The Rejected Luna’s Prince By Aurora Archer
Chapter 79 Epilogue 2 – Cali’s Wedding
(Cali)
The day that I had been dreaming of was finally here. Well, everything I wanted I already had, but this felt significant in a way; binding in a way that I could comprehend as a human.
Even though I had been a werewolf for months, it didn’t negate what I felt was true my entire life. Holden’s mark that I wore meant so much to me; being welcomed into this pack changed me in a way that was imprinted on my blood.
Marriage, though, was something that felt even more foreign to me than mixing blood with a werewolf prince into a chalice. It made me more uneasy than changing into a wolf and feeling the wind in my fur being pulled by the moonlight itself.
Join Our Telegram Group for Update Notification and Novel Query
I never thought that I would get this. I deserved it, h.ell did I know that I deserved it after the s.hit that I had been through. But this being a reality, having my golden prince charming literally handed to me through some
mate bond, you couldn’t write this s.hit.
Cold feet?- Holden linked me
Never, you?
I’ve been waiting for your for years, now you ‘re making me wait do wn this long a. ss aisle
I laughed – You said you’ve been waiting for years, a few more minutes is nothing. “Ready?” Willa walked back into the bathroom carrying a fresh glass of champagne.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I looked at my reflection.
My hair was in perfect curls; I let Rachel drag me to a salon that helped tame my unruly locks. Willa found some golden headpiece that wrapped around the back of my head and met in the front adorned with golden leaves.
“I never thought I would be a bride,” I studied myself over the glass’s.
“The big white wedding wasn’t for you?” Willa leaned over the counter in the hotel room and studied me.
“I wanted it but never thought I would have it,” I admitted, “Mostly focused on the day-to-day, trying to make enough so that my child didn’t starve.”
Willa frowned, “I know,” She said, and she did know, to some extent. I was glad that she didn’t have to live like that longer, and even happier that she did have amazing parents she could have fallen back on. There was nothing like having no safety net to burn you out and make you lose sight of building any future.
Risks weren’t something that I took once I had Loreli. Going to community college was the boldest thing I’d done since having her. That did pay off, though, in more ways than one. I learned I was great at it, loved it, and I found my mate, my perfect counterpart.
I liked the idea of someone made for me, even though I never believed in that c.rap, but the idea was nice for others. But I got practically handed everything I ever wanted: security, a father for Loreli, a loving devoted partner.
“Ready for this?” Willa asked, studying me under her thick lashes. I knew she was worried I would back out and run like I almost did the first night I met Holden.
“I am,” My voice didn’t waver, “My nerves aren’t for marrying, and forgive me for saying this, the love of my life.” Willa laughed, “My nerves are because I never envisioned myself as a bride. This feels weird,” I motioned to my white lace bodice and gown.
“White suits you,” Willa smiled.
“Don’t lie,” I shook my head but let her help me up, “Shoes, I forgot to put on shoes.” Willa knelt down and helped me slip on the white heels. “Thank you.”
She took my glass and set it on the counter, taking my hands in hers. I swallowed fighting the urge to look away. “I am so happy for you. You deserve and have earned everything that has come and will come to you,” She breathed, her green eyes sparkled, “I’m not going to cry. Don’t look at me like that,” her dark brow shot up; I couldn’t help laugh.
“I’ll cry if you cry.” I tried to smile, but it wavered, “It doesn’t matter, I already have the mark, so,” I tried to play it off, but this mattered more than I would even admit to myself.
“Cas is linking me again,” Willa rolled her eyes, “You look perfect, one last thing.” She tugged me gently out of the bathroom and in front of the floor-length mirror of our hotel room.
I studied the white dress that was tailored to fit me perfectly. I still felt like something would feel off, but it didn’t.
I ended up with a tight bodice covered in intricate lace and detailed beading that flared out at my knees. A mermaid fit, I think Rachel called it. I was grateful that she flew back to go dress shopping with us, but I knew she had also started missing home more since she found Jack. I think she was more than ready to settle down.
She went to the closet and pulled out a long black box, “I know you didn’t want a traditional veil, but we had something made just in case,” I looked at her curiously. There was no way I would hide my flawless makeup or let anything cover my hair. I was the d.amed star of the show, Holden too, but I think today was about the bride or whatever.
I took it from her and, as gently as my curiosity allowed, pulled out a long sheer white piece of fabric, “You wouldn’t,” I looked at her.
“I didn’t. Turn around.”
