Chapter 175

Chapter 175
Erin's POV

The morning sunlight streamed through the window, making the lake outside glitter with golden light. I stood by the window in the bridal preparation room, today was finally our binding day. Oh my God, this is really happening, I'm actually becoming Alexander's mate! My heart raced wildly, my wolf stirred restlessly within me, both excited and nervous.

"Stop fidgeting," Isabella lightly tapped my shoulder, her fingers deftly fastening the sapphire necklace behind my neck. Her eyes sparkled with warmth. "Perfect!"

I reached up to touch the gem resting on my collarbone. "It's truly beautiful."

"Your 'something blue,'" Isabella smiled. "Erin, you look absolutely stunning today."

I turned to face the full-length mirror, surprised by my transformation. The white mermaid wedding dress hugged my curves before flaring out at the knees. The sweetheart neckline perfectly showcased my collarbone, and the delicate lace sparkled in the sunlight.

"Feels like a dream," I whispered, my fingers still trembling as they brushed over the soft fabric of the skirt.

Isabella adjusted my veil, her touch warm. "This is the most special binding ceremony I've ever witnessed," she said sincerely. "I'm so happy to see you this joyful."

Just as I was about to respond, ancient binding music began playing outside—deep drumbeats intertwined with flute melodies. Then came urgent knocking.

"Erin, Alexander's getting impatient!" Marco called excitedly through the door, his excitement palpable. "Everyone's in position!"

I laughed, feeling my nervousness ease slightly. I picked up my wrist corsage woven from roses and bellflowers. "Tell him to calm down, I'm coming."

Isabella took my arm, giving me a mischievous smile. "Let's go, don't keep your Alpha waiting."

I took a deep breath, feeling my heart ready to burst from my chest. Calm down, Erin, it's only the most important day of your life.

Stepping outside, the sight before me took my breath away. A path covered with pine needles and white flowers led through the cedar forest directly to the stone circle in the center of the tribal grounds. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows, while the lake sparkled in the distance.

In the center of the stone circle stood Alexander. He wore a black suit, hands folded in front of him, his posture dignified. Even from this distance, I could feel his powerful presence washing over me, making my wolf whimper with excitement. My Alpha... He looked so handsome, so powerful, and he was mine. The thought filled me with both pride and happiness.

Just as we prepared to walk toward the stone circle, a black SUV drove up the forest path, tires crunching over the gravel. I frowned, who would interrupt at a time like this?

The door opened, and Jason stepped out wearing a deep blue suit. My heart stopped, too shocked to speak.

"Brother?" I couldn't believe my eyes. Immediately, whispers spread among the guests.

Jason approached me, his amber eyes softening. He looked me up and down, his lips curving upward. "My little sister is getting bound today," his voice was hoarse, tears glistening in his eyes. "You look just like Mom."

Hearing those words made my heart ache, tears welling up uncontrollably. He came, he actually came to my binding ceremony. After our last argument, I never thought he would appear.

Jason extended his arm to me, his eyes questioning. Without hesitation, I took his arm.

"Thank you for coming," my voice choked with emotion.

Jason simply nodded. "Let's go, your Alpha has waited long enough."

We walked along the petal-strewn path toward the stone circle, and I could feel every guest's eyes upon us. My heart beat faster, my palms beginning to sweat. But when my gaze fell on Alexander, everything else blurred. He stood there, blue eyes locked on mine, the love and desire in them so intense it nearly made my knees buckle.

When we reached the center of the stone circle, Jason paused, taking a deep breath. He placed my hand in Alexander's palm, their eyes meeting.

Jason looked directly into Alexander's eyes. "Ravensclaw, protect her, respect her, and always treat her as an equal partner. She's my only family." He paused, his voice growing more serious, "If you ever hurt her, I'll make you regret it."

Alexander stood tall, solemnly promising, "With my life, I swear, always."

Jason nodded with satisfaction, stepping aside.

Jessica moved to the center of the stone circle, her short hair gleaming in the sunlight. She raised her hands for silence. "The binding ceremony will now begin," she announced, her voice clear.

The tribe members erupted into applause and cheers.

"Today, we gather in the witness of the Moon Goddess to celebrate the union of two souls," Jessica began, her voice filled with emotion, carrying across the sacred grounds. "Alexander and Erin have proven to us through their courage that true love can transcend all boundaries and overcome all obstacles."

She turned, her gaze moving between us, a sly smile playing on her lips. "As Alexander's friend of many years, I must say I'm thrilled to see him find true love." She paused, eyes twinkling, "Giving relationship advice to this stubborn man wasn't easy. By the way, Alexander, if you need marriage counseling, I'm available anytime, first session free!"

Alexander dramatically rolled his eyes, but his lips curved into a smile. "Thanks, Jessica."

The crowd burst into good-natured laughter, lightening the atmosphere. I laughed too, feeling my tension dissipate further.

When it came time for our vows, Alexander held both my hands tightly, his palms warm and strong. His blue eyes gazed directly into mine, that intensity making everything around us quiet.

"Erin," his deep voice was tender, with a slight tremor. "I stand here today with a heart full of gratitude."

He leaned slightly forward, our foreheads almost touching. "From that first night in that Chicago bar, I was captivated by you. When I saw you again at Black Stone territory, I knew it wasn't coincidence, but fate." His gaze softened, "You never feared challenging me, daring to stand against me. You've made me a better man."

His thumb brushed over my ring finger, his voice resolute. "I vow to protect you without suppressing your nature, to respect your equal status as my mate, to love you until my last breath, and even after my soul enters the Moon Goddess's embrace, I will watch over you."

Hearing his vows, memories flooded my mind—our meeting in the Chicago bar, our reunion at Black Stone territory, and all the dangers, misunderstandings, and reconciliations we'd experienced. We've been through so much to get here. Tears flowed freely down my cheeks, and I made no move to wipe them away.

I took a deep breath, keeping my voice steady. "Alexander," I began, every word coming from my heart, "on this special day, I want to tell you that from the moment we met, I was drawn to you."

I smiled through my tears. "Not just because of your strength and status, but because of the man beneath the surface—the man who made my heart race in that Chicago bar; the man willing to sacrifice himself to protect others; the man who let me misunderstand him rather than let me lose my brother."

My voice trembled with emotion, but I continued. "You never belittled me, you saw ME, all of me." I squeezed his hands, "I vow to face every challenge with you, to support you when you need it, to remind you when you stray from your path, to love you with all my being, as your true mate and equal partner."

Alexander's eyes glistened with moisture as he lifted my left hand, sliding a silver ring onto my finger. The ring was engraved with elegant patterns that caught the sunlight. "My heart, my soul, my everything," he whispered, his voice for my ears alone.

He leaned forward, kissing me gently, the kiss pure yet profound. I could feel his restraint, but also the deep love.

The tribe members erupted into cheers and applause, celebrating our union. My heart filled with happiness and contentment, having finally found where I belonged.