The Rejected Luna’s Prince By Aurora Archer Chapter 82

The Rejected Luna’s Prince By Aurora Archer

Chapter 82 Epilogue 5 – The Reception

(Willa)

I wasn’t expecting to feel like that. I was glad that we had a wedding. Choosing each other and making those promises in front of our family and friends was so intimate. Even though it didn’t deepen our mating bond like marking did, I felt somehow closer to him. More complete.

“My wife,” Caspien purred, k*issing the back of my hand.

“My husband.” Caspien’s eyes lit up and filled with adoration. I did like the sound of that.

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“Shall we celebrate?” I asked.

“I guess we have to.” He scowled a bit. “Why do I always have to share you?”

“We have kids.” I raised an eyebrow.

“You know that’s not what I meant, princess.” He pulled me close.

We had a small and short celebration after. Just enough to talk to our friends and family, grab a quick drink, and bite to eat.

Our “official” reception was a few hours away starting in the early afternoon. That would be open to the pack and all the ranked members in the area. We invited a few that we gave land to from Alpha Jasper’s pack, just to solidify our newfound friendship in hopes it would turn into a stronger alliance.

“Time to change.” Nora walked up and gave Caspien an apologetic look.

She was doing so much and I appreciated her more than ever, especially since the others were a bit preoccupied. Rachel was uncomfortably pregnant and Cali was still nearing her due date, even with one I knew that was taxing. Lola was star-crossed in love and thought of nothing but Navi, and I loved that for her. I couldn’t fault them, and I wouldn’t. I was just happy they were still taking part for me.

“See you in a bit.” I waved at Caspien, and he grabbed my hand, pulling me close so I was flush against his hard warm chest.

He grabbed my chin in his hands, tilting my head up.

He pressed his lips into mine and I was taken by butterflies, our bond, and him.

“Hurry back.” He whispered against my lips, and I nodded, unable to find any words.

Rachel and Cali took a nap on the oversized bed while Nora and Anthony helped me into a jumpsuit. I wanted comfort for the next part of this and Anthony was already pushing me for three wedding looks, but he settled for two.

The jumpsuit was still bridal, with tight white pants and a sheer top that was covered in intricately embroidered white and gold petals and flowers, similar to the design on my dress. The top was long, covering my arms, and had a floor-length train made out of the same sheer embroidered material.

Lola joined us, her face flushed and her lipstick all over the place. She gave me a shy smile a blush creeping across her face.

“Sorry I’m late, I just urn-”

“Got f.ucked in an elevator?” Cali mumbled from where I thought she was sleeping.

“How did you know?” Lola tucked a blonde lock behind her ear, looking at her feet but smiling widely.

“Something about elevators.” Cali turned back on the pillow.

“What can I help with?” Lola turned to me, clasping her hands.

“Go fix your makeup,” I suggested, and she laughed, glancing at herself in the mirror behind me.

I was so incredibly happy for her. She was always so outgoing and positive and bubbly, but seeing her with her mate, this in love. Lola was more sure of herself, even happier yet at peace. And selfishly, she would stay in this pack so I wouldn’t have to be separated from her for that long again.

“Yes, princess.” She wiggled an eyebrow and I rolled my eyes at her.

Nora hummed while she loosened some of my thick curls that were pinned up so they fell down my back. Some of my hair was still intertwined with my crown.

“There,” Nora stepped back and looked me over.

“Give us a twirl,” Anthony commanded, and I was happy to oblige him.

“I love it. I feel like I’m wrapped in a cloud.” I felt the fabric.

I loved how sheer it was yet still covered everything completely.

I was happy, not for the first time, that the royals weren’t as traditional as they seemed. Of course, they had their traditions but I could wear what I wanted, and they were happy to accept Emmett into their family and name him as heir.

I couldn’t have picked a better family to marry into if I got to choose.

“Wake up.” Lola sang after fixing herself.

Cali grumbled and promised her death, and Rachel sat up with a smile stretching her arms.

“Is it time?” Rachel asked.

“Yes,” I said, “But your duty is done. I’m married and we have photos, so..”

“No, no I’ll come. I want to be there. For a bit at least.” She amended.

“Let’s do it.” Cali groaned and rolled out of bed, not bothering to check her hair or makeup before leading us out.

I met Caspien at the entrance to the massive hall we rented. Even the packhouse with all its rooms and ballrooms wasn’t big enough for the number of people invited.

“Ready?” I asked him.

“With you? I’m ready for anything.” He held out his hand and the dim light bounced off his gold wedding band. My stomach flipped every time I saw it on him.

“Can I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Caspien Dracos.” A muffled voice sounded.

Caspien rolled his eyes. “You’re not taking my first name, I asked them not to do that.” He grumbled.

“It’s okay, let’s not let it ruin tonight,” I said only to him. I didn’t care if they f.ucked up all the names.

I was his and he was mine and we were us and that was all that mattered.

