Chapter 38

Jack made it back to his clan with all the much-needed supplies. They could get normal things in town, but getting supplies when you are not human can be a challenge. Special herbs and medicines, for instance, that you can’t find in a normal store. Bulk food is always a good thing; they could get it at a whole foods store, but it isn’t the same. He even managed to bring back ten cases of jars for their honey and maple syrup production.

They sold both honey and syrup in town. They also made their own jams as well. That was mostly for their own consumption.

Did they need all these things from the King? Not really, but it was a gift. Jack never turned down gifts as long as there were no strings attached. This particular gift was a simple thank you from the King.

Werebears tend to like things as natural as possible, such as growing their own foods and canning, drying, or freezing them. They hunt and fish for their meat of course; what things they buy are really more of a luxury than a need.

They don’t have internet or television, nor do they use cell phones while in clan territory. Cell phones don't work in the mountains anyway. They do have a land line for the phone so they can call if there is a need.

They have their own doctors and hospitals. They also have jobs out in the human towns, such as sheriff and police officers to truck drivers. A wide assortment of jobs they tend to hold down; the only thing in common with them all is that werebears tend to stay in the small towns and rural areas.

Jack’s clan is a little bit more unusual than normal; they are a big clan, mostly grizzly, which is very rare—so rare that it is more legend and old stories than reality anymore.

Adira stood in front of a full-size mirror looking on in disbelief that the woman staring back at her was, in fact, her. The gown was gorgeous. It was empire waist, off-white with gold trim and designs. It was made as a velvet overskirt with silk and tulle underskirts. It had lots of sparkle.

Adira almost didn’t wear it because she found out that the sparkle was actual diamonds. It also had a cathedral train. Her ladies' maids did a fantastic job on her hair; it was up in an elaborate style of braids and curls.

Upon her head was a small golden crown with diamonds and sapphires, attached to a long, flowing lace veil. It was perfect. She was just about ready to leave to go to the waiting area at the court when a knock came at the door.

When the ladies' maids opened the door, there stood the King in his finest, with a huge smile on his face.

“Your highness,” Adira gave a very graceful curtsy.

That was when she noticed what the King was holding in his hands. It was her bridal bouquet; it was beautiful with white and cream-colored roses. The roses themselves looked like the tips of their petals were dipped in gold.

“My dear girl, you look beyond amazing. I thought that you would be needing someone to walk you down the aisle. I would like to volunteer for this duty, if it is alright.”

With teary eyes, she spoke the words, "Yes, I would be honored to have you walk me down."

“Adira, the honor is mine, little one. Now let's get going before your very nervous Duncan explodes.”

“Why would Duncan be so nervous? He knows I love him and that we are forever.”

“All males, whether they know it or not, that their brides love them and it is a sure thing, are still nervous up at that end of the aisle waiting for their brides to come join them.”

Just in the nick of time, in a deep red and gold trimmed velvet bridesmaid dress, looking absolutely beautiful, was Marnie. She was practically jumping up and down in excitement. She then gracefully picked up Adira’s train, gave the King a curtsy, and they were off to the hall.

As Duncan stood at the altar, everything went beyond what he thought was possible. The King went all out for their wedding; he gave a chuckle to himself. Small wedding indeed.

Everything was covered in gold or silver sparkles; there were at least 10 Christmas trees that were also done in mostly gold and silver sparkles. Fairy lights were everywhere. Someone magically made snow fall from the ceiling; it never landed on the floor, though it was magical.

A red carpet was going down the center of what looked like a sea of chairs made out of sparkling snow. There was light music playing, though Duncan couldn’t pinpoint where it was coming from.

He was there with Marco at his side. Duncan was happily surprised when Marco showed up with Marnie. He simply told Duncan that he wasn’t going to let his best friend get married without him. That was that, and now here they are waiting.

The chairs were now full, and the music became just a bit louder as they heard the main doors to the hall begin to open. Everything but the music was silent.

There she was, on the arm of the King. It was as if time stopped; there was no one else there but Duncan and Adira. Apollo had to remind him to breathe. She was a goddess, his goddess—'til death do they part and beyond.

Adira was in a state of awe. It was everything and anything you could possibly ever want for your wedding and so much more. She gave the King’s arm a little squeeze of thank you. That was when she looked down the aisle, and there he was, her Duncan.

Everything else faded away; time no longer had meaning as she looked into his loving eyes. The King leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Just Breathe.”

They slowly made their way down the aisle to Duncan. The High elder asked, “Who Gives this Bride?”

The King spoke in a very firm and loud voice, “I do.” He then reached for Duncan’s hand and put Adira’s hand in it. He stepped back and went to his seat.

Duncan and Adira only had eyes for each other; they would answer the questions when asked. It was time for them to say their vows. Duncan went first.

"Adira, you woke my heart from a winter’s sleep, The flames of my love are yours forever to keep. I will always protect and love you till my dying day. I am your rock, always I will stand, never will I stray."

Adira looked at him with happy tears in her eyes; they shined like diamonds. He felt their bond grow even more than he thought was possible.

"Duncan, I am your other half, forever be one here. Facing all our troubles and facing all our fear. My love for you will never be broken or end. My prayer they did hear, for you they did send."

Now they spoke the last lines of their vows together, while holding hands.

"Together we are tied, as before all we stand, We are blessed, and it is by the goddess’s hand. On this day till the end of days, our love will be, Forever and beyond it’s just you, and it’s just me."

The elder spoke again. "Your highness, lords, and ladies, I now give you Alpha Duncan and Lady Adira of the Storm Crow Moon Pack. First bound by Love and now by Law."

“You may now kiss your bride.”

Duncan pulled her in for a deep, passionate kiss, not caring who was watching. Hoots and woops were heard coming from the audience. Adira was bright red as they walked back down the aisle and out into the hall.

Once the doors closed once again, Duncan picked up Adira and swung her in the air as they both laughed in happiness. She pulled his head in close to hers for another kiss. Deep kisses came one after another as their happiness consumed them.

“I am the luckiest wolf in the world right now. You are so beautiful; I feel there isn’t a word created that would do justice to describe your beauty.”

Duncan carried Adira all the way to the banquet hall, kissing and laughing all the way there.

Marnie and Marco followed from behind, taking pictures as they went. The couple were completely unaware that it was going on, which made for some great pictures.

The banquet hall doors opened, and trumpets sounded as they entered. The King himself announced their presence. Everything was decorated just like it was at the court hall, except for the chair for the bride and groom. It was a love seat in red and gold velvet. Duncan sat down with Adira on his lap, not letting her out of his sight as they fed each other.

That was how they spent their last night in the castle, in each other's arms.