“Sunday, I think. Why?” Ryan asked.
I paused, sending a quick mind-link to Caroline.
Ha,ever since Caroline joined my pack,I can communicate with her instantly whenever I think of her. It’s such bliss being able to talk to my wife every day.
Her enthusiastic response made me smile.
“Ryan, can you call Jace for me?”
Ryan connected with Detective Monroe, and after exchanging pleasantries, passed his phone to me.
I thanked Jace profusely for his role in rescuing my son and explained that Caroline was excited about him joining our circle. Then I asked him to be my groomsman, pairing with Nina at the wedding. He accepted immediately, saying he’d arrive Friday to participate in what Ryan was calling my “last hunt” celebration-the wolf version of a bachelor party.
“That solves a problem driving Eleanor and me crazy,” Kyle commented with obvious relief.”Finding a partner for Nina at the ceremony. Elle insisted it was my responsibility to figure it out.”
“Caroline was worried about that too,” I admitted.
Ryan proceeded to update me on all the preparations for the engagement dinner. He’d arranged catering, decorations, and even a string quartet to provide ambient music. The house manager Carlos was coordinating all deliveries and services.Everything was ready for me to formally ask Caroline’s father for her hand in marriage.
Clara’s reminder about the jewelry prompted me to call the bank and schedule access to the safe deposit box containing my family’s heirloom rings. Kyle had also arranged a fitting at the tailor for my wedding attire.
Thinking of Howard still being at large, I realized we needed additional security measures at my pack house. I summoned Enforcer Bonfim to my office.
The older wolf entered with dignified . “Alpha,” he greeted me with a respectful bow of his head.
“Bonfim, your leadership during Liam’s rescue operation was exemplary,” I began. “I’ve been impressed with your work leading our pack’s enforcement division for years, but you truly proved yourself during this crisis.”
The older wolf’s eyes showed appreciation, though his expression remained professional. “I was merely doing my duty to protect our pack’s young, Alpha.”
“Which is precisely why I want to offer you a promotion,” I continued. “I’d like you to oversee all security operations-both for the pack and for Thorne Enterprises.”
His eyes widened slightly,the only indication of his surprise. “That’s quite an expansion of responsibilities, Alpha.”
“With increased compensation to match,”I assured him.”Starting with tonight’s dinner at the pack house.I need someone I can trust completely to coordinate security, especially with Howard still at large.”
“Consider it done, Alpha,” Bonfim nodded firmly. “I’ll assemble a team immediately and conduct a thorough sweep of the property.”
“Perfect.I’d like you to call Mathias to head the residential security team,” I suggested.
“The same Matias who served your father?” Bonfim asked.
“The very same. I understand he’s returned from Europe after taking advanced security training and working for some political figure.”
Bonfim nodded approvingly. “An excellent choice. I’ll contact him immediately.”
“One more thing,” I added as Bonfim turned to leave. “This is more than just an family dinner. It’s the beginning of formally bringing Caroline into the pack as my Luna. The symbolism is important.”
My enforcer’s expression softened slightly. “I understand completely, Alpha. Your mate’s safety will be our highest priority.”
After Bonfim left, Ryan and I headed to the bank. The time of my appointment was approaching, and I couldn’t be late to retrieve the family heirlooms for tonight’s dinner.
Draven’s POV
The bank manager personally escorted us to a private room adjacent to the vault. After I entered the password and used my key, an attendant brought in my safe deposit box and left us alone.
Opening the drawer unleashed a flood of emotions I wasn’t prepared for. My fingers trembled slightly as they brushed over the numerous velvet boxes containing my family’s treasures. My wolf Alaric whined softly within me, feeling my pain and nostalgia.
These were my mother’s jewels, my father’s watches and cufflinks-items deeply personal to my family, each carrying its own history.
As happy as I was to be marrying my mate, the knowledge that my parents’ deaths were no accident reopened wounds I thought had healed. Howard had robbed them of witnessing this moment. He had stolen their chance to meet their grandson, to watch Liam grow, to be the wonderful grandparents I knew they would have been.
Howard’s treachery had altered more than just my parents’ fate-it had completely changed the trajectory of Caroline’s life and Liam’s. If not for that sabotage, I wouldn’t have lost Caroline that night at the masquerade. We might have remained together, or at least stayed connected. I would have been there for my son’s birth, his first words, his first steps.
