The Wedding Day

Chapter 5

Back in time seven months.

Reality morphed into genuine dreams in the blink of an eye, a concoction of anxieties and elation swirling within me. It was undoubtedly real, but it felt like a dream—a dream full of amazing beauty.

Have you ever felt the enthralling ecstasy of love? It's an indescribable emotion, a profound connection that sweeps you off your feet and envelops you in a cocoon of care and devotion. And there I stood, on the verge of a life-changing event, preparing to go on a journey with the man who had stolen my heart—Logan Jareth.

He was more than a boyfriend; he was my soulmate, the one who adored me flaws and all. The level of his affection left me wondering what made me so special in his eyes. The anticipation was mixed with joy and a tinge of dread as I prepared to present myself to him, dazzling in a bridal gown.

I walked down the aisle with a bouquet of lovely blossoms, an immaculate white maxi dress, and an exquisite long veil cascading around me, touching the ground in an ethereal embrace.

Logan stood at the end of the aisle, his gaze overflowing with delight and expectation, dressed in a tailored gray suit highlighted by a burgundy tie. I could feel the depth of his love, the hidden promises he had within his soul, at that moment.

The wedding hall, decked with grandeur, was packed with human guests. Logan and I were the only distinguishing creatures among the sea of human faces, hidden beneath the mask of ordinary humanity. It was a carefully curated crowd, a mix of strangers whose presence attempted to assuage any lingering feelings of loneliness on our special day.

Miss Valenta stood by our side, a beacon of joy and support in the thick of the festivities. She had been my guiding light, guiding me through the complexities of life but simultaneously sheltering me from its worst blows. I found refuge, nutrition, and the seeds of hope and dreams in her embrace. I would not have survived the depths of misery that once devoured me if it hadn't been for her unfailing presence.

She was more than just a guardian; she became my family after my blood deserted me in the depths of the night, leaving me to languish and starve.

Logan, a beta from the prestigious Darkfur pack, was ready to give up his rank, renouncing his responsibility to his pack to stand by my side. His father, on the other hand, flatly refused to accept me as his daughter-in-law, preferring a match with Alpha Reem Quin of the Blue Shadow pack.

Logan had always been a good son, obeying his father's commands without question. However, he dared to ignore his father's desires and proposed to me for the first time. Unfortunately, his father's rejection rang true in our hearts.

Logan became the lone pillar of support in my life by choosing me over his pack, the only anchor I had left after being abandoned by those who were supposed to be my family.

While other youngsters enjoyed the warmth of family relationships, forming precious memories, and basking in the bliss of childhood, my living on the merciless streets was a continual struggle. Every day was a struggle for survival, a never-ending war against starvation, and a frantic attempt to shield me from the cruel gaze of a world that gave no refuge.

My difficult background and the never-ending stream of disaster that blighted my existence frequently caused me to question my purpose. Why did I put up with such adversity? Why was I given life in the middle of such chaos? Each night, while I slept, the weight of these questions weighed on my mind.

Logan appeared as the lone source of light in my life, a steady presence who accepted me for who I truly was. He became my confidant, ally, and dearest friend in a world bereft of genuine camaraderie.

My heart hammered with nerves and excitement as I made my way down the aisle. Logan approached me halfway down the aisle, his excitement oozed from every pore, and his gentle kiss on my brow kindled a warmth within me that defied description. Even though I couldn't meet his gaze, his love engulfed me in a cocoon of comfort and acceptance.

Shyness had always been with me, but it seemed to heighten the passion that blossomed between Logan and me. He made no qualms about expressing his adoration in front of the assembled visitors, unafraid to publicly announce his love for me.

Logan reached out his arm, and I effortlessly interlaced mine with his. We walked down the aisle together, his presence filling the vacuum created by absent family members. I recognized at that point that I was not alone; I had discovered my anchor in him.

His attentiveness and kindness instilled in me an immense sense of gratitude. Logan's steady smile danced upon his lips as we stood face to face, the priest's words melting into the background, creating a light blush on my cheeks.

An aura of excitement surrounded us as the time for saying our passionate vows approached. It was a priceless moment that would live on in the depths of our hearts. We stood in front of each other, ready to make pledges that would shape our future, an intimate bond that would leave an unforgettable imprint.

A strange aroma suddenly floated across the air, followed by the unexpected opening of the door. Eight men in a blue and black tuxedo approached us, their presence felt in every fiber of our body.

"Thank you all for joining us on this joyous occasion, but you must vacate the premises immediately," Edward's terrified voice screamed through the microphone. "We have received information that a bomb has been planted within this hall and is set to detonate in fifteen minutes."

Fear grabbed the hearts of all there, resulting in chaos. The once-crowded hall emptied in an instant, a sea of surging bodies seeking sanctuary. Edward's laughter pierced the air, blending with the faded remnants of pain.

Logan met Edward, his brow twisted in perplexity. "What is the significance of this? Who exactly are you?"

Edward exposed his identity with a cocky smirk. "My name is Edward Elijah, and that man over there," he said, motioning to Xavier, "is none other than----"

Xavier entered the hall wearing a finely made blue suit, a luxurious watch on his wrist, and his gaze veiled behind elegant glasses. He oozed affluence and sophistication from head to toe, his clothes bearing the mark of high-end brands.

Logan's face furrowed with surprise, "Xavier Ronan."

"Do you have any know him?" when I turned to Logan for an explanation, my voice was tinted with interest and apprehension.

Logan's dismay was evident as he responded, "He is an Alpha from the Oak pack."

"We certainly know how to make an entrance, don't we?" Edward, enthralled by the unfolding scenario, mocked Logan.

