Chapter 63 Liza
LIZA
Pride swelled inside me as I watched Ty taking on the alpha powers Dominic transferred to him.
My heart overflowed after witnessing him take his place, and I had to fight back the prickle of tears. Persephone would kill me if I messed up my makeup.
She and her glam squad had spent hours fluttering around me, getting me all dolled up for the occasion. It was the most makeup I’d ever worn in my life, but I was happy to do it for this once-in-a-lifetime event.
I was wearing a dress in deep red, the color of the alpha.
The silk sheath had a deep V neckline and fell down to my knees, accentuating my curves.
A purple lace overlay covered my décolletage, the pleated skirt flaring down to my ankles.
It could have looked tacky, but it was elegant and cost more than I’d make if I cooked dinner for every family in town every night for a month.
Persephone had chosen it, but I had to admit the style suited me and the occasion.
From my place to the back of the pack, where I’d been sitting with my dad, Dominic’s voice reverberated clearly.
“Today, we come together not only to witness the transfer of power but also to celebrate love,” Dominic announced to the gathered crowd.
My breath hitched as I glanced at Ty, standing tall and proud before our pack. His newfound authority radiating from every pore, making him appear larger than life.
As if he felt my stare, he turned, and his eyes met mine briefly. The warmth in his gaze sent shivers down my spine.
The ceremony had an undeniable similarity to a human wedding. My father would give me away, and Ty and I would recite our vows. Instead of exchanging rings, a ceremonial sash would wrap around us, symbolizing the eternal bond that would tie us together.
“Are you ready?” my father whispered, squeezing my hand gently as he helped me to stand.
“More than ever,” I replied, and I could barely hear my own voice.
As we began our walk down the aisle, Ty’s gaze never wavered from mine. My breath caught in my throat.. He seemed bigger, wider… and I wasn’t exaggerating.
His newfound alpha powers had transformed him, making him even more captivating than before. Ty chuckled at my wide-eyed expression, and his infectious smile set my heart racing. This was truly happening; I was about to become his mate. His queen.
“Who gives this woman away?” Dominic asked when we reached the front.
My father didn’t hesitate. “I, Scott Mims, give this woman away. With her birth parents, Josef and Portia Wylde, in spirit.”
His words were a balm to my soul as he acknowledged not only his role in my life but also that of my birth parents.
My heart swelled with love for him, and I glanced up at my father, silently thanking him for being the constant anchor in the whirlwind that was my life. The lump in my throat threatened to choke me, and I bit the inside of my cheek, willing the tears not to fall.
With one last tender kiss on my forehead, Dad released me and took his place next to Mom. Persephone stood beside them, clutching a tissue as she battled her own tears.
“Thank you,” Dominic said, nodding in respect. He turned to Ty and me, his expression softening. “Are you both ready to begin?”
“We are,” we replied in unison, our gazes locked on each other.
Dominic began the ceremony, addressing the gathered crowd. “We are here today to witness the union of Tyson and Liza. Fate brought them together, and love has united them as mates. Their bond is one of loyalty, honor, and devotion—the foundation of our pack’s strength.”
As Dominic continued to speak, Ty reached out and took my hands, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through me. His thumbs traced lazy circles along the back of my hands.
Dominic continued. “The bond between mates is one of the most sacred connections in our world. Today, we celebrate your union and acknowledge the love and loyalty that will guide your lives together. Are you prepared to share your vows?”
We nodded in unison, and Ty cleared his throat. “I’d like to go first,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
He turned to me, his eyes blazing with the emotions his voice had held, his gaze never leaving mine.
“Liza, the first time I saw you across the room at the country club, I knew you were destined to be my mate and queen. Every day, you continue to blow me away with your tenacity and strength, not to mention your ability to make me smile with your presence alone. I promise to stand by your side, to guide and support you through every challenge we face. You are my heart, my soul, and my reason for being. My life is yours, now and forever. I will stand by your side through all that comes our way. I love you.”
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes and spilled down my cheeks. To hell with the makeup.
I took a deep breath and squeezed Ty’s hands.
