by L. P. Dillon
"Hello?" I answered in a sleepy voice.
"I love you. I can't wait to marry you tomorrow. Mrs. Aubrey Walker has a gorgeous ring to it," he replied, his words slurred.
"Chase? Are you drunk?" I asked with a giggle.
"No. Maybe… Okay, yes, just a little. But that doesn't change the facts of... The fact that I love you. You are Amazon... Amazing.” Chase hiccupped. “And I love you. Did I say I love you yet?"
"Yes, and I love you too. Is Connor there?" I asked.
"Yeah wait there. Don’t move…"
"Hello?" Connor answered.
"Hi, can you get him to bed please? He's wasted."
"I have to drive him out to the house in the woods. Claudia's family are here, and we're ready to make the switch. The witches have already cloaked her and we're good to go. Your parents will arrive at nine a.m., and I will pick you guys up and take you to the wedding just after the marking."
My stomach dropped, realizing this was actually happening. I hoped to hell that it all went without a hitch. If her family worked it out, tomorrow would be a blood bath.
I obviously stayed silent a little too long because Connor said, "It will be fine, Brie; we have everything set. Please just get some rest and I'll see you tomorrow. Bye, and don't worry."
He hung up, not giving me a chance to reply. I put my phone down on the nightstand and glanced at the clock. It was three a.m. already. “’Don't worry?’ Well, that's easy for him to say!” I said out loud before I laid back on my bed. Staring at the ceiling, I wished sleep would take me, but it didn't. In fact, I stared up at that ceiling all damn night.
When it got to seven a.m., I decided it was pointless trying to sleep. I got up and went for a shower, before getting dressed. Sitting on my bed, wracked with nerves, I glanced at my phone. No messages. I thought Chase might have messaged me, considering he was trapped in the house in the woods. But he didn't. Then I remembered how drunk he was last night and figured he was sleeping off a hangover.
I startled when I heard a tap on the door. Heart pounding, I hoped it was Chase.
"Brie?" Payton called out.
My heart rate slowed back down. "Yeah, come in."
She walked in holding a dress bag. Looking elegant, she wore a dusty aqua blue bridesmaid’s dress. It was long to the floor, but nipped in at the waist, showing off her curves. It also had one thick strap that went across the top of her chest and over her shoulder, and as she walked past me, I could see that the strap flared out into a train at the back.
It was stunning, and I smiled after she laid the dress bag on the bed and did a little twirl.
"You look extraordinary, Payton."
"And what about me?" Arabella asked as she walked into the room, followed by Gemma and Erika.
They all wore matching dresses, the same as Payton's, and they looked gorgeous.
"You all look stunning, what is this?" I asked in confusion.
"Chase sorted it all out. He wanted today to be as perfect as it could be, you know, considering..." Payton replied.
"This is all for me?" I asked as tears welled up in my eyes.
Arabella nodded and smiled at me, showing off the families’ signature dimples. I burst into a sob, and I didn't know how to stop it because I was so overwhelmed. I knew I would be marrying Chase later, but I didn't expect this. Payton quickly dragged me to my feet and embraced me, and Arabella and the witches joined in.
Payton pulled away and grabbed the dress bag. Holding the zipper, she asked. "You ready to see your dress?"
I stood back in shock and nodded my head. She unzipped the bag and pulled out the most beautiful dress I'd ever seen. It was a white silk dress, very modest but extremely classy, and just what I would have picked. I tried it on, and it fit perfectly. The front was high, and it had two dainty straps. The back dipped down in a revealing design, and the bottom had a train that stretched out behind me. I spun around in it and the girls gasped.
Payton covered her mouth as tears welled in her eyes. "You look so beautiful, Brie," she said in a choked-up voice.
The girls worked on my makeup and fixed my hair. They curled it and pinned it, leaving my grown-out bangs and two ringlets on either side of my temples to frame my face. A delicate tiara sat on top of my head, with a lace vale that hung down my back, and a pair of white stilettos on my feet. A white and aqua blue garter finished off the look.
