Arise

“Are you ready?” I bent down to smooth out the train of Val’s gown. She was wearing a beautiful, off-white wedding gown. It had long sleeves covered in lace that went from her neck to her bust. Underneath the lace was a sweetheart neckline. The gown was backless and flowed out perfectly against her frame. She wore light makeup and her light brown hair sat just past her shoulders in loose tendrils. On top of her head was a flower crown of blues, yellows, and pinks. There was no other way to describe her as than beautiful.

I rose up and saw Val place both her hands against her stomach, looking queasy. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

I grabbed my bouquet of white lilies and handed Val her own bouquet of purple ones. “Don’t worry. It’s just you and him. No one else.” We were currently in the pack house. The wedding would take place in the backyard.

She cleared her throat, but said, “right,” in barely a whisper.

“Besides, you guys are already together, this is just for formalities.”

“No, I’ve wanted this since I met him.” I smiled at her response. She was definitely ready.

“Exactly. You have nothing to worry about.”

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes before nodding. “You’re right. Just me and him.”

I held on to her hands and squeezed them in assurance before grinning. “You look like the courageous Luna you were born to be.”

“Thank you, Rosie.”

I leaned in closer and whispered with squinted eyes, “It’s never too late to back out. Just say the word and I will find a car and we can get out of here.”

She laughed. “You remember?”

“Of course!” I stuck my finger out in the air and said the old rule we made as kids, “In the event of nervousness and doubt before anything, it is a best friend’s job to find the quickest exit. Scout’s honor.”

“Thank you, best friend, but I can do this.” On that note, light music played which was our cue to start walking. Dylan smiled before walking out and down the path that led to backyard. When Dylan was halfway down, CeCe followed with a large smile on her face. Out of all of us bridesmaids, she was the most excited to stand in the wedding. The groomsman she was paired with wasn’t Shaw but Travis, a highly respected fighter in both his wolf and human form and unmated.

CeCe was nearly halfway down when I turned towards Valerie. I offered her a wink and was on my way down the path. Due to the curtain that covered the back door, I couldn’t see the backyard, but it had come together last night. There were fairy lights wrapped around trees and the makeshift altar. The whole pack was here, including nearby packs and my family. I smiled at my parents who smiled back at me. I looked up and my eyes immediately met those of the man that made my heart flutter. His lips parted before forming into a wide smile. I smiled brighter.

Logan was handsome to say the least. He was breathtaking. He wore a well-fitted suit that did wonderful things to his form. His hair was swept back effortlessly, and his dimples were on full display. He stood strongly beside Caleb who appeared nervous. Alpha and Beta. Best friends till the end.

My best friend was getting married to the love her life. Her mate. Someone who complimented every part of her. Someone who brought out the very best and very worst in her. Caleb was made just for her as she was made just for him.

The ceremony was spectacular. Their vows were so sweet that I shed a couple tears. The reception was now running smoothly, but I was so busy fulfilling my maid of honor duties that I hadn’t talked to Logan all day. I had been with Val from the moment I got to her room at four am until I saw her walk down the aisle as the beautiful bride. The first time I saw Logan today was when I walked down the aisle and met his eyes.

The only time I talked to him was when we walked down the aisle together following Caleb and Valerie leaving as husband and wife. We smiled at each other before walking back to the house. When we got inside, he kissed my forehead and before we could even say anything, we were rushed off into taking photos.

My family had left soon after the ceremony because of their flight. Dylan had school the next day and my parents had work. But I promised them to visit soon. They had loved the community that I deemed as a mob. They didn’t know about werewolves but praised Caleb for taking care of his employees.

I sat next to Logan during the reception, but he was quickly off to settle some border disputes that were happening. He had been gone an hour after the dinner and dessert. It was now ten at night, and the floor was open to everybody who wanted to dance.

I sighed and dropped my eyes to the floor. I hadn’t talked to him all day and missed him. I looked down at my dress. The sleeveless, lilac-colored gown was now wrinkled near the ends and my heels were digging into my toes. I just wanted to go home and take a nap.

My eyes lifted and scanned the backyard. The fairy lights were now brighter as it was night time. Couples of all ages were dancing and swaying. Little kids were shaking around and laughing. In the center of the floor, Caleb and Valerie were swaying. I smiled. The music was far from low tempo, but they swayed together like they were the only two people in the room. As it should be for them. They had waited for this day for years.

