Page 57 of Accidentally on Purr-pose

"Well," Luka said, his expression turning mock-serious, "you have exactly five minutes before his patience runs out and you get to test that theory."

Freesia glanced at her reflection in the mirror. The woman looking back bore little resemblance to the broken survivor who'd stumbled through this estate's front door six months ago. This woman was radiant, powerful, and ready to rule alongside her mate.

"I'll meet you in four minutes at the back terrace doors," she promised.

Luka's gaze found Kenia, and his entire demeanor softened. "Can I at least steal my girlfriend to keep me company while I wait?"

The word 'girlfriend' still made Freesia's heart sing. Watching Luka find love and belonging after years of exile felt like witnessing a small miracle. He'd gone from a man without a home to a pivotal member of their council, his strategic mind and unwavering integrity making him invaluable to their growing pride.

"Go ahead, you two," Freesia said, waving them toward the door. "You have four minutes of smooch time before the ceremony starts."

Kenia's face lit up as she rushed toward Luka, and they disappeared hand in hand, leaving behind the soft sound of their shared laughter echoing down the hallway.

Freesia smoothed the ivory silk of her wedding dress one final time before stepping into the corridor. The weight of her rounded belly had shifted her center of gravity, making each movement more deliberate, but she refused to let pregnancy slow her down on the most important day of her life.

Within minutes, the back terrace doors came into view, and she couldn't help but smile at what she found waiting for her. Luka stood with his back pressed against the ornate French doors, his formal black suit impeccable except for the fact that Kenia was pressed against his chest, her arms wound around his neck as they shared what appeared to be a rather thorough kiss. His hands rested possessively on her waist, and neither seemed particularly aware that they had an audience.

"Ahem," Freesia cleared her throat, fighting back laughter as the twins chose that moment to deliver synchronized kicks to her ribs.

Luka and Kenia sprang apart like teenagers caught by disapproving parents. Kenia's face flushed a deep crimson as she smoothed down her elegant bridesmaid dress, while Luka had the decency to look sheepish as he straightened his tie.

"Sorry," Kenia stammered, her hands flying to her hair to ensure it was still properly arranged. "We were just⁠—"

"Making sure your lipstick was properly applied?" Freesia suggested with mock innocence.

Luka grinned unrepentantly. "Quality control is very important on wedding days."

"Right," Freesia drawled, then gestured toward the doors behind them. "Well, I believe there's a certain Alpha who's been pacing holes in the garden for the past hour."

Kenia's expression immediately shifted to business mode. "Oh goodness, yes! Let's get you married to my brother before he decides to storm up here and carry you down the aisle himself."

She moved to the French doors and pulled them open with a flourish, revealing the breathtaking scene beyond. Three hundred white chairs had been arranged in perfect rows across the sprawling back gardens, each one occupied by a member of their united Valeria pride. Tiger, panther, and jaguar shifters sat side by side, their faces turned expectantly toward the wooden arch that had been constructed at the far end of the makeshift aisle.

And there, standing beneath that arch in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, was Izei. Even from this distance, Freesia could see the tension in his broad shoulders and the way his hands were clasped behind his back with military precision. His dark hair caught the late afternoon sunlight, and she could feel his impatience radiating through their mate bond.

"Look at us," Luka said softly, moving to stand beside her. His green eyes held a mixture of wonder and gratitude as he gazed out at the assembled crowd. "All dressed up, happy, and safe. No more running from safehouse to safehouse, no more looking over our shoulders."

The simple observation hit her with unexpected force. Six months ago, she'd been a broken woman carrying nothing but raw grief and an ancient treaty in a leather satchel. Now she stood in a wedding dress, pregnant with twins, surrounded by family she'd chosen and family who'd chosen her back.

"Thank you for everything, Luka," she said, turning to face the man who'd become so much more than her protector. "I couldn't have made it here without you."

His expression grew serious for a moment, and she caught a glimpse of the depth of their friendship—forged in desperation, strengthened by trust, and sealed by shared purpose.

"Well," he said, his trademark grin returning, "you can pay me back by making me the godfather of those twin girls who'll be here in three months."

"Deal," Freesia agreed without hesitation.

She couldn't imagine anyone better suited to help guide her daughters than the man who'd taught her that family wasn't defined by blood, but by loyalty.

Luka offered his arm with exaggerated formality. "Shall we, Your Majesty?"

Freesia linked her arm through his, feeling the solid strength that had anchored her through the darkest months of her life. "Let's get me married."

The moment her foot touched the white runner that had been laid down the center aisle, the string quartet positioned near the arch began to play. The haunting melody of an ancient Waverly wedding song filled the air, and three hundred faces turned toward her with expressions of joy, hope, and unmistakable pride.

But Freesia saw none of them.

The world narrowed to the man standing beneath the flower-draped arch, his brown eyes locked on hers with a burning intensity that made her breath catch. Through the completed mate bond, she felt the full force of his emotions—devotion so fierce it made her chest tight, joy that sparkled like sunlight on water, excitement that hummed beneath his controlled exterior, and above all, that unwavering protectiveness that had carried her from survival to this moment of pure happiness.