Upon returning to their ancestral lands, Brandon promptly convened a meeting between his and Stella’s families.
Daisha and Darrel arrived at the mansion, Daisha exclaiming, “Finally!”
Alpha Raven, however, immediately shifted the focus, asking Daisha, “When are you going to tell your boyfriend to shift into a werewolf?”
Daisha, surprised, questioned, “He can do that?”
Alpha Raven confirmed, adding, “Yeah, if he’s willing to,” his gaze settling on Darrel.
“We’ll discuss that when we get home!” Daisha said, smiling reassuringly at Darrel.
They took their seats at the large, round table.
Elder Remus and Bryce were already seated, patiently waiting.
Daisha glanced around the room, concern was evident in her expression. “Where are they?” she inquired.
Elder Remus responded calmly, “Stella is en route.”
“I have no idea where Brandon is!” Alpha Raven exclaimed, his frustration palpable.
Daisha shook her head, a mixture of disbelief and worry etched on her face.
They were anxiously awaiting Brandon and Stella’s arrival when Theo’s family unexpectedly appeared.
All eyes turned to the newcomers. Theo, stepping forward, declared forcefully, “Why? I am still a part of this family!” He then gestured for Tracey to greet her grandfather.
Theo and Jessica positioned themselves across from Daisha and Darrel.
Jessica, radiating a nervous energy, offered a bright, almost too-enthusiastic, “Nice to meet you!”
Daisha, however, acknowledged the greeting with only a slight, almost imperceptible nod, her expression remaining impassive, betraying none of the warmth Jessica’s words implied.
The tension in the room thickened.
Then, Brandon entered, his usual confident stride faltering as his eyes landed on Theo seated amongst the assembled family. He stopped dead in his tracks, his face paling slightly, a stark contrast to the vibrant tapestry of emotions already woven into the scene.
The sudden silence hung heavy, punctuated only by the subtle creak of the ancient wooden chairs.
“Oh! You’re here too-with your family!” Brandon exclaimed, a surprised smile gracing his lips as he acknowledged Jessica’s presence.
Theo leaned forward, stating with a hint of challenge in his voice, “I’m your older brother, right?”
Brandon, caught off guard, simply nodded, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. He quickly added a defensive edge to his tone, “I’m not saying anything though!” before taking a seat beside his father, seeking the familiar comfort of his family’s presence.
“Dang! Stella’s taking forever-” Daisha began, her sentence cut short by Stella’s dramatic entrance.
A wave of relief washed over the room.
Stella, radiating an apologetic charm, offered a bright smile, “I’m so sorry I’m late!” Her eyes, however, lingered for a moment on Theo before softening as she addressed Jessica with a warm, “Thank you for coming!”
A subtle shift in the atmosphere was palpable as Theo responded, his tone laced with a hint of possessive pride, “Of course, you’re the one who asked us to be here,” his hand tightening reassuringly around Jessica’s.
“You invited them?” Daisha’s question was directed at her sister.
Stella’s nod was a confirmation, her voice calm yet firm as she replied, “They’re still part of the family.”
Taking a seat opposite Brandon, Stella’s eyes flickered towards Bryce, a playful wink exchanged between them before Alpha Raven’s booming voice cut through the charged silence. “Then let’s get this show on the road and discuss their wedding-finally!”
The weight of anticipation hung heavy in the air, the unspoken tensions now laid bare.
“Huh? What wedding?” Stella’s question, a bewildered expression on her face.
All eyes turned to her, a collective gasp rippling through the room.
Daisha, her frustration mounting, ran a hand through her hair, her voice sharp as she demanded, “Then why the hell are we all here?”
Darrel, sensing the escalating tension, leaned in and whispered a soothing, “Chill,” to his partner.
Stella, realizing the misunderstanding, quickly backtracked, her voice laced with playful relief, “Hey! Chill! I was just kidding!”
“That’s not a very funny joke, Stella,” Elder Remus chided gently, his words effectively silencing Stella’s attempts at levity.
