by Krysta Fox
"This went quite well, I'd say." Alec, now my brother-in-law, appears beside me. He points to Devon. "She's happy. That's all I wanted for her."
"That's all she wants for you."
He ducks his head, a slight flush creeping across his cheeks. "I know. She's always looked out for me. Thank you for making it possible for her to stay in Starlight. To still be able to see her family."
"I didn't do it for you." It sounds harsh, but it's the truth. "I did it for her. And for myself. Purely selfish reasons," I give him a wink to soften it, then shake the hand he offers me. "Thank you for being the best man today. I know how much Devon wanted you to be included."
He nods. "I like you, Carver. Now take good care of her."
"I will. Forever." I nudge him with my elbow. “Pretty soon, we’ll be dancing at your wedding.”
He shakes his head, laughing, and leaves me as the music stops. Amelia, my best friend and my Dominar, steps into his place. "Seeing you this in love has me absurdly excited, you know. I’ve been hoping this would happen for you since we first met."
I give her a look from the corner of my eye. "Don't worry. We won't be nearly as ridiculous as you and Drake are, constantly smooching in corners when you think nobody is looking." I have to tease her, even though I appreciate how love has changed her. It's made her softer and more open, but also more confident. Stronger.
She blushes. "We don't smooch. And if you don't like it, then don't look."
"Oh I try not to, believe me." She laughs and sips from her glass, the facets of the crystal reflecting the light from the chandelier above. "Now that we've got you happily settled, what will we do about Layla?"
My gaze settles on the Third in our Clan. Layla has always been more contained, more reserved. It was the three of us that devised the plan to free the Family from our Maker. To put Amelia in line to be Dominar. To make our lives better.
"She'll find her way."
Amelia nods. "All in good time. Now, if you excuse me, I will go dance with my Consort." She kisses me quickly on the cheek and sets her glass down on the table beside me. "Congratulations again." Then she is gone, whirled away by the man who loves her, smiles on their faces.
I stride over to where Devon and her uncle stand, laughing and happy. Her dress clings to every delicious curve and my cock aches at the sight. I've been teasing her these last few weeks, refusing to give in to temptation. Knowing that the waiting would make our wedding night even sweeter. My control is wire thin now, though. I want to taste her, to feel her beneath me, to see her eyes close as pleasure overwhelms her.
The smile on her face when she sees me is dazzling. "I hope you're here to ask me to dance. I'm feeling a little neglected."
We laugh and I pull her into my arms, spinning her around so her feet leave the floor. I lead her to the center of the dancers, as a new song begins and pull her hard against me. Cradling her left hand in mine, I run my finger over the ring she now wears. The one designed specifically for her. It's a compass rose, a smaller version of the one I wear around my neck, a flawless diamond resting in the center.
She rests her head on my chest and we sway together, everyone around us fading away. "Thank you for this. For everything."
I press a kiss to her forehead and whisper, "Thank you. For accepting all this, for loving me. For being who you are."
She lifts her eyes to meet mine and I'm stunned all over again by her beauty. She kisses me, her teeth nipping at my bottom lip and I groan into her mouth. "You're going to kill me if you keep doing that."
"Serves you right. The way you've tortured me these past weeks, making me wait."
"But we don't have to wait any longer, love. The room is ready, waiting for us." I'd made sure every detail was in place. It might have been the place we'd spent our first night together in, but now it would be the room where I'd make love to my wife. To the only woman I'd ever loved like this.
She leans back, her eyes gleaming, and the subtle scent of her wolf rises up around me. She'd shown herself to me last night, wanting me to see all of her. Her wolf was just as beautiful as her human form and the importance of that gesture had humbled me. To be with this woman is a gift.
The smile she gives me is dazzling and the normally steady beat of my heart skips a bit. She winks, knowing the affect she has on me. "I'm ready if you are."
I don't need to hear anything else. I sweep her up off the floor and into my arms, ignoring the hoots and cheers from everyone as I carry my wife away, her happy laughter the only thing I want to hear.
This is how our forever begins.
About the Author
Krysta Fox writes short, steamy paranormal romance instalove stories that will keep you up all night - for all the right reasons. When she's not writing, she's dreaming up new story ideas or sneaking a few more bites of chocolate. Connect with her on Facebook by clicking the icon below.
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