Chapter 57: The Vows and The Violation
Trishelle
Two weeks had passed since Bradley’s return - two weeks that stretched like a lifetime, brimming with changes that tumbled over one another in a dizzying cascade. After that first night together, I officially moved into Bradley’s room. Well, my belongings made the journey. My clothes now hung beside his in the massive walk-in closet, my toothbrush claimed its place in the holder next to his. These simple, domestic touches carried more weight than any spoken promise ever could.
The following day, Bradley gathered his entire pack in the main hall. He stood before them, his Alpha presence radiating through the space, and revealed everything. My past. James. The pup growing inside me. He laid bare every detail, not as something shameful or weak, but as the foundation of our new reality. Then he announced his plans for our future. Before everyone - with the entire pack bearing witness - he dropped to one knee and asked me to become his mate.
The hall erupted in cheers so thunderous I could barely hear my own breathless "Yes." But the way I launched myself into his arms, the deep, heartfelt kiss I gave him - that answered louder than any words.
That solemn meeting quickly transformed into an enthusiastic mating ritual planning committee, and we simply surrendered the details to eager volunteers. Neither of us particularly cared about napkin colors or menu selections. The whole affair resembled planning a wedding, yet for us, the only thing that truly mattered was standing together and exchanging our vows. We offered input when pressed, of course, and now, two weeks later, everything stood ready.
I stood before the mirror in my old room - the one I’d occupied for only a handful of nights - staring at my reflection in wonder. The floor-length, off-shoulder ivory dress draped perfectly over my frame. The soft fabric hugged my curves, revealing the gentle swell of my belly. I looked like a bride, like a Luna. A small gasp escaped my lips. The vision seemed too much, too perfect to be real.
A knock shattered my trance. Samuel poked his head through the doorway, and a low, appreciative whistle escaped him. Suddenly, nerves I hadn’t known existed seized control of my body.
"Sammy," I whispered, my voice trembling like autumn leaves. "What am I doing? I can’t do this. I’m not good enough."
Panic rose in my chest, cold and sharp as winter wind. The urge to climb out the window gripped me - to run until my lungs burned and this overwhelming feeling lay far behind me.
Samuel reached my side in an instant, his arms enfolding me protectively. He held me close, stroking my back with soothing motions. "Shhh, Rosebud. You can do this. Trust me - you are more than enough. This pack loves you and has embraced you as their Luna. Most importantly," he pulled back to cup my face, his thumbs gently wiping away a tear that had traced down my cheek, "Alpha Bradley is crazy about you. You have him completely wrapped around your finger without even trying. As a mated male myself, I can promise you this: if you try running, he’ll burn the world to ashes searching for you. And he will find you."
A watery giggle bubbled up, and I felt my nerves finally settle. Samuel beamed with satisfaction and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Now that I’ve heroically prevented a meltdown, I have a surprise for you."
He opened the door and exchanged quiet words with someone in the hallway. When he turned back, he concealed something behind his back, a sheepish smile playing on his lips. "I know that if anything could make this day perfect, it would be having Rosie here with you."
My eyes misted over, and I blinked rapidly against fresh tears. I nodded at Sammy, my throat too tight for words.
"This was the one thing I insisted on handling myself." Samuel revealed a bouquet of freshly picked, deep red roses from behind his back. The scent and rich color told me exactly where he’d gotten them.
"Oh, Sammy, you didn’t," I breathed.
But he had. He’d returned to our old pack lands, to the rosebush that served as a living memorial to the woman who raised us. "I thought this would help you feel complete when you take your vows today. I even took a cutting so we can plant it here, keeping her closer to us. I already discussed it with Bradley - he agreed immediately."
Emotions overwhelmed me, and I could only pull him into a fierce embrace. "Thanks, Sammy. This is the best gift I could ever receive."
Samuel kissed my forehead and returned the hug with equal warmth. "Anytime, Rosebud."
