Fate & Fur

@ katahdin

A pleasant hum left her lips as Aiden pressed a kiss against the top of her head. She held him close to her for a moment but started to release as he pressed a kiss to her lips. They did need to get going. Though she pulled away as she felt something fall to the floor, hitting her foot as it rolled. Bailey shifted and glanced down as she moved to pick up the box. Before she could really process what it was, Aiden was on one knee in front of her. His words jumbled up together but she didn't really need to understand what he was say to piece it together.

Her heart was beating incredibly fast and Bailey could immediately feel tears coming to her eyes. With no hesitation, Bailey didn't even bother to pick up the ring box, she threw herself at Aiden. Her body pressed against his and her arms wrapped around his neck. Bailey was nodding quickly. "Yes!" Bailey hugged him tight to her. "Oh my God, yes."

@ BearGirl

Aiden felt so relieved when Bailey threw herself at him, having been half worried that maybe she'd run away or laugh. He stood quickly to catch her in his arms, crushing her against his chest as he hugged her tightly, nuzzling his nose into her hair. "I love you so much, Bailey." He murmured, pulling back just enough to press a long kiss to her lips before moving to grab the ring box, opening it so that he could place the ring on her finger.

"I know it's nothing super flashy, but it was my mom's, and her mom's, and I thought it'd be nice for you to have it.. I can get something bigger if you want, too." He explained sheepishly, grinning down at her before tugging her close again to kiss her. "I know I'm ruining your hair and your outfit that you spent so much time on, but I can't not kiss you." He chuckled against her lips, carefully brushing her tears from her eyes, trying not to smudge her makeup.

@ katahdin

"I love you too," Bailey said back, love full in her voice. She held onto Aiden as he shifted away but quickly relaxed when she realized he was grabbing the ring box. Bailey slid one arm from around his neck and brought her hand out so Aiden could slip the ring around her finger. Her eyes glanced down at the beautiful blue ring. And she shook her head quickly when he mentioned getting her something else. "Don't you dare. I adore it."

She re-wrapped her arms around him as Aiden pulled her back in, hugging him tight to her. Bailey let out a small laugh against his lips as she mentioned running her hair and outfit. "Don't worry about that and just keep kissing me," Bailey whispered into him before kissing him again, the kiss deep but gentle. After a moment, Bailey pulled her lips away and looked up at Aiden. The tears that he had brushed away were quickly replaced. She was just so happy that she was crying. "I am so lucky to have you."

@ BearGirl

Aiden chuckled softly as she asked him to keep kissing her, gladly returning her kisses, keeping his arms tight around her. Once they parted he cupped her cheeks in his hands, continuing to wipe the tears away as they appeared, although he did miss some. "Not as lucky as I am to have you, Bailey." He smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips before moving his hands to hers, giving them a squeeze.

"We really should get going.. Do you want a minute to redo your hair? Or are you ok to go like this?" He asked, wanting her to be comfortable. "You'll probably just cry again, and I'll definitely kiss you lots more." He teased, pressing a kiss to her cheek as he smoothed his hand over her hair. They were already late, but he knew his pack would understand once they found out why

@ katahdin

"I don't need to redo my hair, I just need to..." Bailey did take a moment to turn and look at herself in the mirror when Aiden told her it was time to go. It only took her a few moments to pat down her hair into something less chaotic. Though there wasn't much she could do about the crying as Aiden was correct that it probably wasn't going to stop. So, instead, she got a napkin to use to dab her eyes. She was then quick to move back to his side. "You're not wrong about the crying," Bailey said with a small laugh as she dabbed her eyes.

Once they were heading out of the apartment, Bailey stayed as close as she could to Aiden. She didn't want to leave his side, especially as she was too ecstatic about everything that was happening. They were engaged and soon, the two of them would be mates. As he drove, Bailey couldn't help but keep looking at her ring, the largest smile on her face. It was really beautiful and she was so ready to be with Aiden forever.

@ BearGirl

Aiden chuckled softly as he waited for her to smooth out her hair, pressing a kiss to her cheek as he squeezed her hand when she said he was right about the crying. "If you're lucky I might cry too. And James definitely will." He teased, laughing as he led her out of their apartment and down to where his car waited, opening the door for her before climbing into the drivers side to drive them to the pack house.

