Chapter 196

Tristan

I thought I was prepared.

I'd spent the entire morning telling myself that I was ready for this moment. That I'd already seen Athena in a wedding dress at our mating ceremony just two nights ago. That I knew how beautiful she was, how radiant she looked carrying our babies. That nothing could surprise me.

I was completely, utterly wrong.

The moment the music changed and everyone stood, my heart started hammering so hard I was sure Derek could hear it. I gripped my hands together in front of me, trying to look calm and collected, like an Alpha should.

"Breathe," Derek murmured beside me. "You're turning...