The Alpha and His Contract Luna novel Chapter 17

“Would you hold still” Claire grumbles as she tries to tie the laces of my wedding gown.

“I can’t” I yell in frustration.

Today was the day and I was a nervous wreck. I couldn’t stop myself from fidgeting. Afraid that something would go wrong.

The week had passed in a blur. After the events at the mall, I decided to design my own gown instead of shopping for one. Not wanting to risk my safety again. Our company dealt with design so what better way than putting my employees to use.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I’m happy with the outcome. I chose a princess style wedding gown. It was an illusion long sleeved high neck dress. Encrusted in rhinestones and tiny hand sewn flowers.

“You look absolutely stunning, Sebastian won’t be able to take his eyes off you” Claire whispers, staring at me through the mirror.

I find her hand and give it a firm squeeze. “Thank you Claire bear”

I really did look amazing. The dress was beautiful and my makeup was flawless. I decided to have my hair up. The stylist styled it in a complicated but beautiful up do that showed off my neck. It honestly seemed like I was staring at a completely different person.

“Wow” the awe in the voice makes me turn.

I find Jax, Krystal and a fully recovered Mace standing on my doorway looking awestruck. I would have laughed if I hadn’t been so jittery.

“You look beautiful. Like a queen” Jax says, completely riveted by how I looked.

Mace and Krystal echo his sentiments. Looking at me in wonder. As if they’ve never seen me before.

“Thank you, you guys” I reply fighting back tears.

“Don’t you dare cry. We have to go and there won’t be enough time to retouch your makeup if you did” Claire tells me before turning to the children. “Off you go, we’ll meet you three in the car”

Jax and Mace scramble out the door but Krystal lags behind. She casts me an uncertain and unsure look. Like she wants to say something but didn’t know how to.

“Do you need something sweetie?” I ask, coming to stand in front of her.

Her nervous eyes turn to me before going to Claire who was tidying up my bedroom.

Without taking my eyes off Krystal I speak. “Claire could you give us a sec?”

“Sure” she replies before leaving. Closing the door behind her.

The moment Claire leaves, Krystal bursts into tears. It shreds my heart to see her cry. No matter how she hurt me, I’ll always love her. She was my joy. My lifeline.

I take her by the hand. Leading her to my bed. “It’s okay baby, let it out”

I didn’t understand why she was crying. So I just held her close to me. Giving her time until she was ready to talk.

“I’m so sorry mommy for being such a bad girl. I said mean things to you and I shouldn’t have when you’re the best mom anyone could have.” She sucks in a breath before continuing. “I know you don’t love me anymore and you left because I was mean but I just wanted to tell you I’m sorry”

Her tears undo me. Breaking and healing my heart at the same time. I had no idea she carried such a big burden with her. It tore me apart knowing she blamed herself. That she was drowning in guilt.

“Oh sweet girl, I could never hate you. You’re my baby and I will always love you no matter what. Don’t ever think otherwise. I left because Blue and I were sick but we’re better now. Don’t ever think that I left because I didn’t love”

She nods her head. “Will you forgive me then? I promise to be a good girl from now on”

Sebastian was standing at the front in a black suit. He looked really dashing and I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Next to him was his best man Micah. He was also Sebastian’s beta.

We reach the front and Sebastian takes my hand from Claire’s in a show of affection.

“You look breathtaking” he tells me. His love filled eyes sear into my soul.

I have to keep reminding myself that this isn’t real. That the love I see in his eyes isn’t real. That this is all just pretend.

He turns us to face the preacher who starts the sermon. I don’t pay attention mainly because humans and wolves don’t pray to the same deity.

“Do you take Sebastian Ashford as your beloved husband? Do you promise to cherish and obey? In sickness and in health till death do you part?”

The preacher brings me back to the present only to find Jax standing next to us with the rings. I’m really not sure about the cherish and obey part but I can’t outright say that now can I? I

“I do” I answer. Sebastian pulls my hand toward him. Takes the ring and puts it on my finger.

“And do you take Lauren Smith as your wife? To have and to hold. To love and to cherish. In sickness and in health, till death do you part?” The preacher poses the question to Sebastian.

Sebastian stares at me deeply. Peeking into my soul instead of answering. I start getting nervous. Afraid that he’s changed his mind. That he no longer wants this. It would be embarrassing. I would be called the scorned bride.

“I do” he finally replies and I breathe in relief. I place the ring on his finger. Sealing us as husband and wife.

The preacher immediately continues. “By the powers vested in me. I declare you husband and wife.” He declares through the joyful uproar of the guest.

“You may now kiss the bride”