Xavier, the epitome of luxury and casual assurance, appeared before us. His hair was arranged in a man bun, and he sported a well-groomed ducktail beard. He removed his glasses with casual elegance, revealing piercing eyes the color of the vast sea that locked onto me, flickering with intrigue.

Logan, who looked upset in Xavier's presence, couldn't help but wonder, "What brings you here?"

Xavier's stare was fixated on me, heightening my suspicion. How could someone look at me so intently, as if they already knew who I was? It was unsettling to be met with such an intense gaze on the first meeting.

"I have nothing against you, my friend. I have come to claim what is rightfully mine," quietly Xavier said, never breaking eye contact with me.

Logan's face was filled with confusion as he said, "I don't understand. What claim?"

Xavier's voice was firm as he declared, "She is my bride."

"Excuse me! Excuse me!" I said, unable to control my confusion. "Have we ever met? I don't recall ever meeting you."

"No, we haven't crossed paths, but we are bound by the ancient laws, by The Pronouncement of Wonder." Xavier's demeanor remained unchanging, his eyes unflinching as he spoke with a conviction that sent goosebumps down my spine. "I've come to claim you."

"I'm not sure what this is about," I said, my voice shaking with confusion and indignation.

Xavier's remark was cryptic but confident: "All will become clear in due time."

Tensed Logan, fuelled by rage, approached Xavier, the Oak Pack members quickly raised their firearms, their steely gazes fixed on me. Logan paused, divided between his rage and the implications of his actions.

Xavier's voice remained calm as he said, "Let us not taint this beautiful hall with bloodshed."

As he breathed my scent, Xavier stepped closer to me, his eyes scanning my face. "At long last, I have found you."

His enigmatic presence interested and scared me, and his failure to provide any clarification fueled my growing skepticism.

"You expect me to go along with you willingly?" I retorted. "I'd rather kill myself than submit to your demands."

Xavier pointed a revolver at me in an attempt to scare me, his grasp tight and persistent.

"I don't care," I declared emphatically, my resolve unwavering.

Xavier abruptly turned his concentration, pointing the revolver toward Logan and solemnly declaring, "Would you dare? I'll kill him before you can even draw a breath."

Fear grabbed me at the prospect of Logan becoming hurt. I couldn't face the thought of being apart from him, and the intensity of my feelings heightened my fear.

"Leave now, or face the consequences," Logan screamed, his voice tinged with rage and protectiveness.

The standoff between Xavier and Logan devolved into a battle of wills, with my heart caught in the crossfire, divided between my love for Logan and the unknown law I was bounded by.

The pack members clashed ferociously with Logan as the conflict raged on, their movements quick and forceful. The atmosphere was packed with the intensity of the fight, and the air was thick with tension and the aroma of blood.

Logan lunged towards Xavier, his determination visible in his eyes, but his advance was cut short as Xavier tightened his grip on my neck. My breathing became shallow, and I felt a sensation of hopelessness rush over me as Logan stood immobile, his fists clenched.

"Let me know if you want to witness her demise," said Xavier, his voice dripping with venom. "I'd take her whatever."

Logan's metamorphosis was near, his eyes flashing with rage and misery, his claws growing longer. But Xavier quickly let go of my neck and shot two silver bullets into Logan's arm, forcing him to yell in pain.

I regained my breath at that point, but I was in shock, my heart thumping against my chest. As I approached Logan's wounds, Xavier stopped me, stopping me from reaching him.

"What is it that you truly want? Do you want him to die, or are you willing to make a sacrifice to save his life?" inquired Xavier, his voice full of sinister motivations.

Logan, despite being on the verge of death, kept gathering strength, his resolve unshakeable. Xavier was playing a hazardous game, manipulating both of us to satisfy his nefarious objectives.

Logan's eyes met mine, and they were filled with both grief and confusion. He couldn't believe I was thinking of sacrificing our love for his life.

As I grappled with the weight of the decision before me, tears flowed down my cheeks. The room seemed to shut in on us, the air heavy with sadness and dread.

Xavier tightened his grasp on my arm, his demeanor firm as he reinforced his dominance over me. Even though he talked quietly, his comments had an underlying menace that sent shivers down my spine.

"I have the power to save him, but only if you comply without question," said Xavier, his voice full of dominance and manipulation.

I shook my head as he extended the ring towards me, a sign of the life he wanted me to accept, refusing to participate in this twisted ritual.

Xavier extended his hand, and Edward extended two rings. Xavier handed me an extended ring to put on him, but I declined.

Xavier grabbed my arm roughly. "You are supposed to follow blindly to save your lover," calmly Xavier explained.

He was calm, but he had an aggressive personality, which he was using to dominate me right away.

"It's your wedding today, and the ring ceremony is part of the wedding," said Xavier in a husky voice

Xavier's grip on my chin pushed me to turn around, his eyes seeking any hint of submission in me. "You have his life in your hands; do not move or he will die."

I could feel Logan's life hanging in the balance, and I knew that any decision I made from this moment forward would be disastrous.

My heart shattered into a thousand pieces when I caught a glimpse of Logan, his feeble form straining to rise. I wanted to help him, to be there for him, but at what cost?

My internal conflict raged on, split between my love for Logan and my fear of losing him forever. I was aware that my every move at this point could determine his fate.

When I was struggling, Xavier forced my hand, put the ring on my finger, and put the other ring on his finger.

His pack members were clapping and congratulating him, while I and Logan were staring at each other and silently crying.

"Congratulations!"  Edward exclaimed enthusiastically. "You may now kiss the bride."