Page 49 of Impregnated By the Alpha

“Why?” I asked, still poised to run or fight.

“Don’t worry, it’s just for the effect,” Killian said with a smile. “Trust us, it’ll be worth it.”

I looked between them, noting that neither of them seemed on edge or threatening. In contrast, their eyes twinkled with a kind of happy mischief, as if they were in on a secret that they couldn’t wait to share with me. I nodded, turning around so they could tie the cloth behind my head and allowing them to turn me back toward the stairs.

“We’ll make sure you don’t slip, we promise,” Jasper said.

“If I get hurt, Nile will have your heads,” I reminded them.

“Don’t I know it,” Jasper agreed.

They chuckled as they led me carefully up the stairs. With my eyes covered, my other senses seemed to be heightened. I heard the creaking of the wooden boards and smelled the flowers that lined the path on either side. The wind blew slightly, causing the loose ends of the blindfold to whip in the air behind my head along with my hair.

“Nearly there,” Jasper said. “Three more steps.”

I counted to three, and the men led me a few more paces forward. The sound of a tinkling wind chime was coming from the edge of the gazebo, and I heard the shuffling of feet all around me.

“Can I take the blindfold off yet?” I asked.

In response, I felt the cloth being untied from my head. As my eyes adjusted to the light again, the first thing I saw was that the gazebo had been transformed. The fairy lights had been removed, and in their place were climbing flowers. Baskets of perennials in all shades hung from the rafters between the flowing greenery of ivy and violet morning glories.

As I looked around, I saw that not only were Alpha Jasper and Killian present, but so were Luna April, Alpha Lex, Luna Grace, and my parents from Sparkle Hollow. And kneeling on the ground in front of me was my mate.

“This is the strangest emergency I’ve ever experienced,” I said with a nervous laugh. “What’s going on here?”

“When a person realizes that they haven’t told their mate the most important thing in the world, it’s an emergency,” Nile said. “Violet Pinedale, I know that we are already married, but I never got the chance to take this step with you. I can’t wait one more day to tell you the biggest truth of my life. I love you, Vi. You are my guiding light, my comfort, and my true mate. Will you marry me?”

Not once had he ever spoken those words to me. We had talked of duty, of responsibility, of passion, and family. But never love. My heart raced, hearing the word, and I was tempted to flee from being suddenly confronted by his feelings for me.

I looked around at the faces of my loved ones who were present and saw the happiness reflected in their expressions. My mother smiled tearfully, and my father glowed with pride. Forthe first time, I saw myself the way they had always seen me. As someone worthy of love. It had taken me years to accept that it hadn’t been my fault that Nile had rejected me, and I never would have known the truth if I hadn’t chosen to do my duty to my pack.

It had taken Nile time to arrange this surprise for me, evidenced by the flowers that were fully in bloom all around us. Arranging for all the alphas and lunas to be present, as well as my parents, would have taken effort and planning as well.

But even more than the work he had put into this moment was the work he had done on our relationship and on his own ability to communicate with me. Nothing less could have proven to me that the words he spoke were true. And that I felt it as well.

“I’ve loved you from the moment we met, Nile,” I replied. “And I will love you forever. It is my honor to be your bride.”

Chapter 24 - Nile

The alphas and lunas of the three packs celebrated with Violet’s parents until the sun had set and the stars began to shine. When we had our fill of food, drinks, dancing, and conversation, we all headed back home to rest for the night.

Lodgings had been arranged for Mr. and Mrs. Jones, as well as for Lex and Grace with the Dark Moon Pack. After making plans to eat lunch together the following day, we bid them goodbye and headed back to our house.

Violet was ecstatic to have the chance to spend more time with her family, and I couldn’t blame her. They were just as kind and enjoyable to be around as Violet was. I was blessed to have them as a part of my family.

“Did you have a good time tonight, honey?” I asked her as we walked home.

“The best time,” she replied. “Although, next time you have a surprise for me, try not to give me a heart attack first.”

I smiled at her teasing, promising to follow her directive for next time.

We were nearly home when one of my wolves ran up to us on the street, looking frantic.

“Alpha, Diana is missing,” he said. “Walt said he stopped by after work, and her house was a mess. He couldn’t find her anywhere.”

My heart sank. I bore little love for Diana, but she was still Penny’s grandmother. For her sake, I felt protective of the woman.

“I’ll check it out right away,” I assured the wolf.

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