AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Both of you have been in danger, and both of you have gotten each other out of those dangerous situations,” Travis said. “You guys are pack leaders. You’re going to have to be strong for each other if you want to make this whole thing work. You’re going to have to learn how to keep your head on straight when things go wrong.
“What happened at the cannery was traumatic–it was traumatic for all of us, frankly,” Travis continued. “It was a shit deal for everyone involved. So, you know, it makes perfect sense that you’d still be fucked up about it. But that doesn’t mean you have to remove yourself from the joys in your life. I would imagine there’d be no mates or packs at all if that was the standard we had to adhere to, don’t you?”
I’d been working on not being too hard on myself in therapy, but it was a slow process, and I didn’t know if I would ever get it fully right. After being freed from the cannery, we’d had a lot to clean up, literally and figuratively. Ms. Paulson was still a missing person, and the rest of Lanyon Clover was still in and out of jail and court. It was all hard to keep up with.
We were also waiting for the analysis of the chemicals they’d pumped into the air and our veins so we’d know if there’d be any long-term side effects. I still needed to make an appointment with the doctor, but I’d used the wedding and the court cases as an excuse to put it off. To be honest, I was nervous about what I would learn.
My therapist told me that I shouldn’t put my life on hold while I processed things. That I should still do the things I had planned to do before the trauma. But…
“Yeah, you’re right,” I said, letting my breath drain out of me. “I’m certain of Marley, but I also know we’re going into all of this super quickly. I don’t want her to look back on today and feel like I was trying to rush her into something. I don’t want her to regret it.”
“If she regrets it, so what?” Travis said. “Don’t give me that face, you dick, I mean it. If you or me or Marley—fucking anyone—go through life avoiding regret, then nothing is ever going to happen in life, good or bad. If you guys crash and burn in a couple years, you’ll have this pretty day to hang on to, and the rest of your lives to make up for the lost time. But to be honest, bro? I think you guys are perfect for each other, and you just need to stop psyching yourself out.”
I sighed and closed my eyes, sure he was right—about all of it. I’d felt really wobbly on my feet ever since the night I was abducted. I’d had to swallow my pride and allow Curt to help me. It was like imposter syndrome on steroids. I felt like I was constantly doubting myself. My grandfather said it would pass after a few years, but it felt like it was only getting stronger.
The more I learned, the more I realized I didn’t know shit about running a pack.
But if it really would get better over time, maybe that was the problem.
“Gramps told me to be patient, but I’m not too good at that,” I said finally.
“No shit,” Travis said sarcastically. “You’re about to get hitched after a three-month engagement. You think I can’t tell that you’re a squirrely little fuck?”
I snorted and finally cracked open the water bottle, gulping it down. I closed it and tossed it aside before picking up the new shirt and sliding it on.
“You sure you’re good?” Travis asked. “That’s our last shirt, bro.”
“Yeah, I’m sure,” I said. “I’m feeling a lot better. Thanks for bringing me down, man.”
“What the hell else are best men for if not talking your buddy out of being a runaway groom? Now, come on. Let’s go wait for your mate to walk down the aisle.”
We took a few minutes to get my tie back on and double-check that I didn’t look like a mess from running my fingers through my hair and across my face. Once we were sure everything was in the clear, we headed out to the arch where I would meet my mate and future wife.
Somehow, Marley had planned the date perfectly for our elopement. By the time she’d finished planning the whole thing, we’d gotten our grant money from the government and had just enough time to get through escrow at the half-built hotel up in the mountains.
The lake this deep into winter was beautiful and serene. The pines surrounding us were still a lush green, the ground blanketed in snow that absorbed most of the sound except for our shoes crunching in it. Already standing under the arch was Houston, who’d practically begged to be allowed to officiate. Standing off to the sides were my family, Marley’s family, and a few of our friends. Paulette was looking better, standing arm in arm with my sister. The hollow, haunted look in her eyes was starting to let up, and Ginger looked as in love with her as ever.
Lana looked well and was finally growing her hair out. It suited her.
My son was adorable in his little tux. Something I greatly looked forward to taking pictures of.
I stood at the altar and looked around. Was Marley still getting ready, or had she just been waiting for me to figure my shit out? I didn’t have to wait on tenterhooks very long, though. Before I knew it, music drifted out of a little speaker near the doorway to the building. The music was controlled by Marley, so it didn’t start until she was ready to walk.
I stiffened and looked over to the door, watching with narrowed focus as it opened. I saw Marley’s father first, who was uncharacteristically warm as he stepped into the snow in his gray suit. After a bit of a hanging pause, she appeared.
She looked like a snow queen.
Marley’s blond hair was pulled up and away from her face in soft, undulating curls. A few wisps of hair fell out near her ears, the sides of her face, the nape of her neck. Sparkling crystals shaped like snowflakes and doves twinkled in her hair. Her dress was immaculate, lace dotted with pearls going all the way up to her neck. Her sleeves came to delicate points at her index fingers. The pearly skirt plumed out like a princess’s, trailing behind her in a long, luxurious train.
She’d told me her dress was a winner, but I wasn’t expecting to be greeted by royalty.
My throat tightened painfully, and I had to fight the urge to break down into tears. She was so beautiful. My Marley. My mate.
She beamed at me as she walked down the snowy aisle, and I smiled right back at her. Her father approached with her, offering me her hand, and I took it as she came to stand in front of me.
Houston looked between us with a smarmy little smile on his lips. I was starting to learn it was the only smile he had, really.
“Well,” Houston started, “the couple has requested the short-and-sweet version of things, so that’s what we’re going to do. Then we’re going to go into that old-ass building, get drunk as hell, and paint some walls, everybody.”
