Epilogue - Rayla
Rayla stretched as she got up from bed. Today was one of the most important days of her life. She was getting married to the love of her life, and nothing could ruin her day.
It has been five weeks since Xander proposed to her and she could still remember the magical night that they had after she said yes. Xander quickly paid the bill, and together, the two of them walked away from the restaurant, eager to be alone.
All throughout the ride back home, she stared at her ring, moving it around, fascinated as it caught the light and a vast array of colors dazzled her eyes. She raised her hand to her window now, doing the same. It never got old.
Rayla giggled. That night had been one she would never forget as Xander worshiped her body, taking his time to map every single part of her with his tongue and memorize it with his fingers.
Xander had arranged for Abel to have a sleepover in another pack, which was why he had been carrying a duffel bag. She’d struggled to believe that they had managed to fool her so easily, but then again, she loved and trusted the men in her life. Besides, it was for a good cause, and she was glad she hadn’t figured it out.
With Abel out of the house, she could be as vocal as she needed, and Xander made sure that she was. He’d sheathed his cock in her warmth, playing her body like a fiddle and bringing her to the brink of pleasure as she begged for her release.
Xander had continued to edge her until she was too sensitive, and the smallest movement caused her to shudder in pleasure. Finally, with a final thrust, he sent her over the edge, grinning proudly at her as her orgasm overtook her, lasting longer than it ever had.
Rayla blushed as she got out of bed. On countless occasions, she’d caught herself smiling wide as she remembered just how much pleasure he’d shown her that night. It was insane how she seemed to learn more about herself every time she was with him.
She yawned as she stepped into the bathroom to wash up and prepare for the day. The women had kept her up all night as they danced and partied, telling funny and romantic stories about their wedding nights. One thing was obvious as they gathered and shared stories—there was love between them and their husbands and it filled her with so much happiness and hope.
She’d always believed that she would have a happy marriage with Xander and their happiness had been the cherry on top of the already delicious cake that made it clear she was bound for happiness.
She brushed her teeth to rid her breath of the alcohol from last night. With how many drinks they’d had, it was a wonder she had managed to wake up without a hangover. The pack doctor had given her a remedy before she went to bed. None of them needed it since they were werewolves; however, it was a remedy that had been passed down in the family.
Rayla stepped out in a comfortable lilac romper to see the preparations that were taking place. Her wedding was not until late afternoon when the sun would begin to set, and it was still morning, so there was time for her to look around.
She gasped as she saw the colorful flowers that lined the path, all the way from the front doorstep to the massive garden Xander had in his home, which was where their ceremony was to be held.
The women had clearly been at work since the early hours of the morning because none of it had been present the night before.
Rayla stared around sheepishly, suddenly embarrassed at having slept so late.
“Luna, what are you doing out here? You should be resting,” Sarah, a young girl of nineteen said, hands set out in front of her as she prepared to usher her back into the house.
Sarah, much like her, was getting married soon, only two weeks from today. The young beauty had been one of those to share her story last night. While she was not married, the story of how she and her mate met and her betrothal had been so romantic that the ladies giggled endlessly as she told her story with a red face the entire time.
“Sarah, do you really think it’s possible for me to stay indoors all day until it is time for me to wed?” she asked with a raised brow and small smile so she would know her suggestion had not offended her.
“Well, no, but—”
Rayla cut her off. “Don’t worry, I’ve been told I cannot help with the arrangement, and I won’t. I merely wish to look around.” She took a cursory glance around the place and sighed wistfully.
“It all seems like a fairytale,” Rayla grinned suddenly. “Which I suppose is what my life has become. I mean, what human suddenly steps away from her world and marries a hot werewolf leader who loves her endlessly?”
Sarah laughed. “Only you, Luna.”
Rayla nodded. “Thank you and everyone for making this place so beautiful.”
Sarah’s laugh faded into a soft smile that turned her lips upward and softened her expression, making her even more beautiful than she already was.
“It is our pleasure to do this, Luna. We’re so happy that you are here. You have made the alpha very happy, and you have embraced us like your own family, even though some of this must be overwhelming for you. There’s no one who deserves this happiness more than you do.”
Beautiful, smart, and so well-spoken.
Rayla was yet to meet the man who had been able to make her his betrothed but she was willing to bet that he was every bit as wonderful as Sarah was.
“Thank you, Sarah. Now, before you say anything else, I merely intend to take a walk around and see how beautiful all of this looks, and then I’ll go back in.”
Sarah nodded, and Rayla walked off, marveling at the beauty that surrounded her. She could not believe that this was her life now. It was more insane than anything she could ever have dreamed up, and yet, it was perfect. Much more than that, even.
She returned to the house as promised, going up the stairs to her room. Xander and Abel were off with his friends, having spent the night having fun much like she had.
Although it was not their tradition to spend the night apart for fear of bad luck, Xander respected her decision to do so, and was excited for the surprise of seeing her coming down the altar in her dress.
As the days passed approaching her wedding, Rayla had worried that she would be too nervous and awkward and would somehow manage to ruin things; however, now that the day had come, everything appeared to be going as planned, and there was not a single nervous breakdown to be found in her.
She collapsed on the bed and closed her eyes to take a short nap, suddenly feeling very tired.
Rayla opened her eyes to the afternoon sun shining brightly into the room. She looked out the window to take a peak. It was a beautiful summer day and the sun cast a warm glow over the beautiful flowers that created a path and the lush greenery around them.