I did what she said, and she fastened two golden leaf clips that matched my crown to my shoulders. Behind me hung the sheer fabric that I now noticed had the same lace and bead detailing on my dress on the bottom of it.
“A cape,” Willa said, and my mouth hung open before turning into a broad smile, “If you don’t want it, we can just-”
“I love it,” I pulled it around the side of me, it completed the look, but I didn’t realize I was missing anything, “Let’s go get me married, make an honest woman out of me or something,” I had to move, or I would shed the tears that pricked my eyes, “Holden is already waiting apparently.”
“They haven’t even walked in yet,” Willa shook her head, “Cas said they’re still waiting to go in, but most of the guests are there.”
“He started our wedding day lying to me?” I gasped, joking.
“I think he’s just excited to see you,” She grabbed my hand, “We can call it off if you want, run into the wilderness.”
“You had me running off and lost me at wilderness.”
Willa smiled, shaking her head, “Come on, they’re about to go in, and you have to get in position.”
Nora and Rachel were downstairs already. They helped me get ready today and then went to help the kids. I couldn’t imagine where I would be without them. Well, I knew where I would be, the same place I was a year ago.
Willa always said that I saved her, her fairy godmother, but I think it was the opposite. I knew from the moment I met her that I liked her, which was rare. Luckily, I followed that feeling. She offered real, honest, genuine friendship, a kind that I don’t think I ever had. Also, the whole introduction to my mate and the life I never let myself dream of was huge. I didn’t want to call it destiny, but there was a reason we met at the time that we did.
“Mommy!” Loreli ran up so fast she almost tripped. Her strawberry curls were tamed under a flower crown. Her white dress swished behind her, and holy c.rap the tears were coming again. I never thought we would get this moment, especially when she was still a kid.
“You look like a fairy princess,” Emmett said, wrapping his little suited arm around Loreleis. They would be the perfect ring bearer and flower girl.
“Thank you for helping me today.” I leaned down and pulled them both into a careful hug, “You both look incredible.” I whispered.
They beamed at me; I stood up, turning to Nora and Rachel, both in sage green dresses similar to Willa’s. I didn’t love the overly matching things, but I agreed it would look better in the photos, “Thank you both for helping them and me, I think we’re all good at going?” That was more of a question.
“The planner just confirmed that they are about to walk in,” Nora said. On cue, the music started, and my stomach clenched. I looked at Willa with wild eyes.
“We can always run to a five-star resort?” She asked.
“There are so many people there watching me,” I said. I didn’t invite them, but apparently, there were other ranked members, pack members, and business partners that made the cut. I didn’t care as long as I got to have an audacious wedding and get married to my literal soulmate.
“And you don’t like that?” Rachel asked, with a wry smile, tilting her head so her signature honey waves slipped over her shoulder.
“You’re right, I do,” I looked at my stomach, “Why am I nervous?”
“I got nervous before the royal ceremony,” Willa shrugged, “No matter how many ceremonies, I think it’s okay to be nervous. And this one is all about you. Want advice?” She asked.
I appreciated that she asked, “Sure.”
“I know I’m not married yet,” She added with a smile, “But focus on Holden. In the end, that’s why we’re here, right? To get you married, tied to each other in every way possible.”
“That thought doesn’t twist my stomach as it would have a year ago,” I smiled. I thought of going down the aisle, walking after my friends and my daughter, “Let’s do it.”
Willa led our kids out. Her parents would be waiting for them after they went down the aisle. I needed to thank Caspien and Willa’s parents for stepping in where mine should have been, but I didn’t know how to put into words how their acceptance and love for my daughter extended past her being Emmett’s friend.
Willa returned smiling, “They did well. Now we’re up.”
A knock at the door, and Willa rushed to it. I knew it was Caspien before she opened the door based on the silly smile on her face.
“Hello, Princess,” He smiled at her. Neither of them said anything for a moment.
I coughed, “Sorry to cut in, I’m just trying to get married.”
Caspien gave me a smile that seemed less forced than the ones he used to try, “You look stunning, Cali. Holden is a lucky man.”
“Thank you, and he is.”
Griffen came in after, “Olivia is with your parents in the front. I checked on Lilith too,” He said before turning back to his mate, “I packed an extra diaper bag that I’ll bring up just in case of an emergency.”
“Thank you,” Nora said.
What kind of emergency would we need two diaper bags within ten feet of each other? She linked me, and I tried not to laugh at Griffen’s sake. Not today at least.