He grinned to himself when he noticed her looking at her ring, reaching over to take her hand in his. "I love you so so much, Bailey. I hope to God that this isn't some joke you've decided to pull, that we'll get here and you'll dump me in front of everyone." He laughed a little, but was clearly a bit nervous. Human marriages were one thing, but they weren't as permanent and binding as being mated, and he worried that she might back out at the last minute, or come to regret her decision in the future.

@ katahdin

Wrapping her fingers up with his, Bailey leaned over and laid her cheek against his shoulder. "I can promise you that this isn't some cruel joke," Bailey whispered to him. "I want to be yours, Aiden." Bailey leaned up and pressed a gentle kiss against his cheek before resting her face back against his shoulder. She hummed happily, feeling like she was in total bliss.

Though once they were at the house, Bailey started to feel a little nervous. She felt rather sure that his pack was happy for her to become their alpha's mate but it was still a little nerve-wracking to think about. Plus, who knows how they would feel about a human wedding... But before they went inside, Bailey took Aiden's hand and held onto it tightly. "You should tell them," Bailey said softly as she gave Aiden a little nudge with a smile.

@ BearGirl

Aiden smiled as she leaned her head against his shoulder, considering just turning around and going back to their apartment so that they could just mate already. But he knew it was important for his pack to have this party, so he continued on to the pack house, keeping Bailey close as he led her inside. She seemed nervous, and he figured it was because of all of the wolves in one spot, and he even felt a bit overwhelmed as everyone rushed to greet them and congratulate them.

He smiled at everyone as they tried to talk over each other, holding a hand up to silence them before speaking. "Thank you, everyone, we know you're all excited, but you should all be enjoying ourselves, not mobbing me and my fiance." He grinned, watching as the announcement registered with everyone before the room broke out in cheers. James pushed his way to the front of the crowded, beaming as he pulled them both into a hug. "I'm so happy for you both! Do I get to come to your wedding? Or is it one of those things where you just go to the city hall and sign all the papers?" He asked curiously, a few of the girls behind him looking rather frustrated that he was hogging the alpha and Bailey's attention since they wanted to see the engagement ring.

@ katahdin

A large smile came over Bailey as they were quickly bombarded by the pack. Although there were still times she felt confused or nervous, there was no doubt that Bailey also felt protected and loved by Aiden's pack. All of them, including the new members, whom she had known for years. But as they were encircled, Bailey did press into Aiden's side as she felt overwhelmed by who to look at and speak to first.

Once Aiden was able to silence them and made the announcement, Bailey squeezed his hand tightly. A warm laugh came from her as she the pack broke out into cheers and immediately any concerns about what they would think of a human wedding was washed away. It was very clear that they approved and Bailey couldn't be happier. Though she suddenly felt herself getting pulled into a hug by James and Bailey was quick to wrap an arm around him before he pulled away.

"We haven't talked about it yet." Bailey responded, looking up at Aiden. "But I would like to have a proper wedding and invite everyone." A little, cheeky smile came over her face. She knew she was putting Aiden a little on the spot, but Bailey also knew that the man would want to do whatever would make her happy. He really was the best. Though her eyes glanced past James shoulder's and saw some of the women looking ready to shove James to the side. A small laugh left her. "James, I think you're going to get throw to the side if you don't let them through."

@ BearGirl

Aiden wrapped a comforting arm around Bailey as she settled into his side, laughing as his pack erupted into cheers at their announcement. She knew that they were probably overwhelming her, but it would be hard to get them to back off until the women had seen the ring and the men had congratulated him.

He returned James's hug, ruffling the young wolf's hair as he spoke with Bailey. "Of course you get to come to the wedding, James. I need a best man, don't I?" He laughed louder at his reaction, the boy practically jumping into Aiden's arms as he hugged them both again.

"Really? Me? That's great! I won't let you down, I promise!" He was clearly excited, blinking a little bit as he looked back to Bailey at the mention of getting thrown to the side, glancing back at the waiting women before looking back at Bailey sheepishly. "Alright alright, I'll go.. But I'll see you later right?" He said, barely able to finish his sentence before the girls quickly pushed him aside, rushing forward to admire Bailey's ring and congratulate her on both becoming mates and marrying Aiden.

Aiden did his best to stick close to her, but was swept away by a group of men who were pushing a drink into his hand and congratulating him happily. He kept an eye on Bailey from the other side of the room though, making sure she was alright.