Caroline and Liam wouldn’t have endured those difficult years, facing prejudice and cruelty from narrow-minded pack members who looked down on an unmated mother with a pup.
It could have been so different. But it wasn’t.
A growl rumbled in my chest as my wolf’s protective instincts surged. From now on, I would allow no one to hurt my family again. Every moment with Caroline would be treasured. I would make my mate and pup happy,this I swore on my wolf’s honor.
Lost in these thoughts, I didn’t notice the tears tracking down my face until Ryan placed a steadying hand on my shoulder, bringing me back to reality. My Beta reminded me silently that I was never alone. Just as he had done throughout our lives, especially after my parents’ passing, Ryan offered his unwavering support. I looked at him gratefully and embraced him, thanking the Moon Goddess for giving me such a loyal packmate.
I carefully selected the items we needed-my mother’s engagement ring, the pair of wedding bands, the cufflinks my father wore when he mated my mother, my grandfather’s watch, and a special gift box for Caroline. While searching, I discovered a small forgotten box at the bottom of the drawer.Opening it,I immediately recognized the piece-a silver pendant with our pack’s symbol, traditionally given to the Luna by her mate on their union. I decided to take that as well.
From the bank, we went to the jewelry store. I needed to have all the pieces polished, engrave the wedding rings, the engagement ring, and the jewelry from the little box, and I also needed them to check the watch’s mechanism. The owner, an old friend of my parents, knew all the pieces and was moved when he learned what I would do with them, reminding me how proud my parents were of me and that wherever they were, they were happy for me. He would deliver the pieces to me at the end of the day.
From there, we went to the tailor, another old acquaintance. Mr. Caius used to make my grandfather’s suits; his business was passed from father to son and now to grandson. They all knew me very well. Caius Jr. suggested a light blue suit, a really beautiful cobalt blue. It was a three-piece suit. He suggested I wear it with a white shirt and no tie. It would be perfect for a daytime wedding in the garden.
In addition to Ryan, Nate,Joesph,Jace,and Nate would also be my groomsmen, and I left them free to choose whatever they wanted without bothering them with combinations or rules. At the suggestion of Caius Neto, they decided to wear blue pants in a slightly darker shade than my suit, ties of the same color, white shirts, and suspenders. Caius, who was very excited, decided that Liam should wear the same as the groomsmen, with the difference in the tie – my son’s would be a bow tie. Caius would have everything ready by Friday.
Ryan decided to let Eleanor know right away that we had already bought Liam’s outfit. She threw a fit, of course, but Caroline calmed her down by saying that I had already missed many things in my son’s life and that it was only fair that I choose his outfit for the wedding, and that she trusted my good taste. This made me very happy.
“Now let’s go to Alfredo’s. No way you’re getting married wearing old shoes,” Joesph said, making me laugh. There were so many details; I would never remember everything if it weren’t for my friends.
At the shoe store, I bought a brown pair, following Caius’s advice. And I bought an almost identical model for my son. It was so small, and it was the first pair of shoes I had bought for him; in fact, it was the first thing I had bought for him since discovering he was my son. I was very emotional.
After a busy and hectic day, we stopped by the jewelry store in the late afternoon. Everything was ready and had turned out perfectly. I thanked everyone for their efforts to get everything done so quickly.
Everything was organized; now I just had to get ready for dinner.
Caroline’s POV
The day had been exhausting but wonderfully productive. My friends were incredibly efficient. We had secured everything we needed for the ceremony. The list included decorations, catering, music, and a quartet that would perform during the service. We also arranged party favors, finalized the guest list, ordered the cake, and of course, found my dress. Since I preferred elegant rather than fancy, everything came together quickly and perfectly.
We’d also set up an appointment with the notary whom Ryan had recommended. We talked with the priest, though he initially hesitated to give his blessing because we hadn’t completed the traditional pre-marriage course. Eleanor convinced him to meet with us Friday morning for a condensed version, and he eventually agreed to officiate the blessing.
Ava and Ruby created a beautiful digital invitation that would be sent to all guests during dinner time. This timing would ensure our parents wouldn’t discover our plans too early. They’d already arranged to handle the RSVPs on Friday.
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