She took in a deep breath and smiled as the sweet scent of blooming flowers hit her nose. The birds chirped in what she decided was their congratulations for her wedding. Altogether, everything looked wonderful. The ambiance was romantic, exactly what was needed for a joyous occasion such as this.
She beamed with happiness as she got out of bed for the second time that day—except this time, she would be preparing to walk up to the altar.
Rayla hummed as she stood in front of her dress, taking in the beauty of it. It was a soft yellow with tiny floral patterns on it, which was quite fitting considering the vast array of flowers that decorated her space.
She caressed the dress before walking up to the vanity. She had chosen to style her hair herself, opting for the hairstyle she had been sporting the night he proposed for its sentimentality and because of the look in his eyes as he twirled the curled strand between his fingers and told her how beautiful she looked was one that remained in her mind.
Adding some flowers to go with the unintentional theme of her wedding, she slid a single daisy behind her ear and smiled brightly as she looked at herself in the mirror. She kept her makeup light and simple, applying a slightly dark shade of red to her lips and a coating of blush to her cheeks.
Rayla got up from the vanity and stepped into her dress, smiling as she picked up her bouquet of flowers and stood once more in front of the mirror to take in her reflection.
Time to get married.
Xander
Xander stood in front of the altar, waiting eagerly for Rayla to arrive. He smiled. Soon, she would be his wife.
All day, he had thought about seeing her again. His friends had joked about his inability to stay away from her, jokes which he owned up to because it was nothing but the truth.
The nearly fourteen years they spent apart was torture enough, taking away from all the moments they could have shared already, the memories they could have created in that time. He had no intention of spending too long without her again, not if it could be helped.
He stood now at the altar as his heart beat from the anticipation of seeing her again and the excitement of being fully able to call her his own and know that there was nothing standing in their way.
The music began to play, a soft melodic tune that she had picked out to walk down the aisle to, and his breath slowed.
Rayla, beautiful as the moon, walked out, pausing by the open doors.
As she stood there in her yellow dress, surrounded by flowers, his heart called to her. He could never get used to how beautiful she truly was, and it seemed that every time he saw her, her beauty intensified.
Her eyes focused, and she smiled a radiant smile that was brighter than the sun. Her eyes glowed with happiness, filling him with so much satisfaction.
As she walked, her dress flowed around her like water, hugging her curves yet keeping enough of her hidden from his gaze with the promise of a beautiful unraveling.
The single tendril flowing down the side near her ear reminded him of the night he proposed and all that happened afterward. He grinned, ignoring the pain in his jaw from the permanent smile on his lips when she noticed what he was staring at and blushed. She’d definitely done that on purpose.
He looked away from her for a moment and glanced at the audience. All members of the pack, including the Elders, were present at his wedding. The alphas sat smiling at him. They had been with him from the beginning as he tried to figure things out, and he was glad to have them and their partners bear witness to this special moment between him and his wife.
Pride washed over him when she finally stood in front of him. Suddenly, the past didn’t matter anymore, only the present and the future, all of which he could see radiating in her eyes.
They had shared laughter and happiness, and with her, there would only be more of that moving forward.
He reached out, offering his hands to her, and she placed her smaller ones in his. He squeezed her hands gently, hoping he could convey all of the emotions he felt in that moment with that single action.
They turned to Eldress Lana, who was officiating their ceremony, and Xander grinned at her as she beamed at them. She had always reminded him of his mother with her calm demeanor, her ability to diffuse situations, and the constant joy she had on her face every time she saw him, even when they called him to demand things he wasn’t willing to give.
As the ceremony began and Eldress Lana spoke of love and commitment, Xander knew in his heart that there was no one he would much rather be committed to than the woman standing in front of him with her hands in his.
He caressed the back of her hand with his thumb as the ceremony progressed, never taking his eyes off her.
The time for the vows came, and Xander spoke words that came from deep in his heart.
“Rayla, from the night we met in the forest, I knew that things would never be the same for me. You were and still are special. I’m sorry it has taken us this long to get to this point, but despite the hardships and challenges we faced, I would choose over and over again to do it with you rather than be with someone else for the ease of things.
You are my heart and soul and I cherish you as I always will for the rest of my life. I love you, Rayla.”
He wiped the single tear that fell from her eyes at his words. These were promises he did not intend to take for granted. For the rest of his life, he would make sure she never felt abandoned again.
Rayla sniffed and stared at him with eyes shining before speaking her vows.
“Xander, my husband, my Alpha, and my love. You have shown me what it means to be loved through your constant care and affection. Your love for me and our son is one I’ve always wished for, and I am glad that it is with you I get to experience this. For the rest of our lives together, I pledge to experience many more firsts with you, staying by your side no matter what and being the shoulder you need at all times.
My world is better with you in it, and I will spend every day showing you just how much you mean to me. I love you, Xander.”
“Well, I suppose there’s not much else to do but to pronounce you as man and wife.” The Eldress turned to the crowd. “Welcome to our alpha and luna.”
Xander took Rayla into his arms and leaned her back, smacking his lips to hers in a desperate kiss. He grinned against her lips as the crowd collectively hooted and clapped.
“I’ve been wanting to do that all day. Now, how does it feel to be married, Luna?”
“So far, I must say it’s quite good.”
“Good? We have to change that to great. No other answer is acceptable.”
Before she could answer, he dipped her once more, pressing kisses all over her lips and all over her face as she laughed wildly from his kiss attacks.
He pulled away to stare at her as she laughed and knew the truth in his heart.
I’ve never made a better decision than this.
*****
THE END