by T. S. Joyce
Super Wolf, her animal added unhelpfully.
Mom made a single clicking sound against her teeth and frowned. “Don’t be silly, Snowball is perfect. She is white like snow, and Marissa should get to choose anyway. It is her birthday present.”
Marissa speared another bite of eggs and gave her a cheeky grin. Snowball, haha, she mouthed.
The soft kitchen light glinted off Wade’s short blond hair and scarred face as he set his fork on an empty plate, took it to the sink, and rinsed it off. “Ladies, this was a delicious breakfast,” he said in a deep baritone. “Thank you. Now, if you’ll excuse us, I think we need to go upstairs and help Grey get ready for the big day.”
Dean gripped Brent’s slight shoulders and shook him slowly. Brent smiled under his alpha’s open affection. Logan’s designer scruff itched Morgan’s face as he gave her a quick bearhug, and Jason and Brandon looked like two matching muscle-bound behemoths as they led the others up the stairs. So many intoxicating men in one room, Mom was preening her hair and biting her bottom lip as she watched them leave. Morgan stifled a laugh.
“We only have a couple of hours before the wedding. The florist is already setting up and the caterer should be here any minute,” Rachel said as Morgan grabbed a plate and loaded it with eggs, bacon, biscuits, and gravy.
“Are you going to eat all of that?” Mom asked a little too loudly as she stared at her piling breakfast.
“Oh, uh. No, I guess I wasn’t paying attention to how much I was putting on my plate.”
She scraped a spoonful of the eggs back in the pan. Her mother was still staring so she grumbled but dutifully put back six pieces of bacon as well.
Mom gave a satisfied “humph” and gave a knowing glance toward Morgan’s belly, then turned on her heel, headed toward the guest bedrooms. “We need to get going if we are going to ever get you presentable by one o’clock,” she sang over her shoulder.
“I’m not pregnant!” she called after her. In a lower voice she said, “I’m just a hungry werewolf that eats a lot.”
After she disappeared down the hallway, Morgan shoveled eggs straight from the pan into her mouth and chewed as fast as possible. Rachel had followed her mom into the other room but Marissa sat at the island slowly spinning her rotating chair back and forth, watching her with an amused look on her face as Morgan snarfed down bacon and eggs at the speed of a lightning bolt.
“Whoa there, Snowball. Slow it down or you’ll choke.”
Morgan narrowed her eyes and cocked her head to the side. “Har har, very funny,” she said around a huge bite of food. She finished chewing and piled food on another plate.
“Can you take this up to Grey? He’s going to need a good meal with all the healing he needs to do.”
“You got it,” she said, hopping down from the stool. She grabbed the plate.
“You were amazing last night,” Morgan said. “I watched you working to save Grey. You had no fear. Wade was lucky to have your help.”
Marissa glowed under the compliment. “I was thinking I might want to go into medicine when I get older. Lord knows this pack is going to need its own doctor. Grey gets into more fights than anyone I’ve ever seen.”
“Morgan!” Mom bellowed. “What’s taking so long? We need to get to work on your hair. It’s a rat’s nest!”
She shoved a piece of bacon in her mouth, picked up her plate, and marched to the room.
By trade, Mom had been a hairdresser for longer than Morgan had been alive, so she was the obvious choice to take on the task.
Pressing on her shoulders, Mom pushed her into the chair facing the mirror and ran her fingers through her tresses. They got stuck about an inch in, because Mom was right about the rat’s nest remark.
Mom took a brush to it. “I had planned on curling it and leaving it down and natural in the back. That would be the best look with your dress, but now I have to cover up the hickey on your neck as best I can.”
More interested in the bacon on her plate, she shrugged. “Whatever you think, Mom.”
“And where is the photographer? He should be taking pictures of you getting ready.”
The doorbell chimed a shortened version of the wedding march, and she snorted. When had Grey even had time to mess with that?
The sound of Marissa’s footsteps echoed down the stairs and she murmured from in the other room, “I’ll get it. It’s probably the caterer.”
