Page 70 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

Promises of love, loyalty, and eternal devotion take on new meaning with the context of our impending mating bond.

This is it,I tell my wolf, my heart swelling with joy and anticipation.We're really doing this. We're pledging ourselves to each other in every way possible.

Axel's eyes shine with adoration as he squeezes my hands, silently conveying the depth of his feelings. I squeeze back, pouring all my love and commitment into that simple gesture.

The cool metal of Axel's ring slips onto my finger, and I shiver as I slide his band into place. The rings are more than just symbols of our human union; they're a tangible reminder of the unbreakable bond we'll forge tonight under the moonlight.

As the officiant pronounces us husband and wife, Axel pulls me close, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that's both tender and fierce. I hear a low rumble of approval from the pack members, their wolf sides recognizing the significance of this moment.

We turn to face our guests, hand in hand, and I catch Sophie's eye. She gives me a subtle nod, a signal that it's time to move on to the next part of our celebration. But for now, I bask in the joy of this moment, surrounded by the love of my family, my friends, and my pack.

The applause is thunderous as Axel and I make our grand entrance into The Night Owl Bar & Grill, now transformed into a dazzling reception hall. The familiar, comforting scent of the pack envelops me, mingling with the excitement radiating off the human guests. It's a heady combination, and my wolf stirs restlessly beneath my skin, reacting to the energy in the room.

Hand in hand, Axel and I begin to make our rounds, greeting each guest with warm smiles and heartfelt thanks. I find myself hyper-aware of every interaction, every word spoken, and every gesture made. It's a delicate dance, ensuring that we don't accidentally slip up and reveal the supernatural world that hides just beneath the surface of this celebration.

As we move through the crowd, I catch the subtle communications between the pack members - a tilt of the head here, a specific gesture there. To an outsider, it might seem like nothing more than the natural flow of conversation, but I know better. They're coordinating, ensuring that the secret of our pack remains just that - a secret.

The DJ's voice echoes through the reception hall, announcing it's time for the newlyweds' first dance. Axel takes my hand, leading me to the center of the dance floor. As the music begins to play, we start to sway gently to the rhythm.

But as Axel and I move to the music, a chill runs down my spine. My wolf instantly goes on alert, her hackles rising. Axel's arms tighten around me almost imperceptibly – he's sensed it too.

"Don't react," he whispers, his lips barely moving. "Something's not right."

I force myself to keep smiling, to keep moving in time with the music as if nothing is wrong. But my eyes scan the room, searching for the source of our unease.

That's when I see them – three unfamiliar faces scattered throughout the crowd. Their stances are casual, but there's a predatory glint in their eyes that sets my teeth on edge. Werewolves. And definitely not from our pack.

As the song ends, Axel smoothly guides me off the dance floor, his hand never leaving the small of my back. We make our way towards Elena, our head of security, who's already moving to intercept us.

"Alpha," she murmurs, her voice low enough that only supernatural ears could catch it. "We have a situation. Representatives from multiple packs are here. They're not making any moves, but their presence is... concerning."

My heart races. Multiple packs? On our wedding day? This can't be a coincidence.

Axel's jaw tightens, but his voice remains calm. "Keep them under surveillance. We can't risk exposure or confrontation. Not today."

I glance around nervously, acutely aware of my parents chatting happily with friends, oblivious to the potential danger. Sophie catches my eye from across the room, her brow furrowed in concern. I give her a subtle nod, and she immediately begins to circulate, keeping the human guests distracted.

Axel turns to me, his eyes burning with a mix of love and determination. "Lila, we need to carry on as if nothing's wrong. Can you do that?"

I nod, squeezing his hand. "Together," I whisper, echoing our earlier vow.

The DJ announces the father-daughter dance, and I see my dad approaching, his face beaming with pride. As I step into his arms, I force myself to push aside the worry and tension, focusing on this precious moment with my father.

"Lila, my darling girl," he says, his voice thick with emotion as we sway to the music. "I am so incredibly proud of the woman you've become. Watching you grow, seeing the strength and grace with which you handle every challenge... it's been the greatest joy of my life."

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I blink rapidly, trying to maintain my composure. I'm acutely aware of the wolf inside me, stirring in response to the intense emotions and the lingering threat. I focus on the steps of the dance, the feel of my father's hand on my back, using the physical sensations to ground myself.

"Thank you, Dad," I manage to whisper. "For everything. For always being there, for supporting me, for loving me unconditionally."

He smiles, a single tear escaping and rolling down his cheek. "That's what fathers do, sweetheart. And I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

As the final notes of the father-daughter dance fade away, I hug my father tightly, breathing in his familiar, comforting scent. We part, and I turn to see Ethan, Axel's best man and beta, stepping up to the microphone, preparing to give his speech. My heart races, knowing he must now address not just our wedding guests, but also subtly reassure our pack in the face of this new, unknown threat.

Ethan's voice fills the room as he begins to speak, his eyes finding Axel's across the room. "I've known Axel for years, and I've never seen him as happy as he is with Lila. Their love is a force to be reckoned with, a bond that can withstand any challenge. And trust me, as Axel's best friend and right-hand man, I've seen them face their fair share of challenges."

As Ethan continues his speech, I feel a sudden shift in the atmosphere. The hair on the back of my neck stands up, and my wolf stirs restlessly within me, sensing danger. I scan the room, my enhanced senses on high alert, and that's when I see him - one of the unfamiliar wolves from earlier, weaving through the crowd towards the head table with a menacing glint in his eyes.

Ethan falters mid-sentence, his gaze locking onto the approaching threat. Axel is already moving, placing himself between me and the intruder. The room falls silent, tension crackling in the air like electricity.

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