Chapter Priorities #8
Eventually, someone knocked on the door. Xander called, “Come on.” He popped me into the bathroom then snapped the bathtub full of bubbles. My mate kissed me then pulled back. My mate encouraged me, “Relax. I’ll tell them you’ll be out. Take your time because it our day today.” He popped out.
I stripped off my clothes, stepped into the tub, closed my eyes, and just let myself relax. I was beginning to think Freya was keeping my thoughts from racing. Freya snorted, “I am.” Handy. Having a wolf was so awesome.
I eventually got out of the tub and wrapped a towel around myself. I found a robe on the back of the door that said bride. I grabbed it and put it on before stepping out. I promptly gaped at the sight before me. The entire room had been transformed into a spa.
A woman smiled at me greeting, “Hello, I’m your masseuse for the day.” I smiled as she led me over to a chair. They did my nails and toes. Sierra, Addison, Paige, Adeline, and Avery were here. Elise was getting a massage, and my mom was in here too.
Once our nails were done, we were led to the other side to get massages. I slipped a note to Paige letting her know I wanted her to do her Witch charm so no one could hear my conversation with Hastein. I’d picked three areas I thought he might go to… hopefully I found him at one of them.
After my massage, I was put back into the bathroom to shower. I quickly washed my hair and stepped out. When someone knocked on the door, I put my robe back on calling, “Come in.” Haley opened the door and smiled, then snapped my hair dry.
My soon to be mother in law asked, “Would you like me to snap your hair done?” I admitted, “It would probably work out best with what I want.” I showed her a picture.
Haley smiled, “It’s really beautiful.” She snapped and I gasped at my hair.
I’d wanted it down but back in intricate…
what honestly looked like flowers. I whispered, “It’s perfect. ”
Buttercup came in next, and Haley conjured a salon chair for me to sit in. Buttercup told me, “I’m really into makeup.” I knew that. Haley snorted, “She’s being really fucking modest. Buttercup is very talented at makeup and went to cosmetology school for it.”
I told them, “I know that… I mean… uhhh…. you’ve seen my dress. Other than a red lip to match my dress…I’m giving you free reign.” Buttercup squealed and got to work. She had a lot of supplies, including an airbrush for foundation.
When Buttercup stepped back, she smiled, “Ok. I’m done.
” I looked in the mirror and gaped at my own reflection.
I complimented her, “You are REALLY good at this, Buttercup.” My soon to be sister in law smiled, “Oh, it’s nothing.
” I snorted, “It’s definitely not. This looks amazing.
” My makeup looked natural but stunning.
My lips were the exact shade I wanted too.
Another knock came. I turned and saw my Grandma Esther at the door. Buttercup smiled before saying, “I’ll just give you guys a minute.” I grabbed Buttercup’s hand and said, “Thank you again. My makeup is beautiful.”
Buttercup squeezed my hand saying, “I had a beautiful canvas and I do love doing makeup.” She left and my grandma came in. I glanced behind her to see if Grandma Haskins was there, but she wasn’t. I shook that off and smiled at my Grandma Esther.
My grandma smiled sincerely saying, “You look beautiful, Ladybug.” I replied, “Thanks, Grandma.” Grandma Esther set a box down and squeezed my hands. She told me, “I’ve long suspected we’d be here today.” I asked, “Huh? How did you know?” I’d never told her.
Grandma Esther laughed, “Oh, you girls and your secrets. I heard you, MaryBeth, and Melinda talking about your Xander. I know everyone always doubted whether you were right; however, from the moment I heard you say it this match made sense to me.”
“You two go so well together. I know my Ladybug can stand by his side in any fight, and you can handle yourself should a fight come if he is not here. I am so proud of the woman you have become. I can’t wait to get to know you more.”
Tears filled my eyes because I’d missed her. A lot. I could feel parts of me I’d locked away trying to break free. Grandma Esther grabbed the box and opened it. I gasped, “Your earrings… Grandma... I can’t!” I’d admired them since I was little.
Grandma Esther laughed, “Of course you can. I know you’ve always loved them. They will be your something borrowed. I’ve had them set aside in my mind for this day since you were born. Your grandpa gave them to me after we had your dad. They belong with you on this day.”
I wiped away my tears as she put them on me. They were dangly diamond earrings with a larger teardrop shaped diamond at the bottom. I whispered, “Thank you. I love them.” Grandma Esther smiled and said, “Your Aunt Allison and Uncle Archer send their love.” That was sweet.