Morgan relaxed back into the chair while Rachel took the dresses out of the bags and hung them from the door. Mom stopped brushing out her hair. Her mother’s eyebrows arched in a look Morgan knew well from childhood. “Isn’t anyone going to answer the door?”
“Marissa’s getting the door. She said it’s the caterer,” Morgan said, eyes closing as the rhythmic brushing sound picked up again.
“When? I didn’t hear her say anything. Where has she run off to anyway?”
“Well, I heard her and she said she would get the door.”
Mom glowered at her in the mirror and stopped brushing again. Her flustered face said she was ticking off yet another odd thing that had happened since she arrived at the cabin yesterday.
“I’ll go and make sure Marissa got the door,” Rachel said, effectively smoothing the tension.
Mom had her dark hair separated into sections by the time Rachel came back to inform them that it was, in fact, the caterer who was now setting up in the kitchen.
“If you really aren’t pregnant, do you think you and Grey will have more children? I wouldn’t mind more grandbabies.” Mom’s intelligent green eyes studied her in the mirror.
She caught Rachel’s slight shrug from the corner, but tried not to sigh too loudly. “I don’t know, Mom. Grey and I have our hands full right now. I’m satisfied with Lana, and I know Grey would be, too, if it was what I wanted. But I know he would love more children, and I’m warming up to the idea of having a baby who looks like him. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens. I’m in no rush.”
Actually, the thought of bringing another child into this mess was terrifying. She was one of a kind and the only chance to give a new beginning to a nearly extinct clan of ancient, super werewolves. That kind of pressure would cause anyone hesitation.
The photographer showed up just as Mom put the finishing touches on her hair. Any wedding vendor who managed to find their house out in the middle of the forest wouldn’t find a negative word from Morgan. Mom, however, wasn’t so lenient.
One more gallon of hairspray and Mom stood back, admiring her work. “Done,” she decreed.
“Oh, Morgan, it’s beautiful,” Rachel said.
Her hair was curled and gathered under an elaborate rhinestone barrette. To cover the bandage, Mom had gathered her dark, wavy tresses to the injured side, and her hair cascaded down one collarbone. She looked like a fairytale princess.
Mom’s eyes filled and she touched Morgan’s cheek. “Sometimes you look so much like Marianna.”
Morgan pursed her lips and steadied her heart. Hopefully, Marianna was proud of the way she was raising Lana and of the family she was creating for her. She would have approved of Grey, Morgan just knew it. Her sister had missed meeting him by just seconds.
While Mom curled Rachel’s hair, Marissa brought in nude-colored Band-Aids and replaced the white bandage on her neck so it would be less noticeable. Mom was able to up-do Rachel and Marissa’s hair quickly as they only wanted a simple French twist, and they were both finished by the time she was done putting on her makeup. While her mother was fixing her own hair and makeup, Rachel and Marissa left and made sure everything was being set up right. Then it was time for them to get into their dresses.
Morgan clenched her shaking hands together. She wasn’t worried about marrying Grey. Instead, her fears circled the ceremony. At the very least, she would probably fall on her way down the aisle. And the flailing would probably pull her dress down, popping her perky little boobies right out of the top before she sprawled out, legs spread and face dow
n on the aisle runner. Something along those lines. Hopefully the photographer could catch that one in black and white. It would definitely be a framer.
As Rachel finished tightening the laces in the back of her dress, a knock rapped against the door.
“It’s Dean. Can I come in?” She nodded to Marissa who opened the door and ushered him in. “Whoa, ladies, you look beautiful. I was wondering if I could talk to Morgan alone for a minute?”
The ladies filed from the room one by one.
“Five minutes until show time, honey,” Mom said before she closed the door behind her.
“Delivery,” Dean said, smiling. He placed a package on the dresser and hesitated. “Listen, I wanted to apologize for last night. I know I got a little… Well, I’m sorry it has to be like that sometimes.”
