Chapter 48

Rosemary

Today was Nathaniel and Liam’s wedding, a day the pack had eagerly awaited. The air was filled with excitement, love, and joy, but I couldn’t shake the unease building inside me. I had been feeling unwell since the morning, but I did my best to push through, wanting to be present for Nathaniel’s big day. Grace, always the multitasker, had taken on the role of wedding planner and was rushing around to ensure every detail was perfect. I tried to help where I could, but my body felt heavier, weaker than usual.

The ceremony was set to take place in a secluded clearing deep within the forest, a place that seemed to be kissed by nature itself. As I made my way closer to the clearing, the breathtaking beauty of it all hit me. The sunlight filtered gently through the towering trees, casting a golden glow on the vibrant greenery that surrounded us. Wildflowers bloomed at the edges of the clearing, their bright colors contrasting with the deep greens of the forest. The smell of pine and fresh earth was thick in the air, grounding me for a moment in the midst of my discomfort.

At the center of the clearing stood a simple yet stunning arch, made from intertwining branches covered with ivy and decorated with white roses and lavender sprigs. Grace had truly outdone herself. The soft breeze that rustled the leaves above felt like the forest itself was alive, celebrating with us. Lanterns lined a stone pathway that led to the arch, ready to glow warmly once the sun set. The scene was nothing short of magical.

As I approached, I spotted Ethan standing near the arch, overseeing the final touches. I smiled weakly, pushing past the strange queasiness that had been creeping up on me all day.

“Grace did an amazing job. It’s beautiful here,” I said softly as I reached him.

“Yes, it really is,” he agreed, his voice warm and tender. He leaned in, placing a soft kiss on my lips, a gesture that had become more cherished than ever over the last five months, as they didn’t come that often nowadays.

But as he began to pull away, I couldn’t help myself. I grabbed his neck and deepened the kiss, needing the comfort of his touch. Surprised, he let out a soft gasp, but he didn’t resist. We stood there for what felt like forever, lost in each other, until the need for air forced us to part. He looked at me with a question in his eyes, something unspoken hanging between us, but he didn’t press.

“I’m not feeling too well. I think I’ll sit down for a bit. The wedding will start soon anyway,” I said, my voice strained.

Ethan nodded, concern flickering in his gaze, but he didn’t push. I could tell he was worried, but he respected my space. I made my way to a seat, the ache in my abdomen making me wince slightly with every step.

Soon, the clearing started to fill with pack members, excitement buzzing through the air. The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest floor as someone turned on the lanterns. Grace finally appeared, breathing heavily from the day’s work, and sat next to me. She was dressed in an elegant, yellow gown that perfectly complemented her vibrant energy.

“This day was rough,” she said, exhaling deeply as she glanced around the clearing.

“But everything looks perfect, all thanks to you,” came Dylan’s voice from behind us. He leaned down to kiss her softly, the tenderness in his touch evident to all.

“Thank you, my dear,” Grace replied, gazing up at him with eyes full of love.

Ethan took his place beneath the arch, standing tall and proud, but his usual commanding presence had softened; his usual Alpha air had melted away in the face of this long-awaited moment. There was a warmth in his eyes as he looked out at the crowd, the gravity of the moment not lost on him. There was a quiet buzz of conversation as everyone waited for the ceremony to begin, but a palpable sense of excitement hung in the air. This day was more than a wedding; it was a celebration of love that had long been hidden, finally allowed to flourish in the open.

Nathaniel appeared at the edge of the clearing, dressed in formal dark clothing. His hair was brushed back, and his usual playful grin was nowhere to be seen; instead, he looked nervous, as if the weight of this moment was finally sinking in. His hands fidgeted with his sleeves, but there was no mistaking the determination in his eyes.

Liam appeared at the opposite side of the clearing, dressed similarly, but his clothes held a lighter hue, a soft contrast to Nathaniel’s. His bright eyes scanned the crowd before locking on Nathaniel. A slow, warm smile spread across his face, and it seemed to put Nathaniel at ease. As Liam walked forward, the crowd stilled, and the rustling leaves and distant birds were the only sounds filling the clearing. He moved gracefully, as if the path toward Nathaniel was the only one he’d ever known. Every step he took felt as though it were destined, and when he finally reached Nathaniel, they stood together beneath the arch, their hands intertwined, their love radiating between them.

Ethan stepped forward to officiate, his voice clear and filled with emotion. “Today, we gather not just as a pack, but as a family, to witness and celebrate the bond that has grown between two souls. Nathaniel and Liam, your love has weathered challenges and fears, and today, you stand here, ready to declare your commitment to one another before the world. The mate bond is sacred, but the love between mates is what makes it extraordinary.”

As Ethan spoke, I felt a sharp pain in my stomach, so intense it took my breath away. My vision blurred, and though I could hear Nathaniel beginning his vows, the words became distant, drowned out by the pain ripping through me. I gritted my teeth, trying to hide my discomfort.

“Sweetie, are you okay?” Grace’s concerned voice broke through the haze.

I nodded weakly, not trusting myself to speak as the pain slowly subsided. But I knew something was wrong. Deeply wrong.

I managed to focus again just in time to see Nathaniel and Liam exchange rings, their hands shaking slightly from the overwhelming emotion. Ethan declared, “By the will of the Moon Goddess, and with the blessing of this pack, you are bound together as husbands and mates.”

The crowd erupted in applause and cheers as Nathaniel and Liam kissed, the joy of the moment palpable. The forest seemed to come alive with the celebration, as if the trees themselves were singing along with us. Grace let out a joyful shout, tears streaming down her face as she clapped, while Dylan patted her shoulder, smiling warmly.

I stood slowly, trying to clap with the rest of the pack, but another sharp pain shot through me, more intense than before. I gasped, clutching my abdomen, and before I could stop myself, I fell to my knees. The world around me began to spin as I looked down and saw blood streaming down my legs.

Panic gripped me, and the last thing I saw before the world went dark was Ethan’s terrified face, rushing toward me.