@ katahdin

Bailey watched with a laugh as she watched James get shoved away by some of the women in the pack. She wasn't surprised, after all, James had intercepted them before anyone else had a chance to do anything. Though she would be sure to meet up with James again before they left for the night. But, now Bailey was happy to talk to the women and she found herself getting pulled deeper into the house and surrounded by those who wanted to see her new ring and hear how Aiden proposed.

As Bailey showed them the ring and gave them the store, the young woman could feel the tears beginning to come up again. She was in such bliss to have Aiden as her fiancee now. Though with everything so fresh, she was easily susceptible of not being able to control it very well. But when she started to dab her eyes with the napkin, some of the women audibly 'awed' at how obviously in-love Bailey was in.

Though when her head lifted away from the mini crowd, Bailey noticed that Aiden was no longer close by and instead had been pulled across to the other side of the room. In truth, all Bailey really wanted at that moment was to be as close to Aiden as possible, whether that be kissing, cuddling, hugging or other things. But there would be plenty of time for that. So she turned her attention back to the women and showed them the ring that was around her finger.

"That sounds like our alpha, being clumsy and having to propose on the fly," One of the older women said with a laugh, causing the others to laugh with her. Another woman, who was currently holding onto Bailey's hand, looked over the ring, "It is such a beautiful ring."

@ BearGirl

Aiden caught Bailey's eye briefly as he was tugged away, offering her a smile as he winked, a silent promise to make his way back to her as soon as possible. Meanwhile, one of the younger members of the pack, a girl no older than twelve was examining Bailey's ring curiously, before she looked up at her with inquisitive eyes. "It's very pretty, Miss Bailey. Does this mean you and the alpha are going to have pups soon?" She asked, earning a nudge and a glare from the older woman.

"Annabelle, that is not an appropriate question. Apologize." She scolded, the little girl pouting and lowering her head as she mumbled a half-hearted apology before disappearing into the crowd when she heard someone mention sweets. Aiden was also busy fending off questions about children, chuckling as he sipped the drink he'd been given, waving off the men who kept asking. "When we're ready we'll have them. We're in no rush to do anything. Maybe after we get married." He shrugged, figuring it would be better to give a half-hearted answer in order to satisfy some of the older pack members who clearly wanted to see their alpha producing heirs as soon as possible.

@ katahdin

All Bailey could offer the small child was an awkward smile before she was chastised by an older woman and headed off into the crowd. Although it was an slightly uncomfortable question, Bailey was not surprised to hear it. After all, she knew that she was marrying the pack's alpha and that came with certain...expectations. And while she did want to have children with Aiden, Bailey certainly did not have it planned more than that. One of the adults did turn to Bailey once the young one was gone, an eyebrow raised. "Are you?" She asked curiously.

The older woman let out a sigh when the question was asked again but did not scold the adult woman for asking it. Bailey let out a nervous laugh in response, unsure of what the pack wanted to hear when it came to that. Though she also had no intention of having kids when the pack wanted them. Her and Aiden would decide when it was time. "We will have children but there is no need to set a date on that yet." Bailey told her before moving on. "We still have the wedding to plan, after all." Bailey glanced Aiden's way. When did he want children? And the thought of how pregnant she would be crossed her mind...Did werewolves have litters? God, she hoped not.

When a glass of champagne was put in Bailey's hands, she happily accepted it and took a drink before continuing to talk to the woman. She soon found herself being brought around here and there to talk to everyone as they all wanted to celebrate and congratulate her.

@ BearGirl

Before long Aiden was being dragged around so that he could speak to everyone and listen to their congratulations, thanking everyone sincerely and chatting with them before he was dragged along to the next group of people. Before long he was at Bailey's side once again, grinning down at her as he squeezed her hand and leaned down to press a kiss to her lips.

"Everyone's being nice, right? I told them all to be nice." He asked as he pulled back, gently running his fingers through her hair. "We don't have to stay much longer, either. James will want to have a piece of cake with us, but everyone understands that we're excited to get back to our place to finish the mating process." He explained, pressing a kiss to her forehead as he led her toward the kitchen, where a cake and all sorts of snacks were set up for the party. James was helping to serve everyone snacks, but he was trying to keep the first slices of cake for them, although a few of the youngest kids had managed to swipe a finger full of frosting, leaving the cake a little funny looking.

