by Boon, Elle
She stopped walking, appalled at the stares of the others. “Merry, that’s a disgusting thing to say. I would never...just give it up to a guy I just met. Second, he’s not just some guy in a pair of tight jeans, his name is Ridge, and he’s a very nice man. Now, drop it,” she warned her sister and the others, knowing if she allowed Merry to berate her the others would as well.
The bartender yelled out last call, which had several of the women hurrying to make an order. Noelle wished she was a drinker, but she wasn’t. Her sister gave her a hard look and then turned away, heading to the bar to place her order with some of the others.
“That was very brave of you, standing up to your sister like that.”
She let out the breath she’d been holding, nodding at Alexa, one of her sister’s bridesmaids. “Brave or stupid? The jury is still out. Aren’t you in need of a final drink before our ride home?”
Alexa took a sip of the beverage she held. “No way. I learned long ago not to get shitfaced with them ladies.”
When Alexa didn’t elaborate, Noelle didn’t ask. She had a feeling the woman wouldn’t break her sister’s trust.
It was going to be a long ride home, she feared. Tomorrow was going to be even longer if she had to babysit Merry and the others through more festivities planned for the bachelorette weekend. She wondered what Merry’s groom and his buddies were doing, then shuddered as she thought of the guys. They gave her the creeps on a major level. Merry’s soon-to-be husband wasn’t bad, but his friends from college were major dickheads. Noelle was happy she wouldn’t have to deal with any of them until next week during rehearsal.
She smiled at her sister in the mirror, admiring the picture she made. “You ready?”
“This is only the rehearsal, but you’d think I was actually getting married.” Merry dropped the bouquet of ribbons they’d made out of her presents from her bridal shower. It was pretty if Noelle did say so herself.
Noelle came to stand beside her, putting a pin in the small hat in her sister’s hair. Merry scowled back at her.
“What’s wrong?” Noelle asked.
Merry waved her hand toward them in the mirror. “Look at you and me. You don’t even have to try, and you’re gorgeous. It’s not fair, and you’ll be standing next to me.”
Hurt sizzled over Noelle. When she’d been freed from years of captivity, she’d weighed ninety-two pounds. It took her over a year to put on weight. She was no skinny thing and was proud of her curves now. Her sister Merry was always dieting and never let a chance go by to say Noelle should lose a few pounds even though Noelle was still slim by most people’s standards. However, Noelle still had issues with weight. Years of being starved made her very regimented in her eating habits. She was never going to allow anyone to withhold food from her.
“I can move further down the line, Merry, or not be in your wedding,” she offered. In all honesty, she didn’t want to be in the wedding at all.
“No, it’s too late for that now. Everyone is coordinated. Just try not to steal my spotlight this time,” Merry snarled, spinning away from the mirror, hitting Noelle with her shoulder.
Noelle bit her lip to keep from correcting her sister. She’d never stolen anything from anyone, least of all Merry. Goddess, she just wanted this dog-and-pony show to be over. Several of the other bridesmaids gathered around Merry, murmuring too low for Noelle to hear. Even though she was aware they were talking about her, she ignored them.
“You’re really good at pretending they don’t bother you.” Alexa bumped her hip with her own, offering a mimosa.
Noelle tried to smile. “I’m used to it by now.”
Alexa’s smile was tight. “Doesn’t make it any easier, though, does it?”
Noelle took the drink, watching the other woman sip on her own, without drinking. “Once she’s married to her dream man, she’ll be happy.”
“You think so?” Alexa lifted her cup in a show of it being empty. Noelle passed her the full one without saying a word.
“Alright, let’s get this over with. Tomorrow I become a Mrs.,” Merry squealed.
Noelle tried not to let her sister’s earlier words affect her. She took in the dress her sister had picked out for her to wear, grimacing at the atrocious fit and color. Well, nothing to be done now except to grin and get through it. Putrid green hadn’t been in Merry’s color scheme, but now Noelle understood why she wanted her in it for the dress rehearsal. It wasn’t so she wouldn’t steal her sister’s shine, but rather so Noelle would be embarrassed. What Merry didn’t realize was, Noelle would wear a burlap sack if it made her sister happy.
