2. MARRIAGE PLANS

My mother, Kimble was picking the herbs at the garden by the time I got home and I rushed to her side to flaunt my newly acquired ring. The stone on the ring flashed as it basked in the glory of the setting sun as it fell on it.

“What is that on your finger?” she asked, trying to get a good look

“Did you get a new ring? You just love to buy unnecessary things” she started to scold me and the big smile on my face dropped at her reaction only for her to realize and pause when she saw the position of the ring on my finger.

She almost stuttered, “By chance… did Emory?” her hands rushed to her mouth to cover it up.

“It took you so late to realize” my eyes rolled

She jumped at me and pulled me in a tight hug. Her reaction was obvious that she was happier than me at that point and I did understand her.

“What if the pressure around makes him reject you?”

“I honestly don’t think this will work out”

“Will your love be enough to cover up for the distance in class?”

Those were her worries all these years even since Emory found out I was his mate. Him not opposing and just loving me the way I was made her more anxious considering the fact that our pack was known for their strict class rule.

It was hard at first because the gossip was so terrible but I learnt to ignore and only focus on him over time.

“Just look at me only” he would advise every time.

With an assuring tone “I am the one important here, you are the only important to me too. Don’t mind whatever anyone says because I have chosen to love you”

Those words were my driving force. In the days that I almost gave up, it held me together and helped me to my feet.

His father, Beta Rowan was a respectable man in the pack and everyone would surely want their daughter to marry into such a high class family. I was afraid he would be the biggest obstacle but he only remarked that it was what pleased the moon goddess.

Sometimes it felt like I had it too easy, none of the important people opposed our relationship and now that he had proposed to me, I can be at peace that everything would get sorted out on their own, just like it had been.

“Your father will be so happy to hear this. I can’t wait to break this news to him as soon as he arrives from the palace” she jumped around, her happiness radiating all over her entire being.

“Watch out and don’t get hurt. I am happier than you after all” I cautioned and we both chuckled.

The slight moment of silence between us as she gazed at me already braced me for the teary moments that followed.

Softly holding my pale hands “I am very thankful that you held on. You had it tough the most but I’m glad it all paid off. Now you can be with your mate without anyone being able to do anything about it. Just like I have told you, you are not just a wife, you are his helper and I trust that you will do well by his side” she advised, gently stroking the back of my palm.

Each words dropping from her mouth earned a solid nod from me. I understood all her concerns and I know she didn’t want me to be worthless or helpless.

“I will keep all your words to my heart and I promise to do well” I pledged before we enveloped each other in a warm hug.

Silent tears streaming down my face.

***

As usual, I was dressed up for the lesson class with my students when my friends Aria and Anais, the twins met me on the way. I didn’t know how they got to know about my proposal so fast but the surest guess must be my mom.

“Congratulations on your proposal, Freya” they echoed together, their mouth parted widely in happiness.

I blushed. “As expected, my mother must have gone around proclaiming the news to your mom” I added and they both giggled.

Aria stepped forward and grabbed my hand to check out the ring. “You must be getting ready to carry out the wedding anytime soon” she remarked, staring intently at the sparkling ring on my finger

“Yes, we are planning to do that next month” I blurt out.

They both reacted the same way “Next month? That’s so fast”

Sometimes I wonder if they share the same brain because they are always in sync. Their reactions and words are always matching to the amusement of everyone. Even though we have been friends since childhood, I still couldn’t get used to it.

“Yes, we decided not to waste any time” I replied, glancing at my watch to see that I was running late.

“Girls! Let’s catch up later, I have to be in class soon” I informed them and ran off while they went to their initial destination.

***

Days rolled by and I was preparing for the big day, which is my wedding. Everything was going smoothly, I couldn’t keep calm ever since the two family met to discuss our marriage talks, it only meant one thing and that is, our wedding was here.

“Emory’s family will be coming over this weekend for the family rites and we have decided to plan everything accordingly, like you both wanted” my mother, Kimble informed me over dinner.

“When? What time will they come around? How am I supposed to dress?” I panicked, ignoring the food in front of me after the announcement while my mother stared at me speechlessly.

My father, Draco chuckled. “I know you are excited but you should finish your food” he advised and I calmed down a bit even though I couldn’t stop humming.

I have always dreamt of this moment and seeing how it’s coming to a reality, I was moved to tears, I love Emory so much.

I kept giggling under my blanket until my mother came to check up on me with a box of skincare in her hand.

Stretching forth the box to me, she remarked “You should take care of your health and skin as from now on, a bride shouldn’t look shabby” and I nodded in tears

“You are such a cry baby” she mocked me and I couldn’t help but giggle.

Emory and I have been dating for the past four years and he was always gentle with me and understanding. He rarely argue with me, even if he wants me to see things from his point of view, he would table it in an appealing, gentle and loving manner instead of enforcing it. A perfect gentleman!

He finally came over to my house that evening and my mother greeted him with the due respect since he was the son of the Beta as soon as he came in and he also returned the greetings with manner, she will be his mother-in-law soon after all.

“Draco is not around for now, he went out a little earlier after dinner” she informed him

“If he doesn’t come back before I leave, I will come over to see him some other time” he responded and my mother nodded in agreement.

I grabbed his hand, grinning in happiness and he was also returning the gesture as he gazed at me lovingly.

He asked, “Are you that happy?” and I didn’t even wait for him to finish asking before I nodded aggressively and jumped on him to hug him tight.

My wolf howled a bit but I ignored her, she was always interrupting the important moment. Her howl was a signal to take it slow but I couldn’t care. No, not today!

I was carried away in the moment but thankfully, he was still sane and cool headed enough to restrict my raging desires.

“I think we should calm down a bit” he groaned as he tried to lift me off him but I only pouted in protest.

I whined a little “Why?” and he just grazed my cheeks, his smile making his lips grow thin.

“We will be getting married soon and I will be yours fully so let’s just wait a bit. I don’t want to touch you and ruin it, you are a flower that should bloom beautifully at its right time” he gently stated and I melted!

How can one be this lovely and romantic? This man right here in front of me has it all, Emory was the standard.

“But..” I wanted to protest but he pecked me on the lips to shut me up instead and enveloped me in his arms, I had no choice but to surrender and melt in his loving arms.

We discussed a lot of things about what our lives would look like after our marriage till we were interrupted by the sudden voice of my father who came back from his outing.

He rose to his feet and said “Your father is here, I should go greet him”. I also stood up and supported with a tiny “Let’s go”.