The Alpha King's Mistress Chapter 135: Epilogue Part 4

**Nicholas’s POV**

The air crackled with energy that buzzed right through me. It wasn't my own, though. Mine simmered low, a slow burn fueled by nervous excitement and a simmering pride. No, the nervous energy radiating like heat waves originated from the room itself, a collective held their breath as the music swelled and the double doors at the far end of the aisle creaked open.

There she was. Lily. No, Florence. Not quite. Today, she was a vision in white, a goddess emerging from the sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows. The years hadn't touched her, not a single cruel line etched onto that face that had haunted my dreams for so long. She is still that beautiful being in my eyes with her dark blonde hair and hazel eyes that were sparkling brightly at the moment. She was wearing awhite gown and a white veil on her head while her hand was clasped on a bouquet made of Lily of the Valleys.

I noticed a nervous tremor in the hand that gripped Percival's arm as his, a slight hitch in her breath as she met my gaze across the expanse of the aisle. It was then that everything settled in me—she will be my wife, my forever before this day's end.

My heart hammered loudly against my ribs. A year ago, in that brightly lit gallery, the rekindling of our bond had been the sign of the Moon Goddess to truly start again, a shock that had left us both breathless. But the time since then had been ours, filled with stolen moments, whispered promises, and a slow, careful rebuilding of what fate had so cruelly ripped apart.

As she walked towards me, the sunlight catching in the intricate details of her gown, I saw not just the woman I loved, but the woman she'd become. The artist, the survivor, the warrior who had clawed her way back from the pain of her past. And beneath it all, the fierce, loyal mate my wolf ached to call his wife. It was not enough that we gave each other a marl. I want the law of our kind and humans to know that the most beautiful woman I know who was walking towards me belongs to me—mine.

My throat tightened, a lump forming that threatened to choke back the vows I spent so many nights revising and finally speaking.

Suddenly... a single, traitorous tear slipped down my cheek, a testament to the overwhelming joy of the moment. Damn it. Here I was, the Alpha King, sniffling like a pup.

A strong hand landed on my shoulder, I glanced at my best man—Clifford.

“I know Luna is very beautiful, can't blame you, '' he smirked.

He squeezed gently, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. I shake my head, grinning. Taking a shaky breath, I straightened my posture, quickly wiping the lone tear with the back of my hand. Maybe I couldn't completely banish the moisture, but I could sure as hell face the world – and Lily– with my head held high. Today was a day for promises and a day to finally claim the woman who held my heart, tears and all.

She reached the end of the aisle, Percival placing her hand gently in mine. The warmth of her touch and that sending of electricity buzzed through me just like the first time we met. As our eyes locked, a silent promise whispered without words between us. We were home. We were whole.

………

**Lily/Florence's POV**

My breath hitched in my throat as I reached the end of the aisle, Nicholas's face filling my vision. Even after a year, the intensity in his gaze sent a familiar flutter through my chest.

His hand, warm and calloused, engulfed mine. I swallowed, ignoring the lump formed in my throat, threatening to choke back the tears and emotions welling up inside.

The officiant's voice, kind and reassuring, cut through the haze. It was time. Time to say the words that had echoed in my heart for so long, time to officially bind my life to the man who I will love forever.

Taking a deep breath, I met Nicholas's gaze.

"Nicholas," I began, my voice surprisingly steady despite the tremor in my heart. "Standing here today, looking into your eyes, feels both surreal and utterly perfect. You are the missing piece I never knew I needed, the strength and love that chased away the shadows of the past."

A shy smile tugged at the corner of his lips, a soft and tender expression momentarily dimming the usual alpha seriousness in his eyes.

"There were times when I thought forever was a cruel joke. That I would never attain it again. I crumbled, gave up, and failed many times. But the Moon Goddess brings you to me once again like a thread of fate. You showed me the beauty of second chances. You showed me that love, true love, can weather even the fiercest storms."

A tear escaped the corner of my eye, tracing a glistening path down my cheek. But it wasn't a tear of sadness. It was a tear of gratitude, of relief, of joy of finally being home, of being able to start over again.

"Today, I stand before you, as your mate, your partner….. your Lily." The last words tumbled out, knowing what those new names hold on me. A grin split Nicholas's face, the most dazzling smile I'd ever seen, lighting up his entire face.

"I promise," I continued, my voice breaking from so much emotion as I reached for his hand and slid the gold ring to his finger, "to stand beside you, through thick and thin, in laughter and tears, in triumph and defeat. I promise to be your confidant, your lover, your fiercest supporter. I promise to love you with every fiber of my being, today and all our tomorrows."

The vows, each word felt like a sacred oath, a commitment to a future we would build together. As Nicholas began his vows, his voice rough with emotion, I watched him with a heart overflowing with love.

"Florence," Nicholas began, my voice husky with emotion. He cleared his throat before continuing, "Standing here today, with you by my side, feels like a victory hard-won. You are the missing piece of my puzzle"

A small smile bloomed on my face. The memory of the pain we'd inflicted on each other flickered at the edges of my mind, a reminder of the fragility of love and the importance of second chances.

"There were times when I thought losing you was a fate I'd have to bear. But you, you showed me the resilience of the human spirit, the strength that resides within a wolf's heart."

His hand tightened around mine. I bite my lip to stop the tears threatening to escape my glam makeup.

"Today, I claim you, all of you, my mate, my equal, the woman who holds the key to my happiness. I promise, to be your rock, your confidant, your protector. I promise to cherish you, to honor you, to love you with every second of my life, fiercely and loyally, now and for all our tomorrows. I love with you all my heart, my Luna, my Luna Queen"

As Nicholas finished his vows, his voice thick with a raw emotion that mirrored my own as he slid the gold ring on my finger. The band felt so warm and perfect on my finger.

