13 My Ceremony

I'm so excited!

Today is the day. Yes we are already mated but after today we make it more offical. We will be moving into the Alpha house and truly live as mates.

"Get up girl! We need to get you ready!" Ruby barges into my room. The one thing I did allow her to plan was my outfit and makeup. Spending my teen years as a wolf did not help me in fashion and cosmetics.

"I've been up. Where have you been?" I ask her.

"Hay! I'm growing your little nephew in here I don't want to hear you complaining if I take a little longer to get around!" She huffs and I laugh. She is about 5 months now so she could have the pup any time now. She's a little cranky and wants him out!

"You are beautiful and I appreciate all you do." I tell her.

"Thank you now let's get started!" Ruby grins pushing me into the chair by the vanity.

She took her time... and by that I mean I am bored and just want out of this chair! It's been an hour!

"Now for hair." She smiles at me. Ruby has kept my back to the mirror so I have no idea what I look like. This better be worth it!

Another two hours down and she finally stops curling and pinning my hair.

"I amaze myself." She says stepping away from me with a smile on her face. "Now the dress... since we don't have your mom's dress..."

"Momma and poppa didn't have a ceremony." I cut her off.

"Anyway." She continues giving me a look to shut up and hear her out. "I thought you could wear my mom's. Grandma wore it, mom wore, I wore it, you are a woman of our family... it seems fitting."

"Its beautiful." I tell her loving how she thought to bring me into her family tradition. "I'm honored."

"Okay put it on!" She yells rushing me to undress. I untie my robe and step into the white flowing dress. "You look beautiful!" She gushes hugging me. "Come one we can't be late for your ceremony."

Ruby leads me into the woods. I think we are going to the clearing used for training. I wonder why we didn't just do it by the pack house. As we get close I see Beta Eric and he comes over to us.

"Go on ahead Ruby." He says and she nods walking off ahead of us. "You know your poppa was my best friend. He made me your godfather. In his name I'd like to walk you down the aisle... that is if you are okay with that." I give him a hug.

"Thank you Beta." I tell him trying not to cry. This is beyond amazing. I've never had so many people care so much for me.

"Any time little wolf. I'm always here for you... now let's go see that mate of yours." He smiles placing my arm in his.

We walk down a short path lines with flowers. The ceremony ended up being in the woods before the clearing. I love how the trees surround us making it like we are part of nature. I see Alic ahead of me in a stunning suit with Aaron standing beside him. When we reach them Beta Eric kisses my hand and gives it to Alic who smiles widely at me.

"We have gathered today as a family to celebrate the joining of two young wolves. Alic you are like one of my boys. You have more strength than you know and the softest of hearts in spite of the pain you have gone through... and Isabella... you are a miracle. You have overcome so much and I know Brayden would be proud. Together you two are the perfect King and Queen. I am honored to be the one to officiate your ceremony." Aaron says holding back tears.

"Thank you Aaron." Alic says. I just nod not trusting my voice.

"On with the vows...Do you Alpha King Alaric Steven Grayson promise to be devoted to this woman through all life's trials whether sick or well, rich or poor. In the good times and the bad. To be loyal to her and place her happiness and well being above your own for all your lives?" Aaron continues.

"I do." Alic answers firmly never looking away from my eyes.

"And do you Isabella Marie Sanders promise to be devoted to this man through all life's trials whether sick or well, rich or poor. In the good times and the bad. To be loyal to him and place his happiness and well being above your own for all your lives?" He asks me.

"I do." I squeak still trying not to cry.

"As Elder and former Alpha of the Midnight Moon pack I declare you are mates husband and wife for all of time. Let your mark show that this wolf is yours from this moment on." Aaron concludes the ceremony. Typically we would now mark each other but considering we are already marked Alic decides to give me a passionate kiss instead.

I hear Malak hoot and Ruby whistle as the others clap.

"Now I know you wanted this to be small but the reception is at the banquet hall and most of the pack is going to be there. They will come and go in smaller numbers I promise. They just all want to congratulate you two." Clay tells us with a smile.

"As long as our family is there I dont care who else comes." I say looking around at them.

"And we will all be there with you until the end." Eric says hugging me and Alic.

We all walk together back to the banquet hall. As we approach the large building I can already see the large number of pack members. I take a deep breath. Let's do this.

As soon as we enter everyone cheers. We get many congratulations as we walk through the crowd. The first dance was beautiful. But honestly I just stared at my mate and focused on his hands holding le close to him. We sat at a raised table talking with random people who came up to us. Suddenly the background music cut off and Clay begins to speak.

"Now you all know I'm a sucker for tradition. I'm saddened that my mate couldn't be here to see her baby boy... some people do a mother son dance that she can't do... however there was a woman who took on that role after Abby's death and she would like to have this dance. Lilly." He says gesturing to Lilly who steps up taking my mate by the hand. I can see the tears in Alic's eyes and before the song is over they coat his cheeks. I hear him whisper a thank you to Lilly who kisses him on the cheek before he returns to the table and hugs me.

"I wasn't expecting that." Alic says wiping his tears with a smile on his face.

"If you thought that was it you are mistaken." Clay's voice causes everyone to look over to him again. He hands the microphone to Aaron. "Bella I raised your poppa. I saw the way he loved you. You were his world and I know he would want you to have everything. Would you do me the honor of allowing me to give you a father daughter dance?" My jaw drops and I nod standing up. Aaron takes my hand leading me to the dance floor.

"You are beautiful Bella and you will be an amazing Queen." He tells me as we move to the music. After the first chorus he spins me and I am in the arms of Beta Eric.

"Brayden may be gone but you have many people who will fight for you like he would. You are loved Bella." Eric tells me as we dance. After a minute I am spun again and end up in the arms of Alic's dad Clay.

"You are my daughter now, Bella. I will do everything I can to be a father to you. Nothing can replace your poppa but I'm always here for you." He says with a kiss to my forehead as the song ends. I am a mess of tears as I return to the table where Alic wraps me in his arms.

"I guess I wasn't the only one they planned to surprise." He says holding me close. "We have a pretty great family don't ya think?" I nod my head against his chest.

"Tha best." I tell him.