Chapter 24
We returned to the reception hall, and Alastair led me to the center of the room, causing the crowd to part for us.
His arms wrapped around me, and I placed my hands on his shoulders.
We swayed gently to the music.
“I love you,” he whispered. “And I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure you never doubt that.”
My throat tightened, and I tightened my grip on his shoulder.
“I was scared of falling in love again, because I was scared….”
“And now?” he asked quietly, brushing his nose against my neck.
“I love you so much, and I’m not scared of it.”
He smiled, his eyes lightened up like I had just given him the moon itself.
“You have made me the happiest man on earth, Willow.” He finally said. Then he leaned down, and kissed me..
Later, when we sat at our table, Alastair fed me a bite of cake with a teasing grin on his face.
“Come on, Alastair, I can feed myself.,” I said, chuckling as I licked the frosting off my lip.
He leaned closer, his voice was soft. “You’ve been through a lot, Willow. Let me spoil you a little.”
I reached for his hand and squeezed it. “You’ve spoiled me enough, Alastiar. I can never thank you enough.”
He squeezed my hand back, and something flickered in his eyes. “No, you don’t have to thank me for anything. You deserve everything and more.”
Tears welled up in my eyes.
“Promise me,” Alastair said, “Promise me that you will let go of the past, and look forward to our future together.”
I gave him a watery smile. “I will try my best.”
Alastair nodded slowly. “Good.”
He leaned in again and kissed me.
Guests came over to offer their congratulations. Beta Lucas and his mate approached
us with warm smiles.
“You look stunning, Luna Willow,” Lucas’s mate greeted warmly.
“Thank you,” I said, returning the smile.
Lucas turned to Alastair. “She’s already won everyone over. The pack adores her.”
“As they should,” Alastair replied with a proud smile on his face.
Other pack members came over to congratulate us. They were polite and respectful, and very kind.
I couldn’t stop smiling. The energy in this pack was warm. It was nothing like the coldness I was used to receiving back in Silas’s pack because I was never welcomed
there.
After a few more congratulations, a familiar voice called out.
“My daughter,” my father said with a broad smile as he approached. He pulled me into a tight hug. “Congratulations! I am so happy for you!.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I said, holding on to him for a moment before I stepped back.0
He turned to Alastair and gave him a firm handshake. “You’ve made her smile again. For that, I’ll always be grateful.”
Alastair nodded. “I’ll spend the rest of my life protecting that smile sir..”
My father grunted with satisfaction. “I’m so glad that you chose better this time, Willow,” he said bluntly. “I was very much against you marrying that scumbag. Thank the moon goddess that things have finally fallen into the right order.”
I gave him a small smile.
He grinned at me, then stepped back. “I have nothing else to say but congratulations. Enjoy the night.”
As he walked away, I felt relief settle in my chest. My father’s approval had never mattered to me this much, but hearing him say those words meant a lot to me.
Alastair leaned in close. “Want to slip out early?”
I looked up at him and smiled. “Yes please..”
He signaled one of the warriors, and within minutes, we were walking out of the hall. A few guests gave us knowing looks as we exited the hall.
Once we got to the alpha suite, Alastair shut the door behind us and turned to me.
“Are you good?” he asked.
I nodded.
“Are you sure?”
I took a step toward him. “I’ve never been more sure.”
He closed the gap between us and cupped my face. He rested his forehead on mine. “I love you, Willow.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I love you too.”
He kissed me, slow and deep. His hand moved down to my waist, then to my back. I relaxed into his touch as every tension in my muscles melted away.
There were no words after that. He carried me to the bed, laying me down gently like I was something precious.
His fingers brushed the back of my neck as he kissed me again. It was the first time in years I felt completely safe.
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.
