Isit perfectly still in the plush makeup chair, watching in the mirror as the artist applies a soft pink blush to my cheeks. My heart flutters in my chest as I think about my wedding and becoming officially bonded to five men who have completely changed my life.
“Try not to smile too much,” the makeup artist, a petite woman named Eloise, says with a wink. “It’s going to be hard to keep your eyeliner perfect if you start grinning.”
“I can’t help it,” I admit, watching my reflection as my lips curl upward anyway.
The door to the suite bursts open, and my mother steps in. She looks absolutely stunning in a blush-colored dress that hugs her curves before flaring just above the knee. Her hair is styled in soft waves around her face, and her makeup is subtle but perfectly enhances her natural features.
“Mom,” I breathe, tears already threatening. “You look so beautiful.”
She beams, doing a little twirl. “Do you like it? I wasn’t sure if blush was too much.”
“It’s perfect,” I say, feeling my throat tighten with emotion. “You’re going to be the most beautiful mother of the bride.”
She laughs, crossing to kiss the top of my head carefully. “Speaking of which,” she says, her voice taking on a slightly nervous edge. “You have a visitor.”
I frown, confused. “A visitor? Who? It’s not one of the alphas, is it? They’re not supposed to see me before the ceremony.”
“No, no,” she says, waving her hand dismissively. “It’s someone else.”
I freeze, my heart suddenly racing.Who could possibly be here?I don’t know anyone on the island except my mother, the alphas, and the staff at the resort.
Before I can say anything else, the door opens again.
“Oh, my god.” The words burst from my lips as I lurch to my feet, nearly knocking over the makeup chair. “John?!”
He stands in the doorway, looking almost unrecognizable in a perfectly tailored navy suit, his usually messy hair neatly combed, his perpetual five o’clock shadow trimmed to a neat stubble.
For a long moment, we just stare at each other.
Then I’m moving, rushing across the room with a cry that’s half-laugh, half-sob. I throw myself into his arms, nearly knocking him over with the force of my hug. He catches me easily, his arms wrapping around me with familiar strength.
“Anya,” he says, his voice choked. “Holy shit, Anya.”
I’m crying now, great gulping sobs that make it hard to breathe, let alone speak.
“I missed you,” I gasp when I can finally form words. “I missed you so much. I’m sorry I didn’t call asmuch…”
“Hey,” he says, his hand coming up to stroke my hair. “It’s okay. I’m here now.”
“How are you here? How did you find me?”
John grins, the familiar mischievous quirk of his lips making my heart squeeze. “Your man invited me.”
“My... what?” I blink, confused.
“Ryker,” he clarifies. “Big guy, looks like he could bench press a car? He showed up at my apartment last week with a plane ticket and this suit.” He plucks at his lapel. “Told me you were getting married and would want me there.”
My heart melts at the thought of Ryker taking the time to track down my best friend and bring him here.
“That’s... that’s so like him,” I say softly.
“You could have told me, you know,” John says, though there’s no real accusation in his voice. “I wouldn’t have judged you. You know me better than that.”
“I’m sorry,” I say, grabbing his hand. “I wanted to tell you, but I wasn’t sure... I mean, would you have believed me if I said I was dating five guys?”
“Hold up,” John interrupts, his eyes widening. “Dating five guys? What the hell are you talking about?”
I wince, suddenly remembering that I never actually explained any of this to him. “Maybe we should sit down,” I say, gesturing to the small sitting area by the window.