Alpha Raven, seizing the opportunity, declared, “Let’s return to the matter at hand!”
But before he could continue, Brandon rose abruptly from his chair, drawing all eyes to him.
Theo, a mixture of confusion and impatience etched on his face, shook his head slightly, murmuring, “What now?”
“We don’t need this charade anymore!” Brandon declared, his voice ringing with a newfound determination. He directed a pointed wink at Stella before adding, “Elder Remus, I’m marrying your daughter, no matter what!”
Daisha, unable to contain herself any longer, let out an exasperated, “Dang! What a drama!” Rising from her chair, she extended a hand to Darrel, stating, “Let’s get out of here. We’re going to the garden.”
As Daisha and Darrel exited the dining area, Theo turned to his father, his voice firm despite the underlying tension, “We’ll use my room here.” He rose from his chair, mirroring the departure of the others.
Jessica, taking Tracey’s hand, echoed the sentiment, “We’re leaving now,” her voice quiet but resolute.
They followed suit, leaving Elder Remus alone amidst the lingering awkwardness. He watched them go, a sigh escaping his lips as he stood, his final words a quiet admonition, “Just don’t break her heart again.”
Brandon extended his hand to Elder Remus, his voice sincere as he vowed, “I’ll never do that again.”
Elder Remus grasped his hand, a hint of relief in his expression as he replied, “That’s good.” He then gestured towards Alpha Raven, suggesting, “Let’s have a drink.”
Meanwhile, Bryce, spotting his mother, rushed towards her, wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace.
Stella, her eyes filled with affection, knelt to meet his gaze, asking softly,
“Did you miss me?”
Bryce’s nod was a clear affirmation.
Brandon, stepping forward, greeted Bryce warmly, “Hi, handsome boy,” before gently lifting him into his arms.
The air crackled with unspoken tension as Bryce’s innocent question hung in the air: “Should I call you Daddy again?”
“I’m really impressed with your cleverness, kiddo!” Brandon exclaimed, his gaze shifting to Stella. He addressed her with a playful grin, “What do you think, chica?”
Stella’s response was a confident, “I guess Bryce is right,” causing Brandon to beam at both of them.
He offered a grateful, “Thank you,” to which Stella simply nodded.
Weeks melted into one another, the wedding preparations progressing smoothly.
Stella, however, was determined to avoid another bridal shower after the traumatic experience of her previous one.
Daisha, however, had other plans. Undeterred, she contacted Flora, setting the wheels in motion for a surprise celebration, despite Stella’s wishes.
“Are you sure about this?” Flora questioned Daisha amidst the flurry of bridal shower preparations in Sadine’s generously offered studio.
“This marriage needs to work,” Sadine asserted, her voice firm, a sentiment Flora and Daisha readily agreed upon.
Meanwhile, Tyros, Darrel, and Sky arrived to lend a hand, their presence a welcome addition to the bustling scene.
Sky, however, voiced his reservations as he helped hang a banner, “Is all this really necessary?”
Sadine cut him short with a brisk, “Just hang the banner, Sky,” effectively silencing his concerns.
“I apologize for my brother’s behavior,” Flora stated, a playful smirk directed at her sibling.
As evening descended, Daisha concocted a believable ruse to lure Stella to the surprise bridal shower.
A phone call later, Stella, none the wiser, arrived at the venue, her hand hesitantly raising to knock on the door.
The door swung open to reveal Daisha, who, with a mischievous grin, pulled Stella inside the surprisingly decorated studio.
Upbeat music filled the studio, its rhythm infectious as the guests began to dance.
Stella, momentarily bewildered, turned to Daisha, “What’s going on?”
Daisha, her face alight with mischief, responded, “Just let loose and enjoy the party!” She pressed a can of beer into Stella’s hand.
Stella, still slightly bewildered but swept up in the moment, shook her head and surrendered to the fun.
Hours flew by in a blur of laughter and dancing. Finally, after several cans of beer, the group decided to call it a night, heading home, leaving behind the remnants of a successful surprise.