@ katahdin

Once Aiden was by her side again, Bailey wrapped her fingers with his. She smiled as he leaned down and pressed a kiss against her lips. This caused her to lay her head against his shoulder for a few moments, a pleasant hum leaving her lips as she did so. "Everyone is being nice. They are always nice," Bailey reassured Aiden, her voice soft as she spoke. It was true, the pack, although a lot to take in at times, was always kind to her.

Bailey let out a small hum as Aiden mention not having to stay longer. Not that Bailey would mind spending more time with the pack, but they still had the mating process to do. When he started to lead her towards the kitchen, Bailey lifted her head off of his shoulder and followed him in. As they walked by some of snacks, Bailey took a moment to grab something for herself before they were standing in front of the cake.

"Looks like someone was hungry." Bailey joked to James before stepping forward to take the first slice of cake.

@ BearGirl

Aiden was happy to hear that everyone was being pleasant, knowing that they could be a lot, especially with their alpha getting mated. It seemed like everyone wanted them to start having pups as soon as possible, and even though he told them a million time that there was no need to rush they just didn't seem to relent. He wrapped his arm around her waist as he led her to the kitchen, chuckling at James as Bailey teased him, the poor boy looking a bit frazzled.

"I tried to stop Mathilde from sticking her fingers in the frosting, but she's so small she kept sneaking by when I was trying to do other stuff.." James explained, waving off the toddler in question as she returned for more frosting, her cheeks smeared with frosting and the little girl giggling wildly. "It's fine, James, really. Everyone knows you can't keep her out of the sweets no matter how hard you try." Aiden laughed, taking his own slice of cake before digging in, smiling down at Bailey as they ate. "Good?"

@ katahdin

"It just means we'll have to hide the wedding cake where she can't find it," Bailey teased before biting in. Her eyes lit up and the young woman took another bite. "It is delicious." Bailey told them both. She set her own plate down for a moment to cut a slice and handing it to Mathilde. "You can eat this piece but no more sticking your fingers in the food." Mathilde took the plate and ran off giggling. Bailey was rather sure that her words went in one ear and out the other once the girl was handed the food.

Picking up her piece, Bailey continued to eat it. "You should relax now, James. We are having a fantastic time and there is nothing else to worry about now." She told him, wanting James to be able to enjoy the party now. After all, it seemed that he was handling the food for most of it.

Bailey looked up at Aiden, a little smirk coming along her lips. "I mean, we want our son to have a good time as well."

@ BearGirl

Aiden laughed a little as she suggested they hide the wedding cake, nodding in agreement. "She's got a nose for sugar. She'll find it." He said, watching Bailey pass a slice of cake to Mathilde, chuckling as the little girl ran off with the cake, knowing she'd be back for more sooner or later.

Aiden nodded in agreement as Bailey told James to relax, pressing a kiss to his mate's forehead before looking over at James, smirking as she mentioned him being their son. "Yeah, son. Listen to your mother and enjoy the party."

James blushed sheepishly when they called him son, swatting at Aiden's hand as he reached to ruffle his hair, ducking away after grabbing a slice of cake for himself. "Ok, ok, fine. I'll go away.. Bye, in case I don't see you before you leave." He said, smiling and waving at them both before he disappeared into the crowd.

@ katahdin

Once James was gone, Bailey set down her empty plate and turned to Aiden. A little smirk came along her face as she looked up at him. Her hands pressed against his chest and she slightly moved into him. "We should probably make our way home soon." Bailey murmured before leaning up and pressing a gentle kiss against his lips.

Bailey was having a good time with everyone, but they did need to head back. She had no idea how long it would be until Aiden felt satisfied enough to let her sleep a little. Though she knew that his feelings towards her would-be heightened for a couple of days. Which was why Aiden would be taking a few off from the pack and just staying at the apartment with her.

@ BearGirl

Aiden grinned down at her after kissing her back, nodding a little. He knew that he'd be restless for the next few days because of her, although they weren't yet sure what the bond would have on her, so it was best they head home now so as not to put it off for too long. "Alright.. We should head out now, while they're preoccupied with cake." He teased, leaning down to kiss her again before his arm wrapped around her and he began to lead her through the crowd toward the exit.

He was polite and said goodbye to those he passed, stopping briefly to talk where necessary, but everyone understood what they were leaving to do, and that they shouldn't keep them. Before long they were both in Aiden's car heading back to their apartment, Aiden clearly both excited and nervous about what was to come.