CHAPTER 171: CHAPTER 171: THE WEDDING

The day of the wedding...

Morning sunlight poured through the pack house windows, filling every corner with warmth and a gentle excitement. Everyone moved about with hushed voices, wanting everything to be perfect for Melissa and Deaton’s big day.

Before the ceremony, Melissa caught Stiles sneaking toward the back patio, a suspicious grin on his face and something shiny clutched in his hand.

"Stiles." She called firmly.

He froze mid-step, turning slowly with his best innocent smile. "Yeah? What’s up?"

Melissa crossed her arms. "I know that look. Whatever prank you’re planning—don’t. Not today."

Stiles pouted dramatically. "Come on, it’s just one tiny smoke bomb..."

"Stiles."

He groaned in defeat. "Fine! I’ll behave." He raised his hands in surrender and shuffled away, grumbling under his breath. "You people have no sense of humor..."

---

A little while later, Melissa sat alone in her bedroom, adjusting her simple yet elegant white dress. A soft knock on the door made her smile.

"Come in."

Scott stepped inside, looking more grown up than ever in his tailored suit. For a moment, she saw the little boy who used to run to her with scraped knees and wild hair—then he was her True Alpha son, standing tall and strong.

"You look beautiful, Mom." Scott said, his voice full of quiet pride.

Melissa stood and fixed his tie. "And you look so handsome, sweetheart. I can’t believe you’re all grown up... and I can’t believe I’m getting married again."

Scott chuckled softly. "You deserve this, Mom. You deserve happiness and love. You gave up so much for me. It’s about time someone puts you first."

Melissa felt tears prick her eyes. She pulled him into a tight hug, resting her head on his shoulder. "I already have someone who puts me first, Scott. I always have. But thank you... for everything. And for giving me away today."

They stayed like that a little longer—mother and son, holding on to a promise of new beginnings.

---

Outside, under the large oak tree behind the pack house, the ceremony was simple but perfect. Rows of white folding chairs circled the clearing, decorated with fresh flowers. Lydia, Erica, and Allison had picked themselves.

The entire pack was there. Noshiko and Ken stood beside Chris and Victoria. Agisa arrived with Noah, Braeden stood next to Derek, and Morrell was there too, quietly watching her brother getting married.

Deaton stood at the front, calm and content as he waited for his bride.

When Melissa stepped out, escorted by Scott, everyone turned. She glowed in the afternoon sunlight, smiling at her pack—her family.

Scott placed her hand into Deaton’s, leaning in to whisper. "Take care of her."

Deaton squeezed his shoulder. "Always."

Chris performed the short ceremony, his voice steady and warm. Vows were exchanged. Laughter bubbled up when Stiles sniffled louder than the girls, and he couldn’t stop wiping his eyes when Melissa and Deaton sealed their promises with a gentle, loving kiss.

Isaac nudged him. "Seriously, man?"

Stiles sniffled harder. "This ceremony is just beautiful, okay?"

Isaac just shook his head, trying not to laugh.

Afterward, Melissa and Deaton shared their first dance, then Melissa danced with Scott while the pack watched with soft smiles. Soon, everyone joined in, dancing and celebrating under the fading sun.

As dusk turned the sky pink and gold, the pack gathered by the driveway to see the newlyweds off. Melissa tossed her simple bouquet over her shoulder—Allison caught it with a squeal, shooting Scott a playful look. He only smiled and winked back at her.

Deaton opened the car door for Melissa, who waved at her cheering family.

"Don’t burn the ranch down while I’m gone!" She called out, half-teasing, half-serious, her eyes narrowing at Stiles.

"Why are you looking at me?!" Stiles protested, throwing up his hands.

Lydia rolled her eyes. "Do you even need to ask?"

Scott wrapped an arm around Allison’s shoulders as they watched the taillights fade down the driveway, carrying Melissa and Deaton away on their long-awaited honeymoon.

A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying laughter and quiet relief. For now, Beacon Hills was calm. For now, they enjoyed peace—together, as a family.

---

After the wedding, Scott, Stiles, Aiden, and Liam stayed in Beacon Hills, watching over the ranch and Deaton’s clinic. Meanwhile, Allison, Malia, Lydia, and Kira went to France with Victoria and Chris.

Erica, Isaac, Cora, and Boyd headed to South America, while Derek and Peter remained at the ranch to keep an eye on the construction workers building the new houses—making sure everything was perfect.

A month later, Melissa and Deaton returned, so Scott and Stiles flew to France and met up with Allison and Malia. Then Scott and Allison took off to Japan for a month alone, while Stiles and Malia visited Africa together.

After Scott and Allison’s quiet month in Japan, Lydia, Kira, Erica, Boyd, Stiles, Malia, Cora, and Isaac joined them for a week of adventure before everyone finally returned to Beacon Hills.

---

Now, the whole pack was gathered in front of the pack house, enjoying a big barbecue.

Stiles nudged Liam. "So, where did you go for your vacation?"

Liam grinned. "Peter took me and Aiden to Asia. We spent a month traveling—first Dubai, then Bali and Jakarta in Indonesia."

Then Liam burst out laughing. "And we spent the last week in Bangkok!"

Scott raised an eyebrow. "Why are you laughing? What happened in Bangkok?"

Peter shot Liam a death glare. "Kid, if you say anything, I swear I’ll kill you."

Aiden jumped in, smirking. "Peter got catfished by a guy."

Everyone froze, then burst into shocked laughter.

Stiles smirked. "Wait, Peter—I didn’t know you swung both ways!"

Peter snapped. "I don’t! Okay? I didn’t know she was a man!"

Lydia, wiping tears of laughter, said. "Come on, tell us exactly what happened."

Peter sighed dramatically. "I met this beautiful Thai girl at a bar. We talked, had some drinks, and I took her back to my hotel room. Then... well, once we started undressing, I found out she was a man. And let me tell you—her third leg was bigger than mine."

Peter shuddered as the pack howled with laughter. "It had veins. And I swear that thing winked at me."

Scott choked on his drink, laughing. "What did you do then? Did you kill him?"

Peter groaned. "No! I ran into the bathroom and threw up my guts out, brushed my teeth for half an hour, and by the time I came out, the guy was gone—along with my cash!"

Liam was laughing, gasping for breath. "Me and Aiden heard everything from our room!"

Peter glared at them. "You two could’ve stopped her from leaving!"

Aiden, still laughing, said. "We were too busy, man."

Peter narrowed his eyes. "Busy with what?"

Aiden wiped a tear from his eye. "Busy laughing on the floor!"

Peter groaned. "Damn it. I’m never going back there again."

Derek tilted his head. "Wait a second—you’re a werewolf, Peter. Couldn’t you tell he was a man by the smell? We can tell a person’s gender by their smell instantly."

Peter threw up his hands. "I don’t know what to tell you, she smelled like a woman to me!"

Lydia smirked. "You’re still calling him she?"

Stiles wheezed with laughter. "Guess that makes Peter feel better. After all, he did stick his tongue down that man’s throat!"

Peter retched. "Shut up, Stiles! I don’t ever want to remember that!"

The pack burst into another round of uncontrollable laughter, teasing Peter mercilessly as they continued their barbecue, filling the ranch with jokes, warmth, and enjoyed their time together.

To be continued... 😊