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“Let’s make tonight one to remember,”I said, my tail wagging with enthusiasm.
Ridge’s eyes gleamed.“We’ve earned this celebration, Luna. Let’s show them how it’s done.”
As the night wore on, the town square came alive with the sounds of laughter, camaraderie, and the fierce love that bound us all. For the first time in years, we could revel in the knowledge that we were truly safe and we’d fought for every inch of that safety.
Together, we were unstoppable. No matter what the future held, we knew that we could face it head-on, side by side. Blackwood Creek was our home, and nothing would ever threaten it again.
Chapter 53
Tori
I stood in front of the bathroom mirror in what had once been Ridge’s bathroom and was now ours. Not just because I lived here, but he’d put my name on the deeds of the Blackwood Manor as a wedding gift to me so we’d always be equal.
I studied my hair. A smile danced on my lips as I admired Audrey’s handiwork. It was perfect.
“Geez, Audrey, you outdid yourself.”
Audrey sighed, her arms crossed over her chest as she studied my hair with a critical eye. “It’s beautiful and everything, Tori, but I don’t understand why you didn’t hire a ridiculously talented hairstylist for your wedding day.”
I laughed at her comment. “Honestly? I don’t need one. Remember how I met Ridge right after cutting and dyeing my hair in that gas station bathroom? He fell for me then, so I’m sure he’ll be just fine with this.”
Audrey’s eyes widened, a look of pure horror crossing her face. “You used box dye?” She shook her head, waving a dismissive hand in the air. “Whatever. It’s your wedding.”
“Yes. Yes, it is.” I smirked at Audrey’s dramatic reaction.
Margo sidled up next to us. “It’s Tori’s wedding, so whatever the bride wants, the bride gets.” She shot Audrey a pointed look.“You’ll just have to deal with the fact that Tori’s tastes aren’t nearly as extravagant as yours.”
“Thank you, Margo,” I said.
Margo examined me from head to toe, her eyes lingering on the elegant simplicity of my wedding dress. “As your maid of honor, I officially declare you ready to be wed,” she spoke with a solemnity that made me chuckle. “Even though, as far as the shifters are concerned, you’ve basically already been married to Ridge for three whole months.”
“Three months?” I mused, disbelief flickering through me. So much had changed since we had defeated the hunters. The refugee packs that had sought shelter in Blackwood Creek were now able to return to their own territories, no longer living in fear of hunters coming after them, although many displaced shifters had stayed, including the Garcias and, much to Margo’s delight, the Morris brothers had also decided to remain. Kyle had made it his mission to dismantle the wolf-shifter hunting faction, and while I wasn’t sure how many hunters were still out there, their numbers had dwindled significantly.
The other factions that hunted paranormals had also vanished, and with their disappearance came a newfound peace. No more missing people, no more “cured” shifters. Paranormals now knew they were safe, but if the hunters ever dared to resurface and attack, we’d be ready for them.
We had been expecting the witches who had collaborated with the hunters to get in touch, even though Ridge had bought them off with the Blackwood fortune and we had a binding blood pact. We were sure they would reach out, hoping to extort more money, but there had been nothing. That is, until Ridge got a call from a lawyer’s office in the Bahamas.
Soon after the transfer was complete, the witches had chartered a yacht to sail around the islands. However, their plans were disrupted when a rogue wave struck. They’d all diedat sea. There was only one family member left to inherit: the niece of the coven leader. Eileen Cork was a compassionate woman who used her magical abilities to assist the homeless shifter population on the streets of Detroit, even managing a shelter. So when she’d been told of the inheritance, she’d been suspicious. She knew about the magic her aunt and coven had practiced, who they’d helped and how they’d made their money.
In order to verify they’d received the money in good faith, the lawyer contacted Ridge. He’d spoken to Eileen and told her how the deal had come to be made. Initially, she had reservations and asked Ridge to take it back. However, he convinced her to hold on to it. He was happy that the money would be used for such a worthy cause, which was a stark departure from how his family had acquired it.
“Time flies when you’re saving the world and falling in love, I guess,” I said softly, my thoughts drifting to Ridge, my fated mate.
“Or when you’re planning a wedding,” Margo said with a grin. “Now, let’s get you married for real this time.”
“Oh my gosh, yes,” I said, my heart thrumming in anticipation. Today was the day I would officially become Ridge’s wife, surrounded by our friends, family, pack, and the town. It was a moment I had dreamed of, and now it was finally here.
Lola burst into the bathroom, clapping her hands together three times. “Tori, it’s time.”
Margo handed me my bouquet, a pretty arrangement made up of purple heather and small, white lily of the valley, the white bonnets nestled in large green leaves, their scent enveloping me. She pulled me into a tight hug. “We’ll see you out there.”
“Thanks, guys,” I said, touched by the love and support from my bridesmaids. Audrey, Margo, and Lola left the room, leaving me alone to take a deep breath and steady my nerves.
Ridge’s voice echoed in my head.“Should I be worried that you’re not out here yet?”
I laughed, my anxiety melting away.“It’s normal for the groom to wait a bit, you know. I promise I’m not leaving you at the altar.”
“Good to know,”he said teasingly.“Considering we’re fatefully bound for the rest of our lives and all.”