I furrowed my eyes when I spotted Logan by the bar. He was watching the pack with a calculated gaze as he causally sipped his drink. I tilted my head in confusion. When did he get back?

I walked over to where Logan was standing. He saw me and acknowledged me by nodding. “Hey.” He offered his glass to me, but I shook my head.

The smile didn’t stretch far when I asked, “is everything okay?”

He set his glass down, adjusted his tie. His suit discarded on the table behind him. “What do you mean?”

“You were fine until someone handed you that envelope a couple hours ago.” Right after the ceremony, they immediately went into taking photos while the guest ate hors d’oeuvres. Near the end of the photoshoot, Logan was pulled aside by a man I hadn’t recognized. He had handed Logan an envelope, and the moment he read the contents of it, his face had beheld a frown ever since.

“Oh, that. Just pack stuff. Lots of paperwork to do.”

“Are you sure that’s all? You seem tense.” I tapped my foot nervously.

“Yes, Doll. Everything is fine.” He eyed me and clicked his tongue. “You don’t seem convinced.”

My expression relaxed, and I moved closer. “Because you’re worrying me.”

“There’s nothing to worry about.” He grabbed my hand and asked, “When do you want go to Postcards?”

I shook my head. Valerie claimed that the real celebrations wouldn’t start until they went to the club, Postcards, to party at midnight. But I was so exhausted, I just wanted to jump into bed and sleep forever.

He placed his hand on my waist and stepped closer. “I haven’t seen you all day,” he said with soft eyes. His throat bobbed.

“I saw you a couple hours ago,” I said slyly.

He rolled his eyes. “You know what I mean.”

“I’ve been up since four. I am so tired.” I leaned into him and he kissed my temple. “My parents were hoping to talk to you before they left but you ran off.”

He chuckled. “I know. I’m sorry.”

I shrugged. “That’s okay. I told them that we would visit some time.”

Logan went rigid. He set his glass down. “Visit them in Boston?”

I nodded.

He looked at me. “We can’t do that.”

I blinked. “Why not?”

“You’re part of the pack now. It’s not safe to leave the territory.”

I moved away from him. “I wouldn’t be by myself. You would be with me.”

“I can’t leave the pack. I’m supposed to protect it.”

I folded my arms over my chest. “You came to Boston a couple months ago.”

“That was because I was protecting Luna and getting you back.”

I counted to five in my head. “Besides this double standard you have, you won’t let me see my family?”

He shook his head and checked his watch. “It’s not a double standard, and they can visit here from time to time but going there is not up for discussion.”

I raised an eyebrow. He couldn’t keep me from seeing them. “Logan, they’re my family.”

“I know, but you are mated to a Beta. Leaving you on your own is dangerous.” Where was this all coming from?

“I was doing just fine before I met you.”

“That’s because you weren’t a part of the pack.”

I cleared my throat and looked him dead in the eyes. “Right. So, did you avoid my parents tonight or did you actually have something to do?”

“I told you I had to deal with border disputes.”

I scoffed. “Doesn’t seem like it.” I wasn’t willing to put this discussion to bed. I looked at the crowd, avoiding his stern eyes. Val and Caleb were slow dancing, laughing, and being happy. Why were we fighting at their wedding?

“The pack comes first no matter what.”

I whipped my head in his direction. “What about me,” I whispered.

He didn’t respond. He just stared at me, no words forming. I took that as my cue to leave, but with his fast reflexes, he grabbed my wrist.

“Hey, you might not like my decision but that’s final.”

I yanked my arm away from. “Have fun at Postcards, asshole.” I walked away, anger burning my bones.

My ears perked to the sound of the front door shutting. My eyes squinted but remained closed. I pulled the covers over me sighed, waiting for sleep to return. The door opened, and the bathroom lights turned on. Without a single word, Logan got under the sheets, the bed dipping. Exhaling loudly, he went to sleep with a gap between us. I found sleep soon after.

My finger splayed out to touch the figure beside me but met cold sheets. I scrunched my face and barely opened my eyes in confusion. “Logan?”

“Yeah?” My eyes followed the sound and saw him sitting on the edge of the bed, sagged with his arms rested on his knees.

I rose up, yawning. “Are you sure everything’s okay?” I rubbed the bleariness from my eyes.

“No,” he rasped.