We walked into deafening cheers and applause. My eyes adjusted to the brightness, but the number of people shocked me. I almost forgot to walk forward but Caspien gracefully led me.

We smiled and waved to people, thanking them for coming.

Finally, we were through most of the throng and found our wedding party, parents, and kids, waiting for us.

“I’ll take Emmett to the play place,” Caspien said.

“Loreli is already there,” Holden mentioned, “And Lilith is with the dads, Grace is off bossing someone around.”

“I’ll come with you.” I told Caspien and took Emmett’s hand in mine, “You did so well today, thank you for making our day special.”

“I’m just happy you’re finally a Dracos, Mama.” My heart tugged and I swear Caspien’s breath caught.

The crowd was lighter here, most of them already at their seats or milling around the dance floor. Even though we were only here for a few minutes, I was already glad of the extra breathing room. I don’t think I would ever get used to the crowds.

I took a step back when my eyes met Hugos.

I wasn’t expecting them here even though we extended the invitation to all of them.

Goddess, they were all here.

“Hugo, Natalie,” Caspien greeted them, cooly, “Alpha Nolan, Camilla,” He nodded at them about to walk away.

A little head peered out behind Camilla’s dress, “Mommy, I’m thirsty,” He tugged at her dress.

“Sorry,” Camilla apologized for him, “It’s been a long day.”

“If you’re comfortable with it, we have an area set up for the kids,” I offered. Camilla glanced down at her son for a moment; worry seemed to cross her face.

“I can show him,” Emmett offered, “Loreli is already there, and there’s cake,” he exclaimed.

“No cake before dinner,” Caspien put his hand on Emmett’s shoulder, and Emmett frowned, “Okay, maybe a few bites.” Caspien amended and Emmett rewarded him with a smile.

“Emmett, this is Alpha Nolan and his mate Camilla from The Blue Ridge Pack, the pack that me and grandma and grandpa are from,” I knelt down, explaining.

Emmett took a step towards Nolan and extended his hand, “Alpha Nolan.”

Nolan wrapped his hand around Emmetts, his eyes wide. I didn’t understand why he was reacting this way until it clicked that this was the first time that Nolan was meeting someone that in another life could have been his son. I shuddered thinking about that.

“I’m Emmett,” Emmett looked at the little boy.

“I’m Theo,” the boy said. Emmet stepped back, looking up at Caspien with a wide smile, “This is my dad; he’s the strongest wolf ever. We live in the clouds and let me paint my room blue.”

“I like red,” Theo said.

Hugo took a step forward, looking at me in question. I nodded once.

“Hi, Emmett is it? My name is Hugo, and this is my mate, Natalie. It’s really nice to meet you.” His voice sounded almost revenant, and Emmett smiled brightly.

“Nice to meet you.” He reached out for his hand. Caspien had been teaching him, and he picked it up quickly, starting to shake Cali and Holden’s hands every time they walked into our apartment.

“Hi.” Natalie swallowed, “You are absolutely adorable.”

“Okay, thank you.” Emmett nodded not sure about all the attention.

“Do you want to play?” Emmett turned his attention back to Theo.

“Mommy can I? Please please please.” Theo clutched at Camilla’s dress.

“Okay, I’ll walk you there.” She patted his head, and Emmett led the way.

I watched as he directed them to the kid’s area, heavily staffed with sitters and filled with games and food. The benefit of having an early ceremony was that we could start the reception early and it wouldn’t have to turn into an impossibly long night. Those were getting harder to recover from, even with the help of our parents. Catching up on sleep with a few-month-old took days.

Nolan wandered off with a vacant faraway look without saying a word. No one else seemed to notice his absence.

“Thank you for letting us meet him,” Hugo said, “We didn’t mean to ambush you; we’re here to support you, and uh-” He looked around nervously. “To apologize.”

“You have nothing to apologize for.” He was a good Alpha, Natalie was a bit of a b.itch to me at times, but it wasn’t entirely their fault how Nolan turned out.

I got lucky with Emmett. Part of it was how we raised him, but from the start, he was such a curious and sweet boy.

“I feel like I do need to though, we do,” He grasped Natalies’ hand, who was looking down. “I regret what happened and wish we would have known sooner, maybe we could have..” He trailed off.

“I appreciate that, I do. No matter what, Nolan and I both ended up where we needed to be. You let your son make his own choices, and I know Nolan well enough to know that when he makes a decision, he isn’t easily swayed.” He was a stubborn a.ss and rarely listened to the opinions of others around him.

“There really isn’t anything you could have done, and I am so glad you didn’t intervene.” I went on; Caspien squeezed my hand, “I am incomparably happy, and this was meant to be.” I met Hugo’s eyes, and he gave me a genuine smile.

“Good.” He let out a deep breath, “We’re happy for you and thank you for inviting us.

“Of course, you’re welcome anytime,” I said.

Camilla came up and frowned, looking around for who I could only assume was Nolan.

