Chapter 81 Life of The Ceremony.

Chapter 81 Life of The Ceremony.
Bella’s pov. 
I laughed again for what felt like the millionth time tonight. 

Everyone was happy, carefree, light. 

The atmosphere was almost addicting. 

“You really said that to him?” I asked a female alpha.

She was the alpha of Starlight pack, well her father was for now, but she was the heir and she’d be taking over soon, especially since I am the first female alpha. It’s given her the courage to step up into her rightful place. 

“I did!” She giggled, a twinkle in her eyes, “I said there was no way I was marrying that man! He's more of a boy than anything. Why would I tie myself down to that? I told my father he could go marry him if he really wanted too.”

I chuckled some more before rolling my eyes, “men sometimes. I was lucky not to have a father like that… he wasn’t an alpha but he still never pressured me to do anything I didn’t want to.”

I smiled sadly as I remembered my father wouldn’t be here, to witness me being mated to a good man. 

“Alpha Bella?” Teeran said softly, placing her hand on my shoulder.

I turned around, smiling as I faced her. 

“Yes?”

“It’s time… you need to head to the stage. They want to begin now, the moon is at its highest peak and it’s shining brightly, they think the goddess is witnessing the ceremony as we speak,” she said, sounding nervous. 

I searched her face and noticed how her smile wasn’t quite reaching her eyes.

“What’s wrong, Teeran?” I asked curiously, knowing she doesn’t usually act this way. 

She looked down, not able to meet my eyes. 

I took a step closer towards her, putting my hand in hers and walking away from the crowd that had been following me everywhere tonight. 

“Tell me what’s wrong, I’m listening,” I whispered, making sure no one else could hear me. 

She looked up at me then, a small tear falling from her eyes. 

“I- I smelt him, my mate. But I’m scared, I don’t want to leave this pack. I don’t want to leave you and Megan…”

I sighed with a sad smile, knowing just how she felt. 

“Teeran. Hun… it’s okay to feel this way. But he’s your mate. And at the end of the day you would regret not saying anything to him, or at least trying to know the other half of your soul…” I said slowly, wanting her to listen to everything I had to say, “it’s meant to be, don’t try to fight destiny.”

She laughed sadly, tears falling from her eyes as she shook her head. 

“I feel crazy! I should be happy, but all I can feel is pure fear. I’ve always been afraid of the unknown. This isn’t something I’m used to,” she mumbled, looking so confused, so lost. 

“All you can do is try. For now, let’s go back to the ceremony. You don’t have to find him right away, you don’t even have to look for him. Let him come to you, it’s okay,” I tried to reassure her, not wanting her to feel so scared of being bonded. 

It’s not always bad. Most of the time it’s perfect. 

The way they make you feel, the way they would lay their life down for you. 

I got unlucky with Garrett, but now? This time?

With John… it’s different. I don’t have to worry about anything when we’re together. 

The way it should always feel. 

“You’re right! I’m sorry! Let’s get back to the ceremony, it’s your night! I can’t believe I dragged you away for this,” she rushed out with wide eyes, finally realizing where we are and what is happening right now. 

I chuckled and rolled my eyes, “I care for you, Teeran. I wouldn’t have brought you over here to talk if I didn’t care. You do a lot more for me than most people… nothing goes unnoticed. I appreciate every little thing you do and have done. Especially bringing life back to my daughter.”

She smiled, nodding her head once before she took my hand, leading me back towards the people that were eagerly waiting for me to come back. 

I opened my mouth, about to say something when John’s lemony scent wafted my way, making Tundra perk up and growl lowly. 

I swallowed the lump in my throat and tried to focus on the people talking around me. 

But my mind kept drifting towards him. What he looked like. What he was thinking about…

I wanted him badly. 

I wanted to take him and run away to our room and lock ourselves in there for days, just the two of us, alone, together. 

“Earth to Bella,” Teeran whispered beside my head, nudging me with her elbow. 

“Wait, what?!” I snapped out of it, looking around confused. 

Everyone blinked at me before bursting out laughing, making my cheeks heat up. 

“It’s time, Alpha Bella. The mating announcement is beginning now, you were already supposed to be on the stage! John is waiting for you!” A Luna named Izzy giggled while pointing towards the stage, making me gasp. 

How did I forget about that?

I grabbed Teeran by the hand and dragged her towards the stage with me…

I took hurried steps, trying my best to get to John as quickly as I could…

And when I looked up and saw him. 

My heart almost stopped beating at the way he was looking at me…