Alex was up bright and early the next morning to join Nolan and the warriors on a perimeter check. Nolan was still assuming that Dax Stevens had some sort of plan underway that involved the mating ceremony and he wasn't about to allow for a breach inside pack lands on such an important day. Robbie arrived just as they were leaving and opted to join them for the run, his wolf delighted to be let out after the long drive from Moon River.

Alex was invigorated in the presence of her two great friends, and turned her attention to enjoying the wonderful day that was ahead. After a quick shower at Nolan's, and a shot of tequila provided to them by Pete in the kitchen, Alex headed over to her father's house, where they were getting Ronan ready for the day. Ronan and Alice had opted for traditionally human attire for the mating / wedding ceremony. He was partly dressed in his navy suit when she arrived, tucking his crisp white shirt into his trousers. Cain was busy making snacks and drinks while Hank was giving his son some marriage advice, and telling him over and over how proud he was of him. Alex smiled at the sweet scene.

'All clear on patrol?' Cain asked Alex as he handed her a ham sandwich.

'Absolutely. Nolan runs a tight ship. There is absolutely nothing being left to chance on this auspicious occasion,' she smiled as she took a bite of her sandwich.

Alice had organised for someone to come and do Alex's hair and make up so Alex scooted upstairs to be pampered. Alice had also chosen her dress. It matched her bridesmaids but was navy to match in with her brothers rather than lilac. It had thin spaghetti straps, a v-neckline with the material gathering lightly at the bust area. The silk hugged her waist and hips, veering out slightly at her knees. The slit up to her thigh was a sexy but necessary addition to allow her to walk properly. It was a great choice of dress and Alex loved how she looked in it. The stylist had done a great job of accentuating her eyes with the make up. Her hair was styled with soft waves, with a beautiful silver and diamond clip pinned in on one side, over her ear.

Hank took both of her hands in his as she took the last step of the stairs. 'You look absolutely stunning,' he choked, 'just like your mother.'

Alex hugged her father tightly. 'Let' not start crying before the ceremony even starts,' Alex said, wiping away the lone tear falling down Hank's face before carefully blotting her own eyes. All the men were dressed now, drinks in hand. 'You all look so handsome,' Alex said sincerely, giving each one a kiss in turn and taking the glass of champagne from Cain.

'A toast to the wonderful day ahead,' Alex said raising her glass. 'You and Alice are going to be so happy together. May your life be long, full of adventures and good times and may your children grow up as blessed as we were, and loved just as hard.'

There were many more hugs and toasts before it was finally time to go. They were driving to a green clearing in the middle of the mountain range where every mating ceremony had taken place since the pack had began. The sun was shining as they arrived, and there was a light, welcome breeze giving some relief to the heat. The clearing was the picture of beauty. There was a small waterfall in the background, cascading softly onto the river bed and a huge willow tree in the centre, where Ronan and Alice would be standing, exchanging their vows. Flowers of every colour and species sprouted from the earth in every direction, creating a beautiful oasis of colour.

People were milling around, chatting to friends from other packs or being introduced to people for the first time. Mating ceremonies were always great occasions to see so many people from other packs coming together to celebrate love. Some of the council members were also present, due to an Alpha being mated. In the past, mating ceremonies were much less civilised. The couple would have to shift during the ceremony and literally mate in front of the pack leaders or council. Thankfully, times had changed and now it was much more of a celebration like a wedding and a time for families and friends to get together and wish the couple well.

The music started, signalling that it was time to move into their places. Alex felt fit to burst with love and pride for her brother. She was so proud to stand beside him, waiting for Alice to walk towards them.

____________

Aidan was already sitting a few rows back from the willow tree when he saw Alex arrive. His breath literally caught in his throat as he drank in her beauty. The dress was like a second skin, accentuating every magnificent curve of her body. He had to adjust his pants slightly when he saw that the dress was backless, the silk lining the outline of her back and curving just above her perfect rounded ass. He wanted to go and talk to her but his legs felt unsteady and he was unsure whether his voice would actually work if he tried to use it. So he sat back, gazing longingly at her as she moved gracefully, greeting person after person. Again she seemed oblivious to the stares she was getting, not just from him, but from numerous other males who were circling back to speak to her again.

Aidan was glad when the music started up, prompting everyone to take their seats. Ronan, Alex and Cain took up their places to the left of the willow tree. Aidan moved slightly in his seat so that Alex was in his direct eyeline and he could ogle her. Aidan barely listened to what was going on around him. The guests laughed, clapped and cheered around him at various parts of the ceremony but he was oblivious to it all. Alex kept his full attention, and she wasn't even aware that she was doing it. When people started standing up around him and clapping, Aidan was pulled from his reverie, and stood up with them as Ronan and Alice kissed and hugged, signalling the end of the ritual.

The couple were set upon by the crowd, everyone wanting to congratulate them. After a scurry of activity, the photographer announced that he wanted to take some photos of the wedding party. Everyone else was ushered back towards the cars, to be driven back to the reception set up in marquees outside the pack house.

Aidan tried to busy himself by talking with some of the council members and guests from other packs that he was familiar with. Inevitably the conversation consistently turned to them congratulating him on the news that he had finally found his mate and that they would all love to be introduced to her. Aidan made his excuses and after the fourth conversation that ended this way, he went to stand by himself at the bar, filling his time with drinks and canapes that made it his way.

And then that marvellous scent filled his senses and he knew Alex had arrived. The entire wedding party entered the marquee, greeting everyone again. Aidan steadied his nerve and took a few calming breaths before walking in Alex's direction. He was interrupted by a bell being rung and the announcement that guests were to take their seats. He continued, undeterred, needing now to say something, anything, to her. Her back was to him as he made his approach. She must have noticed his scent as she started to turn, just as he came within range to breathe out, 'Hi'.