Thicker Than Water

Chapter 10

Scarlett

It was two-thirty when we finished getting ready and my nerves were at an all time high. Pasha came in a little before two to give me my wedding henna tattoos that lined my hands and feet. I slipped my heels on getting ready for the first part of the wedding ceremony. I took the last sip of my wine, giving myself a once over making sure I look fine. My dad knocked on the door and was in tears when he looked at me.

"You look beautiful." I smiled and pulled him in for a hug.

"You can't cry because then mom will cry and then I will cry and my makeup will run." We laughed and he wiped his eyes. We linked arms and I faintly heard the opening song, Perfect by Ed Sheeran and Beyonce, cuing my bridesmaids and I to walk down the isle. I brought the veil down over my face, trying to keep my breathing steady as I walked down the isle. I watched as Dante turned to face me and I softly gripped my dad's arm nervously. He gave me a hug before handing me off to Dante.

Dante was tearing up when he lifted my veil and I wiped a tear away.

"You look amazing..." He smiled at me gripping my hand softly, giving it a loving squeeze.

"You look better." I smiled back as we turned to face the priest.

"We are gathered here today to witness this beautiful union between two clans and more importantly these mates. The couple has decided to read their own vows. King Dante?" He grabbed my hands in between his, never taking his eyes off of me.

"Our parents met to discuss terms of the peace treaty nine years ago. That was when I first saw you and immediately I wanted to protect you, hold you, and make sure you were safe. When you made a scene and dared to disobey orders to be with me it was honestly the funniest moment I've ever seen." My face heated up turning a bright red which made him smile more.

"You've kept that rebellious personality of yours and thankfully I get to see it again. I don't know what the future holds but I do know that no matter what you will always be mine and my Queen. So with that, I Dante Reeves, take the lovely and amazing Scarlett Hayes as my wife." I'm in tears when he slips the ring over my finger, and he softly wipes them away.

"Scarlett?" The priest turns to me and I let out a shaky breath. Okay, I can do this.

"After you left with your family when we first met I was so mad. I think I went without talking for at least a week. I didn't really understand, and neither did my wolf until I got a little older. And then I saw you again. The first couple of days were rocky, but none the less I enjoyed every minute of it. I'm so happy and lucky to call you my mate. Whatever the Moon Goddess has in store for us I'm ready for every second as long as you stay by my side." I try not to cry again as I continue my vows.

"I, Scarlett Hayes, would love to take this amazing man standing before me, Dante Reeves, as my husband." I slip the ring over his finger, smiling and looking into his eyes. The moment the priest said "you may now.." we were already kissing. We laughed as cheers from both of our people erupted around us.

Pasha came and grabbed my hand, smiling at Dante. "It is now time for you to witness our celebration." I gave him one more kiss and left him with my mother and father as his clan and my pack joined at the Blood river. I got ready in my ceremonial dress that Pasha made and took off all of my makeup. I brushed through my hair, letting the curls loosen and then we made our way to the river.

Pasha went ahead of me as the moon was already shining down on the water. Traditionally, the Alpha's mother would be doing the ritual but because Nellie is not with us, Pasha being the oldest in our pack has taken responsibility. I slowly walked toward the water, flowers blooming with every step. I reached the river and stepped in, the water illuminating around me. Pasha began the ceremony blessing the water, me, and our joined clans. She rubbed herbs across my forehead, arms, and neck muttering words in Latin I did not understand. All the wolves in my pack changed and howled at the moon and soon after the ritual was done. I was now, a hundred percent, part of my pack for life.

I caught a glimpse of Dante and his family watching our ceremony and when I was finished, Pasha handed me a towel. I walked over to him smiling.

"Hello husband." He smiled and kissed me.

"I love the sound of that." I smiled up at him before hugging him, getting him wet.

"Oops." We laughed and walked hand in hand to my mom and his mom talking.

"Darling!" Dantes mother gave him a hug then looked at me. "Scarlett. Congratulations on your marriage." She was very uptight and my mother gave her a small glare.

"Im proud of you both." My mom hugged Dante and I before laughing. "You guys should go and get changed for your honey moon. Also, Scar make sure you stop by Nellie to introduce Dante." I nodded and my husband and I walked to my room where our clothes were at.

"Introduce me to Nellie? I thought she was dead?" Dante asked confused. I start undressing, as do Dante.

"I can speak to her. And shes been pretty excited to meet you. Whenever I'm upset or I need help, her and I speak." I throw on my jeans and shirt looking at Dante as he tries to take it all in.

"It's not that crazy. I can grow plants out of thin air and this is what you are surprised of?" We laugh and finish grabbing all our things to leave. "Come on lets go tell everyone bye." We walk hand in hand down to the guests to say our goodbyes. Everything had been packed before hand so that was one leas thing to worry about. We promised our families to check in while we were gone and then drove off to where Nellie was buried.

"Is she going to like me?" Dante asked and I giggled.

"Of course she is, my love. You're amazing." I smiled and squeezed his hand reassuringly. I was excited that Nellie was going to meet Dante. They both mean so much to me.

"Love, we're here." Dante gives me a nervous look and we step out. I really hope Nellie doesn't mention the danger that we might be in.