Page 52 of Destined Bear
Tomorrow, she's going back to Stonecrest to be dealt with by Alpha Roman.
The week flies by faster than I expect, filled with last-minute arrangements and restless nights. Today is finally here, and I've never seen so many bodies in one place before.
“Is all of Texas out there?” I let the curtain fall back as Alessa steers me back toward the vanity and plops me down in front of the mirror to fix my hair.
“You’re about to become Luna. You’ve got visiting packs, out-of-staters, family, extended family, and their extended family. Half of Texas and then some.”
She primps my red hair and beams at my reflection in the glass. “You look like a million bucks.”
I return her smile in the glass. “Thank you, Alessa. For everything.”
“That’s what besties are for. I’m sorry your mom isn’t feeling a little better to do this for you.”
“She’s getting stronger every day,” I insist, almost defensively. “But this is a lot of planning and legwork.”
“No, I get it. She’s better off out there with the boys and girls where the booze is. Shall we?”
She offers me her arm, and we head out of the main bedroom I’ve shared with Emeric for the past couple of weeks. My ruby red gown flows to the ground, tickling the tops of my open-toed shoes.
As we step outside, I’m overwhelmed by the sight before us. Hundreds of guests have gathered on the ranch grounds, all turned toward the makeshift aisle that leads to an archway draped in white flowers. Everyone snaps photos with their phones, but a professional photographer positions himself nearby, waiting for the sun to set in a couple of minutes.
We timed the ceremony to the minute, ensuring that the sun will set just as we pledge our oaths to one another.
“Ready?” Heath appears at my side, offering his arm as Alessa steps back with a knowing smile.
“More than ready,” I whisper, placing my hand in the crook of his elbow.
We begin our walk down the petal-strewn path, and my breath catches as I see my mate waiting at the altar. His suit accents every detail of his perfect physique, but it’s the look in his eyes that makes my knees weak.
As I draw closer, I can see the wonder on his face, the way his lips part slightly as he takes me in. When I finally reach him, Heath places my hand in Emeric’s with a gentle smile and steps back.
Emeric’s fingers intertwine with mine, his thumb brushing over my knuckles as his eyes never leave my face. “You areabsolutely breathtaking,” he murmurs, his voice rough with emotion. “I can’t wait to make you mine in every way possible.”
Heat floods my cheeks at his words, and I catch my mother’s eye in the crowd. Her radiant smile matches the one blooming in my heart.
We are so lucky that we got our second chance. The fates smiled upon us, despite all the odds stacked up against us.
We can stop running now. We’re home.
EPILOGUE
EMERIC
Six Months Later
The foreman pats the tailgate and whistles to his crew members. “All out, boys!”
In a swarm, the men pull away from the rebuilt packhouse, waving at me as they leave. It had taken forever, but it’s finally complete.
“It’s perfect!” Vivienne rubs the swell of her stomach.
“It really is.” I turn to her and place my own hands against her protruding belly, willing my Alpha son to kick in recognition.
“Should we have a welcome home party?” Excitement laces her question.
I give her a skeptical look. “You can’t seriously want to throw a party when you’re five months pregnant.”
“Why not? I feel great, and we won’t get many chances like this once the baby arrives.”