I stood in front of four of my best friends, and there wasn't a dry eye in sight. We were distracted by a ring of the doorbell, and my stomach flipped when Payton said, "They're here. Your parents are here."
She took off to open the door for them. The other girls followed, leaving me to walk after them. I could hear my mom, dad, and brother chit-chatting with the girl’s downstairs, and as I came into view, they all hugged and greeted each other. My father and brother looked so handsome in their tuxedos, and I gasped at how big my brother Austin had got. I giggled when I saw his face flush red when Arabella hugged him. My mom looked incredible, too. She wore a dress the same aqua blue color as my bridesmaids, her hair was up in a similar style as mine, but she had fancy hat on top.
I cleared my throat and my whole family looked up at me.
My mom gasped and held her hand to her mouth. My father’s beaming smile melted my heart, and my brother looked up at me in awe. I'd never felt more beautiful than I did right then. Walking down the stairs proved difficult, but when I reached the bottom, my father came over and held his hand out. I took it and stepped down the last few steps, and as soon as my foot hit the floor, he pulled me against his chest.
As he embraced me, he and whispered into my ear, "You look beautiful, Kiddo."
"Thanks, Dad," I replied, kissing his cheek.
He walked me over to my mom, and she took my hand and said, "Let me look at you." Holding my hand above my head, she made me spin in a circle, and when she dropped my hand, tears brimmed in her eyes. "You look stunning, sweetie. I can't believe my little girl is all grown up."
I wrapped her in a hug. "Mom, stop, you're going to set me off, and they just did my makeup."
We both giggled and sucked up our sniffles. Then, I turned to my brother, who now was much taller than me.
He pulled me in for a hug, too. "You look amazing sis, and I'm so happy for you. But if he hurts you, I'll kill him!"
I laughed into his ear and slapped him on the back of his head.
He rubbed his head. "Ow, what was that for?"
"You're not so big that I can’t kick your ass, Austin."
We giggled and everyone joined in. Conversations broke out as we waited for Connor to come and collect us. I was so happy that Chase had planned all of this for me. It helped take my mind off what he might be going through, and it also helped pass the time.
Eventually, the knock on the door we'd been waiting for arrived. I jumped off the couch and ran for the door, flinging it open to find a handsome-looking Connor in a tuxedo smiling at me.
"It went as planned?" I asked nervously.
"It did. Claudia and Olivia are now mated. Claudia's father was not happy at all. But her mom and family managed to calm him down. After a lot of screaming and tears, they agreed to work it out. They apologized to Chase and his father, and then left, saying they would make it up to the pack."
I sighed with relief while holding my chest, trying to keep my building tears at bay.
"Are you ready to get married?" he asked, offering me his hand.
"I've never been more ready for anything in my life. Let's do this!" I yelled.
I took his hand and the room behind me cheered. We all left the house, got into three cars with bows and ribbons on them, and headed towards my future husband.
My stomach flipped and twisted into knots when we pulled up outside the Alpha's house. I couldn't believe that today had gone so perfectly. It was like fate was on our side. My family got out of the car and headed towards the house, quickly followed by Connor and my bridesmaids. My dad opened my door and held his han
d out for me. I took his hand and climbed out, straightening my dress nervously and letting out a large exhale.
"You ready, Kiddo?" My dad held out his arm.
I nodded and placed my hand through his arm. We moved towards the house, up the stairs, and then through the house and toward the garden. I stood at the open folding-glass doors that led to the garden and looked down at a beautiful wedding. When the crowd saw me, they all stood and clapped. Smiling faces surrounded me, and even Chase's dad was beaming. I exhaled again, and then relaxed the instant my eyes met Chase's. He stood at the end of the aisle waiting for me, and I knew in that moment he was without a doubt the absolute love of my life.
