Chapter 8

***Wedding***

 The grand hall was filled with opulent decorations, the scent of exotic flowers and food wafted through the air enticing all present.

  Crystal stood out among the crowd, her eyes fixed on the floor as she tried to blend into the background, her presence almost ethereal. 

  However, her efforts were in vain as if drawn by an unseen force, the attention of the pack members seemed to be towards her.

  Tara spotted Crystal and whispered to Rachel, her voice like a venomous hiss 

  "Look, the rejected mate is still here with the hope that George will come crawling back".

  Rachel snickered and their friends joined in, their eyes fixed on Crystal with a mixture of disdain and curiosity.

  As the pack girls continued to taunt Crystal, Ethan's eyes narrowed and he took a step forward, ready to defend his sister.

  However before he could intervene, a tall, athletic girl with piercing green eyes and long, curly brown hair stepped in beside Crystal.

  "I think that's enough" she said, her voice firm and commanding, her presence drawing attention from the pack girls.

  Tara and Rachel exchanged a nervous glance but they didn't back down.

  Just then, a voice echoed through the hall "Welcome, everyone, to the wedding celebration of George and Amy." 

  Alpha Williams, George's father stepped forward with a warm smile on his face. 

  Luna Celine, George's mother, stood beside him, her expression elegant but cold.

  George followed them, his eyes scanning the room before coming to rest on Crystal. His expression was unreadable but Celine's eyes flashed with disdain as she caught sight of Crystal. 

  "I'm glad to see some...guests have arrived" she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Though I'm surprised to see certain individuals still clinging to hope".

  The pack girls snickered but before they could continue, the doors to the hall swung open and Amy stepped in, her stunning wedding dress shimmering in the light. 

  Her eyes sparkled with happiness as she gazed at George but her gaze flicked to Crystal and for a moment, their eyes locked...

  As Amy's gaze locked onto Crystal's, a flicker of surprise crossed her face but it was quickly replaced by a warm smile. Her expression is a complex mix of guilt, warning and a hint of satisfaction, like someone who had finally won a long-standing competition.

  Crystal felt a pang of sadness wash over her. She had thought she was over George but seeing him standing there with Amy brought up old wounds. 

  She looked away, trying to compose herself.

  The athletic girl who had stepped in to defend Crystal earlier placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, her eyes never leaving Tara and Rachel.

  As Amy began to make her way towards George, all eyes followed her.

  Alpha Williams cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Let's proceed with the ceremony" he said, his voice booming through the hall.

  Alpha Williams cleared his throat, attempting to refocus the attention of the pack members. "Let's proceed with the ceremony. As George and Amy prepare to take their vows..."

  Just then, one of the pack members rushed in, whispering urgently to Alpha Williams.

  Alpha Williams' expression changed from ceremonial to surprised and he nodded slightly.

  "Excuse me for a moment" Alpha Williams said, stepping aside to discuss with the pack member.

  The room buzzed with curiosity and Amy's shoulders tensed slightly, her eyes flicking to George with a hint of anxiety. 

  George's expression remained calm but his eyes narrowed slightly, wondering what was happening.

  Alpha Williams returned, a hint of respect in his demeanor.

  "It seems we have a special guest. Ryder, the Supreme Leader of the Star Blood Pack, has arrived."

  The room fell silent, with all eyes turning toward the entrance. 

  Amy's eyes widened slightly, her shoulders raised in a mixture of surprise and anticipation. For Ryder to attend a mere wedding was indeed a privilege and the pack members seemed to hold their breath.

  The doors swung open and Ryder strode in, his commanding presence filling the room. His eyes scanned the gathering and the pack members awaited his words with anticipation.

  Just then, a hush fell over the crowd as Ryder entered the hall, his presence commanding attention and respect. 

  The pack members parted, bowing their heads in deference, their whispers and murmurs dying down as they awaited his acknowledgment. William and Celine quickly moved to greet him, their smiles wide.

  With Celine's head bowed slightly, she greeted.

  "Alpha Ryder, it's an honor to have you here. We're grateful for your presence on this special day".

  William added "We're humbled by your attendance. Please join us in celebrating the union between George and Amy".

  Amy's parents, Carly and Myles who stood nearby, nodded in agreement and smiled, also greeting Ryder with respect.

  With the formalities out of the way, Ryder's gaze swept the room, his eyes locking onto Crystal....

  Ryder's gaze swept the room, his eyes locking onto Crystal like a magnet, drawing him to her with an unseen force.

  She felt a shiver run down her spine as he approached her, his stride confident.

  As Ryder approached Crystal, the room seemed to fade into the background leaving only the two of them. 

  Tara and Rachel exchanged a nervous glance, sensing the tension between Ryder and Crystal.

  Tara stepped forward, her voice laced with warning. "Alpha Ryder, perhaps—"

  But Ryder's gaze never wavered from Crystal's face. "Mate" he said, his voice low and husky, sending shivers down Crystal's spine.

  The room fell silent, with all eyes on Ryder and Crystal. 

  George's eyes narrowed, Amy's smile faltered and the pack members exchanged shocked glances.

  Crystal's heart pounded in her chest as Ryder's words hung in the air, leaving everyone wondering what this meant for her future.