Page 112 of Abandoned By My Alpha Husband

The music started.

The doors opened slowly.

The scent of lily and bay leaf drifted in. My wolf sang with joy, and Elena's wolf answered.

Elena stood there.

She wore a white gown—not the elaborate traditional kind, but something sleek and elegant. The waistline was fitted, accentuating her slender curves. The skirt fell to her ankles, swaying gently as she moved. Her hair wasn't pinned up but fell loosely over her shoulders, a small lily tucked behind one ear. Around her neck was a silver chain with the Hale family crest as a pendant. She wore light makeup, lips a soft pink, lashes casting shadows in the light.

She looked at me, those amber eyes shining under the crystal chandeliers.

My breath stopped.

She was beautiful.

Not the polished, arranged kind of beauty. Something natural, radiating from within. She stood there with sunlight pouring through the window behind her, bathing her in a golden glow. Anya walked beside her in a little white dress, carrying a flower basket, skipping and scattering petals on the carpet.

Liam walked behind them in a suit, back straight, like a knight escorting them.

Elena walked toward me.

Her steps were slow and steady. I could see her fingers trembling slightly, the way she bit her lower lip—nervous.

But she kept walking.

She stopped in front of me.

I held out my hand.

She looked at it for a few seconds. Then placed her hand in mine.

I gripped Elena's hand, feeling the dampness of her palm.

She was nervous.

But she was here. Standing in front of everyone. Standing beside me.

I turned to face the guests. Noble werewolves sat on the left in fine attire, expressions ranging from forced politeness to open displeasure. Human merchants sat on the right, eyes gleaming with excitement, several already sneaking photos on their phones.

The seven members of the Elder Council sat in the front row. The Grand Elder's face looked like he'd just eaten a whole lemon.

"Everyone," I began, voice echoing through the hall. "Thank you for being here today to witness this historic moment."

I paused, thumb brushing Elena's knuckles.

"Five years ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life," I said. "Because of my misunderstanding and stupidity, I let my mate leave Silver pine. I made her bear all the pain and pressure alone. I missed the birth and childhood of my children."

Silence fell.

"For five years, I searched for her." I looked at Elena. Her eyes reddened. "When I found her, I discovered she'd raised our two children well. In her own way, she'd built a home in the human world. She protected them. Loved them. Gave them everything I couldn't. And she fought beside me to destroy the Butcher Squad."

Elena bit her lip, looking at me.

"Today, I'm declaring before everyone," I let go of her hand and wrapped my arm around her waist, pulling her close, "Elena Hale is my fated mate, the mate given to me by the Moon Goddess. She is Reserpine's Luna. The Lady of the Hale family."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Liam and Anya are my biological children. Heirs to the Hale family," I continued. "Anyone who dares question their identity is questioning me."