My dad stayed at my side as I inched my way towards Chase, and the closer I got, the wider my smile grew. As soon as we reached the aisle, the orchestra began to play, and my heart fluttered the closer I got to Chase. When we reached the end of the aisle, my father kissed my cheek and tears welled in his eyes. Turning to Chase, he shook his hand, and then Chase reached for me. The second I took his hands and he guided me into my place before him, we locked eyes, repeating every vow from the minister. I felt like I was on autopilot, my head so fuzzy with love and excitement that once I'd repeated the vows, they flew right out of my head.
Eventually, the minister pulled out an ornate blade and held it out for Chase. I furrowed my brow, not quite understanding what was happening.
Chase leaned in and whispered, "It's tradition. I won't lie, it will hurt like a bitch, but once your blood mixes with mine, the pain will go away. I promise."
My eyes grew wide with fear. Was this guy really going to cut open my hand?
My silent question was answered instantly as he pulled the blade across Chase’s palm. He hissed a little, but quickly composed himself. The minister smiled at me while holding his hand out for mine. I turned and looked at my mom nervously, and she nodded back with a smile, letting me know it was okay. I turned back to the minister and held out my now shaking hand. He took it into his, and Chase held my other hand for support. I bit my lip and held in a yelp as the blade sliced through the flesh on my palm. I wanted to scream out in pain, but with all the wolves watching, I didn't want them thinking their future Luna was weak.
Once the sting subsided, it was replaced with a pounding throb. The minister said a few words in Latin and then held both our cut hands up facing each other. He spoke in Latin again and then pressed our hands together. It burned at first, but when our hands were engulfed in a bright white light, the burning faded, replaced by a soothing tingling sort of feeling. It was like electricity or energy surged through us both, pumping through our entire bodies. Chase smiled down at me, and I replied with my own soft smile. The minister then parted our hands and the crowd went wild, howling and cheering into the air.
He then looked at us both and said, "With the mixing of your blood, the bonding process has begun. Chase, you have twenty-four hours to mark and turn, Aubrey. I am happy to pronounce you man and wife; you may kiss the bride."
With cheers, howls, and applause all around us, Chase leaned in towards me, his smile beaming larger than ever before and those adorable dimples of his the deepest I'd ever seen them. I gazed up into his gorgeous emerald green eyes and prepared to kiss my husband for the very first time. With our faces just inches apart from each other, I closed my eyes and leaned in, but the kiss never came. His soft lips never caressed mine. Instead, I felt his breath brush gently against my cheek, and then heard a low menacing growl growing from the pit of his stomach. When growls from the crowd joined in, I quickly opened my eyes.
Everyone in the crowd had turned away from us, staring out towards the house. Suddenly Chase pulled me behind him and growled viciously into the air. I couldn't see around him; all I could do was stand there and listen to the crowd growling and snarling. I shook with panic, wondering what was happening. I didn't know if it was Olivia's father coming back, that maybe he’d found out what had happened today? I cautiously peeked around Chase and watched as the pack parted, and a large group of men came walking down the aisle. One by one they moved to the sides, making a gangway for a huge man to walk through.
I squinted as I tried to see who it was, but the guy had a dark hoodie pulled up and I couldn't get a look at his face. He was a giant of a man though, around the same height as Chase, but easily double the size of him. I tried to move to the side, but Chase quickly pushed me behind him. When the guy finally got to within a few feet of us, the crowd went eerily silent. I cowered behind Chase for safety. My heart pounded in my ears, and I was shaking like a leaf, but I couldn't take my eyes off the mysterious stranger. I was drawn to him somehow, like an unnatural magnetic pull.
Suddenly I heard Chase gasp. "Jesse? You're alive?"
Without hesitation, I straightened up and stepped to the side. Chase tried to pull me back behind him, but I moved out of his reach.
"Yes! And I'm here to stop the wedding!" Jesse boomed in a deep and husky voice.
"You're too late. We're already married," Chase snapped, showing him the slice wound on his palm.
Jesse looked over at me, and then down at my hand, and I followed his gaze to my matching wound, pulling it behind me as my gaze settled on Jesse once more. He’d already turned away and was glaring at Chase.