“Dean, you don’t have to apologize for that any more than I need to apologize for the way I acted when I defended him. It’s how we’re made. I’m accepting that. It probably wasn’t the first time that happened, and it certainly won’t be the last, but what else can you expect when you try to do what you boys are doing? I know it’s unheard of for two separate packs to live so close and operate together, and I know you are forcing yourselves into that position because of me. I wanted to talk to you, too.” She hated to think about it but something had to be said. “If anything ever happened to Grey, anything where he could no longer protect us, I would still want us to stay here.”
Dean’s questioning look said she wasn’t doing this right.
“I mean. You’re my friend. The Dallas pack are all my friends. More like family, if I’m honest about it. I would want us to pledge to your pack if, God forbid, anything unexpected happened. What you’re doing by forcing an alliance? It won’t ever be in vain as far as I’m concerned. Grey and I talked about it, and he thought I should let you know. You know Wolf and all of his backup plans.”
Dean bowed his head. “Of course you’d be welcome. I can’t imagine Grey letting it get that far, though.” A quick rap at the door signaled that it was time to go. “See you out there.”
The package on the dresser was small and unassuming. It was wrapped in brown paper with a light pink ribbon tied around it. She opened it slowly. Thick wrapping like this begged to be handled delicately, not ripped into. She pulled out a thin, white-gold necklace with a circle of diamonds dangling from the chain. In the middle of the circle hung spiderweb thin loops around a circular cut ruby. An interpretation of the Silver Wolf Clan emblem. The sunlight streaming through the window danced off the jewels with sparkling clarity. It was breathtaking. How thoughtful Grey was to give her such a meaningful gift.
“Morgan!” Mom knocked, this time hard enough to rattle the room.
“Just a minute,” she said, fastening the treasure around her neck.
Now, she was ready.
Chapter Ten
The breeze weaved lazily through the trees, lifting the fabric of the ribbons that decorated the single row of white chairs, and bringing a hundred scents to Grey.
He could smell her.
He just couldn’t see her yet.
How could a moment be so surreal, and so profound? A silent anticipation crept into the forest, daring only to rustle the leaves in the canopy above. Light filtered through the tree branches, speckling the forest floor with saturated light. It was like a scene from some fantastical painting, only it wasn’t artwork. This was a moment in Grey’s life that he would never forget.
Mother Nature sure was showing off for their big day.
The attendees weren’t many, but each was important. Waiting, the pack sat turned in their chairs. Dean stood beside him with an arched eyebrow. He nodded slightly and gave Grey a reassuring smile that halted his fidgeting. She would be here soon.
If he looked hard enough, he could just make out the ghost of the cabin through the trees. Their home. The perfect backdrop to the ceremony that would tether their lives together.
Lana appeared first, in her little white dress with a baby blue sash that matched Marissa’s. Marissa walked beside her, whispering encouragement, while his smiling little girl tossed rose petals to the forest floor beneath their feet. Her dark curls bounced with every step. She beamed when she saw him standing at the front and started to run.
He laughed, the gesture expelling all of the nervous energy out of him. They would be his to protect. Wolf reveled with purpose.
And then there she was—his Morgan. Grey’s breath caught in his throat. She appeared and disappeared through the trees as she made her way toward him. Her arm intertwined her mother’s, and her dress billowed softly behind her. The pack stood in honor of her.
She was exquisite in a formfitting, layered white dress that flared at the bottom. A stream of flowers, rhinestones, and pearls wrapped around her waist and traveled up and over her right shoulder, creating a strap on one side and leaving the other bare. Her collarbone arched gracefully and a jeweled necklace sparkled against her throat. Her long dark curls trailed down one side.
He searched her clear, green eyes. “Beautiful,” he said softly, and swallowed hard against the thickness that crept up his throat.
Her mother took her bouquet and sat down as Morgan reached him. She took his hands and squeezed them. “So are you.”
Grey reached out and ran his finger over her exposed collarbone, and she shivered.