~~~
The day before the wedding, Brandon intentionally kept himself out of sight, letting anticipation build and ensuring Stella’s thoughts would be filled with him.
“This wedding gown is absolutely stunning!” Flora exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration as she examined Stella’s dress.
Sadine, carefully inspecting the intricate details, added, “His mother wore this same gown at her wedding.”
Daisha’s timely arrival offered a welcome interruption, her words laced with concern, “Don’t overwork yourself, sis! You need to be well-rested for tomorrow.”
A magnificent full moon bathed the wedding venue in its ethereal glow, serving as the primary source of illumination.
“You look absolutely gorgeous,” Darrel whispered to Daisha, his arm gently resting around her waist.
Daisha, sensing his apprehension, offered reassurance, “I know you’re hesitant about joining our world, and that’s okay. I won’t pressure you.”
Darrel leaned in, murmuring his gratitude in her ear.
The wedding deck shimmered with white and gold decorations, a breathtaking sight. All the necessary officials were assembled, ready to officiate the union of Stella and Brandon.
Brandon arrived, Alpha Raven by his side, his impeccably tailored black suit highlighting his confident demeanor.
Theo, extending his hand in congratulations, offered a word of caution, “Don’t make her cry again,” his tone both friendly and firm, a light pat on Brandon’s shoulder emphasizing the sentiment.
Brandon, accepting the advice with a nod, replied, “I’ve learned my lesson,” before greeting Jessica warmly.
Sadine and Sky soon followed, their arrival marked by greetings exchanged with Elder Remus.
Alpha Raven, turning to Beta Helias, announced with a playful smirk, “I expect your wedding by the next full moon.”
Sadine, ever quick-witted, retorted with a smile directed at her father, “Don’t hold your breath!”
Flora and Tyros joined the assembled guests, their eyes scanning the crowd for Stella’s arrival.
Flora, holding Bryce’s hand, gently guided him to their seats.
A hush fell over the gathering as the wedding music began, signaling Stella’s entrance. All eyes turned towards her, but none more captivated than Brandon’s.
Alpha Raven, noticing Brandon’s rapt attention, offered a quiet compliment, “What a beautiful bride.”
Brandon, a proud smile gracing his lips, nodded towards his father, his affection for Stella evident in his every expression.
Elder Remus, his hand firmly clasped in his daughter’s, walked Stella down the aisle.
Upon reaching Brandon, he placed Stella’s hand into Brandon’s, his gaze unwavering as he issued a heartfelt warning, “Don’t ever let her down.”
Brandon, his expression serious, nodded solemnly in agreement.
As Brandon held Stella’s hand, a radiant smile illuminated his face. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
Stella, playfully scolding him, retorted, “Stop it,” before they proceeded to stand before the pastor, ready to begin their vows.
Bathed in the silvery light of the full moon, Stella and Brandon exchanged vows, their promises of love, loyalty, and mutual respect echoing under the vast expanse of the night sky, witnessed by their families and friends. Their commitment to never hurt or deceive each other resonated with sincerity.
The pastor’s voice, clear and resonant, announced, “Now I pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss the bride!”
Brandon’s gaze locked onto Stella’s, his anticipation palpable.
Stella nodded, her eyes shining with happiness, as Brandon gently cupped her face in his hands.
A thunderous roar erupted from the assembled guests as Stella and Brandon shared their first kiss as husband and wife.
As with every ending, a new beginning emerged. Their journey had been marked by disagreements and challenges, but these trials had only served to strengthen their bond.
Stella had finally found her peace, a contentment that permeated every aspect of her life, a life now filled with love, both for Brandon and for Bryce.
Brandon, with Stella by his side, assumed the mantle of Alpha, guiding their pack with wisdom and strength.
Sky’s loyalty and experience secured his position as Beta, while Tyros’s capabilities earned him the role of Delta.
The pack, united under their capable leadership, thrived.
A sense of tranquility settled over everyone, a hard-earned peace that permeated the lives of all within the pack.