A few days before Renee’s wedding, guests poured in from all over the country to witness La Patron participating in what most of the Pack considered a human event. Although no one would say it out loud, most agreed La Patron over-indulged this one daughter, the only one of six, to walk down the aisle.

However, a celebration was a celebration, and invitations were heavily sought after. The museum had been fully restored and decorated to facilitate the wedding and reception.

Last night’s rehearsal dinner had been fun. Renee streamed photos of her and Storm during different times of their lives. The only time Storm appeared happy was when he was with Renee or one of her litter-mates, otherwise, he was indifferent, or hostile.

David and the others teased the happy couple about it until they laughed so hard, tears had rolled down their cheeks. Each litter-mate stood and toasted the couple, making the closeness of their bond apparent. Formal toasts would be made from their parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents at the reception. The rehearsal dinner had been a personal, private time for Renee and Storm’s den to wish them well.

Sarita pulled on her cream-colored gown and allowed David to fasten it in the back. Only Renee would find a gown that fit all five of her bridesmaids perfectly, highlighting each of their curves and features. The groomsmen all wore black tuxedos with cream accessories.

Dressed, Sarita and David left their suite and headed toward his parent’s suite. Outside, Adam, Tyrone, Tyrese, Quinn, and Storm stood in the hall looking around. When they saw him they heaved a sigh of relief.

“Now we can go,” Adam said looking at Quinn, the best man.

Storm nodded. “Renee said she’d meet us there.”

The guys looked at Storm and chuckled but didn’t tease him because it was obvious he was so nervous.

“Let’s head out,” David said releasing Sarita.

Inside, Bella, Rose, Danielle, and Jackie watched Renee take pictures with her parents. Sarita had never seen a more beautiful bride. Dressed in a white, long-sleeved, lace and satin gown with a low vee in the front and back, Renee glowed. Her long, black hair was swept up in soft curls with tendrils falling softly around her face.

“You look beautiful,” Sarita said.

“Thank you, so do you,” Renee said. “Everybody looks... just as I pictured it. Thank you for making my day complete.”

As the photographer snapped picture after picture, no one moved. La Patron matched the men in a black tux. But his mate wore a fitted, strapless, cobalt blue gown, with a beaded short jacket with stones that caught the light when she moved. Soft curls swept one side of her face, the other side was held back with a large, gem-encrusted comb.

Sarita felt like she was in the presence of royalty around those two.

“A picture with her ladies,” the photographer said.

As the matron of honor, only Jackie’s flowers were different. Cobalt blue ribbons were elegantly interwoven with cream, blue and peach orchids. They picked up their flowers and lined up around Renee, just as the door opened.

“So beautiful,” David’s Aunt Renee said, wearing a cream-colored, short-sleeved dress with her hair falling in loose waves down her back. Her mate, Melange, wore a similarly styled dress with her hair pulled back in a ball at her neck. She nodded to everyone but didn’t say much.

“Hi, Aunt Renee, after we finish with the bridesmaids, I’ll take one with you and Melange. Then we need to leave for the ceremony,” Renee said.

“Okay, honey. Where’s mama and the girls? She told me they were here,” Aunt Renee said looking around.

“They’ve already left,” Jackie said after the picture was done.

Aunt Renee and Melange, stood next to Renee and took their pictures. Renee rubbed her hands together. “Let’s get this wedding started.”

They laughed at her and gathered to go downstairs to the limos. Jackie helped Renee with her train as they led the line. La Patron, Mama Jasmine, Aunt Renee and her mate were next. Rose and Danielle, were next with Bella and Sarita bringing up the rear.

“This is so exciting and glamorous. You still don’t want a wedding?” Bella asked Sarita.

Sarita was conflicted. “Renee’s beautiful. I’m sure the whole day is going to be awesome. It might be fun. But all these people? Today will be enough for me. Especially since we’ll be leaving tomorrow for our own honeymoon on the island.”

Bella grabbed her hand. “We’re going too. I can’t believe Adam didn’t tell me that you and David are going to be there. I’m so happy.”

Grinning from ear to ear they entered the elevator last.

“What’s going on with you two?” Jackie asked. “I know those smiles aren’t for the wedding.”

Sarita looked down so Renee wouldn’t see. “In a way. Tomorrow, the four of us are heading to the island for honeymoons.”

