Chapter 176
Chapter 176
Erin's POV
"Bouquet toss!" Lila announced loudly after the ceremony, gathering all the unmated female werewolves. I stood with my back to them, holding the bouquet of roses and bellflowers.
"Ready—" I called, then tossed the bouquet high into the air. Turning around, I saw Lila give Isabella a push, positioning her perfectly.
Isabella caught the bouquet in surprise, her face immediately turning red, her violet eyes unconsciously seeking Carter. Carter stood at the edge of the crowd, their eyes meeting in a shy yet promising exchange.
"I knew it!" Lila clapped excitedly, "I KNEW you two would be next!"
The feast officially began amid laughter. Lila, as head chef, directed a team of werewolf cooks preparing a lavish barbecue—roasted venison, whole roasted lamb, and various seafood, designed specifically for werewolf appetites. Guests sipped champagne and danced to the music.
Alexander pulled me onto the dance floor, his movements surprisingly graceful. Who would have thought this dominant Alpha was such a skilled dancer? I was amazed to find myself completely immersed in his lead, our bodies seemingly made to fit together.
Just as we finished our third dance, Noah emerged from the crowd, followed by a man I didn't recognize.
"Alpha," Noah nodded to Alexander, then turned to me, "Luna." Hearing that title, I felt a surge of pride and responsibility.
"This is Alan," Noah introduced, "Victor's assistant."
Alan was a middle-aged man with neat gray hair and sharp eyes. He bowed, retrieving an envelope from his inner suit pocket.
"Alpha Alexander, this is a binding gift for you," Alan said solemnly, handing the envelope to Alexander. "Victor wished to come personally, but was detained."
Alexander accepted the envelope, his eyebrows rising in surprise as he opened it, his expression becoming complex. He passed me a document, which I quickly scanned, trying to make sense of the legal terminology.
"This is..." I gasped, looking incredulously at the figures. "Shares in Black Stone Group? This is worth a fortune!"
Alan nodded, smiling. "Victor has transferred his major shares in Black Stone Group to you both as a binding gift." He paused, "He's departed for Europe, planning to travel the world. He said it's time for the new generation to take over Black Stone."
I looked at Alexander in shock, unsure how to react. This wasn't just a gift, but the handover of an empire. Is Victor serious? Is he really willing to let go?
Alexander's expression softened as he took my hand, giving me a reassuring look. "Accept it," he said quietly, "it's his apology, and his blessing for us."
I stared at the document, my emotions mixed. "Thank you, Alan," I finally said, "please tell Victor we accept this gift and will take good care of Black Stone."
As the night deepened, guests gradually departed, each bowing to express final blessings. Isabella gave me a warm hug, her eyes shining with joy. "Welcome to the family, sister," she said softly, the term warming my heart.
Jason was the last to leave, his expression much more relaxed than when the ceremony began. "Take care of yourself, little sis," he said, lightly kissing my forehead. "I'll visit often."
"Thank you for coming today," I said quietly, feeling tears threatening again. "It meant everything to me."
He simply smiled, then turned to Alexander, the two exchanging a brief but understanding look. Without words, some kind of reconciliation seemed to have been reached.
When the last guest had departed, Alexander took my hand, leading me back to our new home—the most beautiful cabin in Black Stone territory, right by the lake.
In the bedroom, I stood before the full-length mirror, admiring this perfect wedding dress one last time. Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a silver glow on the white fabric. As I was lost in this moment of tranquility, I felt strong arms encircle me from behind, Alexander's scent surrounding me.
"Today has been the happiest day of my life," he whispered in my ear, his warm breath caressing my neck, causing a pleasurable shiver. His eyes met mine in the mirror, that blue now turned to gold.
"You're beautiful," he murmured, fingers lightly brushing my shoulders, "my mate, my Luna."
He bent down, his lips gently grazing the side of my neck, the sensation setting me on fire. His hands slowly explored my body, each touch igniting a flame. I turned, meeting his lips, feeling his tender yet passionate kiss.
Soon, that beautiful wedding dress was carefully draped over a nearby chair as we lost ourselves in each other's love, celebrating our first night as official mates.
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Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, brightening the disheveled bedroom. I blinked lazily, feeling the warmth of Alexander's strong body. The sheets were crumpled, bearing obvious traces of our passionate night—some even torn. Werewolf binding nights are indeed intense.
I turned to face Alexander, still sleeping. His black hair was tousled across the pillow, his expression relaxed and satisfied. I reached out to touch his chest, tracing the contours of his muscles.
His eyes slowly opened, blue orbs twinkling with pleasure. He stretched, showcasing his muscular lines, then pulled me into his embrace.
"Good morning, wife," he said softly, his voice husky from sleep.
"Good morning, Alpha," I smiled in response, my fingers trailing down his chest. "Darling, how many times did we actually do it last night? I think I lost count after the fourth time and fell asleep."
Alexander let out a deep chuckle, pulling me closer, burying his nose in the crook of my neck to deeply inhale my scent, memorizing it. "I was away from you for months," he murmured, teeth lightly grazing my shoulder, "needed to make up for lost time."
After breakfast, we sorted through the mountain of binding gifts in the living room—blessings from various packs ranging from traditional wolf crafts to modern technology. Alexander carefully recorded the source of each gift, ensuring thank-you notes could be sent later.
"Alex," I hesitantly began, a question that had been lingering in my mind. "I want to talk about our living arrangements."
He put down the gift card he was holding, giving me his full attention, waiting for me to continue.
"I want to keep my apartment," I said directly, carefully observing his reaction. "Not because I don't want to live with you, but... I need my own space where I can just be Erin, not just Luna or the Alpha's mate." I bit my lip, "Plus, that way I can be Isabella's neighbor, and I really like her."
I took a deep breath, continuing: "I also want to keep working at Twilight Company, not as the boss's wife, but just like before. I need to prove my worth, Alex, not just through your name."
Alexander listened quietly, his expression hard to read. My heart rose to my throat, afraid he might object. After all, traditional Alphas like their mates to be completely dependent on them.
Surprisingly, he smiled, the kind of understanding and respectful smile that warmed my heart.
"We can arrange that," he easily agreed, reaching out to caress my cheek. "I married you because you're YOU, Erin, not because you'd become someone else. The apartment is your sanctuary, work is your pride, how could I take those away?"
His understanding filled me with emotion, and I threw myself into his arms, hugging him tightly. "Thank you."
"However," he whispered, one hand slowly sliding under my shirt, warm fingertips sending shivers across my skin, "right now, we have some more... urgent matters to attend to, don't you think?"
Good Lord, this man's stamina was incredible!