Brady
My heart races a mile a minute. I’m not sure what to do with my hands while my feet eat up the floor. Back and forth. Back and forth. I haven’t been this nervous since our first date.
“Bro’, calm down. This lasts all of about twenty minutes. It’s not that big of a deal.”
Says my recently married brother. He didn’t have to fight for his lady. He didn’t propose over and over again to get rejected. I stop in front of the full-length mirror and straighten my tie. Again.
“You look good, Brady. Stop worrying.” Brian drops his hand on my shoulder. His confident gaze meets my doubtful one and he grins. “You’re wearing an expensive-ass suit. How could you not look good?”
“Thanks.” I glance at his reflection. “Were you this nervous?”
“Naw. I couldn’t wait to see my baby. But we didn’t have all this. Tia wore her prom dress. I wore a plain suit.”
I barely heard my brother. My mind is too busy ticking off boxes. What’s left to be done? “The rings? Do you have—”
Brian laughs. “I have them. We’re good.”
We’re good. I’m good. I take a deep breath and hold it for a minute before letting it go. “All right. Let’s do this.”
The meeting house is busting at the seams with so many bodies. All the pack members—Nevers, Romero, and Broussard—are here. Some line the walls. Others are seated. As I walk down the aisle, beings reach out to shake my hand. Thank the gods no one asks me to speak. There’s a lump so large inside my throat, and I wonder if I’ll be able to say my vows.
I take my place in front of the room when the first notes of Calum Scott’s You Are The Reason start up. My breath hitches when I see my forever love standing in the doorway.
Audra
This is real. There’s no turning back now. The music is playing. All eyes are looking at me. I’m supposed to walk down the aisle and pledge my love to the only male I’ll ever love.
Breathe.
In and out.
You got this.
My brother appears at my side and hooks his arm around mine. Instantly, I think of our father. Back in the day, Dad sported his own dreadlocks. Greg looks a lot like him. “Audra, you are beautiful. I’m so happy for you. Mom and Dad would have been proud.”
My breath hitches. “They would…” I never imagined this day without them.
Greg pats my arm. “Hey, no tears. Let’s get you down the aisle first.”
All I can do is nod. If I speak, I’m sure I’ll start bawling like a baby.
One step at a time. Remember to smile. So many beings turned out for this…my wedding day. I’m so lost in my thoughts I don’t even notice we’ve made it to the altar. Greg loosens his grip and places my hand in Brady’s.
My chin trembles when I look at him. I’ve always known him to be a gorgeous male, but today—wearing that suit which fits him like a glove—my heart swells.
The final notes of the song play out. The officiant, a friend of the Romero family, clears his throat. “I’m delighted to stand here before all of you as we celebrate the relationship of Audra and Brady. We gather together to witness and support their commitment to each other. The happy couple wants to thank you for being here with them. It’s a time for family and friends, but let’s not forget those who couldn’t be here to celebrate.”
Brady squeezes my hand as I stifle back a sob. My thoughts go to my parents. I’m certain Brady’s remembering his oldest brother, Braden.
The officiant continues, “Marriage is about permanence and structure. It’s about knowing that no matter what this life brings, there’s someone who has your back at every turn. It’s the most powerful commitment two people can make. And for Audra and Brady, the road to get to this moment hasn’t been easy, but each challenge and every experience has strengthened their love.
“Audra and Brady, the vows you are about to make are a way to share your love and commitment in your own words. Go ahead and declare your promises to each other before all those who love you.”
Oh, boy. I spent all last night working on my speech. Hopefully, I’ll remember the words. “I, Audra Nichelle Nevers, take you, Brady Maxwell Romero, as my mate and husband. You are everything to me. I have loved you since that first time beneath the moon. Brady, you’re always here for me—completing me. I will honor you, cherish you, and love you as long as I shall live. We’ve proven it. There’s no boundary too wide. No wall too high. No barrier that can keep me from loving you.”
The officiant nods and looks over at Brady.
“Back at you, sugar,” he whispers. “Okay, here goes. I, Brady Maxwell Romero, take you, Audra Nichelle Nevers, as my mate and wife. You’ve been my best friend, my lover, and my greatest challenge. But above all else, you are my reason for living. You make me happier than I ever thought possible. There aren’t enough words to describe how much you mean to me. Honoring you…cherishing you…loving you… I look forward to my life with you. Anyone who tries to come between us will fail. I love you, Audra. Always will.”
I swear I think I see tears in the eyes of the officiant. “Audra and Brady will now exchange the symbols of their love. Brady, please take Audra’s hand.”