“Six of us,” Jackie said, biting back a grin. “Don’t say anything. Today is Renee’s big day.”

“I asked David if you guys could come with us, but he never answered. I should’ve guessed. Can’t wait, can’t wait,” Sarita said, all but skipping out the elevator and entering the waiting cars.

###

JASMINE HAD SEEN THE transformation of the ballroom where the wedding would be held but being escorted to her seat on the front row, she marveled at Renee’s mastery.

Renee had painted most of the large canvases covering the walls in various colors giving the room a classy, festive appeal. Fresh flowers were everywhere, creating an exotic aroma. The minister stood on the raised dais along with Storm and Quinn, who received the honor of best man because Jackie was maid of honor.

Storm’s gaze locked on the entrance where Renee would eventually emerge. Jasmine wanted to tell him to relax but realized he was in his own world, doing his best to cope with being in the spotlight of a thousand people.

Renee and Mélange, Jacques, her mom Victoria and Ruby, Jewel and Diamond, along with Asia and Hawke, sat on the row behind Jasmine. Cameron, Lilly and their den sat on the opposite side, along with Grandfather, Razor and his mate. Jasmine nodded at Grandfather who looked dapper in his black tuxedo and long white single braid. He stood, walked over to her, earning a glare from Storm, as he kissed Jasmine on the cheek.

“You are beautiful, my dear. Does my heart good to see you again.”

“Thank you,” Jasmine said without reminding him they’d been together a few days ago. “You’re looking good in that suit. I like your hair like that, it’s classy.”

His eyes twinkled. “No need to for the bitches to break out into a fight over me.” He winked and returned to his seat fully aware that he’d been overheard.

The music changed. Moments later the wedding party walked in. Jasmine’s heart filled with pride as all of her children and their mates stood in front of her, looking beautiful and strong.

“I feel your pride, they are wonderful,” Silas told her. “This is a good thing that Renee has done, but I’m glad we’re only doing this once.”

Jasmine smiled as the music changed again. Everyone stood. She glanced at Storm. Quinn had placed his hand on Storm’s shoulder as the door opened and Renee and Silas stood at the entrance.

Storm’s mouth literally dropped. He took a step forward and then caught himself. Jasmine’s gaze flicked between Renee and Storm as Higley, Cameron’s son, sang, “All of Me,” made famous by John Legend.

Tears filled Renee’s eyes as she stared at Storm. Midway, Renee stopped and wiped her tears, joining Bella as she sang, “all of me” while pointing to Storm.

Jasmine thought Storm would pass out when he fell to his knees.

“Is this normal?” Silas asked Jasmine.

“Maybe, this is new to me too. How’s Renee holding up?”

“Shaking like a leaf but moving forward,” he said. “We’re almost to you.”

“I see that,” Jasmine said smiling. Storm wasn’t the only one nervous, Silas was definitely out of his element.

When they reached Jasmine, Renee slid her arm in Jasmine’s. This signaled another song. Bella stepped forward and sang Whitney Houston’s, “All the man that I need.”

The audience stood clapping and cheering as Bella hit the high notes and the bridesmaids rocked from side to side in tune with the beat.

Renee stared at her mate as the words of the song stated her commitment to him and only him.

Storm’s eyes lightened as his energy whipped around the room. Quinn kept his hand on Storm’s shoulder, hopefully keeping him grounded.

When Bella finished, Jasmine and Silas walked Renee toward Storm who hadn’t taken his eyes off her since she entered the room. He moved quickly down the steps with his hand extended toward her.

Renee met his gaze but didn’t move from her parents.

Storm dropped to one knee with his hand extended.

Jasmine looked at Silas and smiled. “Tell your daughter to have mercy and accept her mate.”

Renee looked at Jasmine, smiled and took Storm’s hand. He stood, pulled her close and kissed her deeply. Silas wrapped his arm around Jasmine and waited to say their one line in this whole event.

When Storm released Renee, her knees buckled, and she held onto him. The audience stood clapping and whistling. Pack always loved a good show.

Storm kept his arm around her waist and stepped in front of the minister. When asked who gave her away, Jasmine and Silas spoke. “We do.”

They took their seats in the front row. The service went quickly after that. They exchanged rings, presented Jasmine with flowers and were pronounced man and wife in addition to being mates.

It was a lot of pomp and ceremony for a mated pair who’d been living together almost a year, but it was Renee’s dream.