Chapter 187

Chapter 187
Layla's POV

Two weeks later, Kael and I arrived at Stormhowl Pack territory for the wedding. Thor welcomed us personally at the border, looking more relaxed than I'd seen him in months.

"Welcome to my humble abode," he said with a grin, gesturing to the impressive compound behind him.

Kael snorted. "Humble? Your main house has thirty rooms."

"Thirty-two, actually," Thor corrected, winking at me. "Come on, Ruby's been asking about you every five minutes."

He led us to a guest cabin, surprisingly cozy despite its luxurious furnishings. "Get settled. Dinner's in an hour, and Ruby wants to see you before then."

As soon as Thor left, I collapsed on the bed. "God, I'm tired. When did sleeping become a luxury?"

Kael lay down beside me, pulling me against his chest. "Maybe we should just stay here. Skip dinner. Skip the wedding. Skip everything and just sleep for a week."

"Don't tempt me," I mumbled against his shirt.

We must have dozed off because a loud knock startled us awake.

"Layla Lunavich, if you're sleeping in there when I'm getting married tomorrow, I swear I'll drag you out by your hair!"

I laughed, jumping up to open the door. Ruby stood there, hands on her hips, her curls piled elegantly on top of her head.

"There you are!" She launched herself at me, hugging me so tight I could barely breathe. "I've missed you so much!"

"I've missed you too," I said, hugging her back just as fiercely.

She pulled away, examining my face with concern. "You look tired."

"Thanks. That's exactly what every girl wants to hear."

"I'm serious, Layla. Are you taking care of yourself?"

I avoided her eyes. "I'm fine. There's just a lot to do."

Ruby looked at Kael. "Is she eating? Sleeping?"

"I'm trying to make sure she does both," he said, earning a glare from me.

"I'm right here, you know."

Ruby ignored my protest. "Well, tonight you're going to eat a proper meal and get a full night's sleep. Alpha's orders."

"You're not an Alpha," I pointed out.

She grinned. "No, but I'm marrying Hunter, who answers to Thor, who is an Alpha. Close enough."

Dinner that night was the most relaxed meal I'd had in weeks. Thor had gathered a small group – just Ruby, Hunter, Kael, and me, plus a few close friends. We ate in a private dining room, sharing stories and laughter that had nothing to do with pack politics or border security.

"Remember when we first met?" Ruby asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You were so lost and confused."

"I was not lost," I protested. "I was... exploring."

Hunter snorted. "Is that what they call trespassing these days?"

Everyone laughed, and for the first time in months, I felt the tension drain from my shoulders. These people were more than allies – they were family.

The wedding the next day was beautiful in its simplicity. Unlike the elaborate ceremonies often held for higher-ranking wolves, Ruby and Hunter had chosen to exchange vows in a small clearing surrounded by ancient pines. Only close friends and family attended, creating an atmosphere of intimate joy.

Ruby looked radiant in a simple white dress, her curls adorned with tiny white flowers. Hunter couldn't take his eyes off her, his usual stoic expression replaced by one of wonder and love.

"They look so happy," I whispered to Kael as we watched them exchange vows.

He squeezed my hand. "They deserve it."

After the ceremony came the celebration – food, music, and dancing under the stars. I watched as Ruby and Hunter moved around the gathering, accepting congratulations and well-wishes.

"When's the last time you danced?" Kael asked, appearing at my side with two glasses of champagne.

I accepted one, taking a small sip. "Probably at that gala where you nearly got me killed."

He winced. "Not my finest moment. Let me make it up to you."

Before I could protest, he took my glass, set it aside, and pulled me onto the makeshift dance floor. His hand was warm against my lower back as he guided me in a slow circle.

"I've been thinking," he said, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

"That's dangerous."

He smiled, but his eyes remained serious. "The past few months have been chaos. Running two packs, rebuilding after Alex's attacks, dealing with the politics of it all. But through everything, the only constant has been you."

My heart skipped a beat. "Kael—"

"Let me finish." His hand tightened on mine. "I've watched you step up as Alpha. I've seen you put everyone else's needs before your own. You're extraordinary, Layla. And I fall more in love with you every day."

The music swelled around us, but all I could hear was his voice, all I could feel was his touch.

"When's our turn?" he asked softly.

"Our turn for what?"

A commotion near the center of the gathering interrupted us. Ruby stood on a small platform, her back to the crowd, preparing to throw her bouquet. Female guests gathered behind her, laughing and jostling for position.

"You should go," Kael said, nodding toward the group.

I shook my head. "That's not really my thing."

He grinned. "Humor me."

Rolling my eyes, I joined the group of women. Ruby looked over her shoulder and winked at me before turning back around. "Ready? One... two... three!"

The bouquet sailed through the air in a perfect arc. I wasn't even trying to catch it, but somehow it landed directly in my hands. The women around me cheered and clapped.

When I looked up, Kael stood in front of me, a small velvet box in his hand. The crowd fell silent.

"Kael?" My voice came out as a whisper.

He took the bouquet from my hands and passed it to Thor, who stood nearby with a knowing smile. Then he dropped to one knee.

"Our turn, Layla." He opened the box, revealing a stunning diamond ring that caught the light from the lanterns strung overhead. "I know we're already mated by fate and bond. But I want to be yours in every way possible – wolf law, human law, every law that exists. I want to stand before our packs and declare that you're mine and I'm yours, now and forever."

Tears blurred my vision. "Are you asking me to marry you?"

"Yes." His eyes never left mine. "Layla Lunavich, my mate, my Alpha, my heart – will you marry me?"

The answer came without hesitation. "Yes. Yes, of course I will."

Cheers erupted as he slid the ring onto my finger and stood to kiss me. His lips were warm and familiar against mine, tasting of champagne and promise.

"I love you," I whispered against his mouth.

He smiled. "I love you too. Always."