Save Me

EIGHTYEIGHT

"Woah, chill. It's me." Alex chuckled. I shoved him and glared. "Where the fuck have you been?" I snarled, "I thought you weren't going to come." I grunted. He chuckled and shook his head, "Mari, I wouldn't have missed this." He grinned. "It was a secret." He added with a wink. I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah... Jokes on me." I chuckled. His eyes wandered up and down my body, "Wow, you look stunning." He praised. I smiled and nodded a thank you.

A throat clearing behind me made me turn around. A few Elders were stood in front of Rhydian, Elder Rick smiled at me to signal they were ready. Ria had already gone and stood next to Lucas, taking her position in the pack. She is now the Gamma, the protector of the Luna.

"Well, come on. Let's get you Luna'd." He grinned. I raised my brow at him and he snickered. I linked my arm through his arm and he smirked at me. "Would you prefer if I said... Let's get you wed." His lips curled up into an amused smile. I groaned and rolled my eyes. "He told you," I grunted. He chuckled and we began walking down the little path between the chairs.

Cory turned around as I approached them and his little face turned into a massive grin. "You look really pretty." He spoke through the link and I smiled at him. He tugged on Rhydian's arm as Alex kissed me gently on my cheek before moving away. As soon as Rhydian's eyes landed on me, a breathtaking smile appeared on his face. I had to stop myself from lunging at him. Time and place, Amaris. 

His eyes raked over my body, he inhaled sharply and his eyes darkened. He gave me confidence, he made me feel sexy. I kneeled down and gave Cory a quick peck on his cheek. He smiled brightly up at me then went and stood by Lucas. I stepped next to Rhydian, smiling at Elder Rick. "Hi," Rhydian whispered. I chuckled. "Hi," I whispered back. I could feel all eyes on me and I was starting to get nervous. 

"Eyes on me, Red." Rhydian soothed through the link. I snapped my eyes to him and took a deep breath. "It's just you and me, baby. Focus on us." He reassured. I exhaled slowly and kept my eyes on him. "Thank you everyone for joining us on this beautiful night to welcome Amaris back into the pack." Elder Rick's voice boomed throughout the forest.

Amaris's presence has always surrounded the pack even when she wasn't physically with us. I had the honour of watching her grow up into the incredible she-wolf she is today. I know her father will be so proud of her. 

I smiled sadly at him and Rhydian gripped hold of my hands gently. I squeezed his hands as Elder Rick continued. 

Now, we aren't only welcoming Amaris back to the pack... We are all here to witness the bond exchange between your Alpha and his Luna. I expect silence as the vows and exchange of blood is completed. This won't be the traditional Luna ceremony you were all expecting but from what I've been told, I guarantee it will be worth it. 

My eyes went wide and I furrowed my brows at Elder Rick as he gave me an amused smile. I wanted to ground to open and swallow me whole. "Vows!" I shrilled, turning my attention to Rhydian. He grinned at me but didn't reply. "Alpha, I believe you want to say something." Elder Rick gestured to Rhydian before stepping back. I watched Rhydian as he moved forward, closing the distance between us just a little bit. 

"I thank the Goddess every day for giving me you. I spent most of my life not really living, it wasn't until you took of that damn necklace that I could finally breathe again." He smirked, I chuckled and rolled my eyes. "You are my life and my greatest gift. I promise to love you for who you are, and for who you are yet to become. I'll always show you how deeply I care for you, no matter the challenges that may come our way. I promise to love you loyally and fiercely. I'll be forever by your side." He expressed.

I let out a shaky breath and blinked rapidly trying to clear the tears. "That sounded an awful lot like wedding vows, Rhydian." I choked, gawking at him. "I want everything with you, Amaris. I want our traditions and the human traditions that you have lived through." He bent down on one knee and pulled a little black velvet box from his pocket. I gasped and covered my mouth with my hand. "I want you to be mine in every way possible." He breathed. 

He opened up the box, my eyes fell to a diamond ring. I nodded my head slowly and dragged my eyes back to his. A genuine heartwarming smile lit up his face as he stood up and took the ring out of the box. He lifted my hand and gently pushed the ring on. I held it up in front of my face and chuckled. "Amaris, would you like to say anything?" Elder Rick asked. I glanced at him and he had a heartwarming smile on his face. 

"Um, I wasn't expecting this at all," I whispered. I nodded and looked back at Rhydian. "I'm not the best with words and saying how I feel." I took a deep breath and smiled sweetly at him, "6 weeks ago when I came back, I wasn't supposed to stay. I had one goal and I was sticking to it, never let anyone close. But you, you broke down every single wall piece by piece without even realising what you were doing." I expressed. 

"You complete me in ways I never knew possible. For once in my life, I am excited for my future, our future." I turned to look at the pack, "I'm guessing this isn't how a traditional Luna ceremony is supposed to go... But I promise you all, that for as long as there is breath in my lungs, I will be what you all need as your Luna." I took a deep breath before looking back at Rhydian. "We need to finish this now because I'm feeling awkward and need to get out of the spotlight," I whispered. He chuckled and nodded towards Elder Rick. 

"Amaris, do you take Rhydian to be your lawful wedded husband and Alpha of The Dark Wolf pack?" He asked. My mouth dropped open and I stared at him. He nodded his head with an amused expression on his face. "Um, yes." I squeaked. I heard a few giggles and gasps from behind me. "Rhydian, do you take Amaris to be your lawful wedded wife and Luna of The Dark Wolf pack?" He asked, turning his attention to Rhydian. "I do," He voiced clearly. 

I was awestruck, I stood there staring back and forth at Rhydian and Elder Rick. I have never heard of werewolves getting married, I mean, they don't need to. Soulmates are for life, there are no two ways about it. You're stuck with them and they're stuck with you. It's like a human marriage that has no rings or paperwork... Until now that is. 

"By the power vested in me from the internet..." He chuckled causing everyone to laugh along with him. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Alpha, you may kiss your bride." He exclaimed. Rhydian took one large step and caged my body against his, "You're mine, Amaris Knight." He breathed before crashing his lips down on mine and making me awestruck once again.