Grandma continued, “I brought their gift with me. Your cousins too. It’s kind of you to think of them since I’m certain you know how long they saved for this trip. Just know that sometimes, it’s ok to make things about you.”
“You don’t have to sacrifice for everyone else all the time.
Your Uncle Duncan doesn’t know you’re back or getting married.
That darn Alpha of his is looking to get hit, I tell you.
I cannot believe that man, and if I’d not given my word not to link my son I would.
My word means something though.” I knew that.
Besides, Uncle Duncan’s Alpha was already on my list. I already knew my Uncle Duncan hadn’t been told about me.
Grandma Esther turned to leave, but I pulled her back and gave her a hug. I whispered, “I missed you so much, grandma.” She kissed my hair gently and said, “Oh my sweet Ladybug, there was a hole in all our hearts with you gone. We missed you with every breath.”
Grandma pulled back and said, “Now, I’ll go get your mom and we will get you into your dress.” I smiled thinking of my dress. She left and quickly returned with my mom. I smiled looking at my dress again as I ran my hands over it.
Sierra came in with undergarments. I laughed, “Really? Baby blue underwear?” Sierra reasoned, “You have to have something blue and as a bonus they are new. So, it’s a two for one.” I laughed and quickly put them on. Sierra left and my mom and grandma helped me into my dress.
I frowned saying, “I don’t have shoes… crap.” Freya reminded me, “Our mother in law said she did shoes.” Right. Addison came into the room disagreeing, “Of course you do. I know Haley said she had you covered, but for your mating ceremony, we wanted to take care of them.”
Her Sierra, Paige and Avery were grinning broadly. Adeline was just behind them smiling with Abigial. I sighed knowing I might as well get it over with. They were probably high heels. I could wear them… I just preferred flats these days.
Avery handed me the box, and I opened it then smiled.
I squealed, “YOU GUYS!” Paige laughed, “We know our girl loves her tennis shoes.” Adeline added, “And I know you like your shoes broken in, so we had Jared charm them like Haley did for your dance competition when your mom surprised you with shoes.” Mom gasped, “You remembered that?” Avery mumbled, “Did she ever.” I had.
Tears filled my eyes again. My friends had thought of everything. I linked Adeline, “It was so sweet that you asked Jared… because there were other options… but having him be part of it just…” Adeline interrupted, “I knew you’d want it to be him.” I whispered, “Thank you.”
I touched the shoes, loving them. My friends had gotten me converse shoes that were bedazzled red with white laces and a silver toe. I hugged them and they helped me put on the shoes. Abigial admitted, “Wow. They really are perfect.” I agreed, “They are.”
We walked out and everyone ooh’ed and aww’ed. I glanced at Sierra because we both knew who wasn’t here. Maybe Grandma Haskins was just uncomfortable being up here. That was fine. I smiled saying, “Now… it’s the girls turn to get dressed.”
I hadn’t shown them their dresses yet. All of my friends, Xander’s brother’s mates, and his sisters were going to stand with me.
Addison opened her garment bag first and gasped, “Mel, this is stunning.” It was a red dress with an A-line neck that had some cut outs.
It had lace on the top, then went to a full skirt with a serious slit that went to mid-thigh with gold high heels.
Haley laughed, “I fucking love these dresses.” I smiled watching as she snapped my friends into their dresses. Haley popped us downstairs where my dad was waiting. His eyes filled with tears. My dad reached out to take both my hands.
Dad whispered, “Melanie Jane McAlister, you look stunning. My little girl is all grown up. It really does seem like yesterday, you were pushing Warrior’s pups into the dirt.” I laughed, “I still do that.” He smiled. Everyone else was popped out to give us a minute.
Dad hugged me asking, “Are you happy, Ladybug?” I assured him, “I am. Everything feels like it’s been falling into place. It’s not fully there yet, but… it’s getting there.” It was there with Xander. It was just family issues we hadn’t worked past. My dad nodded.
He led me out of the house to where everyone was waiting. My friends started walking in, and I got a peak at the decorations. They were stunning and exactly what I wanted. Rose petals and crystal vases everywhere.
My dad and I walked in last. I found Xander’s eyes instantly. My mate wiped a tear away as I walked towards him. Nothing could take the smile off my face. The Werewolf portion of our ceremony was first. Xander healed me the second our blood touched.
I linked him, “It didn’t hurt.” Xander replied, “I dislike seeing your blood.” I teased, “You’re silly.” My mate simply smirked at me. Next, we did our Fairy portion. It was a little odd walking around a pole, but I could feel how happy Xander was about it.