Chapter 120 Chapter 120 – Memorable
Chapter 120 Chapter 120 – Memorable
Lilly's POV
It’s been five months since Adira and Hendrix’s birthday, and the packhouse was buzzing with excitement for the upcoming crowning ceremony—Alpha Alex and Luna Emily have decided it’s time to step down as king and queen.
“Let’s get you ready for tonight’s ceremony. Some of the guests have already arrived,” Ria said as she approached, extending a hand to help me up. I’d come down to the gardens to soak up some sun and fresh air.
“Do I really have to?” I complained with a pout. Now that my due date was looming, it had become incredibly difficult to move around. I was huge, and the three little ones inside me never seemed to rest—they moved so much, breathing itself felt like a job.
Ria chuckled.
“Yes, you have to,” she said. “You’re about to be crowned queen, and we still have to follow tradition.”
“Can’t Lex go on his own?” I muttered, making Ria laugh even harder.
“No,” she said, gentle but firm. “You need to be there too. You’re his mate, and he can’t stand in for you.”
I sighed and made a face, but I knew she was right.
Ria helped me to my feet, and we slowly made our way back to the packhouse.
“Goddess,” I groaned, grabbing hold of the wall. “I think it’s time these pups make their way into the world. I can’t stand feeling this exhausted all the time.”
“All in due time,” Ria said. “They’ll arrive when they’re ready. Until then, learn a little patience.”
I rolled my eyes at her, earning a warning glare.
“Are you tiring my mate out again?” Lex’s voice echoed from down the hall. He hurried over before Ria could respond. “She should rest, not—”
“I beg your pardon,” Ria shot back. “I was just taking her outside for her daily walk. She insisted.”
I snickered as they bickered. Lex always kept a watchful eye on me, especially when I was with Ria—she’d taught me all sorts of tricks to sneak away from him and keep surprises safe, not because I wanted to avoid him, but because Lex had a habit of spoiling surprises.
“Are you two done?” I groaned, a sharp pain shooting through my abdomen. “I need to get upstairs and dressed.”
“Yes, we are,” Ria interrupted Lex before he could say more. She gently took my arm, and we headed back to Lex’s and my quarters.
Now, I lived with Lex in his spacious Alpha Quarters. It was more like a penthouse than anything else—six bedrooms, each with its own en suite bathroom, two living rooms, a huge (mostly unused) kitchen, a dining area, a study, and a gorgeous entertainment area. It was much bigger and more modern than the old Black residence.
Ria opened the door, letting me step in first, and steered me straight to our bedroom. She pulled up a chair.
“Sit!” she ordered, then turned to the supplies she’d brought in before our walk.
My gaze landed on my dress for tonight—a beautiful baby-blue chiffon gown that flowed perfectly over my pregnant belly.
A smile tugged at my lips as my mind wandered to Lex’s surprise on Adira and Hendrix’s birthday.
We hadn’t stayed long after Adira’s descent, and when we said our goodbyes, Adira seemed perfectly content.
I rode on Lotus’s back on the trip home, surprised when we took a different, longer route—but I didn’t mind. I closed my eyes, enjoying the wind in my hair, the scent of the forest, and the steady rhythm of Lotus’s paws on the damp earth. Asena howled in excitement—she loved it, too.
Lotus came to a sudden halt, snapping my eyes open.
In the distance, I saw a clearing with dim lights flickering. People stood around as if waiting for someone. Was this a pack function? I couldn’t remember Lex arranging one for tonight.
“What’s going on?” I asked, suddenly nervous.
“You’ll see,” Lex replied, guiding Lotus forward.
As soon as we entered the clearing, Ria appeared at our side, looking stunning in a dark navy-blue dress. She helped me off Lotus’s back.
“Why is everyone here? What’s going on?” I asked.
Lex shifted back, Luke handing him a pair of pants. He came to me, took my hands, and kissed them.
“It’s our mating ceremony,” he said.
“But I’m not dressed for the occasion,” I replied, anxiety bubbling in my chest.
“Adira to the rescue,” Adira announced, stepping closer in a dress similar to Ria’s. She snapped her fingers, and my mating dress appeared magically in her hands.
Lex laughed at my expression. “Looks like everything is under control. I’ll leave you to it,” he said, slipping away with Luke.
“You all knew?” I asked, surprised.
Ria and Adira nodded. “Lex has been planning this since the temple fiasco. He thought it would be perfect to get mated under the full moon…”
“But how am I supposed to get dressed?” I asked.
“Easy,” Adira said, snapping her fingers. The dress instantly appeared on me.
“Don’t forget shoes, makeup, and hair,” Ria whispered to her. “I heard you’ve been practicing.”
“Yeah,” Adira grinned. “Hendrix was my guinea pig.”
“Poor Hendrix!” I exclaimed, horrified.
Adira just shrugged. “I needed to practice on someone. He was available and willing.” With another snap of her fingers, my shoes appeared, my hair was swept into a beautiful updo, and my makeup was perfectly done.
“You are unbelievable. Thank you,” I said.
“Don’t mention it,” she replied.
My father stepped closer, fully dressed, smiling as he offered me his arm. I hooked mine through his, and together, we walked toward the narrow rose-petal aisle laid out for us. There weren’t many people—just close friends and family, exactly how I wanted it.
Lex waited at the end of the aisle, looking a bit nervous but smiling at me, trying to keep his composure. Everything was cozy and perfect.
Jax stopped and handed me over to Lex. He looked so handsome in his tux, his scent warm and familiar—cherry pie and chocolate. The ceremony was beautiful; it felt as if the goddess herself was there, blessing us.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Ria asked, snapping me back to reality.
“I was just thinking about how perfect and magical my mating ceremony was,” I replied with a smile.
“Yeah, it was wonderful,” she echoed. “But tonight will be just as memorable as that night.”
I nodded, not knowing just how much more the night would hold.