Another knock sounded. I quickly dabbed at my eyes, grateful I’d chosen minimal makeup. Turning back to the mirror, I swiftly repaired the damage. "Come in," I called.
Alexa peeked inside, her expression urgent yet amused. "They’re ready when you are. They sent me to fetch you. Alpha Bradley’s aura is starting to get a bit... scary."
I smiled at the thought of my impatient mate. With one final glance in the mirror, I nodded my readiness. Alexa vanished, and Samuel offered his arm with a gallant flourish. "Alright, milady, let’s do this."
We made our way to the backyard. When the glass doors swung open, soft music floated toward us on the breeze. A small live band occupied a corner, violins weaving melodies that danced through the air. The temperature hovered at perfect comfort, and the mingled scents of pine trees and wildflowers created an intoxicating perfume. A white runner stretched before us, scattered with delicate flower petals. Seating flanked both sides, filled with pack members and distinguished guests - Alphas from neighboring territories. Near the front sat several council members, including an ancient-looking Officiant who would bear witness to our mating ceremony.
My stomach clenched with renewed anxiety, but when my gaze found Bradley standing at the end of the aisle, every fear and doubt evaporated like morning mist. He stood tall and commanding in dark trousers and a crisp white shirt, his eyes locked on me with such intensity I felt it like a physical touch. I seemed to float those last few feet until I stood before the man who meant everything to me - the only man who had ever shown me what love truly meant, in so many ways I could never doubt him.
Bradley
Bradley watched Trishelle glide up the aisle toward him, his heart thundering in his chest. With each step she took closer, his wolf grew calmer, more settled. She looked so breathtakingly beautiful she stole the air from his lungs. Even his wolf - who turned into an absolute hound dog at the mere thought of her - fell speechless before her radiance. She wore minimal makeup, allowing her natural beauty to shine through. The ivory dress fit her like it had been crafted specifically for her body, and he noticed what perhaps only he could see: the slight, protective curve of her belly. He licked his lips, already anticipating the pleasure of peeling that dress off her later.
Now she stood before him, and he took her hand, her smaller one fitting perfectly within his grasp. He turned to Samuel, giving his hand a firm shake while meeting his eyes with unwavering sincerity. "I’ll take care of her," he promised, his voice low and solemn.
Something in Bradley’s expression must have conveyed the depth of his commitment, because Samuel nodded in approval. With a final kiss pressed to Trishelle’s cheek, Samuel released his little sister and took his seat beside Alexa.
Trishelle’s nerves threatened to resurface, but one reassuring squeeze from Bradley’s warm hands banished any anxious thoughts. She drew a deep breath and focused on the Officiant. The old wolf cleared his throat and began the ceremony.
"We are gathered here today..." the Officiant intoned, his voice a dry rasp that somehow carried authority.
Bradley found himself in a daze, unable to tear his gaze from his mate. She looked adorable standing there, paying such close attention to every word being spoken. *I should probably listen too,* he thought, but how could he concentrate when she just ran her tongue over her lips like that? He stifled a groan and fought against his body’s immediate response. Could he whisk her straight to his room after this? He wasn’t certain how he’d survive the entire reception. His wolf helpfully suggested a quickie. *Hmmm... how could I convince her to disappear with me for just a few minutes?*
Trishelle glanced up at Bradley and recognized that particular look in his eyes. Oh no - she’d learned exactly what that expression meant. She squeezed his hands and leaned in to whisper, her voice carrying a low, teasing threat. "Pay attention, or I’ll make him start the entire ceremony over from the beginning."
*Yikes,* Bradley thought. That would constitute genuine torture. He nodded quickly and focused on the Officiant’s words as if his life depended on it. Trishelle suppressed a giggle. How had she ever doubted her ability to handle this man?
As they reached the section about exchanging vows, a commotion erupted from the front of the house. Everyone froze, wondering what could be happening. It didn’t sound like an attack, yet the atmosphere shifted dramatically, growing thick with tension that pressed against everyone present. Within moments, the source of the disturbance appeared, and the entire gathering gasped in collective shock.