My hand shakes as Brady places the largest diamond I’ve ever seen on my finger. It’s the pear-shaped diamond in a halo setting he tried to give me the last time he proposed. Joining it is a band covered with champagne diamonds. It’s absolutely beautiful.
“Audra, this is a symbol of my love for you. For richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. I will love you for all the days of my life.”
Somehow I manage to slip the platinum band on Brady’s finger and seal the deal with my own words. Finally, the officiant pronounces us married.
Brady brushes his lips across mine. But of course, the wolves in the room demand more. My husband—I like the sound of that—dips me low and goes in for a much longer kiss. One so full of passion my toes curl.
Happy chaos rocks the room. Loud whistles, thunderous applause, and energetic cheers fill the void. Brady breaks off the kiss, and we turn, arm in arm, to face the crowd. Santiago, sitting in the front row, mouths, “Well done.”
“It’s time to party, wife.”
Brady
While my better half is in the restroom, my father pulls me to the side. I’m so glad he was able to witness this day instead of hearing about it from his bed.
“You know, son, I thought this day would never happen.”
“You and me both.”
“Not to spoil the celebration, but have you figured out the problem?”
Actually, I do have an idea, but that’s a discussion for me and my mate. “I’ll let you know after I speak to Audra.”
Dad purses his lips. “I’ll leave it at that then. Here comes your wife.”
“Can you stall for us? I need a moment with her.”
“Sure thing, Brady.”
He walks off as Audra comes closer. I put my arm around her waist and pull her into my side. “Let’s get some fresh air.”
She angles her body away from me and squints. “Brady?”
“Don’t worry. This will be good.”
Once outside, I take Audra down to the dock. Streaks of dusty pink and crimson paint the sky as the sun falls behind the horizon. Other than the crickets chirping and Audra’s heels tapping a steady beat against the planks, it’s a quiet night. It won’t remain so for long. Soon music and laughter will fill the air as we party into the wee hours.
“What’s on your mind?”
“Two things. One, how long before I can have you all to myself?” I’m eager to complete the bonding ceremony. Make her truly mine and erase any unseen barrier between us. “The other is a possible solution to our issue.”
“Oh?” Audra bites her lip.
I’ve had enough time to think about the position we’re in. Never before have two alphas married—at least none that I know of. But Audra and I have never been traditional. We can’t be expected to do what everyone else does. I suspect my proposition will be just what my love needs.
“Sugar, both of our packs united when our siblings married. Today sealed the deal.” I place my hands on Audra’s shoulders and gaze into her beautiful eyes. “I want to do this thing together.”
“How do you mean?”
“Kind of a co-alpha thing. You’re chief though. The Romeros will answer to you. Think of me as just an adviser when you need it.”
Audra’s eyebrows knit together. “Are you sure?”
“Only if you want to remain Alpha. This is my wedding gift to you.”
She steps away and starts pacing. “Will your family be okay with this?”
“Actually, Mom suggested it. I even discussed it with Brian and Brandon. Both of my brothers think it’s the perfect answer.” I watch my bride’s constant motion, and I wonder what she’s thinking.
She stops and faces me. “Okay.”
“Okay?”
“Yes. We announce it tonight. Make sure the packs are fine with it. We’ll need to allow anyone who opposes the idea to exit. I won’t force this decision on them.”
“Understood.”
“Something else…”
“What?”
“This.” Audra comes up to me. “Claim me now. I don’t need the privacy of a bedroom. I just need you.”
Damn. This is why I love this female. The moon has taken its place in the sky. It’s the perfect setting for us. “You need to lose that dress.”
“Gladly.” She takes my hand, and we run off toward the trees.
It only takes minutes for us to shed our clothes. The moon bathes Audra in a soft light. She’s as beautiful as the first time we were together. My wolf takes notice and makes his presence known. I drop to my knees as pain twists my gut. In the distance, I listen to Audra’s bones snapping. My excitement makes the transformation fast.
It’s time to do what animals do best.
Audra
Moonlight. Two souls connecting in nature. Brady and I have done this dance more than a few times since we’ve known each other. But tonight… Tonight is different. For one thing, my wolf lets me be present. I feel the sharp prick of his fangs sinking into my flesh. Her head falls back, and she howls, long and low. It’s the last thing I’m aware of as darkness takes over.
Much later, I wake up in Brady’s arms, unaware of how much time has passed. He drops a kiss on my shoulder.
“You are so beautiful. I’d like to lie here with you all night, but they’ve sent out a search party.”
Brady’s thoughts invade my mind. The bond.
“Yes, it will always be this way between us. Communicating without words.”
