Chapter 24%
I got home and found my mom and Vivian giving out orders to the maids
“What’s going on?” I asked, dropping my bag on the couch.”
“Let me see the ring!” Vivian squealed, rushing over to grab my hand
She gasped dramatically. “Oh my god, it’s so beautiful and detailed.”
Mom smiled, her eyes shining “Baby Ryan said you both agreed to get married next month
I nodded shyly. “Yes, we did.”
“Then we need to get your wedding dress. Have you picked one from the catalog I showed you?“!
“Yes, il send it to you now.” I grabbed my phone and sent her the picture.
Her phone chimed, and when she saw the dress, her face lit up. “Wow, baby, this is exquisite“:
“Ouuuu, let me see, let me see!” Vivian rushed over, peering at the screen.
“Wowww, Aya sure has taste,” she said, grinning
Just then, a voice came from the top of the stairs. “Habe, I’ve got to go back to work now.”
I turned toward the voice out of curiosity and froze
Our eyes met. He looked familiar!
“Liaya?” he said in surprise. Y
“Corbin 757 I blurted out
My sister looked between us, confused. “Wait.. you guys know each other?”
I nodded, still processing. “Yes. Back when I was learning hacking and coding, we met in the same program
Luke, formerly Corbin75, chuckled. “Liaya was the top student there. But I’m guessing your real name isn’t Liaya, it’s Aya, since you’re Vivian’s sister”
“And yours isn’t Corbin 75, It’s Luke.” I laughed.
What were the odds?0
After catching up for a while, Luke left, and my mom, Vivian, and I continued with the wedding planning &
Two Weeks Later
I found out that Evelyn had lost her mind after losing her baby. She wandered around her pack house, speaking to someone who wasn’t there, cradling empty air as it still holding her child. The once–proud daughter of Alpha Morten had become a ghost of herself!
As for Cliffe, he was nowhere to be found. Stripped of his title, cast out as a rogue, he had vanished without a trace. Maybe he was dead. Maybe he was out there, living in shame and regret. Either way, he was no longer my concern
It was sad to see how their lives had unraveled, but as I looked at the family I had built, the love I had found, I knew one thing for certain.
I had left that messy past behind. And I had no reason to look back!
Ryan and I had been on countless dates, and with each passing day, I felt more and more attached to him. He had become a necessary part of my routine, someone I couldn’t imagine a day without.⠀
When the time came for our wedding photoshoot, I was nervous. I had always felt awkward taking pictures, but Ryan made me feel completely at ease. The entire session went incredibly well, filled with laughter and stolen kisses. By the end of it, I almost forgot we were posing for the camera. Since the pictures wouldn’t be ready until a week before the wedding, we decided to go on yet another date. just the two of us.
The Wedding Day!!
The ceremony was grand, higher-ups from all the packs attended, making the event feel even bigger than I had imagined. The sheer number of guests was overwhelming, but I reminded myself that today was about Ryan and me!
As I scanned the crowd, my gaze landed on Caroline and we both exchanged a big smile. She stood among the guests, I had her flown in because I really wanted her to be here.
Today was my day!!
I clutched my father’s arm as he patted my hand reassuringly.
“Don’t be nervous,” he said with a warm smile.
“Thank you, Dad.” I returned his smile, feeling a little steadier
Just then, an elderly woman with silver hair stepped forward. I recognized her as Diana, one of the female elders of our pack.
“Hold on, dear. I have something to give you,” she said, her voice carrying a weight of tradition and history.
She reached into a small velvet pouch and pulled out a striking obsidian ring.X
“This ring has been passed down through generations, worn by the most powerful Lunas of our pack. And now, it belongs to you.” she said, sliding it onto my finger right above my engagement ring.
I stared at the ring, feeling the weight of responsibility settle over me. But alongside it was something else: pride.S
I was ready.
his.
My father walked me down the aisle, his grip firm yet reassuring. When we reached Ryan, he patted his hand before placing mine in
Ryan’s eyes softened as he smirked. “Hey
“Hey,” I whispered, my cheeks warming
“You look stunning,” he murmured, lifting my hand to his lips for a gentle kiss.
“Thank you.” I smiled, my heart fluttering!
The officiator cleared his throat loudly. “Mhmm.” Laughter rippled through the crowd.!!
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Aya Valthome and Ryan Arnault in marriage. Marriage is a sacred bond, a commitment of love, trust, and partnership. Today, they stand before us, ready to embark on this journey together.”
A hush fell over
the guests as he continued.
“Before we proceed, I must ask if anyone has just cause why these two should not be joined in marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace.“!
My breath hitched, and my body tensed involuntarily.
Ryan leaned in, his voice a soothing whisper against my ear. “Don’t think too much babe. There won’t be any disturbances.”
Relief flooded through me as silence stretched.
The officiator nodded. “Since there are no objections, let us continue.”
He turned to Ryan. “Ryan Amault, do you take Aya Valthorne to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, to love and cherish for all the days of your life?”
Ryan’s gaze never wavered. “I do,” he said softly!
The officiator turned to me. “Aya Valthorne, do you take Ryan Arnault to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, to love and cherish for all the days of your life?“%
I swallowed past the lump in my throat and nodded “I do
The officiator smiled. “Groom, you may now recite your vows
Ryan took a deep breath, his hands tightening around mine. His eyes, fierce yet tender, held me captive as he spoke.
“From the moment you came back into my life, Aya, everything changed. You became the light in my darkest days, the calm in my storms, and the home I never knew I was searching for. I have loved you in a thousand ways before this moment, and I will love you in a thousand more after. I vow to stand by you, to fight for us, to be your strength when you’re weak and your shelter when the world feels too heavy. No matter where life takes us, no matter what we face, my heart will always belong to you today, tomorrow, and for every lifetime to come.”
Emation welled in my chest, my vision blurring for a moment.
This was real. This was forever
This was THE ALPHA WHO CHOSE MER
The officiator beamed. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife Ryan, you may kiss your bride.” Before I could react, Ryan had already pulled me into his arms, his lips capturing mine in a deep, breathtaking kiss. Cheers erupted around us, but all I could focus on was him, the man who had changed my world, the man who was
now my husband
As we pulled away, he leaned close and whispered, “I love you, Aya. Forever and always
I smiled, my heart soaring.
“To the moon and beyond, I whispered back