Chapter 16~Coronation ~ Part 1
Sebastian’s POV~
I stormed into my office in a rage! Two border breaches simultaneously. Kaiden says “ at least our alert systems were effective!. The alarm went up before the borders were breached” I said “But they were breached, Kaiden! And while I know we are doing everything possible.. but..all the guests have been arriving and not knowing all the players in this little rebellion is pissing me off!”
Kaiden said “I know bro. But you’re getting married in three hours so for a little while you have to trust our pack to alert us. Come on, dahhling…let’s get you ready for that beautiful garden wedding you’ve always dreamed of” I said “What?? I never dreamed of any wedding..much less a garden one!” and Kaiden just walked away…aggh! I’m nervous! Stupid nervous!
I have spent the last two hours fielding chitchat with Alphas that apparently, believe my wedding day is The day to talk about petty land disputes and alpha challenges! Just as I am trying to avoid another one of those bastards.. Callista rounds a corner and sees me trying to extricate myself. She steps up to me saying “My King..you are needed in the study immediately. Elder Artemis is waiting to go over the ceremonies with you and you need to get ready in a loud voice she said “The King Alpha is not available for meetings..at this time. It his wedding day. That is what everyone is here to witness and THAT will be the ONLY order of business today! Thank you! That will be all!” We walk down the hall and she grins sheepishly and says “Bella is trying to convince me to be more assertive”. I laughed and said “It’s working!”
It’s time! It’s finally time for my beautiful Arabella to me mine! I am standing here…acting like I am patiently waiting…Goddess knows I have perfected the art of faking “stoic” well…but that’s not working today. I am practically vibrating out of this gazebo in anticipation! The crowd hushes and John Legend’s “All of Me” starts playing and there she is! And I forget how to breathe! Her hair is hanging down her back..with a beautiful tiara on top of her head.
Her gown…she looks like an angel. It is a strapless white satin with fitted bodice to her hips, then it flares to the floor with a tulle overlay..Swarovski crystals layered throughout that catch the sunlight as she moves. She is beautiful..ethereal and I realize how lucky I am! As she nears, her scent surrounds me and I have never felt such peace. We stand at the altar and Artemis begins our first ceremony…tying me to the woman of my dreams..hell!… the woman of every man’s dreams!…Arabella stands there with tears in her eyes as she says her vows..
When it was my turn, I tried to rush through them..but she pinched me..and whispered “slow down” so I took a deep breath and started over. We got through the ‘I do’s’ and Artemis announced to the crowd..”I would like to introduce to you…For the first time..Mr and Mrs Sebastian and Arabella McCallum!” and the crowd clapped while our pack hollered! It was great! Kaiden grabbed the Mic and announced cocktails and hors dourves in the reception hall and the Luna ceremony is in two hours.
Arabella and I went to our room to get out of our wedding clothes. We walked in and I spun her around unzipping her gown. As it pooled at her feet she stood there in a demicup strapless bra and thong. White lace. My new favorite! I cupped her breast and squeezed gently and moved my hand down her stomach to her panties and she stayed my hand. She leaned up and kissed me hard whispering “There’s not enough time. And I don’t want to rush this. And, I definitely do NOT want to walk into my Luna ceremony reeking of arousal” I laughed and said “I can understand that..but it’s hard” She grinned wickedly and said “It will be Harder later” I laughed harder and left her with the girls to get ready.
It’s time for the Luna ceremony. Our pack is surrounding the dais while Kaiden and Brayden stand to my right. The ceremonies to induct their mates will be first…as high ranks I have to swear their mates in, as well. We have a four hour break, before Arabella will be crowned my Queen..but it’s already been a long day. I am thinking I will take Ma’Belle to our room for a nap..and yes!..I’m calling it a nap..because calling it what I really want to call it will get me pinched!
Kaiden busts out laughing. I look at him, as he says “Luna is rubbing off on you. Close your link, dude! I’m thinking a “nap” will seriously help you out..drain the pressure off your brain” and we all laugh.
As we turn to the doors of the temple, Cory stands in the doorway. Brayden never takes his eyes off him. He reaches the dais and steps beside his mate..Callista is next..and she looks beautiful in a red gown that suits her completely…she looks confident and happy. It’s a wonderful thing to witness her finding her strengths. As she reaches Kaiden, she turns and smiles at me saying “Wait until you see her!!” And I turn to the door…
Arabella steps into the temple..all eyes on her..and she smiles. A beaming, beautiful smile that lights up the entire temple..and slowly walks toward me.. I’m standing here..trying to remember what breathing feels like and she links me “Calm, my love. I am yours..as you are mine..and we have eternity together..I love you” and just like that.. nerves are gone! How does she do that!!?
The gamma and beta mate ceremonies are over, and Arabella stands beside me, in a beautiful silver satin sheath gown with spaghetti straps…she wears no jewelry. She doesn’t need any! Her beauty outshines any jewel. I start the ceremony “Do you, Arabella Sirces, swear your allegiance and loyalty to the Sterling Moon Pack, as well accept Sebastian McCallum as your Alpha?” She said “I do so solemnly swear”
I sliced my palm with the ceremonial dagger and then hers..We clasped our palms together, as Artemis wraps the ceremonial sash around our clasped hands..saying “If the Moon Goddess accepts this union, She will give us a sign” A light flashes through the glass ceiling and Selene’s voice says “Of course I bless this union..these are my children! I created this pairing!” And everyone on the dais cracked up! Arabella looks to the sky and says “Dramatic much?” And we all hear a tinkling laugh bouncing off the walls.
Artemis said “And now, for the official marking.” I stepped to pull her close to me and whispered “I love you! I am so sorry! This will hurt. Shall we do it at the same time?” She nods and I lift her tiny body to wrap her legs around my waist.. She tilts her head to the side, at the same time I do…and I feel her teeth sink into my neck, as mine sink into hers.. The pain was immediately replaced by pleasure.
All her feelings came rushing at me. I felt her joy, at loving me. Her strength in her self worth. Her fears of not ever being enough..and her pain..the pain of never feeling loved..she only ever had her mother.. and the sheer agony she felt every time I indulged another woman… How could I have been so selfish..so stupid!? She kisses me deeply.. and whispers “Stop! All that was yesterday and yesterday is gone!” Oh dear Moon! I love this woman!
We have mingled and socialized for an hour… She looked at me and said “I think I need to lie down for an hour or so..” I looked at her in question and she nodded…I threw her over my shoulder saying to no one in particular “My Luna needs a nap” and ran for our rooms.