I could get used to this, but…
Twigs break in the distance. Someone shouts out a direction. Pack members head this way.
“Come on. Tia and Brian stashed clothes for us at the guest house.”
We run off with the sounds of the members at our backsides.
Minutes later, properly dressed in jeans and pullover sweaters, we join the party at the meeting house. As soon as we enter the room, the music stops and everyone cheers. Sarah rushes over and checks my neck and then Brady’s.
“It’s done! The alphas are bonded!”
Another round of applause fills the room. The rows of chairs and the altar are gone. In their place is a parquet dance floor and a stage beyond it. Brady helps me onto the platform.
“Settle down, everyone!” he shouts. “We have some news for you.”
Someone passes me a microphone. I take a deep breath while checking to see if it’s on. “Thanks for being here tonight with us. Brady and I know you’ve all been waiting for a decision from us. Members of both packs have been in limbo, not knowing what would happen to leadership if…when…we united.”
Brady reaches for the microphone. “Sugar, I’m not taking control. The Romero pack needs to hear from me in order to accept you.”
“Okay.” I relinquish the microphone.
“For the first time in our history, we’ve had two alphas marry. We’ve united our respective packs. Listen up, Audra Nevers Romero is your alpha. You will respect her. You will follow her.”
“So you’re stepping down?” a random voice asks.
“No. I’m taking a back seat. Consider me a sounding board. If your alpha needs help with anything, she’ll come to me. If she needs me to step in, I’m there.” Brady searches the crowd. “Brian. My brother will continue as her beta. We will groom him to eventually take over.”
Brian nods.
I take back the mike. “Anyone who has problems with our form of leadership is more than welcome to leave.”
I hold my breath, waiting for someone to leave. When no one does, I say, “DJ, get this party started.”
The sounds of MC Fioti, Future, and J Balvin fill the room. I start rocking my hips side to side.
Brady spins me around, takes the mike from me, and kisses me. “As my father would say, well done.”
“I concur.” Love shines in Brady’s eyes. “Why did I wait so long to do this?”
“Everything happens for a reason, sugar. It wasn’t our time.” He pulls me close, and we dance to our own tune.
“Now that it is, I don’t want to waste a minute.”
“Does that mean pups?” Brady says against my ear.
“Slow your roll. I want the time with you. Alone.”
“Ahh, Mrs. Romero, that’s the best suggestion I’ve heard in a long time.”
Mrs. Romero…. I can so get used to hearing him say that. This moment… This is the something more we both have been waiting for.
Two months later…
Audra
It’s a beautiful sunny day, and I should be eager to get out of bed, but I’m not. Every day this week has been a struggle. I roll over to go back to sleep when a wave of nausea hits me so strong I’m running for the bathroom.
I’m on my knees puking up all of last night’s dinner. Again. When I hear Brady enter the room, I sit up and he hands me a towel.
“Not any better?”
“No.” I smile at him. “You realize this is your fault?”
Brady drops down beside me and places his hand on my swollen stomach. Three months pregnant. How the hell did that happen? I thought we were careful.
“Guilty as charged.” He kisses my cheek. “You know, when I said I wanted something more, I didn’t think about children this early in our marriage.”
“You and me both.” I wipe my mouth and stand up. “What’s done is done though. I think it’s time to tell the pack.”
“Yeah. Get ready for endless showers. There hasn’t been a celebration since Brian. That was one long party. Went on from the day Dad announced it to the day he was born.”
I spread toothpaste on my brush. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“You are?”
“Yes.” I quickly brush my teeth.
It may seem unbelievable, but being pregnant makes me happy. Sure, it’s been a rough road. The fatigue kicks my butt, and I can’t work long hours at Balls Up, but it won’t always be this way.
Cleaning my mouth with a washcloth, I turn toward Brady. “I truly have everything—a husband who loves me, I’m alpha of one very large pack, and now I’m going to be a mother.”
Brady wraps his arms around me. “Let’s not forget that you no longer have to worry about your brother. He’ll graduate from the recovery program in another month.”
Greg will never be Alpha. It’s taken me a little time to come to grips with that. Brady was able to talk my brother into getting sober. We found Greg a nice rehab center up in the mountains. I’m going to wait until we see him next month to tell him about the pregnancy.
Tia knows, and she’s excited. She returned to Colgate with Brian last week. They’re still on track to graduate on time since they kept up with their classes while at home. My sister swears she’s not ready to have a litter. I told her not to protest too much. Strange things happen when you do.
“Sugar, think you can handle some breakfast?”
I nod, tilt my head to the side, and run for the toilet again. Brady rubs my back. This is my something more, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
THE END