“My love, it has been ages.” Jack went in and scooped Rachel up.
“My hair, I swear,” She lightly hit his shoulder, but her smile was radiant and unbroken.
“Okay, okay, now is time for me to get my mate,” I cut in.
Jack set Rachel down and looked at me, “Thank you for including me.”
“You’re, unfortunately, one of us now,” I waved him off.
“We’re happy you’re here,” Willa said, smiling at her old friend.
“Also, I needed someone to walk me down the aisle,” Rachel joked, looking away from her mate.
“You didn’t want to be away from me for that long, admit it,” Jack pulled her close, and Rachel swatted him away, “Also, I don’t want anyone else to get the honor of walking with the most beautiful, er, one of the most beautiful girls in the room.” Jack amended.
“Good save,” Willa rolled her eyes, “Shall we?”
Nora handed me my flowers as we left the room.
“One last thing from Holden,” Caspien held out a black box. I opened it, finding small furnished gold star charm, “His family doesn’t have too many heirlooms; they are an old line but not in the same way as the royals; these things don’t mean as much to them. This is one of the oldest that he had, and his grandmother insisted you have it.” He took it out and reached for my flowers,
“May I?” He asked. I nodded, not exactly sure where he was going with this. I was too preoccupied with owning a family heirloom.
“He pinned it to the ribbon wrapped around the flowers, “Something old,” Willa said, admiring it as Caspien returned it.
“S.hit, I forgot about all that. Do you think I’ll be doomed?” I actually felt nervous.
“Your wedding dress is new, and so is that fabulous cape,” Rachel said, admiring it.
“Something borrowed,” Willa took one of her hairpins out and motioned for me to turn around, “They were from Caspien’s family, not just from the hair stylist, I promise.” She stood behind me, “Perfect,”
“Anyone has something blue?” Nora asked.
“I have a handkerchief,” Capien opened his suit pocket and pulled out a dark blue handkerchief with the royal crest.
“What am I supposed to do with that?” I asked.
“Stuff your bra. I don’t know.” Caspien sounded annoyed, and I raised an eyebrow.
I grabbed it, “Thank you, werewolf king, it would be my honor,” Caspien took a deep breath but didn’t say anything as I stuffed it into the bodice of my dress, having nowhere else to put it.
The music changed again, and it was time. Caspien and Willa walked first, followed by Nora and Griffen with the extra emergency diaper bag, then Rachel and Jack. My heart beat against my chest, but it was more excitement than nerves now. The planner nodded to me, and the double doors swung open.
This was my moment.
I focused on my steps, and once I found my rhythm, I looked up. I didn’t notice the flowers we carefully picked or the decorations
Caspien’s mom suggested. I didn’t see anything besides Holden standing there in all of his glory in a black fitted tux, pinning me with a stare that only I could decipher.
We were made for each other, not I him, or him me. We were made to become something greater, build something together.
This was just one step in solidifying it, so the part of me still felt human self could be satisfied. I wanted him in every capacity, and I would never have if it weren’t for him. For who he was, what he showed me love could be, how he let me be myself and didn’t try to change me or f.orce me into a category like so many others had.
I learned true partnership, friendship, and family, and even though it was just a piece of paper and another ring, it meant so much more. I offered every part of me to him, knowing he would know what to do with it. I wanted him to have me, and I wanted him in equal measure.
His mouth hung open and his eyes watered. Caspien clapped his shoulder and squeezed it for support. When I got to the few stairs that separated us, Willa took my bouquet, and Rachel helped fan my cape around me.
“What took you so long?” Holden asked, grabbing my hands in his. Sparks shot through me at his t*ouch and my breath hitched at the look in his crystal eyes.
I shrugged, “I’ve been waiting for you actually.” I raised an eyebrow, and he rewarded me with a dazzling smile.
I almost forgot to say my dos. I was so encapsulated by Holden.
I wanted to make traditional vows. I said it was because I wanted to do it the human way, but I knew I wouldn’t have been able to get them out anyway. Holden told me that it didn’t matter, that every vow he said to me he would keep, and it didn’t need to be in front of a d.amn group to make it legitimate.
“Cali Quinn do you take Holden Earheart to be your lawfully wedded husband as long as you both shall live?”
Longer than that -I linked him – I’ll find you in the afterlife. You had better not take another lover if I go first.
Holden’s smile widened – vow?
It is.
Then same, or I do.
