Part 12
The packhouse appeared larger than the last time I had been here. A soft exhale left my lips as I thought about how it'll be my home soon.
My parents were already seated in the lawn along with others waiting for my sister. They asked me to help her out with the dress and the long veil.
"Rose?" Cara tightened her grip on the bag.
"I'm ready to leave."
She was going to run away and hide for a while with her mate. They have planned everything. I had no idea about any of it, only that they were leaving the village and going far away till everyone calmed down.
"Good luck, Cara."
Her eyes pooled with tears. She rushed forward and threw her arms around me. I jolted back at the action, patting her back.
"Thank you so much, Rose. I'm going to miss you a lot."
Cara was a good sister. We may not have the best bond growing up, but I could do anything for her. She often stayed away from me ever since my status as omega revealed in school and, of course, due to my mother, but Cara never bullied me. So that's something to be appreciative about.
"Me too, Cara. Goodbye"
We hugged each other for one last time before my sister sneaked away.
I ran a hand down my beautiful, snow-white gown that hugged the curves tightly. It's a mermaid dress, flaring out at the feet and ending about a foot out. The neckline was made of lace, flowing down to the elbows, exposing the rest of my arms.
My sister managed to do my make up before she left, so I wasn't worried very much. Unlike me, she's an expert in such things.
Someone knocked on the door, interrupting my train of thoughts.
"The Alpha is waiting for you."
I hummed softly.
My heart thudded in my chest. It's still unbelievable that I was getting married to Aiden. The same person who wanted to marry Cara. How will he react? How will my family react once they find out? All these questions started swirling around my head.
As soon as I got to the end of the aisle, I blinked away the incoming tears. My grip on the bouquet in my hands tightened, feeling all eyes on me. Just then, I noticed Alpha Aiden. He was standing on the raised platform, looking handsome as ever in his tuxedo.
"Now we start", The Pack Alpha called out.
"We are gathered here today in the presence of family and friends to celebrate the mating of Mister Russo and Miss Williams. Today, the journey of these two as separate souls comes to an end, and as soulmate begins. The gratitude in this room is overwhelming; we all have so much to be grateful for, playing our part in the success of this relationship."
"As the Pack Alpha, I, Alexander Russo, extend my deepest gratitude to you for being here to support and encourage these two individuals as they cross the threshold into a wondrous new chapter."
My stomach rolled at the word choice. I still didn't dare lift my head, staring at my heels, technically my sister's footwear. Somehow I managed to zone out the rest of Alexanders speech.
"Miss Williams, you may now share your vows."
I swallowed the lump in my throat and lifted the veil off my face. Someone gasped from the audience. It must be my mother. The murmurs started echoing in my ears. From the corner of my eyes, I could see Aiden's face shift; jaw clenched tight as he glared at me. I prayed the ground to open up and swallow me.
"Rose?" My father called out.
Ignoring their voice, I turned on my feet and met the Alphas eyes. "Alpha, I promise to be a better Luna and stand by you no matter what. I pledge to cherish you and our bond, to be there to nurture you in sickness and in health. From this day forward, my life belongs to you."
A single tear trickled down my cheek.
The Pack Alpha cleared his throat, raising his hand to silence everyone. He turned to his son, who's still fuming. They communicated inaudibly before the ceremony resumed.
"Alpha Aiden, your turn."
"R-Rose", He breathed out. "I vow to live our lives in the path the moon goddess has chosen for us. And I will be steady in the difficult times as I am in the joyous ones, from now until the end of time."
My mouth set in a straight line. There was no mention of love, cherish or any pleasant word. It's cold, just like him.
"Do you, Rose Williams, take Aiden Russo to be your mate?"
I sucked a sharp breath, blinking away my tears. "I do."
"And do you, Aiden Russo, take Rose Williams to be your mate?"
"I do." He scowled.
"Aiden and Rose, now you have to exchange rings", The Pack Alpha announced, his voice wavering. I was aware that everyone was confused, trying to find answers. How was I going to explain them?
"Aiden, please take your partner's hand in yours. As you place the ring on his wedding finger, repeat these words: With this ring, I give you my heart."
The Alpha forcefully slipped the ring into my finger, not even bothering to warn me. "With this ring, I give you my heart."
"Rose, please take your partner's hand in yours and repeat the same thing."
I nodded, shaking a little. Aiden twisted his mouth, not happy to have me touch him. Somehow I managed to slip on the ring and calmly repeat those words.
"By the power vested in me by all the elements and our pack members, I now pronounce you mates."
Everyone cheered, throwing rice at us. My mother scoffed, turning her face away. I looked over to gauge my father's expression, and he's furious as well.
"Now we will gather around in our wolves form after dinner for the second ceremony." The Pack Alpha announced.
As soon as he did, Aiden huffed and left me all alone just like that. I watched him go with a longing so complete that it stung my eyes.
However, I refused to cry, though, not in front of my new pack members. Everyone started leaving when my father cornered me.
My father fixed me with a stare, voice firm. "How dare you?!"
"Please let me explain-"
"Where is your sister?! What did you do to her?"
Tears rolled down my cheeks. "N-Nothing. She ran away. Cara didn't want to marry the Alpha."
"And she told you?!"
"Y-Yeah...Her mate...he is an omega," I hiccuped.
Frank cursed under his breath. I realised that he's trying hard to digest two shocks at the same time. Maybe if he had been more understanding, the situation might be better.
“And you hid all of this?"
"I'm sorry-"
"Let me finish," My father warned, leaning forward. He spoke more quietly, suddenly conscious of the people eavesdropping on our conversation. "I am very disappointed in you, Rose. This crossed all lines. I don't care what your intentions were. Your mother is so upset that she doesn't even want to talk with you. I'm taking her away. You are on your own now!"
With that, he walked away, leaving me all alone.