"No matter, it doesn't change anything. Chase Walker, as the Alpha of the Liberty pack, I’m here to take your Alpha position, the Murston pack, and your Scion!" He boomed in his husky southern accent.
The crowd gasped, and I couldn't help but join them.
"You're challenging me? With these," Chase questioned in a dominate voice of his own while pointing at Jesse’s entourage. “What the hell kinda pack is that anyway? Are those shifters and vamps?” Chase mocked. Hisses and growls echoed through the trees from Jesse’s insulted pack.
"You're damn right I am. The position, and pack was always meant for me. Aubrey was always meant for me. You've just kept them warm for me. Mock my pack all you like; you have no idea what power they hold" he replied in a dominant tone.
Chase opened his mouth to reply, but Jesse ignored him completely, instead turning towards me. I stared up into his now deep green eyes, and I wondered if they had always been that color, or if they had changed somehow. He had a sexy smirk on his face, but it wasn’t smug in any way. He flashed me a cheeky wink, and I felt my knees buckle. I straightened before anyone could notice, but he noticed, and it made his smile grow wider, his eyes even darker with lust. He sniffed the air, and then growled.
I stood there in complete shock, heart pounding, stomach doing somersaults, and panties dripping wet as he said, "Hey Darlin’, you miss me?"
Thank you
Okay, so I’m not that great at these things, so just stick with me lol. Right first off I need to thank my husband Danny, he has put up with me, while I stressed about getting this book out. I can’t believe he has stuck with me for nearly 13 years. I love you so much babe, and I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without you.
Next I need to thank Ally my PA. You have gone above and beyond to help me, you are such a kind and generous person, and I’m lucky to call you my friend. I wouldn’t have coped without you these last few months. Yeah I know I pay you, and this is your job, but you have done so much more than you needed to. I love your face woman.
Thank you, Cassandra, you have helped make this an amazing book. I’m glad that crazy lady brought us together. You are a great mom and a kind person.
Clarity Townsend, dude, you are my doppelganger from across the pond. You have stuck with me for over a year, and I can’t thank you enough for always listening to me and giving me sound advice. I love you woman, and can’t wait to have your books all over my house.
Thank you to some amazing author friends for helping me in my journey. And my amazing Patron Mary Maddux. Thank you for believing in me hun. To my incredible ARC team and readers, and Divas you are fabulous.
Leann Ryans for listening to my craziness and introducing me to Omegaverse. I look
forward to writing our book together. Why you would want to write one with me, I have no idea, but I have a feeling it will be a blast. Check out her books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/author/ref=dbs_P_W_auth?_encoding=UTF8&author=Leann%20Ryans&searchAlias=digital-text&asin=B07NVLBH1T
S. Cinders for being such a fantastic person. You are so kind and sweet, and I really appreciate you helping me and Ally to write this amazing blurb. You really didn’t have to, I can’t thank you enough. Check out her amazing books.
https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/author/ref=dbs_P_W_auth?_encoding=UTF8&author=S.%20Cinders&searchAlias=digital-text&asin=B01M6WPKBS
J Marie for constantly messaging with ‘OMG’ comments about my books. Your sweetness is so adorable, I love how you try to make everyone happy. You’re such an amazing person, stay true to yourself, and make sure your happiness comes first. Check out her debut book out here.
https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/author/ref=dbs_P_W_auth?_encoding=UTF8&author=J%20Marie&searchAlias=digital-text&asin=B07YBX9RY3
Elise H. Ford for always reading every one of my books and sharing them all over the place. You are such a lovely person and I’m glad to have you in my life with your mermaid sparkle x check out her mermaid romances here.
https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/author/ref=dbs_P_W_auth?_encoding=UTF8&author=Elise%20H.%20Ford&searchAlias=digital-text&asin=B07MLN5SJB
Emma Mountford, thanks for the daily chats, hun. You help break up most of my stress-filled days. I’m glad we became friends, and I look forward to following you on your journey. Check out her debut novel here.