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“Do it and you won’t live to see your honeymoon,” he growls.
My tension eases and I give in to the urge to dip into Vanessa’s head, spying on her as she prepares for our wedding…
* * *
VANESSA
“It needs more pink,” Pinky muses circling me, her brow wrinkled. “Maybe a sash or a bow.”
“I agree with the dragon,” Sarina says from where she sits cross-legged on Pinky’s bed wearing a gorgeous royal purple robe with a string of pearls. Sarina is so enamored with Pinky she’s agreed with everything Pinky has said since the royal family arrived.
Angel plucks a fuchsia ribbon from Pinky’s hand. “No. She looks wonderful just as she is.”
Pinky doesn’t have a mirror, which is the first flaw in my plan to get married on the beach. I can’t see myself in a mirror, but the dress feels amazing. It’s satin with a lace overlay. Cutouts in the satin under the lace reveal peeks of my legs and stomach, giving it more of a beach vibe. My hair flows over my shoulders in loose curls, a single white rose pinned behind my ear.
The second flaw in having a beach wedding comes as Pinky looks outside. “The shifters are playing in the sand like they’ve never seen it before. One of them is digging a hole with their human hands.”
I join her at the window. “They’re in dresses and tuxes!” I giggle. The human guests are watching bemusedly from the sidelines.
Along with Rush, the Queen and King and their twins, Winter and Ebony, and an entourage of supporters flew in from Wolf-Haven to celebrate the wedding of Keenan Wolven-North and his human mate. Keenan wanted a small wedding with just us and a few friends, but he spied on my thoughts and adjusted the plan.
Initially, I protested, telling him I didn’t need the big white wedding, but he insisted, and I couldn’t be happier. Outside Pinky’s shack, the beach has been transformed. Rows of seats are nestled in the sand facing an arch made of white roses, the ocean sparkling in the distance.
A slight breeze tosses the white ribbons attached to the chairs, making them dance. The sun shines brightly, promising a perfect day.
“I’m nervous.”
I don’t realize I’ve spoken out loud until Pinky wraps an arm around me and squeezes, leaning her head against mine. “If he turns out to be a terrible husband, I will flambé him into delicious barbeque and gobble him up.”
I laugh. “He’s going to be a wonderful husband.”
She nods against my head. “I know, which is the only reason I’m willing to let you go.” She straightens and points. “I think your prince Charming has arrived.”
I hold my breath as the door to the Jeep opens and Keenan climbs out. He’s wearing a fitted charcoal grey tuxedo with a white rose pinned to his chest. The fabric clings to his arms and legs, giving his muscles mouthwatering definition. Sunglasses shade his eyes and his beard is trimmed neatly against his jaw, his mustache waxed and shaped.
“Wow,” Angel says, shoving in between me and Pinky. “That one cleans up nice.”
I loved his bushy beard, but this suave replacement has my heart hammering and my girl parts giddy with anticipation.
“He’s a beautiful man, isn’t he?” Sarina joins us, her gaze clearly following her husband.
She’s not wrong.
As we watch, Keenan, Rush, Lennox, and Lock fall into step, striding toward the beach setup together. The four of them form a striking image that could’ve fallen straight out of the pages of a men’s luxury magazine. All are tall, muscular, and exude an aura of controlled power. It’s breathtaking and a little frightening.
Neither Rush’s wife, Magdalene, nor the eldest brother, Fallon, could make it. Magdalene is still in the Shadow Realm and Keenan says Fallon is too feral to be allowed anywhere near a human settlement, let alone one as large as Los Angeles.
Winter comes hurtling up Pinky’s stairs. “Thorny says it’s time!” His twin sister is on his heels.
Out of breath by the time she reaches the top, Ebony gasps, “Two minutes he said!”
Laughing, I reach for them, and they tumble into my arms. Our day at the Wolf-Haven Lake has forged a bond between us and they now follow me around like… well, puppies. “The bride gets to determine when the wedding starts, not some impatient owl.”
They giggle. “Should we tell Uncle Thorny?”
I shake my head and straighten. “No, I think I’m ready.”
Pinky squeezes my hand. “You’re ready.”