“Cali?” The officiant whispered
“What? Oh, I do.”
“You may now k*iss the bride.”
“Or you can k*iss me if you want?” Holden winked at me.
I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him close. He encircled my waist, dipping me low, deepening our k*iss.
“I now present Mr. and Mrs. Earhart.”
Applause sounded around us, and the music started, but I only saw him.
“Did you know I didn’t know your last name until a few months ago when I saw it on a contract?” I asked.
“Would it have changed your mind?” He smiled at me.
I shrugged, “No, it’s not too bad, but it’s yours, so I guess you get extra points.”
“You’re stuck with it now,” he whispered into the spot he first claimed me.
After a classic limo ride and expensive champagne that tasted like the stuff I bought from the gas station, we made it to our reception.
The place was huge, with ceilings stories high with old arched windows every few feet. It reminded me of an ancient banquet hall and everything I wanted our celebration to be. Massive chandeliers dangled from the ceiling. The place was decked out in white flowers, everything and it just smelled rich.
I knew money wasn’t an object anymore, even though I didn’t fully comprehend that. I felt rich when I put an extra $20 in savings before, and now we were renting out a room that I couldn’t even afford to walk past before.
It was decadent, over the top, and my first and last wedding. It reminded me a bit of where he proposed, on those tall steps with candles and flowers. I took that and amplified it more, with the help of Willa, Nora, Rachel, and the parents, and made it something that looked like a fairytale castle.
It was my fairytale d.amnit, I deserved this.
Everyone stood up and cheered when we went in, and even though I didn’t know them, I basked in it. Ideally, I would have had more than those in our wedding party to invite, but that was the past. Today wasn’t about broken ties and blood family. Today was about new, chosen ties and the family that you made. Today I was celebrating with the people that were there no matter what and didn’t judge you and wouldn’t disown you for those choices.
Holden led me to the front table up a few stairs. We were looking over everyone else sitting at their round tables. Candles were everywhere, basking the room in an intimate glow.
“This looks good on you,” I ran a finger on Holden’s gold band.
“You being your husband looks good on me,”, He countered, pulling me in for a deep k*iss.
The night was spent in pure bliss. We ate, drank, and danced in a world of our own. I focused on our family and friends, there was no way we would be able to meet everyone tonight, and I didn’t care to share my night.
I was encapsulated in my own fairytale. “I don’t think I could ever be happier,” I whispered into Holden’s neck as the music turned slow, and he wrapped me in his arms.
He pulled back, studying my face, “Who are you, and what have you done with my wife?
Wife. Foreign, but with Holden it felt right.
Mother, mate, partner, wife, business student, Gamma.
I could do them all.
“It might be the drink talking,” I wrapped my arms around his neck.
“Don’t backtrack, I know you love me.”
“You think I would wear white for anyone?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Wow, you must really like me. Coming on a bit strong there Mrs. Earhart.” He winced, but I laughed, pulling myself closer to him.
“I do. I happen to very much love you, Mr. Earhart.”
“Wait no!” Holden stopped me from opening our hotel room.
“What?” I scanned the hall, looking for any threat.
I’ve been training with them in the mornings. Between studying for my business classes online at a university, working on Gamma duties, training, and spending time with Loreli and Holden, I felt completely and utterly fulfilled.
My life had a purpose, a purpose that went past the primal need to care for Loreli. Even going to business school was a choice to help take care of her and set something up for us in the long run.
It was a coincidence, a beautiful coincidence, that I ended up loving my classes and being so d.amn good them. I hadn’t made the choice of business school for my benefit, it seemed safe. I stopped taking risks past survival and what would be best for my daughter.
Even though some Goddess apparently chose Holden for me, fated us from birth or whatever, I still liked to believe that we chose each other. From what Willa told me about her ex s.hit rag of a person, I knew the mate bond was strong, rarely broken, but it wasn’t unbreakable.
She finally looked at the past, her past, from a place that wasn’t hurt and broken and was able to piece together that they weren’t meant for each other. She had a blind infatuation with Nolan but with Caspien, it was partnership, understanding, and love.
I was instantly attracted to Holden in a way it terrified me. Honestly, when they explained they were werewolves and they had this bond, it made more sense than me falling for a stranger. The s.ex was incredible, the feeling and attraction unlike anything else. But I really got to know him. He got to know Loreli, and after her full approval, I let him mark me. I liked him; he was weird as .f*uc*k, goofy, but also completely loving, confident, competent, and always thinking about Loreli and me. He was my perfect match, and as Willa explained, the bond was just a beacon to find them.
