Riley POV
"You look beautiful, Riley", I heard Tiana's squeal from behind me, the excitement in her voice, as I turned around to see her in her little flower girl's dress, a gorgeous royal blue with a sash around the waist, her hair hanging loosely down her back and her little shoes shimmering beneath.
I glanced down at my dress, a beautiful concoction of silver and blue, to match my hair, giving me a mermaid effect, the dress flowing over my prominent baby bump, the material shiny and shimmery, small straps on the shoulders holding it up, a sweetheart neckline showing off my impressive cleavage. I wore pearls around my neck and around my wrist, and my feet were bare due to my swollen ankles, a seashell anklet around my right ankle instead. My own hair cascaded down my back in soft curls, and my makeup was soft and natural. I felt beautiful but most importantly, I resembled who I was inside. A siren. A mermaid queen. Nobody could ever take that away from me.
"Thankyou Tiana" I said, bending down and giving my flowergirl a hug as she swung her little basket back and forth excitedly, rose petals fluttering softly to the ground.
I winced from the pain in my back, even as I straightened and gritted my teeth. Nothing was going to ruin today of all days. I picked up my bouquet of blue and white flowers. Tiana giggled, "I got told to tell you they are ready when you are" she said, with wide eyes, doing a small twirl, her arms out, her basket balancing in one hand.
I felt nervous. I took her hand. "I'm ready when you are," I said, breathing deeply.
Tiana frowned. "He's not here yet", she pouted as I looked down at her in confusion.
I cocked my head "Who's not here yet?" I asked.
A knock on the door answered my question.
I tentatively opened the door and saw my brother, smiling on the other side, handsome in his suit, his hair neatly groomed and slicked back. He held out his hand to me as my eyes watered with emotion.
"I know that I have a lot to make up for" he told me earnestly, "but I was hoping you would allow me to walk you down the aisle or at least downstairs," he amended as I giggled.
"I would be honored" I told him, taking his hand as he flushed. Tiana gave a happy little squeal that made both of us laugh.
Tiana darted in front of us. "The flowergirl has to go first" she declared loudly.
I grinned as she made her way, her hand digging into her basket and then throwing rose petals carelessly everywhere as we walked behind her. I could hear soft music playing as Damien led me carefully down the stairs.
As we reached the bottom, he halted. He surprised me by hugging me fiercely. "I love you Riley" he said as I blinked back tears "and I want you to know that, I'm so proud of you. You're the role model I have always needed in my life, you and Bailey" he added as I gave a small sob, unable to hold back.
"I love you too, Damien," I whispered, before he took my hand and led me into the room, where my mate and the other boys, Thomas, Callum and Cody stood waiting patiently.
My eyes shot to my mates. He had never looked so handsome before, dressed in his suit, a single blue flower in his jacket pocket, his hair smoothly tussled, his eyes sparkling as he looked at me. I was lost for words as Damien subtly passed me over, Bailey taking my hand, while the minister stood there quietly, drinking us all in. My brother joined the other men, a broad smile on his face. I turned to my mate, who seemed to be struggling for words.
"You look like a mermaid" he breathed, "a mermaid goddess."
"I'll take that as a compliment" I whispered, glancing around anxiously, "and you look pretty damn handsome yourself," I told him as his lips twitched, and he regarded me with amusement.
I felt another pain in my back and fought not to wince. The minister cleared his throat. I forced my body to relax. This was a monumental occasion, a special moment. I will never get to have this moment again. I could feel my mate tighten his grip on my hand. I could see the love he had for me shining in his eyes. He couldn't look away from me and I couldn't look away from him. The other men continued to observe, broad smiles on their own faces.
"With your permission, King Bailey, I would like to begin," the minister said respectfully.
Bailey's eyes fixed on mine. "You have permission" he said gently.
"We are gathered here today to witness the official union between two people who have found love with one another" began the minister, facing us, his eyes twinkling "Riley and Bailey, King and Queen, fated mates and best friends have asked you all to bear witness as they officially become husband and wife, in the human customs" he continued, while Thomas, Callum, Cody and Damien nodded solemnly, taking their roles seriously.
I fought not to laugh. Instead, I squeezed Bailey's hand, feeling the tingles that always accompanied it running down my back. The ceremony continued, but I struggled to pay attention to it, staring at my mate and marveling at him instead, until the words that I had longed to hear finally made themselves known.
"You may now kiss the bride as you are now officially husband and wife."