“They’re settled in the kids’ area,” She said to me, offering a shy smile. “That’s a great idea, by the way. Your jumpsuit is lovey. Did you get married in it?” She asked. I was surprised there wasn’t a hint of disdain or venom in her voice.

“Uh, no, actually.”

“I can show you.” Caspien cut in, pulling a photo from Goddess knew where.

“Wow.” Camilla’s eyes widened.

“Custom made for her,” Caspien said coolly as a response.

When did you even get those? We just had them taken.

I have my methods, and I wanted a photo now- He responded, and I internally rolled my eyes

“That’s beautiful, Willa,” Camilla said.

“Thank you. And thank you for coming, it’s nice to see you all here.”

“Of course.” She tucked a long blonde lock behind her ear. “We appreciate the invite.”

“Go enjoy it, the kids are well looked after, and we have transportation handled no matter where you’re staying.” Thankfully, Cali took care of those arrangements for all the hundreds of people invited.

“Thank you.” She gave me a real smile.

“Hugo, Natalie, Camilla” Caspien slightly nodded at them before he whisked me away.

We spent the next hour in a sea of small talk and strangers.

I was so happy that we kept our ceremony small. This celebration was for others, not for us, and I had to keep remembering that.

Dinner was announced, and Caspien paused when he saw a man with dark hair piled on top of his head and mismatched eyes standing next to a striking young woman.

“I’ll be a minute; why don’t you head to our table?” Caspien whispered his fingers over the exposed skin on my back, making me shiver. “Will you be okay?”

“Believe it or not, I can survive a minute away from you.”

“I’m wounded.” He put his palm over his chest.

It amazed me how much he’s changed since I met him. I would have never envisioned the man that first came into the diner to be someone even capable of a joke. He opened up so much and I loved seeing each version of him.

I turned to find our head table, trying to avoid small talk; I was starving.

I saw Nolan standing at a table studying his drink. I don’t know what possessed me, but it seemed like a good idea to have a conversation. We haven’t had a chance to talk alone, besides our confrontation in the hallway at the conference, since the day that I accepted his rejection.

I could feel Iris internally rolling her eyes at me.

“Hi,” I walked up, placing my glass across from him. He slowly raised his gaze to mine before a sour look crossed his face.

“No entourage?” He asked.

“Don’t be like that, I just wanted to thank you for coming.” I offered a smile.

“You got everything you wanted,” he whispered, looking away.

“So did you,” I said.

He snorted, taking a long drink.

“Thank you for coming, it means a lot to the pack.” I went to turn away, this conversation was stupid.

“Willa?” He asked, “Are you happy?”

“I am,” I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my face. “I have to thank you, you realized our incompatibility well before I did. Obviously, I would have preferred things to end in a different way,” I shrugged, “but it all turned out perfectly so I can’t really fault you.”

His lips formed a thin line and he nodded. “I should have done it differently, I panicked. I thought I knew what I wanted. I-”

“It doesn’t matter now, honestly. I appreciate that though.” His words did nothing. I didn’t feel any better, no weight was lifted off

I forgave him even though he didn’t ask for it, and I forgave myself too. It was a lifetime ago.

“And the boy?”

“Emmett,” I said, “He is fine, more than fine. You have nothing to worry about there.” It annoyed me a bit that he dared ask about my son, Caspien’s, and my son.

“Good, good.” His look was far away and I had no idea what he was thinking.

“I do hope we can be civil in the future,” I added, and he nodded, looking into his drink. He opened his mouth to say something but shut it.

“Goodbye, Nolan.”

I turned my back to him and went to find my prince.

“What is he even doing here?” Cali rolled her eyes when I sat down, “We were watching you talk to him.”

“I invited them,” I explained. Caspien sat next to me, placing a fresh drink down.

“He looks like a s.hit stain. Always has.” Holden said scowling.

“He looks like he can’t even wipe his own b.utt.” Cali smiled at her mate.

“Hey that’s still Emmet’s dad,” Griffen interjected.

“No, he’s not,” Caspiens growled.

“You’re right,” Griffen amended looking down, “He looks like he doesn’t even know where his butt hole is.”

I covered my mouth with my hand. I didn’t feel the need to participate, but I felt Caspien’s annoyance turn to amusement next to me.

I don’t know who let Holden or Cali make speeches. Or Griffen, for that matter, his might have been the worst. At least it was short and succinct.

Thankfully, it was during dinner, so there was other, more interesting, entertainment in the form of incredible food.

“Let’s welcome Prince and Princess Dracos to the dance floor.” That sent butterflies erupting through me.

“Dance with me, princess?” Caspien held out his hand, his eyes churning with what I could only hope was need.

I placed my hand in his and he led me to the dance floor where I was pulled against his warm chest.

“My Willa, my beautiful wife.” He whispered against my lips as we swayed to the music.

“My husband.” My smile met his, “

Everything was worth it, for this, for you.”

“It has and will always be us.” My dark prince promised.