“I can’t wait to do this with you,” Kane murmured as he slid into place at Sophia’s side rather than taking a seat with the assembled guests after having done his part in giving the bride away.
Sophia’s answering smile was brilliant. Lacing her fingers through his, she lightly squeezed his hand. “Me too.”
∞∞∞
With the formalities over, the chairs had quickly been cleared out to make room for the celebration that was to follow. Someone had put a lot of work into transforming the bayou, Kane had to admit, taking it all in. The trees and cabins had been strung with lights in anticipation of the party lasting well into the evening. Torches lined the water’s edge, ready to be lit, and tables had been quickly and efficiently carted out, covered with white table cloths, flower arrangements, and a multitude of delicious smelling food he fully intended to sample as soon as possible.
With that in mind, his eyes searched for and found his favorite eating partner. Sophia looked spectacular in a pink gown with one of those jeweled doohickeys placed enticingly between her breasts. He was already anticipating the moment he could get her out of it. He hadn’t seen her in it before the wedding, the women choosing to get their hair, nails, and makeup done, then dress together at Travis’s place in the city. It was probably a good thing Kane hadn’t seen her beforehand or he might have stripped her right back out of the gown, making them horribly late for Jamie’s wedding – a fact which would have led to Jamie no doubt beating him over the head with the stoutest club she could find.
Currently, Sophia was engaged in conversation with Nedra, who had made a complete recovery after the battle with Evangeline, and who was currently sporting a blinding yellow turban on her head paired with an orange and green floral print dress.
As if sensing his gaze, Sophia looked up, her smile radiant as she raised a finger to let him know she’d be another minute. He was aware of what she was doing, of course. She was presenting Nedra with a scale she had recently shed, and if the look on the old witch’s face was any indication, the gift was being rather ecstatically received. The woman launched herself at Sophia, hugging her tightly, tears leaking down her face. Kane smiled fondly at the sight, knowing how pleased Sophia must be that such a small thing in his dragon’s estimation had caused such joy.
Destin Jourdain, dressed smartly in one of his immaculate three-piece suits, his bald head covered with an equally sharp fedora, had also seen the interaction and was grinning broadly as he looked upon Nedra and Sophia, nodding his head in approval. Kane’s friendship with both Jourdain and Archer Langley had only grown over the ensuing months.
They had agreed to meet twice a month at alternating locations to discuss the well-being of the territory and any issues any of them might be having. Of course, those meetings typically and quickly devolved into the three of them smoking cigars, drinking scotch, and either watching a game or playing poker, but Kane couldn’t be happier, they had trust between them now, and he valued it more than he could express.
“Who would have thought,” Morgan said, stepping up beside him, her eyes on Jamie and Archer who were holding each other close and smiling blissfully as guests hovered around them to congratulate them on their nuptials.
“One of your wings is crooked,” Kane pointed out with a grin as he adjusted it for her.
“They must have gotten squished when I hugged Jamie.”
All of the wedding party, groomsmen and bridesmaids alike, had worn wings. Archer’s daughter, Cady, who had been the flower girl for the wedding had asked early on if she could wear them with her dress. Jamie had said yes, but only if the bride could wear a pair too, which of course, had had Kane piping up to state that he also wanted wings, which had led to everyone wearing them with their wedding finery.
“I never would have guessed,” Morgan continued with a smile as she caught sight of her mate, Travis, who was apparently sharing some story with the juveniles, his arms gesticulating wildly as the young ones looked upon him with wide-eyed amazement. “That that call from Jourdain those many months ago would have changed the trajectory of all our lives so dramatically.”
She shook her head in disbelief. “You’re a territory-holder now, while both Jamie and I will be running the new Hunter’s academy once it opens.”
His eyes latched onto Sophia once more to find she’d been waylaid by a giggling Cady who was holding his dragon’s hand and swinging it. “And we each found love,” Kane happily added.
Lowering his head to place a loud, smacking kiss on Morgan’s cheek, Kane said sincerely, “Thank you for taking that call.”
Letting out a little scoffing sound laced with amusement, Morgan shoved him away. “Go kiss your dragon.”
With a salute and a cheeky grin, Kane shouted, “Gladly,” as he jogged away, glittery wings bouncing behind him.
Reaching Sophia, he took her free hand. “Shall we dance, my queen?”
As Cady gleefully chortled and ran off to join some of her friends, Sophia stepped into Kane’s arms, her fingers tunneling into his hair. “With you, always.”
Unable to resist, he dipped her over his arm and sealed his lips to hers.
About The Author
Kimberly Forrest is an independently published paranormal romance author and a stay at home mom. While she’s currently living in Virginia, she was born and raised in Vermont where her Malsum Pass Series is set. She’s been an avid reader and fan of romance since she picked up her first romance novel at the age of thirteen.
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Also by Kimberly Forrest
The Malsum Pass Series
Malsum Pass
Until You: A Malsum Pass Novel
For Her: A Malsum Pass Novel
Meant To Be: A Malsum Pass Novel
Whole-Hearted: A Malsum Pass Novel
Small Moments: A Malsum Pass Novel
Soul Deep: A Malsum Pass Novel
Christmas in Malsum Pass: A Malsum Pass Novel
Fifty, Furred, and Fabulous!: A Malsum Pass Story
Misfits & Rogues Series
Tea with Monsters
Dinner with The Wolf
Chocolates from A Vampire
Brunch with An Angel
Hired Hunters Series
A Hunter Born
A Hunter Turned
A Hunter Found
A Hunter Found: A Paranormal Vampire Romance (Hired Hunters Series Book 3) Page 17