Page 146 of A Trial By Blood

Ronan did not.

EPILOGUE

Rose

Three months later

Art tucked my hand tighter against him as we walked through the cemetery. “I couldn’t be prouder if you were my own flesh and blood.”

I leaned into him. “Flesh and blood isn’t everything.”

“No, it’s not.”

Art was the dad of my heart. He was all I’d ever needed. He’d been there for me my whole life, and he was here for me again now. “How do I look?”

“Stunning,” he said roughly and swallowed.

“Don’t you dare cry. If you cry, I’ll cry,” I said.

“I think that ship has sailed,” he said as a tear streaked down his face.

I leaned in and kissed his freshly shaved cheek. “Love you, Art.”

“Love you, too, Roe.” He glanced ahead, then back down at me. “We better get going, he’s probably getting restless.”

I laughed and dabbed my own tears away. I had no doubt he was. Ronan hated being parted from me for any length of time. My sisters had insisted he and I spend the night separately. We’d had a girls’ night, facials and manicures and bubbly, prepping for today. Then I’d gone upstairs to my old room, and a short time later, so had Ronan. I hadn’t been surprised when I’d felt the buzz of his power and he’d literally walked through my bedroom door.

Art and I walked through the smaller gate on the other side of the cemetery that led to the field behind it. The warm spring sun shone down on the wildflowers that had sprung up over the last couple of weeks. And Mom had commandeered Daire to string up colorful bunting in the trees. Yesterday, the coven had made a blessing arch of woven willow branches and covered it in foliage and flowers.

Ronan stood on the other side of it, the hounds who had claimed him as family, Luna and her mate, and the other knights were there as well. My family, my coven, stood on the other side waiting for me.

As I walked up, Ronan’s gaze burned into me. He took a step forward, and Relic put his hand on his shoulder and muttered something, reminding him he had to wait, no doubt.

Because I had to walk through the arch to him.

I had to offer myself to him, give myself to him as a symbol of strength and a new beginning.

Rowena moved to my side and handed me a small terra-cotta pot. I clutched it, holding the wilted vervain plant close to my heart. The herb protected against evil spells and negative energy and could be used to purify sacred places and private dwellings. It was also used for medicinal purposes. Every bride was given one to take into her new home, and it was the first herb to be planted in her own herb garden.

My heart filled as she started the chant. Else and Mom stepped forward, joining in next, then Willow, Iris, and Magnolia. The voices of my remaining coven joined. They were one voice as they called to the mother for her blessings.

Else stepped back and Mom and Art took my hands, leading me to the arch. I stopped in front of it, and they both kissed my cheek and stepped back.

My gaze locked on Ronan’s.

He drew in a sharp breath, his wide shoulders shifting under his dark suit. He was so incredibly handsome, and as I looked deep into his intense and utterly gorgeous violet eyes, I saw my future, an eternity of joy, of happiness, and love. Everything I’d ever wanted and never dared hope for.

He held out his hand, longing in his eyes. My mate was always impatient when it came to being close to me.

I stepped through the arch and took his hand in mine.

He clutched it tight. “You are breathtaking, petal.”

“So are you,” I whispered.

Hooking an arm around my waist, he pulled me close and kissed me hard and deep in front of all our family and friends. “And for the rest of eternity, you are mine,” he said when he lifted his head.

I smiled up at him. “I love you so much.”