is electric, but all I can think about is Wyatt. I catch him watching me from across the room, his eyes darkening with that familiar heat that sends shivers down my spine.

“Ready for your surprise, husband?” I whisper to him, my heart racing at the thought of what’s to come.

He raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. “What kind of surprise, wife?”

I lean in closer, my lips brushing against his ear as I whisper, “The kind that will make this night even more unforgettable.”

His breath catches, and I can see the wheels turning in his mind, curiosity piquing his interest. I pull back slightly, my gaze locking with his, and I can’t help but giggle at the way his eyes darken with desire. My wolf is practically bouncing with excitement, urging me forward.

As the night wears on, I manage to steal Wyatt away from the crowd, guiding him to a quieter corner of the hall, away from prying eyes. The music fades into the background, and all I can hear is the sound of our breathing, heavy with anticipation.

“Octavia, what are you up to?” he asks, his tone teasing yet laced with curiosity.

I take a step closer, my heart racing as I decide to embrace the boldness my wolf has ignited within me. “I want to show you just how much you mean to me,” I say, my voice low and sultry.

Before he can respond, I reach for the hem of my gown, slowly lifting it to reveal a pair of white lace garters that hug my thick thighs. His eyes widen, and I can see the raw hunger in his gaze. “What do you think?” I ask, my heart racing as I lean in closer.

He lets out a low feral growl, stepping forward to cage me against the wall. “You are incredible, baby girl.” His voice is thick with desire, and I can feel my wolf preening at his words.

“I have a feeling tonight's going to be pretty amazing,” I whisper, my breath mingling with his as the distance between us evaporates.

With that, he closes the gap, capturing my lips with his in a fierce kiss that sends sparks flying. The world around us fades away, leaving only the two of us and the heat of our connection. I can feel the weight of the night hanging in the air — the promise of new beginnings, the challenges we will face, and the love that will bind us through it all.

As we pull away, breathless and flushed, I can’t help but smile at him. “Just wait until the night is over. This is only the beginning.”

Wyatt’s smirk deepens, and I can see the excitement dancing in his eyes. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, my Luna.”

With that, we step back into the celebration, hand in hand, ready to face whatever comes our way, together. The night is still young, and our journey has just begun.