Chapter 340 A Wedding Surprise
Chapter 340 A Wedding Surprise
Eleanor's POV
Aurora's hands worked deftly as she adjusted the last pearl hairpin in my updo. Luna Lillian stood nearby, holding the platinum tiara that would complete my bridal look. I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror, hardly recognizing the woman looking back at me.
"You look like a princess, Eleanor," Aurora said, her voice tinged with emotion.
The wedding dress was more beautiful than anything I'd ever worn. The off-shoulder design showcased my collarbones, while the bodice accentuated my waist before flowing into a voluminous skirt with a three-foot train. The fabric, a delicate blend of lace and velvet, felt cool against my skin, and tiny pearls adorned the edges, catching the light when I moved.
Celia had arrived early that morning, specially coming to style my hair and apply my makeup. She'd woven the top portion of my hair into an intricate pattern of interlocking braids, while the lower portion of my raven locks had been curled into loose waves, dotted with pearl accessories.
"This is for you," Karina said, approaching with a heart-shaped sapphire necklace. "Something blue and something borrowed, as tradition requires."
I smiled, thinking of all the wedding traditions I'd learned about in the past week. The bachelorette party, the tradition of sleeping apart the night before the wedding—it all felt like a beautiful dream.
My mind drifted back to my bachelorette party the previous week. Aurora, Scarlett, Keisha, and Diana had taken me to a strip club. The club was run by a rogue she-wolf. I was nervous because I had never been to such an event before. Several vampires had recognized me as Sebastian's Solus Amor and refused to perform for me, fearing Victor's wrath.
Eventually, I relaxed and enjoyed the time with my friends and family. Then Max had burst in when Aurora received a lap dance from a werewolf performer. It had nearly caused chaos. Aurora had publicly scolded him for being overprotective.
"Either dance or leave," the female patrons had teased Max. Aurora had warned them with a low growl before pulling Max aside for a private conversation. Later, we'd all gone to a fancy restaurant nearby, laughing about Aurora and her possessive werewolf mate.
"Earth to Eleanor," Lillian's voice broke through my reverie. "You're absolutely stunning, my dear."
Today, Lillian was my primary guide. The others had gone to prepare themselves, leaving us alone for a heart-to-heart talk. From Lillian, I'd learned so much about being a Luna, a female leader of a territory. She was warm, inclusive, and strong—the backbone of the entire pack.
I hoped to be as effective a partner for Sebastian in his territory as Lillian was for Robert, though vampire society was structured quite differently from werewolf packs. Thankfully, Vivienne, Allen, and Nicholas had generously shared their knowledge of vampire social hierarchies, helping me understand what would be expected of me as Sebastian's mate.
"It's time to finish getting ready," Lillian said, placing the tiara on my head. The platinum crown was inlaid with moonstones and tiny diamonds that sparkled in the light.
The wedding party returned to the room to confirm final arrangements. Aurora would be my maid of honor, with Scarlett and Keisha included because of our special friendship, and Diana for her long-standing support. Scarlett's and Keisha's dresses were specially tailored by an elven designer to enhance their unique aura.
I'd specifically requested that Keisha, Scarlett, and Lana attend in their true forms. "We're all part of the supernatural world," I'd explained. "On this special day, we should be our authentic selves."
Yates, the local coven leader, would be a special guest. Aurora would be moving out to live with Max, returning only periodically, which had relieved the local witches.
"It's time," Scarlett reminded me.
I slipped on my silver heels and carefully lifted the front of my dress. We made our way to the beautifully decorated garden behind Alpha Robert's house. Night had fully fallen, stars dotting the sky, and guests were already seated.
The wedding party lined up, ready to enter. I stood at the back, taking deep breaths to calm my nerves. Theodore briefly embraced me before offering his arm.
The bridesmaids and groomsmen were paired: Olive with Diana (he'd wanted to walk me down the aisle, but Gavin had asked him to be a groomsman), Keisha with Scarlett, and Max with Aurora. I felt a twinge of disappointment that Gavin hadn't asked Sebastian to be a groomsman.
I felt a bit disappointed—I thought they had become good friends by now.
"You look like a moonlit fairy tonight," Theodore said softly as we waited.
"I prefer princess," I replied with a small smile.
"I prefer princess," I replied with a small smile.
Theodore's lips quirked upward. "Very well, my little princess."
The music started, and I gripped my bouquet tightly. With Theodore's arm linked with mine, we began our procession. As we walked, I could see Gavin at the altar, his eyes filled with wonder and love as he watched me approach.
When we reached the end of the aisle, Theodore turned to me and kissed my forehead. Robert stood behind the altar, ready to officiate.
"Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" Robert asked Theodore, following tradition.
"I do not," Theodore replied.
A hush fell over the gathering. This wasn't what we had rehearsed. Whispers rippled through the guests as I looked worriedly at Gavin, who seemed to be fighting to control his emotions.
Gavin stepped back, and Sebastian gracefully emerged from behind Robert. The matching expressions on Gavin and Sebastian's faces made me smile in surprise.
Theodore embraced me again and explained, "The connection between you and them is indivisible. You love them both in different but equally profound ways. They play complementary roles in your life. I will not give you to just one." He paused. "I give my daughter to both Gavin and Sebastian."
"Thank you, Father," I said, deeply moved.
"For you, I would do anything, Eleanor," Theodore replied quietly before kissing my forehead one last time and stepping aside.
I handed my bouquet to Aurora and took both Gavin's and Sebastian's hands. Gavin wore a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, while Sebastian wore a vintage-style deep burgundy suit. Both wore matching silver pocket squares. I marveled at how different they were, yet how deeply they both attracted me.
"This is the first triad binding ceremony in our pack's history," Robert announced. "We will accept no objections, as these three have been bound by supernatural law and by destiny. We are here to bind their souls under the witness of the Moon Goddess and ancient powers." He paused. "We join Eleanor and Gavin in the eyes of human law, and all three in the eyes of all supernatural beings."
The three of us smiled at each other, and Gavin extended his empty hand to Sebastian. As we stood connected, I felt a warm energy flow between us.