Fated to the Werewolf King novel Chapter 49

Jayce stood in front of his mirror, his white button up still on done, a vibrant emerald tie sitting around his neck untouched. He tilted his head slightly until Lily's bite came into view. It had been roughly a week or so now that she had bit him, and yet it had not healed completely. In her words and that of his Wolf, their bond was just that strong that her Mark held true. Yet his gut was telling him something else was at play, but he didn't know as to what yet.

He caressed her teeth indentations, feeling it pulse beneath his fingertips. He couldn't deny that their connection had come full circle since then. His love for her deepened, growing even stronger than it did before. He never knew he could love someone so much until she sat in his kitchen the very first time they met. Now he was marrying her, his true love, his Mate.

A soft knock came from his door before it opened and Elias peered in, his black hair slicked to the side. As he stepped in more, he was wearing a black suit with an emerald bow tie. Jayce smiled at his little brother as he opened his arms to him. The boy's eyes lit up instantly, bolting over to him. Jayce lifted the little one up and spun him around before sitting him on his dresser.

"You look good, Elias." Jayce complimented him. Elias scratched behind his ear with one hand while tugging on his suit with the other.

"It's tight." He whined softly. Jayce inclined his head before helping Elias take off his jacket and laid it down on the bed. Elias' face expressed relief as he breathed a bit easier.

"You don't have to wear the full suit. Lily will love how you look regardless." Jayce told him. Elias smiled when he brought up Lily. He was amazed with how much bonding they had done while he was gone.

Jayce reached down into his pocket, pulling out a small, circular object that he had been holding onto since he left Hawaii. Each day he would pat his pocket where he always placed it, waiting for the right moment to give it to her, and yet he couldn't find the right way to give it to her. If he knew anything about Lily at this point, she didn't really like gaudy things. The only jewelry she appeared to own was his grandmother's necklace he had received on his eighteenth birthday. Now he had one more to add and he hoped she loved it.

"I have a very important task for you." Jayce told Elias as he put out his empty hand for his. Elias relinquished his hand to him and Jayce placed the ring in his palm, closing his fingers around it, "This is Lily's ring. I'll call for you at the right moment to bring it over, can you do that for me?" He asked him. Elias opened his hand to look at the ring, his eyes mesmerized before he frowned.

"I can't. I'll lose it." Elias tried giving the ring back, but Jayce wrapped his very large hand around his.

"You won't lose it. I believe in you, Elias. Besides, think how happy Lily would be when she sees you deliver this." He said to him. Elias cocked his head a bit, smiling as he thought about it. He gave a quick nod before putting the ring in his breast pocket. Jayce ruffled his hair just as Derek peaked into the room.

"There you are." Derek said as he spotted Elias sitting on Jayce's dresser. Elias got down with Jayce's help, running over to his father. Jayce couldn't lie that he wasn't happy that Derek had a change of heart after Lily talked to him, but he just couldn't fully trust the man that supposed to be his father. Derek fixed Elias' hair before gesturing to the door, "I need to speak with your brother for a moment." He told him. Elias nodded obediently and left the two Alphas alone. Silence filled the space between them as Jayce turned back toward the mirror and started buttoning up his shirt.

"I spoke with Luna Selene this morning. I will be traveling with her back to Florida to go through Lukas' belongings." Derek finally spoke up, remaining by the door.

"She's an Alpha now." Jayce said coldly, leaving his collar up as he started working on his tie next. He noticed his father falter for a second before clearing his throat.

"Of course, Alpha Selene." Derek immediately corrected himself which surprised Jayce quite a bit. He wasn't used to his father just going with what he said without giving some argument in return.

"What do you hope to find amongst his things?" Jayce asked after flattening his collar, checking himself in the mirror again. He tried to flatten a few wrinkles out in the sleeves with little success.

"Hopefully some evidence to this Karmina witch. I also believe it would be best to keep this amongst the Alphas and Lunas only to avoid panic amongst the packs." Derek suggested to him as Jayce picked up his jacket and slipped it on. He looked fuller with the extra layer of clothing on, his shoulders and chest wider and squared off.

"I have to contact the council after the honeymoon and meet with the other Supernatural leaders. If the leader of the Light Witches is there, hopefully I'll have an answer to who we're dealing with." He let out a breath as he did one last look over in the mirror. He listened to Derek approach and stand beside him. He was just a couple inches shorter than he was, his silver hair slicked back on top with his black hair shaved low on the side. He didn't look his age, but after recent events he probably felt it now. He had a similar black suit, but his tie was red, most likely to match Penelope's dress.