My heart clenched at the tone in his voice, sleep leaving me entirely.

I got up on my knees and scooted towards him. His back was to me. “What’s wrong?”

“I—I just don’t know. I miss my parents.”

“Come here.” He shook his head at me, but I moved forward and put one arm over his shoulder and my other arm wrapped around his torso, tugging him closer.

“It’s stupid I know.” His thumb reached up and caressed my arm causing my skin to rise.

I tightened my hug and rested my chin on his shoulder. “No, it’s not stupid.” My heart clenched at his somber expression. It was all about trust and love, and I would give him that and more.

I cleared my throat and said, “After I was born, my parents went through some financial troubles. They had both just graduated from college and had to make ends meet, especially with me in their lives.” I stopped when the words choked my throat. It was hard enough repressing the horrible memories during my childhood. I didn’t notice that his hand was now on my forearm until he gave it a reassuring squeeze.

“My parents had me really young. Right after they found each other in high school.” He stopped after that. It would be a give and take, I realized. One confession for another, as we usually did. I moved from behind him to sit next to him. I tucked my legs under me and slipped my fingers through his hands.

I rested my head against his shoulder and closed my eyes. “My dad thought he could make a little extra cash if he made bets. But, he acquired a huge gambling problem and it almost cost us our house. Mom and dad would get into heated arguments a lot, like the ones where one of them ends up sleeping on the couch.” I let out a shutter as I remembered crawling into my dad’s lap as he slept on the couch that first night. The first of many nights that went on for almost three years.

Logan’s turn. “I was their only child. I was already enough to handle, but after me they couldn’t have any more kids. They loved me with everything they got, and I stomped all over it.” My ears perked at the change in his tone. I picked my head up and looked at him. He avoided my gaze, but I could still see him mentally fold in on himself. He wasn’t planning on continuing, but we had already said so much.

“My parents borrowed a ton of money from people and things started looking up. Unfortunately, my dad took the money that they started making and ran to who knows where. He filed for divorce and then she met Myles, my step dad.” I remembered the day mom brought Myles over. He had given me a bouquet of flowers, and we all played board games all night. I smiled at the memory and continued, “they wanted to get married, but he wanted my approval first, so he got me a guitar. Told me that I could learn to trust him if he taught me how to play.” There it was all out in the open. My shoulders stiff from revealing so much. A heavy burden it was to keep all of this in.

With a heavy sigh, he looked at me. Exhaustion clear in his gray eyes. “I’m sorry. About today, I mean.”

I waved him off and moved so I was leaning against the headboard. We would talk about it when the time called for it. I patted the space next to me, but instead of sitting there, he put his head on my lap and covered us with the blanket. Without a second thought, I brought my fingers over his hair. As I ran my fingers through his hair I noticed just how soft it was. Like his fur. I smiled at the thought.

No longer waiting to see if I would accept his apology, he said, “they had me really young. Dad had just been promoted Beta when he met mom.”

“They had just graduated high school. They didn’t care how young they were; they just wanted to start their lives together. They got married and had me. Growing up, I knew I would inherit becoming Beta. I was the Beta’s son and Caleb’s best friend; it was practically in my hands. I didn’t care about anything. Beta was a guaranteed position.” He smirked in disbelief and shook his head. “I’m such an idiot,” he mumbled.

I kept quiet, hoping he would tell me the rest. But he didn’t speak after a while. Instead he stared straight ahead, quiet and lost in focus.

I twirled a lock of his hair around my finger and pleaded softly, “Come back to me, Logan.” I threaded my fingers through his hair again and waited patiently.

“I can’t.” He lifted his head from my lap and moved back. I gently touched his cheeks and brought his face to mine. His eyes were closed, and his breathing was less than labored. It had taken a lot out of him to tell me this much, and I wasn’t willing to push him further than he was capable.

So, I brought my lips up to his forehead and pecked him. I moved to kiss both of his cheeks lightly, before capturing his lips with mine. Adding light pressure, coaxing them. I pecked him once. Twice, and pulled away.

We both laid down as he wrapped his arm over me, pulling me closer to him. I kissed his chest and snuggled into him. This was what home felt like.

“Day by day,” I said, and as I closed my eyes, I didn’t realize that this would be the very reason that this day would haunt me. That this day, I would never forget. That this day, led to the very thing that tore us apart.