CHAPTER 25: NEW BEGINNINGS
1438words
Six months later, I stood in front of a full-length mirror in the bridal suite at the Grand Amphitheater, trying to believe this was really happening. The same venue where Damon had fought for our right to be together was now decorated with thousands of white roses and twinkling lights for our mating ceremony.
"Stop fidgeting," Vanessa said, adjusting the intricate beadwork on my dress. "You look perfect."
"I can't believe you designed this," I said, touching the flowing silk that somehow managed to be both traditional and thoroughly modern. "It's gorgeous."
"Well, I figured after ruining your life for several months, the least I could do was make you a killer wedding dress." She grinned. "Plus, Damon specifically requested that it be 'worthy of a revolutionary princess.'"
"He did not say that."
"He absolutely did. I have witnesses." Vanessa stepped back to admire her handiwork. "Are you nervous?"
"Terrified," I admitted. "There are over three thousand people out there. Half the supernatural world's leadership, plus media coverage that's been dubbed 'The Wedding of the Century.'"
"And?"
"And I'm about to publicly commit to spending my life with my former roommate who once got stuck in a towel." I laughed, feeling some of the tension ease. "When you put it like that, it's actually kind of ridiculous."
"The best love stories usually are."
A knock at the door interrupted us. "Aria?" It was Rafe's voice. "Ready?"
I took one last look in the mirror. The woman staring back looked confident, happy, and ready for whatever came next.
"Ready," I called back.
---
Damon's POV
I stood at the altar—the same spot where Elder Moira had verified our mate bond six months ago—trying not to pace. The amphitheater was packed beyond capacity, with overflow crowds watching on massive screens outside. Leaders from every major pack in North America were in attendance, along with reporters, Academy students, and what seemed like half the internet.
"Breathe," Dominic murmured from beside me. He was serving as my best man, a role that would have seemed impossible a year ago. "She's coming."
"I know she's coming," I replied. "I'm just—"
The opening notes of the processional music cut off my nervous rambling. The crowd rose to their feet, and my breath caught in my throat.
Noah appeared first, looking elegant in formal robes as they walked down the aisle carrying ceremonial flowers. They'd been thriving at the newly co-educational Academy, where their strategic mind and diplomatic skills had made them student body president.
Then came Vanessa, radiant in silver silk. She caught my eye and gave me a thumbs up that was probably wildly inappropriate for such a formal occasion. I appreciated her for it.
And then...
And then Aria appeared at the top of the aisle, and everything else faded away.
She was breathtaking. The dress was perfect—traditional enough to satisfy the older guests, modern enough to signal change, and absolutely stunning enough to make my heart stop. But it was her expression that really got me. Pure joy, mixed with just enough mischief to remind me that I was marrying a woman who'd disguised herself as a boy and infiltrated an all-male academy.
She was extraordinary.
As she walked toward me, escorted by both Rafe and Lucas, I caught fragments of conversation from the crowd:
"—revolutionary approach to pack leadership—"
"—youngest Alphas ever to take joint command—"
"—true mate bond verified by the Council itself—"
But mostly what I heard was my own heartbeat and the sound of Aria's laughter as she nearly tripped over her dress halfway down the aisle.
"Graceful as always," I murmured when she finally reached me.
"Shut up and marry me already," she whispered back.
Elder Moira raised her hands for silence. "We gather today to witness the mating ceremony of Alpha Damon Blackwood and Alpha Aria Silver, whose bond has been tested by ancient law and proven true by divine judgment."
The ceremony itself was a blend of old and new—traditional vows mixed with promises we'd written ourselves, ancient rituals combined with modern touches. When we exchanged rings, the mate bond flared to life between us, visible to everyone present as golden light that danced around our joined hands.
"By the power vested in me by the Council of Alphas and the blessing of the Moon Goddess," Elder Moira announced, "I pronounce you mated for life. Alpha Damon, you may kiss your mate."
I didn't need to be told twice.
---
Aria's POV
The reception was held in the massive gardens behind the amphitheater, with tables scattered under strings of lights and a dance floor that seemed to stretch forever. I'd changed into a shorter, more practical dress that let me actually move without risking life and limb.
"Having fun?" Damon asked, spinning me around the dance floor as the band played something slow and romantic.
"The best," I replied, though I had to raise my voice over the sound of celebration around us. "Though I think Noah might be planning something. They keep making mysterious phone calls."
"Should I be worried?"
"Probably. They've been hanging out with my brothers too much."
As if summoned by our conversation, Noah appeared at the edge of the dance floor with a champagne flute and a mischievous expression.
"Ladies, gentlemen, and distinguished guests," they called out, somehow managing to project their voice over the crowd. "If I could have your attention for a moment."
The music faded and conversations quieted as all eyes turned to Noah.
"Six months ago, Aria and I were just students trying to survive at Alpha Academy. Aria was pretending to be a boy, I was pretending my strategic plans were just really elaborate homework assignments, and neither of us imagined we'd end up here."
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
"But that's the thing about love and friendship—they have a way of changing everything. Aria taught me that sometimes the most revolutionary act is simply being yourself, even when the world isn't ready for who you are."
Noah raised their glass. "So here's to Alpha Aria and Alpha Damon, who proved that love really can conquer politics, tradition, and even really terrible first impressions involving towels."
The crowd erupted in laughter and applause. Damon groaned and buried his face in my shoulder.
"They're never going to let me live that down, are they?" he muttered.
"Not a chance," I replied cheerfully.
---
*Six Months Later*
Damon's POV
I found Aria in our home office, surrounded by architectural plans and looking like she was plotting world domination. Which, knowing her, she probably was.
"Planning something ambitious again?" I asked, settling into the chair across from her desk.
"The new pack territory designs," she said, pointing to the blueprints spread across every available surface. "I want to make sure we have adequate housing for families, plus space for the Academy extension program we discussed."
"And the medical facilities?"
"Already included. Plus recreational areas, community gardens, and a really impressive library." She looked up at me with sparkling eyes. "Oh, and a hockey rink. Because apparently I'm never going to escape that sport."
"You love hockey now."
"I love you," she corrected. "Hockey is just tolerable."
I was about to respond when she suddenly went very still, her hand moving to her stomach with a strange expression.
"Aria? What's wrong?"
"I... nothing's wrong. I think." She looked up at me with wonder. "Damon, I think I'm pregnant."
Time stopped.
"You think?" I managed.
"I mean, I've been feeling weird for a few days, and I was going to make a doctor's appointment, but just now I felt... something. Like movement."
I was across the room and kneeling beside her chair before I'd consciously decided to move. "Are you sure?"
"No, I'm not sure! This is my first time being pregnant!" She laughed, high and slightly hysterical. "Oh my God, what if we're having a baby? What if we're having babies? Twins run in my family!"
"Twins," I repeated faintly.
"What if I'm terrible at this? What if I can't balance being an Alpha and a mother? What if—"
I silenced her worries with a kiss, soft and full of promise.
"What if," I said against her lips, "we're amazing at this, just like we've been amazing at everything else we've tackled together?"
"Even the towel incident?"
"Especially the towel incident. That's going to be a great story to tell our kids."
She laughed, some of the panic fading from her eyes. "I love you, Damon Blackwood."
"I love you too, Aria Blackwood." I placed my hand gently over hers on her stomach. "All of you."
