Adventures in an alternate dimension Book 2

Chapter 2 - Cullen Chaos: A Wedding to Remember

The afternoon sun bled through the ancient oaks that lined the Cullen property, dappling the makeshift aisle in a mosaic of light and shadow. The air buzzed with a nervous excitement, a current that crackled between the assembled guests.

On one side, vampires from across covens – the Denali's, the Cullen's, even a stoic contingent from Volterra led by a curious-looking Caius – stood with their inhuman grace. On the other, a smattering of unsuspecting human friends and family from Connor's side mingled, their faces flushed with anticipation.

At the head of the aisle, Bella Cullen, her face an ageless mask of maternal pride, cradled a cooing Rose. The baby, dressed in a blue and white rose print dress, her tiny fist clutching a jasmine flower from Raven's bouquet, seemed oblivious to the momentous occasion. Yet, her presence was the very heart of it all.

A hush fell over the gathering as Edward Cullen, his dark brows furrowed in concentration, took Raven's left arm. But this wasn't quite a traditional entrance. This time, a figure stood on the other side of Raven. It was Sky Sloane, Raven's other father, his golden hair catching the dappled sunlight.

Raven, breathtaking in a gorgeous white lace gown that gracefully flowed around her like falling flower petals, offered him a watery smile. Her dark eyes, usually pools of quiet strength, shimmered with unshed tears.

"Ready, kiddo?" Sky asked, his voice warm and reassuring.

"You look beautiful, Raven," Edward murmured, his voice a low rumble.

Raven squeezed their arms. "I feel like I'm about to faint," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper.

"Stage fright?" Edward teased, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Something like that," Raven confessed. "Except the audience wants to drink my blood Dad."

Edward chuckled, the sound sharp and humorless for a fleeting moment before he gentled it. "They wouldn't dare. Besides, Connor wouldn't let them."

A wave of warmth washed over Raven at the mention of her soon-to-be husband. Connor, his sandy hair windblown, stood at the altar, looking every inch the nervous groom. His gaze locked with Raven's, and a slow smile spread across his face, chasing away the worry lines etched around his eyes. It was a look that spoke volumes – of unwavering love, quiet strength, and a lifetime of promises waiting to be made.

With a shared glance, Edward and Sky each smiled and started walking, their movements silent and swift. The next moment, they were all skimming along the tops of the guests, the scent of jasmine and roses from her bouquet, mixed with the earthy aroma of the forest floor, filled the air. The human guests gasped, craning their necks to follow their impossible journey. For the vampires, it was a breathtaking display of their supernatural grace.

Most of the human guests were all oblivious to the supernatural, and couldn't help but be swept away by the sheer beauty of the ceremony. Tears welled in Charlie Swan's eyes, a proud smile splitting his face as he watched his grand-daughter walk towards her future.

Reaching the altar, Raven squeezed Sky and Edward's arms in gratitude before Raven took Connor's hand. It was warm, a comforting anchor in the sea of emotions churning within her. The officiant, a kindly human pastor unaware of the true nature of his audience, cleared his throat and began the ceremony.

The vows were simple, heartfelt promises spoken with trembling voices. When it came time for the rings, however, the near-perfect moment was punctuated by a mischievous glint in the eye of a certain 17-year-old hovering near the front – Hunter, Raven's younger brother.

Hunter, never one for solemnity, had been tasked with the (supposedly) dignified role of ring bearer. Unfortunately, this involved a velvet cushion adorned with a white satin pillow, which, in Hunter's bored opinion, was begging for some creative repurposing.

As the officiant reached for the rings, Hunter, with the reflexes and playfulness honed by years of mischief, snatched the cushion and darted behind his Uncle Emmett, he let out a low bellowing laugh, causing several human guests to look around at the event taking place.

Connor, mid-vow, caught the commotion and exchanged a helpless look with Raven. A suppressed smile tugged at the corner of her lips. This was so Hunter.

Meanwhile, a flurry of activity ensued. Muffled laughter, the unmistakable rustle of satin, and a soft meow emanated from the hiding place. Finally, Hunter emerged, a sheepish grin plastered on his face. The velvet cushion, transformed into a makeshift cat bed, cradled a purring Ember – the coven's resident black tabby, who, apparently, found the whole situation highly entertaining.

The officiant, clearly flustered but trying to maintain composure, retrieved the rings from the displaced feline and continued the ceremony. The rest of the exchange went without further incident, though the memory of Hunter's prank, and Ember's smug expression, would forever be etched in the wedding video (courtesy of Jacob, ever the cameraman).

As the pastor reached the final words, "I now pronounce you husband and wife," a cheer erupted from the crowd, both human and vampire. Connor swept Raven into a kiss, a kiss filled with a lifetime of pent-up longing and newfound joy. The scent of honeysuckle, Connor's cologne, mingled with the jasmine and rose, creating a heady perfume that hung in the air.

Pulling away, Connor cupped Raven's face in his hands, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "Mrs. Connor Anderson," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Raven laughed, a choked, happy sound. "Mr. Connor Anderson," she countered, her heart overflowing. The reception was a whirlwind of laughter, music, and dancing. Raven, for all her initial worries, found herself swept up in the joy of the celebration. She danced with Connor, with Edward, with Charlie, each step a testament to the love that surrounded her.

As the last rays of the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, Raven found herself standing on the porch, Connor's arm wrapped around her waist. Rose, now fast asleep in Bella's arms, looked like a tiny porcelain doll nestled amongst the jasmine and blue roses in Raven's bouquet.

"This is perfect," Raven murmured, gazing out at the star-studded sky.

"It is, isn't it?" Connor agreed, his voice warm against her ear. He leaned in, his lips brushing her cheek. "We did it, Raven. We're a family."

Raven turned to face him, her eyes glistening in the moonlight. "The Cullen's," she corrected gently, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

Connor chuckled, the sound rich and deep. "The Cullen's," he echoed, drawing her closer. "Though, Mrs. Anderson does have a nice ring to it."

Suddenly, a mischievous giggle broke the quiet moment. Hunter, ever the attention-seeker, stood beside them, a sly grin plastered on his face.

"Can I hold Rosie?" he asked, his voice an innocent coo.

Raven raised an eyebrow, a hint of suspicion in her gaze. "Hunter, what did you do with the catnip this time?"

Hunter's grin faltered for a split second before he shrugged nonchalantly. "Just a little something to spice up the party," he mumbled, his eyes darting around evasively.

Bella, ever the voice of reason, intervened. "Perhaps it's best if Uncle Emmett holds Rose for now," she suggested, her lips twitching with suppressed amusement. Emmett, ever the showman, grinned and scooped up the sleeping baby, cradling her with surprising gentleness. Rose, undisturbed, let out a contented sigh and snuggled closer to his broad chest.

The music from the reception drifted out onto the porch, a melody of laughter and joy. As Raven watched the revelry, a warmth spread through her chest, a feeling deeper than anything she'd ever known. It was the warmth of family, of belonging, of a future filled with love and laughter. Looking back at Connor, her husband, her partner, her family, Raven knew this was just the beginning of their happily ever after.

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See you in the next chapter!!!