Sold To The Alpha
Chapter 45

Walking down the stairs, Charity gasped Chloe's hand, suddenly nervous. Chloe squeezed her hand tightly, reassuring her as they made their way down the final staircase to where Alistair, Marcus and James were waiting for them, each dressed in a formal suit with a white rose attached to their lapel's. Alistair stepped forward and put his arms around Charity kissing her cheek, 'you look stunning' he said before stepping back and reaching his hand toward his wife.

James stepped toward Chloe, his eyes shining with love as he took her hand in his, finally Marcus stepped up and held out his elbow for Charity to slip her hand through. Smiling up at him, she took his arm as he whispered 'you look beautiful my grand daughter, I am so thankful you asked me to be here today, I just wish your mother was here to see this'

Charity beamed at him happily 'There is no-one I would want to give me away other than you grand father, you are my family, I'm sure mom is watching me'

The three couples lined up at the front door, Alistair and Mary first, followed by Chloe and James, and then finally Charity and Marcus. The door opened and Alistair led the way holding onto his Luna's hand, smiling broadly as they stepped out into the sun and made their way across the drive way to the trees, following a path lit with fairy lights that led the way to the clearing where an altar had been erected and the members of Silver Cross and Red Moon were sat waiting for the bride.

As the clearing came into view, Alistair led Mary down the aisle between the two rows of chairs filled with pack members before taking a seat in the first row in front of a very nervous Aaron who was stood in a black tux with a red sash around his waist and a red rose on his lapel, behind him stood Justin, his best man dressed in an identical suit but with a white sash and rose.

The music suddenly started to play and the entire congregation turned to watch Chloe and James walk slowly down the aisle before James took a seat in the front row next to Lucian whilst Chloe stood by the altar awaiting the bride.

A low murmur spread through the crowd as Charity and Marcus stepped from the trees, slowly making their way toward the altar. As Charity gazed at her mate she saw tears fall softly from his eyes which never left her face as she walked toward him. Reaching the front, Marcus turned and kissed Charity's cheek before placing her hand on Aaron's, bowing his head slightly and taking the first seat next to the aisle.

Charity handed her bouquet to Chloe, revealing her small baby bump which was greeted by a low 'aww' from the young she-wolves. Stepping up onto the alter, she turned to face Aaron, lacing her fingers in with his as the Elder presiding over the ceremony stepped forward. 'Werewolves and She-Wolves 'he intoned solemnly 'there is no greater connection than the one between two mates, when we replace our other half, that one person that was made by the Goddess especially for us, its the moment we become whole. Today the future Alpha of Silver Cross has chosen to stand before you and join himself for eternity to his mate, accepting her as his equal and forsaking all others for her'

Turning to Aaron, the Elder asked 'Alpha Aaron, do you to accept Charity of the Silver Cross pack, grand daughter of the Alpha of the Red Moon pack, to be your Luna, will you treat her as your equal, love her and protect her as is written by the Goddess at the beginning of time?'

'I will' replied Aaron without hesitation

The Elder turned to face Charity 'Charity of the Silver Cross pack, grand daughter of the Alpha of the Red Moon pack, do you accept Aaron as your Alpha, will you stand by him through good times and bad, guide him, love him and protect him to the best of your abilities as Luna as is written by the Goddess at the beginning of time?'

'I will' whispered Charity as tears started to glint in her eyes.

Raising his voice the Elder addressed the congregation 'Do you, members of the Silver Cross pack and Red Moon pack, agree to stand by this young couple, support them today in their joining and every day after until the Goddess should call us home to her?' The clearing filled with howls of assent as all the members of both packs showed their approval of the union.

Nodding slightly the Elder looked between Aaron and Charity before saying 'Marriage is a sacred contract, you go from being two mates who have found each other, to one entity, one heart that beats. You will forevermore be bound together as decreed by the Goddess herself. I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your Luna, Alpha'

Aaron pulled Charity into his arms and pressed his lips to hers, his tears of happiness mingling with her own as the two packs howled in union before them, celebrating the joining of the packs through the marriage of the Alpha's successors.

Pulling away, Aaron held Charity's hand and gently led her from the podium and through the chairs toward the pack house where the dining hall had been converted and decorated for the reception. Small tables with 6 placements dotted one end of the room, each table covered in white linen and adorned with helium balloons and floral arrangements. A band played quietly to the left of the dance floor whilst caterers walked around the room serving beverages and appetizers to the guests.

The night passed in a blur of eating, laughing, dancing and friendship as the two packs mingled with each other, celebrating the joining of their soon to be leaders.

Just as the night was coming to an end, Marcus stepped up beside his grand daughter, 'you have just glowed all day' he muttered smiling as he hugged her gently.

'This has been the most amazing day' replied Charity as she gazed around the room at all her friends and family laughing and smiling.

'You know' mused Marcus 'I'm getting older, I've been thinking for a while that maybe it's time I stepped down from my pack'

Charity looked at him horrified 'But your pack love you!' she protested, worry creasing her brow.

'Well, I admit it does leave my pack with a dilemma' agreed Marcus 'As the heir to my pack is you' he laughed as Charity choked on the mouthful of water she had taken a sip of, 'obviously I know that your heart and life path are here at Silver Cross and I really want the freedom to come and visit my first great grand child as often as possible' he continued 'So I was wondering about whether Alistair would like to make an alliance between Silver Cross and Red Moon and maybe choose another from the Red Moon pack to lead in your place' he asked, looking Charity in the eyes.

'Who were you thinking of to lead?' Charity asked intrigued

Marcus gave a soft chuckle 'well I've had my eye on this young wolf for a long time, he is brave, strong and devoted to our pack, he just needed a Luna' he smiled before nodding his head toward the dance floor where James and Chloe were slowly swaying to the music lost in each other arms. She had told him earlier about their baby and after howling with excitement had swung her around before treating her like porcelain and growling at any wolf that got to close to her making Lucian, Aaron and Justin laugh. Charity threw her arms around her grand fathers neck 'Really??' she squealed 'That is an amazing idea!'

Marcus smiled down at her 'I thought you might like it, I have also run it past Lucian who approves. Additionally, it means that little Kimmy can live in the pack house with them under the protection of a large collection of strong warriors who's prerogative will be to keep the Luna's sister safe!' seeing Charity's confused look he explained 'Chloe's parents have agreed to Kimmy returning with us to Red Moon for the remainder of her training feeling it is the best thing for her confidence, I have to say the thought of having the strongest warrior of our pack guarding her went a long way toward convincing them'

Aaron walked up beside them making a small bow to Marcus before asking 'Alpha, would you mind if I stole my wife away for a dance?'

Marcus laughed before nodding his head and shooing the pair toward the dance floor.

'What were you two talking about? murmured Aaron as he pulled Charity into his arms, placing his head against her hair, inhaling her scent as they started to sway to the music

'Grand father is stepping down from his position' whispered Charity so that no-one else would hear 'He's going to speak to your father about creating an alliance between the packs and then as I will be here with you, having James and Chloe take over leading Red Moon'

Aaron pulled away from Charity beaming 'That is an awesome idea' he grinned approvingly, 'I particularly like the part that says you and our child will stay here with me' he said with a possessive growl causing Charity to giggle. They continued to sway happily together unaware of anything around them, only each other.

'I love you Mr Cross' whispered Charity as she cuddled into his chest, moving gently to the music

'I love you too Mrs Cross' Aaron replied holding her tighter as if he was scared she would disappear if he let her go.