Raising Beast Cubs to Find a Husband novel Chapter 153

Chapter 153: Finally the Wedding

The morning of the wedding dawned bright and clear. The Royal Gardens had been transformed into a paradise of white silk and blooming flowers (half of them grown by Primrose’s new tail the night before).

It was perfect.

Rajah stood at the altar, looking uncomfortable but incredibly handsome in his formal military dress blues. When he saw Leonora walking down the aisle, the mighty Tiger Warlord actually forgot to inhale. Rurik had to elbow him in the ribs to remind him to breathe.

Vali marched down the aisle with the ring pillow, looking very serious (mostly because Jasper had told him the pillow would explode if he shook it).

Silas fluttered overhead in his little bat form, dropping rose petals. A few landed in Rajah’s hair.

They said their vows under the Great Oak.

"I, Rajah, promise to fight by your side, not in front of you."

"I, Leonora, promise to share my kill, but not my dessert."

They kissed. The crowd cheered. The sun was shining.

Primrose stood in the front row, clapping. Caspian stood on her right, looking regal in blue velvet. Lucien stood on her left, silent and watchful. Cassian was holding Jasper (and Pickles, who was wearing a tiny bow tie).

It was the happy ending they all needed.

---

The party moved to the Grand Pavilion. The sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of purple and orange.

The music started—a lively, upbeat folk song played by a band of bear-kin. The kids were running around under the tables playing tag, except for Arjun.

Arjun was sitting at the Head Table, right between the bride and groom. He was wearing a miniature version of his father’s uniform, complete with a tiny cape. He looked very serious, trying to act like the "Man of the House."

He tugged on Leonora’s silk sleeve.

"Mama Leo?" Arjun whispered.

Leonora turned, her fierce face softening instantly. "Yes, cub?"

Arjun looked around the crowd, scanning the faces of the noble guests. He looked disappointed.

"Where is Ellia?" Arjun asked quietly. "And Lord Bastion? I... I saved a seat for her."

He pointed to an empty chair next to him where he had placed a small bag of candy almonds.

Leonora’s smile faltered for a second, but she smoothed Arjun’s hair gently.

"I’m sorry, Arjun," Leonora explained softly. "Bastion sent a letter. There are... complications at his estate. He couldn’t leave."

Arjun’s ears flattened. "Oh. So Ellia isn’t coming?"

"Not today," Leonora said, kissing his forehead. "But she sent you a gift. It’s in the carriage. Next time, okay?"

Arjun nodded, looking at the empty chair. "Okay. Next time."

Rajah placed a heavy hand on his son’s shoulder. "Don’t pout, soldier. Go eat cake. That’s an order."

Arjun managed a small smile and hopped off his chair to join the other kids.

---

Luna sat at a table near the edge of the pavilion. She hadn’t eaten. She was watching the shadows.

Every waiter who walked by, she flinched. Every guest who laughed too loudly, she jumped.

He’s here, Luna thought. I can feel him.

"May I?"

A hand appeared in front of her.

Luna jumped, nearly knocking over her water glass. She looked up.

It was Real Jax.

He had cleaned up. He was wearing a borrowed suit that was a little too tight in the shoulders. His orange hair was slicked back, but a few rebellious strands fell over his forehead.

He wasn’t smiling his charming, roguish smile. He looked... hesitant. Shy, even.

"I noticed you were sitting alone," Jax said, rubbing the back of his neck. "And since I don’t know anyone here except the people who tied me to a bed... I thought I’d ask the pretty rabbit for a dance."

Luna stared at his hand.

It was Jax’s hand. But it wasn’t him. The man who loved her stew was gone. This was a stranger who shared his face.

And yet... he was trying. He was trying to be kind, despite the nightmare he had woken up to. He was trying to reclaim his life.

"I..." Luna stammered. "I don’t think—"

"Come on," Jax said softly. "Just one song. To prove I don’t have two left feet. Please? For the guy who lost six months of his life?"

Luna looked at his green eyes. They were warm.

"Okay," she whispered.

She took his hand.

They walked onto the dance floor. The music slowed down to a waltz. Jax placed a hand on her waist. It was respectful, not possessive. They began to sway.

For a moment, just a moment, Luna closed her eyes and pretended. She pretended the last six months hadn’t been a lie. She pretended this was her Jax, finally safe.

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