Chapter 285 Our Little Ring Bearer

Chapter 285 Our Little Ring Bearer

YELENA

I finally understood why Vivianne hadn't mentioned him before.

I had spent years working at the Crescent pack, and I knew Alpha Loren by reputation, he was known as a cold-hearted, stern ruler.

Seeing him here, standing beside my friend with such a different look in his eyes, was a shock I was still processing.

"Here comes our ring bearer," the elder’s voice boomed, pulling me away from my thoughts.

I looked toward the entrance, and my heart melted. My baby girl, Claire, appeared in a white princess dress, clutching a small, flower-covered basket. I knew the ring box was tucked inside.

"Aww, it’s Claire!" Marie whispered, sounding like the proudest auntie in the world.

Everyone in the hall turned to look, their faces softening at the sight of her.

Claire took a few steps and then stopped, overwhelmed by all the eyes on her. She blinked, looked at the crowd, and suddenly giggled. "I’m not the bride," she announced loudly.

A wave of laughter rippled through the pack members.

"Oh, Moon," I breathed, looking up at Tristan. He couldn't hide his grin, and I knew instantly this was his doing. He had probably been practicing with her all morning.

Claire continued her journey, but she wasn't in any rush. She kept stopping at intervals, wandering over to the elders to play with their hands or poke at their cheeks.

She kept the basket tucked safely under her arm, but she seemed more interested in socializing than getting to the altar.

At one point, she even turned around and walked backward, laughing as the crowd laughed along with her.

I looked at Tristan, shaking my head. "You see what you’ve caused? I’m starting to think we won’t get these rings until nightfall, and we’ll be stuck here forever."

He reached out and pulled me closer, his eyes dancing with amusement. "I honestly didn't know this was going to happen. Our princess promised me she would do a good job, and I think this is just part of her charm."

I couldn't help but smile, even though I shifted back to give us a little space. "You and your princess are really trying to turn our wedding into a full-blown comedy show," I teased, watching as Claire finally decided to make her way toward us.

When she saw us standing there, her eyes lit up. She stopped walking and pointed, her little finger wagging in excitement. "That’s my daddy! That’s my mommy!"

She started to run, her little legs moving fast. I didn't wait for her to trip; I stepped forward and knelt, opening my arms to catch her before she could tumble. She hit my chest with a soft thud, and I pulled her into a tight, warm hug.

"You’re so beautiful, Mommy," she whispered into my dress.

"And you are so pretty, my baby," I replied, kissing the top of her head. She giggled, that sweet, high-pitched sound that always made everything feel right.

She looked up at me, holding out the basket. "Are you the owner of this?"

I took the basket from her with a soft smile. "Yes, baby. Watch as we put them on."

She stayed right there, perfectly obedient now that she had reached her goal, though she made sure to wrap her arms around her father’s leg, claiming him as her territory.

The elder gently took the basket from my hand and opened the ring box.

Tristan reached in, his fingers brushing against mine as he took my ring and slid it onto my finger.

I couldn't help the playful glint in my eye. "Claire doesn't even remember who her boss is," I teased him, nodding toward how she was busy clinging to his leg.

Tristan let out a low, rough laugh, his eyes never leaving mine.

I picked up his ring and slid it onto his finger, feeling the solid weight of the metal. He didn't wait for the elder to say another word. He reached out, took my hand, and brought it to his lips for a soft, lingering kiss.

Finally, the elder gave the signal. "It is time to kiss the bride."

Tristan didn't hesitate. He surged forward, his hands finding my waist, and captured my lips with his.

The world seemed to tilt.

I gasped, my knees going weak as if this were the very first time he had ever touched me.

He kissed me with a deep, possessive hunger that reminded everyone in that room exactly who we were... Alpha and Luna are bonded and inseparable.

I leaned into him, responding with everything I had, feeling the strength of our bond hum beneath the surface.

For a second, there was no crowd, no wedding, no pack politics, it was just the two of us, sealed by the moonlight and the promise of forever.

When we finally pulled away, breathless and glowing, I saw the pack members cheering, their voices thick with respect and love.

I looked down at my hand, then at Tristan, then at our daughter.

We were finally whole.