Why My Mate Cries
Chapter 51

ALIYAH’S POV

The sun fell asleep behind the sloping and green mountains far too quickly. The scenery in front of me was serene and calm, and it gave me the warmth I sought. I drew in a breath and inhaled the cold breeze here from the balcony. The air blew my hair, and I had to tuck it behind my ear.

Laughter could be heard inside. I turned around and walked to the bedroom, exited it, and so I could check on Liana and Alice in the living room who were playing Checker. They were resting for a while right before they went back to sewing the bridal dress I would be wearing for the unification ceremony.

The ceremony would be held two days from now, and I was currently in the stage of purification, in which I needed to reduce my interaction with the other members of the pack, including Reid, and I had to be on a strict vegetable and herb diet. Reid would be staying in a different house for the time being as we have to abide by the ceremony phases as a respect to the pack’s culture and the elders.

“I want some ice cream,” I said as I settled on the couch and watched them play.

I knew I had to obey the purification rules, but my craving was becoming intense the more I thought about eating vanilla and chocolate ice cream.

Liana giggled as she turned to me. “You can eat ice cream, of course.”

My eyes widened in delight. “For real? Are you going to give me some?”

Alice glanced at me mischievously and waved her finger, which told me otherwise.

“Not until the ceremony is done!” she exclaimed and laughed.

I pouted my lips. Folding my arms against my chest, I couldn’t help but question these purification phase rules. I was not allowed to eat any meat and could only have vegetables, fruits, and herbs as my meal. I wished I could sneak into the main kitchen and steal a gallon of ice cream from the fridge, but I knew my friends wouldn’t allow me to even set foot outside this place.

“I wonder what Reid is doing right now,” I muttered as I sighed in defeat.

“He’s probably losing his mind.” Liana laughed out loud, shaking her head.

“He surely does. Have you seen his face when Klaus dragged him out of this place for the purification stage? It was priceless!”

They did a high five, and all I could do was sigh and smile a bit as I recalled Reid’s pissed off expression earlier in the morning. I must confess that it was funny, not until I started to miss his presence.

“You guys have to behave and keep your cool. It’s just for two days,” Liana said.

“I am not complaining though,” I hissed, and pursed my lips. “I just crave ice cream. That’s all.”

“Go ahead and eat the remaining bowl of vegetable salad on the table. Imagine you’re eating ice cream, and that should be enough.” Alice winked at me.

***

Time passed so quickly that before I even realized it, I was already wearing the bridal gown which Liana and Alice prepared for me. It was an all-white off-shoulder gown made of satin, which had long sleeves and hems were filled with sequins with flowery design. My hair was curled this time with a flower crown on my head that complimented my gown, and then my hands were holding a white bridal bouquet.

The ceremony would be performed in the garden beside the pack house. All of the pack members were invited as the proclamation would be made after we exchanged our vows. At any moment, the ceremony would be about to start, and that thought made me feel both nervous and excited at the same time. My heart was racing so fast that it was making it impossible for me to breathe properly.

My heart was filled with joy. Recalling all those things I have experienced in the past, I never thought that I would find myself getting married and settling down with the man I love. My emotions were so high that I ended up blinking my tears of joy away.

I guess if only my father and Shawn were here supporting me, I guess this unification would be a lot more thrilling, exciting, and heartfelt. I sucked in a breath and shoved that thought aside. For now, I guess it wasn’t wrong to be selfish and seize this moment.

“Aliyah, it’s time!” Liana shrieked in happiness.

I gasped and prayed to the Moon Goddess to bless the ceremony. I hoped nothing bad would happen and that the event would turn out great.

The elder whose name was Cecilia, assisted me as I walked my way out of the pack house. The moment I set foot on the Bermuda grass, I drew in a breath. Spread down the aisle were white petals. On either side of the aisle, our pack mates were gathered, and they were all standing up facing me.

“Don’t forget to breathe, darling,” Cecilia muttered.

I chuckled softly and breathed in as my eyes surveyed the entire place. This spring’s unification ceremony brought such a satisfaction within me. I couldn’t believe that I was walking down the aisle, and the people around me were cheering and were completely happy for me.

When I looked at the other end of the aisle, there I saw the best looking Alpha in the whole world. Reid was standing proudly, wearing a white tuxedo and his smile, watching me as I slowly walked my way to him. His eyes were filled with admiration, love, and excitement… and I knew for sure that the same emotions could be seen in my eyes.

“Hi…” he greeted me when I stood right in front of him.

My emotions welled up inside of me so that I couldn’t stop a tear from streaming down my face.

“Hi…” I greeted him back.

We were both smiling at each other and were feeling this beautiful moment in our lives. It didn’t take that long for the ceremony to begin. The great elder of the pack intoned his speech, which I couldn’t fathom as my eyes were only fixated on Reid, my soon to be husband.

When it was time for us to voice our vows, I mustered my courage to speak despite my high emotions. I held Reid’s hand and stared up at him intently.

“I, Aliyah Harper, swear to the Moon Goddess that I will give my life and loyalty to the Jewel Pack. I will accept my role as the Alpha’s wife, and if I hurt or betray the pack, I will accept the Alpha’s rejection and the punishment that comes with it.” I bit my lower l*p, hiding my smile when I noticed how Reid gasped softly, as if he was completely flustered after hearing my vow.

Then I continued, “And I vow to my mate, that I will love him and stand by his side through ups and downs, and will cherish our love and marriage, and be honest with him. I vow that I will never betray, harm, or hurt him, and I am committed to fulfilling my role as his wife. Lastly, I will respect the mate bond, and understand that we’ll be bonded forever…”

After speaking those words, tears began pooling in my eyes. Reid held my hand tight. He inhaled heavily as I waited for him to speak his vow.