I should thank The Goddess for this. I don’t know where I would have ended up without him, without them. I would have made it work but to what end for Loreli? So could she end up like my past self? I didn’t want to think about that, and it was no use dwelling on it. She was taken care of, she had a family, a father, and she would have a good life. That I always knew, but Holden made it better, for both of us.
“You good?” Holden asked, “Seems like you were internal monologuing for a second.”
“Reflecting, some might call it, and there is no apparent threat, unless you can sense something I can’t.” I crossed my arms.
“No threat. Well, not unless you want to threaten our marriage. You can’t go in walking,” He looked horrified before he scooped me up and unlocked the door.
He threw me on the massive bed scattering rose petals everywhere.
“Since we have to put off our official honeymoon for a weekend away, I figured we would go all out.” He opened the bottle of champagne and it sprayed everywhere, “A bit premature, but I will say I won’t be,” He winked at me, filling up our glasses.
I had finals next week, my first finals for official business school, and we would take a long honeymoon after.
He flopped on the bed next to me clinking me glass to his. “I can’t believe I convinced you to marry me,” He took a sip shaking his head.
“I was the one that said I wanted a wedding.” I countered.
“I bought the ring.”
I looked down at my oval diamond encircled in smaller diamond rays that reminded me of the sun.
“You’re the only person that would ever consider me their sunshine, their sunray whatever.” I rolled my eyes, taking a sip.
“You are,” he looked serious, shifting to face me, “Yes, you are cold and snarky,” He smiled widely, “But you bring so much joy and light to Loreli and my lives, I couldn’t think of you as anything else.”
I swallowed and then downed my glass, taking his from him.
“Help me,” I turned around to the zipper under a few hidden clasps. His warm hands were on my back, brushing the bare skin. He unzipped the dress and ran his hands up my back helping it fall from my shoulders. I turned to him in nothing but my u.nderwear.
“What the f.uck is this?” He pulled Caspine’s handkerchief from my b.rest where it was stuck from the sweat after a night of dancing.
“Something blue?”
He shrugged, “Fair enough, but the only brand, the only signet, marking whatever you will be left with tonight is mine.”
He lifted me, crashing us against the wall as his hands tangled in the back of my hair, meeting his hungry lips with mine. I grabbed onto him, he was mine, all mine, and I wanted to show him how much that meant, even though he was the only person who I knew fully understood.
He moved us to the bed throwing me down, “Take those off.” I removed my u.nderwear as he loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt.
He watched me as I wiggled out of them and opened my legs wide. His eyes flashed black as he ripped off his boxers after. He knelt over me, pushing my thigh further with his legs.
“This, all of this, all of you, your mind, body, spirit, smart mouth,” He k*issed my lips briefly, “It’s all mine.” He growled.
His length rubbed against my entrance. I was already wet with desire for this man, my husband, my person, in every werewolf and human sense.
“Say it,” He breathed Licking my marking spot.
“I-I’m yours.”
With that, he t.hrust d*eep inside me, bottoming out. I grabbed at the pillows, and he pulled me to the edge of the bed so that he was standing looking down at me.
“You are mine,” He growled with every t.rhust.
His eyes were desperate and his motions possessive. I .moaned; this was all that I wanted, needed from him: the claiming, the two-sided ownership. I felt a spark ignite between my legs where he met me. He pushed into me in a way he knew I liked, knew would be my quick undoing.
I never slept with people before that actually knew my body. That might have been my fault not being with them for that long, but I knew I didn’t care enough to train them. But Holden…
“Come back to me, baby,” Holden growled and I focused on him as he toyed with a n.ipple. My p.leasure radiated through me, from my b.reasts to me weeping c.ore.
“That’s it, I want to see all of you, my Wife,” Holden grumbled, and the flare ignited, coursing through me.
“Holden,” I mumbled. He grasped my b.utt and held it up as he t.hurst into me.
“That’s it, baby, c.um for me. C.um on me.”
I grabbed the sheets, trying to meet his motions, but I was lost. I was consumed by him and this p.leasure that went so far past physical.
This was mental and emotional, a connection that could only be shown by our bodies once everything else aligned.
“You’re mine,” Holden bottomed out as the last waves of my o.rgasm rushed through me.
“I’m yours,” I breathed, “But you’re mine.”
“I’m yours, all yours.” He mumbled, falling on top of me.