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Dannika pulled back. “What? When?”
“Now. I won’t allow reapers, demons, or even fate to get in our way.” He got out of bed.
Dannika admired his naked body until he shifted his clothes from the shadows. They returned perfect and unwrinkled.
“What do I wear?” she said as she stood.
Raine’s eyes roamed over her. “While I prefer you naked, the entire clan will be present, as well is most of the cougar and bear clan members. Colton asked if he could walk you down the aisle. He brought you some items. I’m guessing that includes a dress.”
As if on cue, there was a knock at the door. Dannika retrieved her clothes before rushing to open it.
Colton stood with a small box in his hand, wearing a black tux and a white shirt. “I’ve come to help you get ready. Darren will be here in a minute.” He glanced at Raine. “That is your cue. Steele and Ryder are waiting for you outside. We will be along when it’s time.”
Raine kissed Dannika’s cheek, then shook Colton’s hand before he left.
Dannika tried not to smile, but her excitement burst through. “What did you guys do?”
“You’ll see.” Colton made a twirling motion with his finger. “Now turn around. I have a gift for you.”
Dannika did as ordered, putting her hand to the necklace as Colton fastened it around her neck. “Are you going to let me see it?”
Another knock on the door startled her before she could look in the mirror in the corner. Darren entered the room with a box full of white silk.
“Is that a dress?” she asked.
Darren held up the raw material. “Not yet. It will be if you’ll allow me to connect with your shadow.”
She ran her finger over the silky material. “Of course.” She grabbed the pin Lori had given her from the desk. “Can you incorporate this into the outfit?”
“Yes.” Darren’s shadow swirled around her. It wasn’t like her connection to Raine or Colton. Darren’s essence was imbued with the emotions he felt for her. Friendship. Kindness. Love. His hope that she would find happiness within the clan. He loved her like a sister. His gentle soul seemed out of place in the shadow world. Like it should have belonged to Leonardo da Vinci or some other revolutionary artist.
She’d lost so much in her life, but she had been given more. A mate who’d do anything for her. A family that was committed to her. And a friend who sought only her happiness.
Colton’s mouth dropped. “Jesus, Darren. I had no idea you can do that.”
Dannika looked at the men. “Do what?”
Colton pointed to the mirror in the corner. Her heart stopped when she saw her reflection.
The white silk hung in thin drapes from her waist. The bodice was fitted, a full corset with criss-crossing stings down her back. Crystals accented the neckline, bringing attention to the sapphire necklace set in white gold. Darren hadn’t stopped with the dress. He’d woven her hair above her head with white sprays of baby’s breath and tiny diamonds surrounding Lori’s pin.
She touched her face, only to find her fingernails painted iridescent white and encrusted with crystals. “Oh, Darren, how did you do this?”
He looked down shyly. “My ability is to create. To see what cannot be seen. What I envision can be made real, provided I have the materials. This is my gift to you.”
Dannika hugged him as a tear slipped down her cheek. “This is the most beautiful dress I have ever seen.” She released him, looking into his eyes. “I know this may seem kind of weird, but will you stand up for me? Man of honor type thing.”
Darren kissed her cheek. “It would be my ultimate pleasure. I’ll let you finish up with Colton. I’ll be waiting for you in the clearing.”
He left quietly.
Colton held out his arm. “You ready?”
Dannika wrapped her arm around his. He led her through the empty tunnels to the clearing outside. The tables with white linens and flower centerpieces were where she remembered them. All seating was taken, forcing the members of the other clans to stand around the tables. Hundreds of shadow warriors stood in suits, their eyes filled with worship and hope as she walked towards the white arch.
The clearing fell away as her eyes locked with Raine’s. His white tuxedo and black shirt were the sexiest things she had ever seen. This Adonis, this incredible combination of human and demon, was hers. Her shadow purred in her ear as she approached.
Colton guided her to Raine with a nod. When Raine took her hand, his eyes roamed her body. The fire in his soul erupted in black shadows, rippling over his shoulder. This wasn’t his anger. It was lust. A monstrous desire he couldn’t contain.