It was over. Bailey cupped my cheek, his eyes darkening ever so slightly, his head bending down to lower to mine, his lips capturing my own. Sparks flew through me. He was gentle, loving, my arms wrapping around his neck as I pressed back, Bailey deepening the kiss and causing me to give a slight moan as his hand rested on my hip, warmth spreading through me. I forgot about the witnesses, I forgot about the minister, my eyes closing in bliss. Bailey was just as lost, his tongue delving inside my mouth, tasting me, arousing me and there was the sound of laughter mixed with the sound of the minister clearing his throat and looking slightly embarrassed as we reluctantly pulled apart, our cheeks flaming.
"Save that for after the reception you two", Thomas called, while Cody and Callum cat whistled and high-fived each other.
Damien just laughed and shook his head at me while I shrugged sheepishly.
Bailey glared at all of them. They just smirked back at him. The minister sighed. "It is understandable for ahem, newlyweds to get lost in the throes of passion. Many a werewolf has to be reminded they have an audience", he sniffed, while I giggled.
Tiana was laughing. I had forgotten she had been observing too. She doubled over clutching her stomach, tears dripping down her face. "Tiana," I said as the men grinned, "are you okay?"
"You looked so funny" she wheezed. "I totally thought you were going to do it right in front of us."
I gasped "Do you even know what that means?"
"No, but I hear the boys talking about it all the time" she said, blinking at me.
I glared at the men who began to look shame-faced. "We didn't know she was listening", Callum defended, while Cody nodded vigorously.
"Maybe we should go to the reception outside" Thomas interjected hastily, as Bailey's glower turned darker.
"I'll take Tiana" Damien quickly scooped up my daughter before I could turn my wrath on him and almost jogged out of the room.
The other men dispersed just as quickly, including the minister, who I suspected had his eye on a few drinks now that he'd done his official duty. I sighed as Bailey wrapped his arms around me.
"Tired love?" he asked, kissing my forehead.
"A little" I admitted, another pain hitting me in the back, this one so painful I almost doubled over, only just remaining standing upright in an attempt to hide it from Bailey.
"We can leave the reception early so you can get some sleep" he said anxiously, peering at me, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
"That might be nice" I admitted lowly, "I feel bad though, because we are meant to be celebrating our marriage with the pack" I tried not to groan at the next wave of pain.
"The pack will understand. They'll continue to party without us as long as there is plenty of food and alcohol", he teased, "which I made sure to supply."
"Great, a lot of unmated drunk males" I said, scowling. "Nothing wrong with that picture whatsoever," I said with a groan as he looked guiltily at me "is anybody going to remain sober?"
"A few warriors and, of course, patrol" he defended. "Not everybody will get drunk."
I sighed. "Let's just head down to the reception so that everybody can see us" I began, gritting my teeth and beginning to turn towards the doorway, when I felt like something had burst inside of me and a huge gush of water began to trickle down my legs, causing me to cry out in pain as it swept through me. Bailey's eyes widened as he rushed towards me.
"I think my water just broke" I cried, as he hurried to pick me up as gently as possible.
"How long have you been in pain for" he growled, as I stared up at him helplessly.
"A few hours, but I didn't want to miss the wedding" I began, as he snarled in fury and shook his head.
"The wedding could have waited. You're my first priority" he shouted, making his way haphazardly towards the front door as I trembled.
He was putting me in the car when the other men appeared. I realized he must have mind-linked them.
"Damien, keep Tiana preoccupied. Thomas you're in charge while I'm gone", Bailey was shooting out instructions quickly while buckling me in carefully and I doubled over clutching my stomach "Callum and Cody, keep an eye on our guests. Extend our apologies and let our guests know that we have a situation that can't be helped. Riley's in labor and about to give birth to our babies" he declared as the men nodded, their faces inexplicably pale.
"Goodluck Riley" Damien's voice was soft, as he gazed at me.
"Good luck Queen", the other men said in unison "congratulations," they cried as Bailey got into the driver's seat and put the car into drive, starting the engine.
I barely had time to wave a miserable goodbye before the car took off with a loud squeal of tires, Bailey's jaw clenched as he sped towards the hospital. There was a panicked expression on his face.
"You should have told me you were in labor," he scolded as I sat there, clutching my stomach and panting. "Oh my god you're in labor" he shouted, sounding excited and terrified at the same time.
I would have laughed if I hadn't been in so much pain. By the time we made it to the hospital, I was just grateful not to have given birth by the side of the road. It turned out my twins were impatient to be born.