They lined up outside the double doors. Her father came rushing in from the back, straightening his tie. “I’m sorry I’m late. Your mother couldn’t find her shoes. Oh, you girls are lovely. Err, that’s a green dress, Noelle.”
Several of the other women snickered, but Noelle kept her shoulders straight. “Thanks, Dad. Merry picked it out special for tonight. I assume it’s her favorite color since she chose it just for me. Oh, and I’ll make sure to keep it in excellent condition. That way, when I get married, she can wear it during my rehearsal. Heck, I might even let her wear it as her matron of honor dress.” She smiled brightly, doing a little twirl.
Her father’s lips twitched when Merry’s mouth fell open.
“Oh, you don’t have to do that, Noelle.”
Music began playing, silencing them. Noelle kept her head high as she strolled down the aisle, keeping her gaze forward. If anything, the awful dress would make the man her soon to be brother-in-law had her paired up with not want to get too handsy with her.
It seemed to take forever for the priest to get through all the stages of the ceremony. Goddess, she honestly had no clue a wedding was such pomp and formality, or she’d have said no when she’d been asked to be in it.
The time came for them to pair up and walk back with their counterparts. Her skin crawled as she had to entwine her arm with Jerard.
“You look delicious as always, Noelle.” He tightened his hand on her arm.
Noelle kept her thoughts to herself, keeping her lips in a semblance of a smile as they followed the bride and groom down the aisle.
“Ah, I like a woman who doesn’t talk a lot. I think we’ll get along very well.”
She jerked her arm out of his as soon as they hit the hallway at the end. “We most certainly won’t be getting anything,” she whispered, her fake smile still in place.
Chapter Four
NOELLE FELT HER ARM being pinched, nails digging into her flesh.
“What did you say to Jerard?”
Noelle narrowed her eyes as she took in the pink manicured nails, then into her sister’s angry eyes. “Remove your claws from me.”
Merry’s face pinched, but she released her hold. “What did you say to anger Carlton’s best friend? You’re supposed to be nice to him.”
“I am not going to whore myself out to him in order to keep him happy. If that’s what you expect of your maid of honor, then you need to get someone else.” With each word, Noelle’s voice rose.
“Hey, what’s going on out here?”
Merry and Noelle spun to face their father. Merry burst into tears, throwing herself against his chest, sobs wracking her frame. “Daddy, Noelle’s trying to ruin my big day.”
Noelle, totally stricken at the censure on her dad’s face reached for him. “I didn’t...that’s not true,” she denied.
“Noelle, this is your sister’s big day. What’s the matter with you?” Their father smoothed his hand down Merry’s back, turning them away from Noelle, his rejection cut like a knife.
Their mother came rushing over, her worried frown going from Merry and their father to Noelle. “What’s happening now?” she asked with exasperation.
“Why don’t you ask those two. I’m a wedding ruiner, obviously.” Noelle laid her bouquet on a nearby table. “I will be at home if anyone needs me.” She didn’t glance at Carlton or his disgusting friends. They w
ere all college buddies who still acted as though they were frat boys, slapping each other on their butts and laughing like idiots. They were in their thirties, but their antics were more like teenagers. Nothing like Ridge. She couldn’t imagine him doing the things like they did. The hair on her arms lifted, she searched around as if thinking of him would make him appear out of thin air.
Once she was out of sight of the others, she twirled her finger over her head, allowing herself to disappear and reappear in her quaint little home.
“Meow.”
She smiled at the big cat curled up on her large overstuffed couch. “Hello, FatFat. How’ve things been while I was away?” Noelle scratched the Maine Coon behind the ears, laughing at the loud purr.
Her leg was bumped by another solid kitten, this one every bit as big as FatFat. “Hello, Mrs. Noseby. Did you miss me while I was gone, too?” She bent and lifted the large Maine Coon into her arms, settling between the pair.
“Your sister is a heifer, child. Is that why you’re upset?” FatFat asked, licking his paw.
Noelle rolled her eyes. She hadn’t been able to hide her feelings from either of her familiars since coming to Assjacket. “She’s not a...alright, she’s kinda a jerk.”
