Tears filled my eyes because I’d missed her. A lot. I could feel parts of me I’d locked away trying to break free. Grandma Esther grabbed the box and opened it. I gasped, “Your earrings… Grandma... I can’t!” I’d admired them since I was little.
Grandma Esther laughed, “Of course you can. I know you’ve always loved them. They will be your something borrowed. I’ve had them set aside in my mind for this day since you were born. Your grandpa gave them to me after we had your dad. They belong with you on this day.”
I wiped away my tears as she put them on me. They were dangly diamond earrings with a larger teardrop shaped diamondat the bottom. I whispered, “Thank you. I love them.” Grandma Esther smiled and said, “Your Aunt Allison and Uncle Archer send their love.” That was sweet.
Grandma continued, “I brought their gift with me. Your cousins too. It’s kind of you to think of them since I’m certain you know how long they saved for this trip. Just know that sometimes, it’s ok to make things about you.”
“You don’t have to sacrifice for everyone else all the time. Your Uncle Duncan doesn’t know you’re back or getting married. That darn Alpha of his is looking to get hit, I tell you. I cannot believe that man, and if I’d not given my word not to link my son I would. My word means something though.” I knew that. Besides, Uncle Duncan’s Alpha was already on my list. I already knew my Uncle Duncan hadn’t been told about me.
Grandma Esther turned to leave, but I pulled her back and gave her a hug. I whispered, “I missed you so much, grandma.” She kissed my hair gently and said, “Oh my sweet Ladybug, there was a hole in all our hearts with you gone. We missed you with every breath.”
Grandma pulled back and said, “Now, I’ll go get your mom and we will get you into your dress.” I smiled thinking of my dress. She left and quickly returned with my mom. I smiled looking at my dress again as I ran my hands over it.
Sierra came in with undergarments. I laughed, “Really? Baby blue underwear?” Sierra reasoned, “You have to have something blue and as a bonus they are new. So, it’s a two for one.” I laughed and quickly put them on. Sierra left and my mom and grandma helped me into my dress.
I frowned saying, “I don’t have shoes… crap.” Freya reminded me, “Our mother in law said she did shoes.” Right. Addison came into the room disagreeing, “Of course you do. I know Haley said she had you covered, but for your mating ceremony, we wanted to take care of them.”
Her Sierra, Paige and Avery were grinning broadly. Adeline was just behind them smiling with Abigial. I sighed knowing I might as well get it over with. They were probably high heels. I could wear them… I just preferred flats these days.
Avery handed me the box, and I opened it then smiled. I squealed, “YOU GUYS!” Paige laughed, “We know our girl loves her tennis shoes.” Adeline added, “And I know you like your shoes broken in, so we had Jared charm them like Haley did for your dance competition when your mom surprised you with shoes.” Mom gasped, “You remembered that?” Avery mumbled, “Did she ever.” I had.
Tears filled my eyes again. My friends had thought of everything. I linked Adeline, “It was so sweet that you asked Jared… because there were other options… but having him be part of it just…” Adeline interrupted, “I knew you’d want it to be him.” I whispered, “Thank you.”
I touched the shoes, loving them. My friends had gotten me converse shoes that were bedazzled red with white laces and a silver toe. I hugged them and they helped me put on the shoes. Abigial admitted, “Wow. They really are perfect.” I agreed, “They are.”
We walked out and everyone ooh’ed and aww’ed. I glanced at Sierra because we both knew who wasn’t here. Maybe Grandma Haskins was just uncomfortable being up here. That was fine. I smiled saying, “Now… it’s the girls turn to get dressed.”
I hadn’t shown them their dresses yet. All of my friends, Xander’s brother’s mates, and his sisters were going to stand with me. Addison opened her garment bag first and gasped, “Mel, this is stunning.” It was a red dress with an A-line neck that had some cut outs. It had lace on the top, then went to a full skirt with a serious slit that went to mid-thigh with gold high heels.
Haley laughed, “I fucking love these dresses.” I smiled watching as she snapped my friends into their dresses. Haley popped us downstairs where my dad was waiting. His eyes filled with tears. My dad reached out to take both my hands.
Dad whispered, “Melanie Jane McAlister, you look stunning. My little girl is all grown up. It really does seem like yesterday, you were pushing Warrior’s pups into the dirt.” I laughed, “I still do that.” He smiled. Everyone else was popped out to give us a minute.
Dad hugged me asking, “Are you happy, Ladybug?” I assured him, “I am. Everything feels like it’s been falling into place. It’s not fully there yet, but… it’s getting there.” It was there with Xander. It was just family issues we hadn’t worked past. My dad nodded.
He led me out of the house to where everyone was waiting. My friends started walking in, and I got a peak at the decorations. They were stunning and exactly what I wanted. Rose petals and crystal vases everywhere.
My dad and I walked in last. I found Xander’s eyes instantly. My mate wiped a tear away as I walked towards him. Nothing could take the smile off my face. The Werewolf portion of our ceremony was first. Xander healed me the second our blood touched.
I linked him, “It didn’t hurt.” Xander replied, “I dislike seeing your blood.” I teased, “You’re silly.” My mate simply smirked at me. Next, we did our Fairy portion. It was a little odd walking around a pole, but I could feel how happy Xander was about it.
The Hackura part was done by Bjourn. When I was accepted into their bloodline, I was overwhelmed by Xander’s happiness in the bond. It took several moments to get a hold of it. Freya linked, “Our mate bond is very strong with the additional way we can mark our mate as a wolf. With a Hackura bond it’s just insanely intense. We will get used to it.” Yes, we would.
Besides, I liked it. Eric came back up and announced that we were married. Howls of joy and clapping filled the ear. Xander took me into his arms and kissed me for all he was worth. We walked down the aisle, and I spotted Tiffany. My childhood friend gave me a thumbs up. I glanced through faces but didn’t see who I was looking for. Surely, I’d just missed seeing my grandparents on my mom’s side.
Xander immediately popped us to his treehouse once we were outside. I laughed, “Don’t we have a reception to get to?” Xander growled, “In a minute.” He kissed me gently then he slid under my dress. I was startled when I felt his tongue on my clit.
I moaned as he nibbled on my underwear then moved it aside. I started to pant as he entered a finger inside me, bringing me to a climax quickly. My husband popped back from under my dress and licked his lips, then his fingers.
Xander kissed me again then said, “Now, we can go to the reception.” I blushed. My husband grabbed my hand and popped us outside the tent they’d set up. We walked inside as they announced us. My eyes looked all around. It was exactly like my vision that I’d described to Haley.
I linked my mother in law, “This is incredible. Thank you so much.” Haley replied, “It was so much fucking fun to do. You are very welcome.” The DJ announced it was time for the first dance. I panicked. I linked Xander, “I didn’t pick a song.” Xander chuckled, “I did.”
I smiled as the song came on. It wasI Don’t Want to Miss A Thingby Aerosmith. Xander led us in a dance. He did spins, lifts, and at the end he did a dip. I linked him, “Impressive moves… husband.” He growled possessively and kissed me. Everyone cheered.
My mate led us to the main table and everyone ate dinner. I danced with my dad after that, and Xander danced with his mom. My brothers both wanted to dance with me too. I managedto get off the dance floor when Kai shouted, “Aunt Ladybug!” Awww.
I turned, “Hi, Kai!” I hugged him and nodded to Everly. Kai asked, “Can we dance?” I answered, “Of course. Go find us a space to dance out there and I’ll be there in just a second.” He took off towards Tristan.