The officiant's voice, warm and gentle, broke the spell. "And now, by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Husband and wife. The words reverberated in my mind. Nicholas, the man who had held my heart for so long, was now lawfully mine. A shy smile tugged at the corner of my lips as his intense gaze met mine.

He leaned forward, his hand cupping my cheek, the warmth of his touch sending a jolt of electricity through my body. His lips met mine in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. I closed my eyes like an instinct and it felt like everyone vanished and only him and me. The world around us faded away, the music, the guests, everything but the feel of his lips on mine, the taste of him, the intoxicating scent of his cologne that had become synonymous with home.

A tear slid down my cheeks as we continued to kiss. It was a kiss that tasted of second chances, of dreams realized stronger than ever. As we pulled away, breathless, a cheer erupted from the crowd, washing over us like a wave of congratulations.

But through the noise, all I could hear was the steady thump of my own heart of one kiss, one vow, one forever at a time.

..........

***5 years later......***

A gentle breeze ruffled through the leaves of the tree, casting a shade on the picnic blanket spread beneath it. The scent of freshly baked bread mixed with the sweet perfume of wildflowers filled my senses. Laughter, both youthful and seasoned, danced in the air as our little pack gathered for our annual picnic.

Nicholas, ever the doting husband, spread a napkin over my lap with a playful wink. "Careful, Mama Bear," he murmured, "We wouldn't want to disturb the little rascal."

I swatted his arm playfully, though a secret smile curved my lips. Our third child, a little girl, can decide when she will see the world one of these days.

Across the blanket, four-year-old Noah, our eldest, was engrossed in a game of tag with Charlotte and Clifford's energetic son. Our youngest, two-year-old Finnegan, sat contentedly beside me, his tiny hand clutching a half-eaten cookie. Both of my sons have violet eyes. We had them checked and the doctors said that nothing was wrong with them. They said maybe it was because of my blood as a hybrid. Nasya also thinks the same since she has violet eyes.

The rest of the pack was present today. Percival, Sara, Quinn with his husband, and their daughter had brought a fresh fruit salad. Gayle sitting beside his husband who was her complete opposite and was very easy-going. He was sharing a hilarious story about their twin sons' latest escapade. Meanwhile, Layla was busy wiping her daughter’s and as her mate, a mountain of a man carved a piece of fruit for their daughter. Even Isaac and his mate, usually the most reserved couple in the pack, seemed relaxed, their two daughters giggling as they chased butterflies in the nearby meadow.

As I surveyed the scene, a sense of overwhelming gratitude and contentment filled my heart. It had been 4 years since we had this annual picnic as a holiday so everyone could be together. We were a family, bound not just by blood, but by the unbreakable ties of love and loyalty.

Nicholas leaned down, his warm breath tickling my ear. "Feeling alright?" he whispered, his eyes crinkling at the corners with concern. He tucked a stray strand of my short hair behind my ears.

I nodded, leaning into his embrace. "Perfectly. This is where I belong." My gaze swept over the faces around me, "This is home."

He squeezed my hand and kissed my forehead. Our gold rings glisten under the sunlight.

A giggle escaped me as Sarah tripped over Clifford's outstretched leg, sending her face-first into a plate of potato salad. Laughter erupted around us, momentarily drowning out the shouts of the twins chasing butterflies. Just another day for us.

Suddenly, a sharp pain lanced through my lower abdomen. I winced, placing a hand discreetly over my belly.

"Nicholas," I whispered, catching his eye.

He leaned in with a grin, "Did you hear Gayle's story about the twins getting stuck in the dryer?"

"Not now," I hissed, "It's... the baby."

Nicholas's playful smile evaporated, replaced by a look of utter panic. He choked on a half-chewed piece of bread, his eyes bulging like a startled frog.

"The baby? Wait, I’ve got to get the bag filled with things right? Where is it again?" he rambled.

My lips twitched despite the growing pressure in my belly. "Nicholas," I managed, my voice a touch shaky, "the baby is coming."

The news seemed to travel by telepathy. The laughter died down, replaced by a chorus of gasps and excited shrieks. The women sprang into action. The men, however, were a different story. Clifford, usually the picture of stoic control, was running around in circles muttering about birthing pools and hot towels. Nicholas, my poor, sweet Nicholas, stood rooted to the spot, his face pale and his eyes wide with confusion and panic. I can't help but chuckle despite the pain since even though this is our third child, he still panics every time.

Meanwhile, the children were ecstatic. Noah, his violet eyes sparkling with excitement, “Mommy is having a baby! I will see my sister today!”

The children began cheering.

“Luna is having a baby!”

Baby Finnegan, oblivious to the chaos, simply pointed at my stomach and declared, "Cookie?"

I shook my head with a smile to my son, and then Charlotte slipped a cool hand onto my forehead. "How are you holding up, Luna?"

"Honestly?" I managed between breaths. "Mostly excited to meet this little one."

The first contraction hit then, a powerful wave that stole my breath away. Yet, I couldn't help but laugh. This was our pack, a little dysfunctional, perhaps, but undeniably ours. And as I looked into Nicholas's panic-stricken face, the familiar flutter of my heart was still there.

I held his hand and he looked at me with that love dancing in his eyes.

“I love you so much,” I said softly.

He leaned and kissed me on the lips, smiling at me, “I love you too forever, my mate, my wife…..my Luna Queen”

Even surrounded by the little chaos, one thing was certain – today, our perfect, beautifully messy pack was about to get even bigger.

***-THE END-

Author's Note:

As I close this final chapter, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to every reader who has joined Nicholas and Florence on their journey. Thank you for being a part of their world.❣️*