"They haven't spoken to you about the death of that Vampire?" Derek asked him. Jayce shook his head.

"No, but I won't believe it's just ignored until I hear it from Dante himself." Jayce leaned forward and picked up his watch. They had an hour before they needed to head to central park. He slipped on his watch, catching Derek watching him, "What is it?"

"I know it's rather late to say anything, especially since I have neglected you for years." Derek said, his silver eyes softening a bit, "I'm proud of you, Jayce." Those words stopped Jayce from tinkering with his watch. He glanced over to his father who met his gaze, "There is no amount of apologies in this world that can make up for what I've done. If not for Lily reminding me what truly mattered, I'd be dead in that hotel room."

"She does have a way with words." Jayce said to him, reaching up and touched the Mark again. It pulsed against his fingers, warming his skin.

"By the way," Derek cleared his throat, reaching into his jacket and pulled out a black velvet box. Jayce cocked a brow as his father opened it and revealed a beautiful obsidian wedding band inside. He took it out of the box and held it out to him, "I asked Lily for permission first." Jayce looked down at the ring before taking it. It was cold against his skin and had a bit of weight to it.

"Thank you." Jayce said to him. Derek nodded, fixing his jacket before leaving him alone to his thoughts. Jayce glimpsed at the ring before slipping it on. He was amazed how well it sat on his finger. He looked at his image once more before leaving the room behind.

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The sun casted its light on the snow, creating sparkles that seemed to enhance the effect of the atmosphere. Pack members stood off to the side, wearing Christmas outfits to fit the season. Pups had paraded around in the snow, unable to keep still even with their parents prodding them. Jayce didn't care. They could have a snowball fight in the middle of his wedding and he wouldn't blink an eye. Amongst the crowd was a small camera crew and a man in a light blue suit and tie, bald with grey eyes.

That must be Milo.

"You ready?" Damion spoke up from beside him suddenly. He looked over to his Beta, his best man and long time friend. He wore a black suit with a black tie to match. He knew if he turned his head further back, he would see Lily, but he steered away.

"More than ready." Jayce told him. Damion slapped him on the back before heading back to his spot. Jayce felt his stomach dip slightly as the crowd looked at him as he walked forward. He held his head high though, snow crunching beneath his feet. He was used to having all eyes on him, but it was different today.

Near the front of the crowd, closest to the tree were politicians and military officials. Luna Isis out did herself to get these people here, especially on Christmas. They each inclined their necks respectfully to him as he approached the tree where Alpha Javon waited for him. He inclined his neck as well when Jayce stood off to the side of him.

"How are you feeling?" He lowered his voice. Jayce felt his heart quicken slightly at the question.

"I'll admit, Javon, it's nerve wrecking." Jayce spoke honestly to the Alpha. Javon gave him a kind smile.

"It will be. Just wait until you see your bride." He told him. Jayce couldn't wait at all.

After a few minutes, he noticed Damion and Erica walking down the path, their arms linked. Damion had a smile on his face while Erica looked a bit nervous which was odd with the personality she has. He watched Damion lean down slightly toward her, his lips moving. Erica met his gaze and finally smiled. She wore a sleek black dress that fit her curved body, the length stretching to the snow. Her usual untamed Mohawk was curled into an old fifties style that she actually pulled off. He was impressed with her, but his eyes moved past them. Behind them came his father and Penelope. They were talking to one another, but this was the first time in God knows how long that he's actually seen his parents happy. Penelope's black hair was partially braided back before cascading down her back. Her vibrant red dress matched that of his father's tie, also a bit tight fitting around her chest and waist, but flowed a bit more toward the ground. He noticed the other Lunas and Alphas slip in with the crowd. Luna Ella moved along with her camera,, snapping pictures as she went. Jayce felt his heart thump louder and faster in his chest. He knew who was next.

As Damion and Erica took their places, Derek and Penelope stood off to the side that was closer to the political group. A tiny figure hurried through the path, trying not to stumble along the way. Jayce listened to the crowd laugh a little as Elias ran up to him, his cheeks and nose pink from the cold. Jayce knelt down as his little brother ran up to him.

"I did it." He said triumphantly. Jayce chuckled, patting his brother's head.

"Do you still have the ring?" He asked him. Elias nodded, tapping his pocket. Jayce pointed over to Penelope and Derek, gently pushing him their way. That's when he smelled it. Lillies. His eyes swept over the crowd and narrowed in on the path where two more figures made their way forward. Jayce felt his heart stop.

