Alison’s Point of View
The sunlight filtered through the thick canopy of trees, dappling the forest floor with golden patterns that seemed to shift and shimmer with every breeze. For once, the ever-present tension in the Crimson Pack felt like it had lifted, replaced by an air of celebration. But as I stood in my room, staring at my reflection in the mirror, my heart was a whirlwind of emotions, joy, nerves, and the faintest hint of disbelief.
I was about to mate with Xander, the man who had under gone so much with me. And now, he was mine, and I was his. Forever.
A soft knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. Before I could answer, the door creaked open, and Simone stepped inside, her expression warm but still tinged with the seriousness her new role demanded.
“You look breathtaking,” she said, her voice soft as she closed the door behind her. She wore her ceremonial robes, a deep Crimson that complemented her dark hair and the faint golden glow that now seemed to follow her everywhere.
I turned to her, trying to suppress the tears that threatened to spill. “Do I? I feel like a bundle of nerves wrapped in lace.”
Simone chuckled, stepping closer to adjust the intricate braid in my hair. “That’s normal. But Alison, you’re not just beautiful, you’re radiant. This is your day, and no one deserves it more than you.”
I reached out, taking her hand in mine. “I couldn’t have done this without you, Simone. Seeing you step into your role, embracing who you are… it’s given me so much strength. I hope you know that.”
Her smile faltered slightly, and for a moment, I saw the weight she carried beneath her composed exterior. “Thank you,” she said quietly. “It’s still… a lot to process. But today isn’t about me, it’s about you and Xander. And I couldn’t be happier for you.”
Before I could respond, another knock sounded at the door. This time, it was my mother, her eyes glistening as she stepped inside. She took one look at me and pressed a hand to her mouth.
“Oh, Alison,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “You’re stunning.”
“Mom,” I said, tears spilling over now as I moved to hug her. She held me tightly, her familiar scent wrapping around me like a comforting blanket.
“I’ve always known you were destined for greatness from the day I gave birth to you,” she murmured. “But seeing you here, ready to step into this new chapter with Xander… it’s more than I ever dreamed for you.”
“Thank you, Mom,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “I’ll make you proud. I promise.”
“You already have,” she said, pulling back to cup my face in her hands. “Now, no more tears. You’ve got a ceremony to get to.”
I laughed softly, wiping my eyes as Simone gave me a nod of encouragement. Together, we made our way to the clearing where the ceremony was set to take place.
The forest seemed alive with anticipation as the pack gathered in the clearing, their murmurs and laughter creating a hum of energy that resonated in the air. Lanterns hung from the trees, their soft light casting a golden glow over the scene. At the center of it all stood Xander, his tall frame and commanding presence drawing every eye.
My breath caught as I saw him, his dark hair neatly combed and his suit tailored perfectly to his broad shoulders. But it wasn’t his appearance that stole my breath, it was the way he looked at me, his silver eyes softening as they met mine, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
As I walked down the aisle, guided by my father, every step felt like a promise, every heartbeat a vow. When I finally reached Xander, he extended his hand, his touch grounding me as I stepped beside him.
“You’re stunning,” he whispered, his voice low enough that only I could hear.
“So are you,” I replied, unable to hide my smile.
Simone stood before us, her presence commanding and serene. She raised her hands, her voice ringing clear and strong as she began the ceremony.
“We gather here today under the gaze of the Moon Goddess,” she said, her words weaving a spell over the crowd. “To witness the union of two souls, bound not only by love but by destiny. Alison and Xander, your bond is a testament to the strength and unity of our packs. May the Goddess bless this union and guide you in the years to come.”
Her words sent a shiver down my spine, the weight of the moment settling over me. As Xander and I exchanged vows, my voice trembled with emotion, but my words were steady and true.
“I vow to stand by your side,” I said, my hands clasped tightly in his. “Through every challenge, every triumph, and every moment in between. You are my mate, my partner, and my home.”
Xander’s eyes glistened as he spoke his vows, his voice filled with an intensity that left no room for doubt. “I vow to protect you, cherish you, and love you for all the days of my life. You are my heart, my strength, and my forever.”
When the vows were complete, Simone stepped forward, holding a small ceremonial dagger. She sliced a shallow cut across each of our palms, pressing them together as she spoke the final words of the ritual.
“With this union, you are bound as one,” she declared. “May your bond bring strength to your packs and honor to the Moon Goddess.”
The crowd erupted into cheers as a faint silver glow surrounded Xander and me, a sign of the Goddess’s blessing. My heart swelled with joy as Xander pulled me into a kiss, the world around us fading away until there was only him.
The celebration that followed was a blur of laughter, music, and joy. The pack came together in a way I hadn’t seen in years, their differences set aside in honor of the union between Crimson and NightFang.
At one point, Katherine, Xander’s mother, approached me. She was regal as always, her sharp features softened by a rare smile.
“Alison,” she said, her voice warm but still laced with the authority of a matriarch. “I wanted to personally welcome you to the family. You’ve shown strength and grace beyond your years, and I have no doubt now that you’ll make a fine mate for my son.”
“Thank you, Katherine,” I said, genuinely touched by her words. “It means a lot coming from you.”
She nodded, her gaze flicking to Xander, who was talking animatedly with some of the NightFang elders. “He’s always been strong-willed, my son. But with you by his side, I believe he’ll become the leader he’s meant to be.”
Her words stayed with me as the night wore on, a quiet reassurance that I was exactly where I was meant to be.
As the celebration began to wind down, Simone stepped forward once more, holding the ceremonial staff she had wielded earlier. The crowd fell silent as she raised it high, her voice ringing out with authority.
“In honor of this union,” she said, “I call upon the Moon Goddess to bless the alliance between the Crimson Pack and the NightFang Pack. May our packs stand together, stronger than ever, and may this bond bring us peace and prosperity.”
The staff glowed faintly, a soft breeze rustling through the trees as if the Goddess herself had answered Simone’s call. The crowd erupted into cheers once more, their voices filled with hope and unity.
As I stood there, watching Simone lower the staff with a look of quiet determination, I felt a sense of completeness I hadn’t known was possible. This was more than a mating ceremony, it was the start of a new chapter for all of us. And I knew, deep in my heart, that we were ready to face whatever came next.