Chapter 49

~Grace~

Today was the day!

I had spent all morning getting ready. I didn’t have any bridesmaids or really anyone close to me, so Enzo helped me prepare.

His presence was comforting, anyway.

He was curling my hair, running his fingers through my long, silky strands that I had put a hydrating mask on the night before, separating out a piece to wrap around the curling iron.

He was humming to himself, and I focused on the tune. It put me at ease.

My nerves were through the roof. I was well aware that this was my second wedding and so I already knew what to expect, I had no reason to be so nervous.

But I was far more anxious for this wedding than I ever was with my wedding with Liam.

I knew there was a lot more pressure put on me, way more expectations of me.

This wasn’t just a marriage between two people who loved each other, it was a sealing of enemies.

A werewolf marrying a Lycan. It was unheard of, at least for centuries.

I was used to being in the spotlight–Liam’s scandals made sure of that–but instead of the highlight falling onto Liam, it was now on me.

I had to carry this weight alone.

Well, maybe not. I’m sure Alex felt immense pressure as well, but he never showed it. Maybe he was just far more used to it, being the Lycan King for so long, and part of a lineage of rulers.

Perhaps it was just in his blood, and this was no more stressful than everything else he’s had to deal with. I’m sure he was used to having the spotlight on him. Maybe he just didn’t care as much.

I took a deep breath, and felt Enzo push my hair forward in front of my shoulders, fluffing it. He had just finished the last curl.

“Well, Miss Grace, you look stunning. There’s not a wolf or Lycan that can disagree with that,” he said softly, leaning down next to my face to make eye contact with me in the mirror.

I gave him a bashful smile in return.

Looking over my appearance in the mirror, I had to admit, Enzo did an incredible job.

Of course, not everything was done by him–Alex insisted that a professional team of stylists came in to do my makeup, but I didn’t like the informalness of the service.

I felt like a celebrity, and that only made me more nervous.

Enzo must have sensed my discomfort, and he told the team that he’d finish the rest, bless him.

Around my neck, I wore the signature moonstone necklace Alex had given me all the way back to when we first made our contract, and the moonstone earrings he purchased for me.

I smiled gently to myself.

That all seemed like so long ago.

Who knew that dark and mysterious man who accused me of stealing his nephew would later become my husband?

I stood up slowly, not wanting to mess up anything on my head. It looked perfect now, and as long as I didn’t touch anything, it should stay that way.

All that was left was fitting into the dress.

Enzo had laid it out on the bed for me, and he smiled.

“Don’t worry, I’ll leave you alone for this part. Just let me know when you’re done and I can help you lace up the back,” he said.

I nodded. “Thank you, Enzo.”

Once I heard the door click softly behind him, I slipped into the white gown.

I had spent endless days stressing over the perfect dress, and finally, I found it.

A lacey, mermaid style, backless gown. It was everything I wanted.

Slipping into it, I gave a gentle knock on the door, holding the dress up with my hand on my chest.

“Enzo? I’m ready.”

Enzo entered the room again, and his eyes dazzled with approval. I couldn’t help but smile.

He stepped behind me, and I felt him tighten the lace around my waist.

“Grace, you’re going to be fine. I know everything seems really scary right now, but at the end of the day, you’re the right woman for Alex,” Enzo spoke gently.

I stared out the window, not sure what to say.

Enzo continued. “I’ve known Alex for a long time, and there has never been a woman that has caught his eye like you before. He’s changed so much since you’ve met him, and I can honestly say that I think you bring out the best in each other.”

I gave a weak smile, trying not to let tears sneak their way into my eyes. I didn’t want to ruin my makeup before the wedding even began.

Finished with my dress, Enzo spun me around.

“There you are, the perfect bride.” His eyes shone warmly. “You have nothing to worry about. Just enjoy today, be yourself, and everything will work out fine.”

I nodded. I really hoped he was right.

If I thought my welcome party was big, that was nothing compared to this.

Alex spared no expense on anything. Gigantic, deep red roses decorated the courtyard, contrasting against the pure white tablecloths laid over the tables.

There must have been at least a hundred people here.

Of course, the media was here as well.

I stared out the window as I waited for my cue to enter. I could see Alex standing under an arch that was decorated with red and white roses.

He was dressed in white, I think it was the first time I’d seen him in a color lighter than black.

I heard the music start, and I took a deep breath. I pushed open the door and felt everyone’s eyes immediately turn to me.

God, there were so many people!

I spotted werewolves and Lycans alike, some watching with smiles, others with discontent.

I decided to keep my gaze straight ahead, focused on Alex’s smiling face. He looked so handsome, his black hair slicked back and standing tall, his hands crossed behind his back.

Looking into his eyes filled me with comfort, and soon the crowd faded from my mind.

I neared him, and he took my hands gently, smiling.

“God, you look stunning,” he whispered as I stood across from him.

I smiled. “So do you.”

Keeping my focus on Alex, I kept my eyes on him as the ceremony began. I heard whispers moving through the crowd, but I ignored them.

Finally, the part I was most nervous for.

“If anyone objects to the marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace,” the officiant asked, peering over his glasses and out at the crowd.

I shifted nervously, still holding Alex’s hands. I wished the officiant wouldn’t say this at all, and we could just skip this part.

A minute of silence felt like forever, and the officiant opened his mouth to continue before somebody spoke up from the crowd.

“She’s not fit to lead the Lycans, she’s a werewolf!”

I heard murmurs of agreement, and several other Lycans stood up to share similar sentiments.

My heart dropped. This was the very thing I feared would happen.

Would I be stopped from marrying Alex?