Chapter 2 The Wedding

July 17th a perfect summer day. Warm sun, a clear sky, and just enough breeze to carry the scent of flowers through the courtyard.

Their wedding was held outside, just as she'd always dreamed. The courtyard of the Carlson estate was enormous, carved in pale stone and crawling with flowers in full bloom. Cream roses, lavender, trailing wisteria - it looked like something out of a painting. Rows of chairs lined the space, and a long floral archway led to the raised dais where the pastor waited beneath a woven canopy.

It was an intimate ceremony not small, but intimate. Pack members, family, a few council elders. Everything was hushed and reverent. Alex stood at the front already, tall and composed in a tailored black suit, his jaw sharp, his face unreadable. Everyone noticed him. How could they not?

Mona stood at the top of the stairs, her arm looped through her father's. The train of her gown shimmered in the sunlight a flowing silver-gold silk, whispering with every movement. She took a deep breath, nerves fluttering in her stomach.

Her father leaned in close. His voice was soft, low, loving.

"You know the kind of love your Maman and I have. It's a story written by the goddess herself. You can wait for yours, Mona. You don't have to do this."

She swallowed hard. Her heart ached. But she met his eyes.

"Daddy, I know... but he's been good to me. He loves me. Not everyone is fated to have a love blessed by the goddess like you and Maman. Not everybody. And I think he'll make me happy. He has made me happy for the past two years."

"If you're sure, baby... I will not have you marry anyone who doesn't love you. I will move the earth for you, the way we always have. You know that. You're a princess. If Goddess forbid anything ever goes wrong, come home. There will be war, but we still have family in the French colony. You're not from here. You always have a way out."

"I know, Daddy." Her voice was quiet. "But the rumors... the things people say about him I think he spread those stories himself. To scare people. But I've never seen him be anything but sweet. Gentle. In two years, he's never raised his voice. Never touched me without care. I've been to his home. I've met his family. Maybe the rumors are just that. Just stories."

He stared at her for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, baby. Whatever you say. Just know I'm always here. And I'll visit occasionally to make sure you're treated right."

He kissed her cheek and led her down the stairs.

The ceremony passed like a dream.

Soft music. Vows whispered under breath. A kiss under the archway. Applause.

Afterward, she changed into a second dress a sleek silver sheath, more comfortable for dancing. Her suitcase was already packed and brought down by one of the maids. She danced the night away beside Alpha Alex, surrounded by smiles and laughter. His parents stood proudly. Members of his pack beamed. People toasted and cheered. It was everything a wedding should be.

Perfect.

Or so it seemed.

At 7:45 PM, they made their way toward the car waiting at the front of the house. The guests gathered to see them off, scattering white rose petals and throwing rice as they walked under another floral archway. Mona tossed her bouquet and it landed in Stacy's hands, who caught it with a laugh. She was already mated, but it was still a sweet gesture. Mona hugged her two best friends, whispered promises to call and write, and turned toward the future waiting in the car.

Alex opened the door for her and helped her in. They waved as they pulled away.

In the car, Mona stared out the window, silent for a long moment. Her eyes glistened.

"You okay?" Alex asked, watching her.

She smiled faintly, but her voice was tight. "Not really. I'm going to miss my parents."

"You can visit any time you want," he said gently. "We're not that far."

She turned to him. "Thank you. Really."

He looked at her, voice soft. "It's me who should thank you. For saying yes. For being my wife."

They held hands in silence as the car rolled through the golden countryside.

When they arrived at his estate the sun was setting in ribbons of soft orange and pink. The property was enormous. Grand. Powerful. A mansion unlike anything she'd ever seen. It wasn't just beautiful it was intimidating. Carved stone, glass, balconies, towers, a long driveway that coiled like a serpent.

As they pulled up, over a hundred maids and house staff stood in a perfect line outside, waiting to receive her.

She stepped out slowly, taking it all in. Alex held her hand.

They led her inside through the marble-floored entrance hall, chandeliers glowing like fire above. She met every maid and staff member by name - there were so many, she wondered how Alex remembered them all. She planned to ask him later.

The house was four levels of sheer extravagance.

● The first floor held a row of large offices, libraries, and conference rooms.

● The second floor was guest rooms ten of them, each more luxurious than the last.

● The third floor belonged to the Beta and his wife.

● The Gamma and his family occupied the second.

● And the fourth? The most palatial. Hers and Alex's.

His parents had only recently moved out.

She was overwhelmed, if she was being honest. But they were kind. Respectful. One of the maids showed her to her room a wing of their floor, customized to her taste. Cream walls. Gold accents. The same quiet elegance she loved.

They unpacked her clothes.

Gave her a bath.

She changed into a pair of white silk pants and a beige silk blouse simple, elegant, newlywed chic.

Then she found a maid and asked for a proper tour.

They showed her everything.

A basement gym.

A private pool.

Four full floors of corridors, suites, meeting halls.

By the time they finished, it was about time for dinner.