“Ty, my love, from the moment we met, I knew you were different from anyone else I’d ever encountered.
You’ve proven time and time again that you will always be there for me, enjoying the good as well as supporting me through the bad times.
Together, we will face whatever challenges come our way, bound by our love and devotion.
I vow to cherish you, support you, and honor you as my mate and king. ”
My voice wavered slightly, but I pushed through, pouring all my emotions into my words. “You are my rock, my safe harbor, and I promise I will always trust in your strength and lean on your wisdom. I promise to be everything for you that you are for me. I vow to love you with all that I am.”
A collective sniffle rippled through the crowd.
Dominic stepped forward, the ceremonial sash in his hands. “As you embark on this journey together, may the moon shine down upon your path.”
He handed Ty one end of the sash, then walked around us, wrapping it around our waists.
When he reached the front, he took the end from Ty and brought the ends together in his large hands.
“This sash is a symbol of your life, your love, and the eternal connection that the two of you have found together.”
Dominic tied the ends. “It is knotted beneath the full moon, symbolizing your commitment to each other and to the pack. When the night is dark and challenges arise, like the moon, your love will be a source of constant light. You will be a guiding beacon of hope and support to the pack, casting away shadows of doubt and fear. And with each passing lunar cycle, your bond will deepen.”
Dominic’s clear voice reverberated through the air. “The ties of this vow aren’t formed by this sash, or even by the knots connecting it. They are formed, instead, by your pledge, your souls, and your two hearts, now bound together as one.”
Ty wrapped his arms around me, holding me close and giving me a long, languid kiss as Dominic declared, “Keller pack, I have the honor of introducing you to your new king and queen, Alpha Tyson and Queen Liza.”
They cheered as we reveled in the moment. Our family moved forward to congratulate us first, my mom hugging me so hard I couldn’t take in any air. “I’m so happy for you, honey. You’re absolutely glowing.”
My brothers, who’d made a special trip back into town for the ceremony, gave me high fives and bowed playfully.
Across the yard, the live band began to play as Dominic grabbed the microphone one last time. “We’d like to invite everyone to the reception just down the hill as we celebrate Ty and Liza’s union.”
We formed a line, Dominic and Persephone—the retiring alpha and his mate—then Ty and me, the new alpha king and queen, giving pack members an opportunity to share their congratulations.
Persephone stood next to me, running a discreet commentary on names and tidbits about the pack members.
I stifled a grin. It seemed lessons in being the mate to the alpha were continuing despite it being my wedding day.
The reception was in full swing, and Sabrina’s tear-streaked face glistened under the soft glow of the lanterns.
She clutched my hands tightly, her voice cracking as she spoke.
“I can’t believe my best friend is a queen now!
” Her emotions were contagious. My own eyes welled up with tears as we embraced.
“All right, ladies, don’t start crying or else you’ll have me joining in.” Bryce approached us with Ty by his side. He pretended to toss his non-existent long hair over his shoulder and batted his eyes. “You know how emotional I get at weddings.”
Sabrina rolled her eyes and sniffled, trying to regain her composure. “Well, some people fear commitment and just like to play games,” she grumbled. “I wouldn’t call those people emotional, just simply assholes.”
Bryce’s smile disappeared as he turned his intense stare to Sabrina.
“Some men can’t help but be assholes when they’re dealing with snippy little women who can’t make up their minds about what they want.
” His eyes twinkled with mischief as I took a step back, not wanting to get caught in the crossfires of whatever the hell was going on between these two.
As Sabrina huffed and crossed her arms, Ty came up behind me and leaned in close, his warm breath tickling my ear. “My queen, may I have this dance?” His deep voice resonated within me, sending shivers down my spine.
“Of course, my king.” The warmth of his strong hand enveloping mine made my stomach flip. We glided across the dance floor, our bodies swaying to the rhythm of the music. The world faded around us, until it was just me and Ty, and his warm embrace.
Slowly, I became aware of other couples joining us on the dance floor, including my parents. I watched them as they laughed and moved across the floor. For the first time in a very long time, they seemed carefree, and I hoped it would stay that way. They deserved the world.