Mrs. Noseby sat up, her too-knowing gaze and large head at the same height as Noelle’s. “Oh palease, she’s a total beotch, and you know it. Now, tell us what happened then we can get to hexing her.”
“We are not going to hex her. Baba will do unspeakable things to us.” Noelle wrapped her arms around FatFat. The story of how the night unfolded fell from her lips in a rush. When she finished, both of her pets were purring loudly. Mrs. Noseby paced back and forth on the floor in front of her, tail swishing angrily.
“I will shred her dress. Maybe I’ll spray all of her honeymoon attire. Yes, that is what I’ll do.” She turned toward the door with its little flap so they could come and go.
“No,” Noelle yelled, sealing the exit.
Mrs. Noseby turned around, her huge fluffy tail swishing in the air. “Why do you never allow us to have any fun? She’s a hateful cow.” Both of her familiars spoke very properly, something she found very funny and delightful since she’d been trying to emulate them to an extent. Failing, but it was fun to try.
Mr. FatFat licked his paw, getting awfully close to his balls while sitting on her lap. “Do not lick your nether regions on me,” she warned.
“Well, how else am I to groom properly?” He blinked as if offended.
Noelle shoved him off her legs, getting to her feet. “I’m going to take a bath and go to bed. Tomorrow will be a long day. You two are not to leave this house.” She pointed at the duo.
Both cats raised a paw.
Noelle wasn’t sure, but she thought they were agreeing and laughing. Damn familiars who kind of mocked her. She really needed to go to school on how to train them better.
“Fat chance, love,” FatFat yelled.
RIDGE DRUMMED HIS FINGERS on his steering wheel. The invitation he’d received to Merry’s wedding, with its gold-and-pink embossed lettering, sat on the dash. If he and his leopard weren’t itching to see Noelle, he’d never have thought to attend the shindig. He still wasn’t sure how the Hell they’d gotten his address, but then again, witches and shifters were real, so he didn’t question things that happened magically.
“Are we really going to a wedding, brother?” Miko asked, pulling at the collar of his starched white dress shirt.
He grinned at his friend. “Yep.”
“Is that all you gotta say?” Miko glared at him, shifting in the seat again.
“Why’re you acting like it’s killing you to wear a nice shirt?” Ridge flicked his hand at Miko.
“I can’t remember the last time I wore a button-down shirt.” He adjusted the collar one more time.
Ridge reached over and flicked the top button open. “There, feel better. If you ain’t wearing a tie, there’s no reason to button it all the way up.”
Miko let out a heavy sigh. “Fuck that tie bullshit. I’d revolt and shift into my leopard first.”
He smiled at the serious tone Miko had. “Me, too. Damn, why are humans so weird in their traditions?”
They pulled up to the church the address had stated, seeing all the flowers and balloons decorating the building. His leopard wanted to come out and play with the decorations.
“Your animal fighting to come out and destroy shit?” Miko pointed at the balloon arch over the entrance.
Ridge raised his brow. “Destroy is a strong word, brother. You alright?”
Miko lifted a shoulder. “I hate this shit.”
“You want to take my truck home? I can get a ride back if you’re twisted up inside.” The last fucking thing he needed was one of his crew to go crazy during the ceremony.
“Nah, I’m good.” Miko nodded, pushing his door open. “Let’s do this.”
“Fuck,” he snarled. Now he had to worry about Miko going catshit crazy and himself blowing it when he saw Noelle.
He and Miko walked up the sidewalk together, their long legs eating up the distance from the parking lot to the door in no time. Several heads swiveled in their direction, and conversations stopped, which wasn’t unusual. He and Miko were both big men, but they were dressed like most of the other guests. However, no matter how you dressed them, there was no disguising the fact they were different. He had long, multi-colored hair, with bright blue eyes, and both arms tattooed. Miko was similar in build but had long blond hair, green eyes, and only one arm with a tattoo sleeve. They both wore dress shirts and jeans with their best motorcycle boots. You can take the man off his Harley, but you can’t make them into something they aren’t.
They ignored the whispers and outright stares. Most of the people were aware of shifters and witches since they lived in Assjacket, and this was the stomping ground of Zelda and her band of people. He didn’t know why they were getting so much attention, unless most of the guests were from out of town and weren’t aware. Whatever, he wasn’t going to waste time worrying about them. He came to see Noelle. His leopard did a little purr inside his mind.