Lily walked side by side with her father, Nathan, smiling at one another. Nathan had his brown hair neatly combed, wearing a slim black suit. His tie was black with a Christmas tree embroidered on it. Lily had her golden locks curled, swaying as she walked. Instead of a traditional white wedding dress, she wore an emerald dress that had laced sleeves down to her wrists. The collar curved along her collarbone where the necklace sat, standing out against the fabric. The dress fitted her waist until it spread out in a A-line skirt that glided across the snow. He watched his Mate smile at the crowd, giving small waves as she past them by. Finally she stopped just a few feet from him, meeting his gaze. She had no make up on which was what he preferred anyways for her. Nathan looked at Jayce before shaking hands with him and handed Lily off.

"Jayce?" She spoke his name so sweetly, his heart going into overdrive as he looked into her eyes. She reached up with her hand and caressed his cheek. He felt moisture beneath her touch, confirming the tears he had shed.

"I... Damn..." he cursed, covering his eyes. He heard some laughter from the crowd as he got embarrassed. Lily grabbed his hand and pulled it down from his face.

"You look so handsome." She complimented, giving him a very slow look over that left his groin to tingle lightly. He cleared his throat, taking her hands in his and peered over to Javon, giving him a confirmation nod.

"We are gathered here today to celebrate the union between Jayce Ryder and Lily Thornstun." Javon started his speech, and though he should be paying attention, his eyes left the Alpha and landed on Lily instead. She was listening intently to the man, her green eyes likes gems in the sunlight. Even though her nose was a shade of red, she didn't appear chilled by the low temperature. His eyes traced her soft pink lips, his Mark on her neck down to her belly. He couldn't see the bump, but he knew his child was laying beneath the fabric. He remembered when Lily told him that they should wait on having children when the wedding was over with. So much for waiting, but he couldn't be happier than he was at this moment.

"Jayce, would you like to say your own vows? Jayce?" Javon interrupted Jayce's thoughts, bringing him back to the reality at hand. Lily looked up at him with an amused smile on her lips. She must be enjoying his reactions right now.

"Yes." He replied, squeezing Lily's hands in his own, sending her the warmth of his internal heat to her. He watched as her eyes fluttered and her cheeks flared up lightly. "Lily, you've done so much for me. You helped me understand that there was more to my life than just leading the pack. I've been laughing more, smiling more. My heart feels lighter, yet my love for you is overflowing." He watched her eyes glisten with tears, "I didn't know what love truly meant to me." He dropped his gaze to their joined hands, rubbing the back of her fingers.

"Then one day you arrived," his eyes lifted and glimpsed at Penelope. She smiled innocently at him, "and you changed my world." He focused back on Lily, "Lily, I am deeply, madly and undeniably in love with you. I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together. You, me... and our child." He said just a little bit louder. Lily's eyes widened when he made the sudden announcement. The crowd released gasps followed by an eruption of applause and cheering. Lily laughed.

"Now," Javon raised his voice, cutting through the noise, "Lily?" He turned the question to her. After she collected herself once more, she met Jayce's gaze.

"I won't lie, it's been a pretty crazy ride since I got here." Her eyes softened, "I was running from my past, hoping to find something that would help me escape. Instead I found someone. I found you." She looked down at their joined hands, "I was frightened to love again after everything I went through. I was scared of you seeing my scars and the reality that I had lived before we met." She peered up at him again, the look on her face took his breath away once more. Her eyes sparkled with the love she felt for him, her cheeks a light shade of pink either from blush or from the cold and there was a sweet and tender smile on her lips.

"But you helped me so much. You supported me through it all, and I'll always be grateful." She released one of his hands and placed hers on his cheek. He leaned into it, his eyes falling shut. "Jayce, I love you so very much. I love the man that you are. Your strengths, yours flaws and everything else in between. I'm happy that fate worked out in our favor." She smiled at him when he opened his eyes again.

"Jayce Ryder, do you take Lily Thornstun to be your wife? To cherish and protect her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, until death do us part?" Javon asked him.

"I do." He said firmly. Lily's smiled widened, tears threatening to spill over.

"Lily Thornstun, do you take..." Javon started.

"I do. Absolutely. Yes." She interrupted excitedly. She gasped, covering her mouth as the crowd laughed a bit, "Oh, I'm sorry." She blushed with embarrassment now. Javon smiled, nodding to her.

"It's alright. Rings?" He asked them. Lily's smile dropped instantly, panic rising in her eyes as her breath quickened slightly. He held up his hand where he showed the ring Derek gave him then turned toward the audience.