Chapter 100

Autumn

I looked at myself in the mirror, completely taken aback by the curls they put into my hair. I was dressed head to toe in white, and in my mother’s dress. She had given this to me to be fitted, and the crown from my father’s side looked like a tiara for a princess, if not for the veil that was attached to it.

The dress was a deep V cut, long sleeved princes styled dress. I looked like I was about to shoot a scene in a movie, and I felt like it too. I’d technically already married Oliver by wolf standards, but this was something to show how much he cared. I never dreamed of a big fancy wedding, but I was given one anyway.

Edna was my bridesmaid, along with my cousins. They were already out there, along with everyone else. I was kind of nervous, but also I was excited too. There was a party planned by Phillip, and my dad was to give me away.

The music started, and I took a breath I didn’t know I was holding. I walked to my father, who was already waiting for me, and I took his hand. “You look perfect.” He whispered, taking me down the aisle. I had so many family members I didn’t know, but they were all here to see in the small chapel that I was no longer the little girl that left. I was a Luna now, and I loved that they supported me from the start, even though I knew they didn’t want to. I was grateful that I was allowed to leave the pack, and fine my mate. He looked like a warrior, likely trying to keep his composure.

I saw Oliver looking stern until his eyes fell on mine. They flashed yellow a few times before they settled to blue, and his gentle smile was infectious. We held hands, and a rope was placed around our left wrists, but not tied yet.

“Beloved.” Said Father Bethel, the resident Moon Goddess priest. “We are gathered here to honor the union of these two souls.” He said with a smile. “The Gods saw fit to bring these two together, and with these knots, may their lives be entwined. May they never loosen. They represent our short time on this earth, and the lives that become tied together… speak your vows, that all who witness may hear.”

“I, Oliver Gregory Gray bind myself to my soulmate, Through good and bad, sick, poor, or well, may we be together.” He said looking me in the eyes. He looked at me the way he did the first time we met… and now it was mine.

“I. Autumn Frost-Gray bind myself to my soulmate, Oliver. Through good and bad, poor, sick, or well, may we be together.” I blushed as I said my vow, but I meant every word.

“Do you wish to bind your rope with your soulmate?” He asked seriously.

“I do.” He said with a smile.

“Do you wish to bind your rope with this man?” He asked me and I nodded.

“Yes.” I said and with that the priest twisted our ropes together, making them into bracelets, tying them together. Many people hung them in their homes afterwards, and I would do that too. It would go in our bedroom once we were home.

“Then I pronounce you man and wife. May your rope never be cut. May you be blessed by the Light, and protected during the Night.” He smiled. “You may kiss your bride.”

Oliver kissed me tenderly, holding me by the waist… I wrapped my arms around his neck, and hugged him as tight as I could until he pulled away.

“I don’t want to give your family a show.” He chuckled, along with most of my family. I know I was rosy red after he said it, but there was nowhere to hide.

We walked down the aisle together, and outside there was a horse and carriage rented by Oliver that would take us to the packhouse, and we would have the reception and change there. He helped me up, and we slowly made our way there, along with well wishers.

Many were either shifted or in their cars making their way to the pack, and I wished I could with them. It was maybe the first time I’d ever felt a little left out, but Oliver held my hand, rubbing his thumb over my knuckles.

“Maybe one day you’ll shift Autumn.” He encouraged. “Even if you don’t you still have a wolf so you aren’t missing out on the best part of being a shifter.

“I don’t know about that. I’m still in a way getting used to it.” I said having to really think about it. “It isn’t that I don’t like Winter, it’s that since I was raised human, no one ever told me about her, and she doesn’t feel as natural as it would if I was at least told if that makes since.” I tried to word it in a way that didn’t make her feel bad, because I really did love her, but there was a certain unnatural feeling that comes with hearing a different voice since I wasn’t raised with her like he was with East. It’s something no one really prepares you for, and it seemed Winter understood me rather than taking offence.

“You’ll get used to it. Maybe give it a few decades and hopefully you’ll be able to shift with me. I’d love running with you.” He grinned, showing his fangs. I could feel how happy he was, and how relaxed his nerves were through our bond. I was glad that we were taking this time to relax, and we had no plans on where to go when we got on the plane for vacation, but away from the pack was discussed. I didn’t want to go too far, but if we wanted real peace, it may have to be off the continent.

“I know.” I said as my stomach growled, and Oliver chuckled. He kissed me on the forehead, and I rested my cheek on his shoulder. He was warm, but honestly I wasn’t that cold even though there was still snow on the ground, and the only thing really to be heard was the clop of the horse, and the occasional car now. The streets were nearly sparkling because of the snow, and the buildings I knew so well from my childhood made me realize I basically grew up in a postcard. The window shops held a gentle glow from the lights inside, and they waved. I was the granddaughter of their Alpha, and even though I didn’t see it as such, there was a respect given to me that I never realized….

I wonder what would have happened if I was an Omega from a random house, not the Frost family? This place was warm, safe and friendly. I doubt I would have been treated differently. I may have not been permitted to leave though. This pack was secret, as it was the only one of its kind. It was the only one known in the world were humans and wolves lived in peace. All others held at best a tense treaty, and at worst, humans that I’d hopefully never see… headhunters.

I opened my eyes, realizing that I’d relaxed so well that that I’d fallen asleep in my comfort. We were approaching the packhouse, and there was a crowd of people who were already outside, and just inside, laughing and waiting for us.

“Mrs. Gray,” Smiled Oliver, “How’s it feel to be married and mated?”

“Like a dream.” I smiled with him.

When we got to the top of the hill,

When we got to the top of the hill, he got out the carriage, and helped me down. The carriage driver was tipped, and he trotted off while we went inside. There were cheers, and a glass of wine was placed in my hand by my mother, who looked so proud.

“My little girl found her mate! I’m so proud.” She hugged me, squeezing me tight. I hugged her back and we went upstairs so I could change into the white dress we’d planned I would have the reception in.

“Mom thank you for letting me use your dress.” I hugged her one last time.

“It’s fine dear. I dreamed of the day I would see you next to your mate, hoping you would get one, and that you would get the joy of living as the wolves do. Now I get to see my daughter dance with her mate instead of her on her father’s shoes” She smiled. There was a bittersweetness to her words, as she wasn’t immortal. She would live a few more years, and I would have to deal with the heartbreak that comes with it…. but for her sake I would smile and keep that to myself.

“I remember that.” I smiled getting helped out of the dress. “I was what? Maybe 5 or something? It was the kindergarten graduation ceremony and I said I was a big girl.” I smiled.

“Mmhmm, and you cried after because he told you that meant we wouldn’t tuck you in anymore since you were.” She smiled, handing me the new dress. It was a white evening gown. I was careful not to mess up my hair,

“And now I’m a Luna to one of the most influential packs in New Apple.” I said looking in the mirror at myself. I was like a whole different person than when I was a child. Now I was a leader.