---
George stood in front of the mirror, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming wedding.
George's smile lingered as he straightened his tie, his eyes gleaming with anticipation while thinking about his upcoming wedding to Amy.
As he smoothed out his shirt, he thought about Crystal and their past. He had never really considered her feelings when he started dating Amy but now he couldn't help but wonder how Crystal would react to the news of their wedding.
George's shoulders squared as he adjusted his tie, his eyes meeting his reflection with a determined gaze.
George's eyes faltered for a moment, his eyes clouding over as a fleeting image of Crystal's disappointment crossed his mind. He cleared his throat, shaking off the feeling.
George's thoughts turned to Amy and a smile spread across his face. As he heard Amy's voice , his eyes crinkled at the corners and his smile softened.
This was a new chapter in his life, one that didn't involve the complications of his past with Crystal.
The sound of Amy's laughter echoed from downstairs and George's heart swelled with affection.
His eyes meeting his reflection with a determined gaze, he told himself, Amy was the perfect partner for him.
George's fingers fumbled with his cufflinks, his mind wandering back to Crystal. He forced a laugh trying to shake off the unease.
---
Edwin and Sarah sat in their bedroom, discussing the recent events in hushed tones.
"I'm worried about Crystal" Sarah said, her brow furrowed with concern. "She's been through so much already. This wedding is going to hurt her even more"
Edwin's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered Sarah's words, his eyes filled with deep concern.
He looked away, clearing his throat before responding.
Edwin's hands covered Sarah's, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her palm. "She'll be fine" he said, his voice low. "She's strong. And we'll be there for her, no matter what."
Sarah's eyes locked onto Edwin's, and for a moment, it seemed like she wanted to say something more. Something about Crystal's past, about the secrets they kept. She leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Do you think she's...happy?" Sarah asked, her eyes searching Edwin's face. "I mean, really happy? Sometimes I wonder if we've done enough for her."
Edwin nodded slowly "We've done what's best for her, Sarah. We always have."
Sarah sighed, her shoulders slumped "I just wish she could find someone who truly cares for her, someone could protect her"
Edwin's expression softened "We will help her find her way".
"Sometimes I feel like we're just holding on to something that's already slipping away," Sarah said, her voice barely audible.
Edwin and Sarah exchanged a look, their faces etched with concern and affection for Crystal as they sat in comfortable silence.
Sarah's gaze drifted out the window, her mind drifting back to memories of Crystal's childhood. She recalled the way Crystal's smile could light up an entire room, the way her laughter was infectious.
A small, bittersweet smile played on Sarah's lips as she remembered the countless nights she'd stayed up late, soothing Crystal's fears and calming her tears.
---
Ryder sat behind his desk, the warm glow of the candles casting a golden light on the papers scattered before him.
Luca entered the room, a look of quiet purpose on his face and approached the desk.
"An invitation, Alpha" Luca said, his voice low and respectful, as he extended a parchment sealed with a moon crest.
Ryder's eyes narrowed slightly as he took the parchment, his fingers tracing the embossed seal.
He broke the seal and unfolded the parchment, his eyes scanning the invitation.
The words danced across the page, but one phrase caught his attention; "Moonlight Pack".
A spark of interest ignited within him as he read the words. That's where she was – the one he had been thinking about for so long.
Ryder's expression remained calm but his mind began to whirl with possibilities. Ryder's fingers tightened around the parchment, his eyes scanning the invitation with renewed interest.
He wants to see her, to be near her.
A slow smile spread across Ryder's face as he gazed at the invitation, his mind already racing with possibilities.
He hadn't seen her in a long time and he wasn't sure how she would react to his presence. But he couldn't shake off the feeling that this was an opportunity he couldn't miss.
Luca stood quietly, awaiting Ryder's response. After a moment, Ryder looked up, his eyes locking onto Luca's.
"I'll be attending the wedding," Ryder said, his voice low and decisive.
Luca nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "I'll make the necessary arrangements, Alpha. Shall I inform the others?"
Ryder nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, prepare a small group to accompany me. We'll need to be discreet, though. I don't want to draw unnecessary attention."
Luca nodded, his expression serious. "I'll see to it, Alpha."
With that Luca departed, leaving Ryder alone with his thoughts. He stood up, walking over to the window to gaze out at the night sky. The moon was full, casting a silver glow over the landscape.
Ryder turned back to his desk, his eyes falling on the invitation once more, his mind racing with possibilities. He couldn't wait to see her again. The thought sent a thrill through him, and he felt a sense of anticipation building.