“Damn, I swear you just vibrated, Alpha. What the hell?” Miko took a step away from him as they waited in line to enter.
Ridge stared at Miko then dropped his gaze to his hands, surprised to see them shake. “Fuck, this might’ve been a mistake.”
“Come on in. So glad you could make it.”
He recognized the overly friendly tone of Zelda as his arm was gripped in between hers. The sound of a male growling had him peering over her shoulder. “What’s up, Mac?”
“I’ll cut your arm off and beat you with it. That’s what’s up,” Mac threatened.
Zelda waved her free hand in the air. “Don’t pay attention to him. He’s grouchy today. Now, you two come on in. Let’s find you a seat on the bridezilla side.”
Ridge eased his arm from Zelda’s grip, knowing shit was going to hit the fan. “Bridezilla huh?”
“Oh yes, she is most definitely that. How do you like my Noelle?” Zelda asked, seeming not to notice Ridge’s reluctance to touch her.
Mac moved between them, his canine teeth a little longer. Ridge pretended to not notice. “Um, your Noelle?”
Zelda peered around Mac. “Don’t play stupid, Ridge. It doesn’t become you. Besides, I saw the...oops from last weekend. She’s a little temperamental, my Noelle. It’s no fault of her own, you understand.”
“Well, hello. Sassy Bermangoggleshitz at your service. Are we talking about our Noelle? She’s a lovely girl, unlike her wretched sister. I’ll be so happy to see the back of that heifer after she finally marries that oaf and moves to wherever they are moving.” Sassy looped her arm with Zelda’s.
Miko coughed into his hand, repeating Sassy’s name. “I just can’t. Seriously, Ridge, this shit is weird as fuck.”
Ridge smacked Miko on the back of the head. “These weird-as fuck-women can turn you into a toad or blast your head off with a snap of the
ir fingers. Be nice.”
Sassy snapped her fingers then laughed. “I like him, Zelda. He’ll be good for our Noelle.”
“Will you quit calling my mate your anything?” Ridge growled.
Zelda and Sassy both pumped their arms while making odd cheering sounds, drawing everyone’s attention to them. “Alright, you two take a seat. We’re gonna stand in the back and make sure things run smoothly. You just never know with this town.” Zelda patted Ridge’s arm, causing Mac to growl.
“You do that. We’ll just mind our own business.” He wouldn’t tell her he preferred her to mind her own business as well. The trio walked back down the aisle, leaving him and Miko in the pew alone, aside from several people glaring their way. Great.
“So, that was a great way to make an entrance. You think Zelda planned that?” Miko opened up the program they were given, fanning himself.
Ridge rolled his eyes, blocking out his surroundings until the Wedding March began. Of course, the witches had something to do with him getting the invite. He stood along with everyone else as the first group began walking down the aisle. Noelle’s dressed in a pale-pink dress with several rows of silk and tulle should’ve looked ridiculous, but on her, she made the gown amazing. Her white-blonde hair was swept up in an intricate hairdo, leaving her neck exposed, making his teeth long to sink into the muscle where her neck and shoulder met.
“You’re grunting, Alpha,” Miko whispered out of the side of his mouth.
He took a deep breath then cursed as her sweet-orange-spice scent hit him. It didn’t matter that the church was filled with roses and honeysuckle. With every inhale he took, the unique aroma he associated with Noelle filled his lungs. “Fuck, she smells delicious,” he growled.
“You can scent her over the roses?” Miko asked Ridge.
Ridge nodded.
They stayed standing until the rest of the wedding party made it to the front and the priest instructed them to have a seat. Ridge had to adjust his dick, which was extremely difficult in the tight confines of his jeans. He toward the males standing with the groom, not liking the way one kept staring at Noelle. His leopard raked at him to remove the interloper. From where he sat, he could tell the male was human and could see his interest in Noelle was more than just that of a groomsman. His mate didn’t seem to notice; her eyes stayed on the priest or her sister. There was tension in the air, but he couldn’t figure out the reason. What he did know was he wasn’t going to allow the male anywhere near his mate.