“Eh-hem.” Wade cleared his throat. He’d been ordained to do the ceremony online, and with a nod for both of them, he began.
The wedding was sweet and simple. Grey kissed her gently when Wade announced them as husband and wife. Grey leaned his forehead against hers and laughed, wondering how the hell he’d gotten so lucky. Instead of walking back down the aisle, everyone rushed in to hug and congratulate them, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. This day was for all of them.
She’d said yes. She’d really said yes. To him. To the monster. To Wolf. And she’d done it looking so happy, with glistening tears welling up in her eyes.
This moment was the perfect beginning of the rest of their lives.
Chapter Eleven
The trail through the woods was thin, and Morgan walked carefully, sidestepping brambles that would tear at the fabric of her dress. Grey’s hand was strong and warm in hers. A great difference from Lana’s small, fragile hand that clutched her other. Surrounded by the people who meant so much, Morgan couldn’t have been happier than in this moment. Happiness like this actually existed in the world?
Through the trees, the cabin appeared, homey and comfortable. The smell of food emanated from the open front door and she looked around with a grin. Lifting her dress, she bolted, racing the others, their laughter filling the woods. Winner would get the first pass on the buffet.
With her plate and champagne flute filled, she found a spot at the sprawling dining room table. Eating outside in the dry July heat was out of the question, but the air conditioning was up high in the house, and comfortable.
“I should have bought an eating dress,” she joked, shoveling another bite of tenderloin into her mouth. “One with an elastic waist so I could eat what I want.”
Grey chuckled as her mother shook her head in disapproval.
“I can’t believe how much you eat. I don’t understand where you put all of it. You are getting older, Morgan. It won’t always be so easy to keep your figure.”
Mom’s tone of reproach only made Morgan want to shock her more. Thirties wasn’t anywhere near old, and she was a buck-thirty of highly metabolized werewolf. Her figure would hold just fine. She sat back and clunked her feet comfortably on the empty chair beside her.
Grey eyed her wedding shoes with a smirk. “Of course you’re wearing cowboy boots.”
“Cowgirl boots, and yes. You didn’t expect me to walk out in the woods in three inch heels, did you? I would have broken my ankle. At least one, probably both,” she added dramatically.
Mom sighed. “Are Lana’s bags all packed up?” She would be taking care of her for a few day
s so they could enjoy a short honeymoon.
“They are. Let me go ahead and load the bags in your car so we have one less thing to do later,” Grey offered.
Mom tossed him the keys and he headed upstairs.
“Wife.” Grey said quietly from the top of the stairs. “I wanted to say that out loud. Just so you know, I love you.”
Goodness, she adored the way that sounded. Her smile couldn’t get any bigger if she tried. “I love you, too,” she whispered. “Husband.”
After the bags were loaded and the cake cut and served, Dean and Marissa made their toasts. An hour more found the guests trickling from the cabin.
“Grey, you’re good people!” Mom said, rolling down her car window. “I know you’ll take good care of my girls.”
“Yes I will,” he promised with another wave to Lana, who sat blowing kisses from her car seat.
“Bye, baby!” Morgan called.
Lana giggled and fidgeted like she was on her way to Disney World. She loved visiting her Mimi. It eased Morgan’s heart to see her excitement, but she ached with how deeply she would miss her over the next few days. Lana would likely come back full of cookies and completely spoiled.
Dean, Rachel, and Marissa were the only ones left and were lounging around in the great room together. The remote clicked away as Marissa worked to clear off the DVR. Morgan sunk comfortably into the large, leather sofa and stretched out.
“You know, it wouldn’t be such a bad idea for you to take a round of pain medication right now,” Rachel advised Grey. “You would have plenty of time for it to wear off before the full moon hunt.”
The day had obviously taken its toll on him. As the hours passed, the injuries he’d sustained last night seemed to affect Grey more and more. Though Wolf would never allow him to show so much as a limp around the others, he had slowed. And if Grey slowed even a beat? He was really hurting.
“It’s not a bad idea,” he admitted.