I woke up with a smile. I didn’t need to open my eyes, I knew where I was. I was home and today was my wedding day. Finally.
Stretching my body, a long, soft moan escaped my mouth, excitement buzzed inside me. I’d been waiting for this day for so long. I’d gone through so much and nothing was going to stop the ritual from happening later tonight. Come hell or high water, Mason and I were going to be bound together—mates, lovers, friends forever.
My room was quiet, reminding me of the calm before the storm. Once everyone knew I was up and about, I wouldn’t get a private moment to myself. There was still so much to do but Mason had ordered me to worry only about getting ready and leave the details to pack members. I could hear them moving about the house, an eager energy filling the air from the bustle. Everyone was ready for some joy.
Good morning, beautiful. Even though the greeting was in my mind, Mason’s voice flowed through our connection and caused my heart to flutter. I could imagine the lopsided smile he was wearing, the twinkle in his eyes, and the way his hair was falling across his forehead. After tonight, he’d officially be mine.
Morning, I answered. I was just thinking about coming to find you. Harmony had been adamant last night about keeping the two of us separated until the ceremony; but I was impatient. The goodnight kiss we’d shared last night seemed to go on for hours—neither of us wanting to let go. Lying in bed, I’d touched my lips again and realized how significant it had been. The next time I kissed Mason, it would be as his wife and mate.
There was no response. I released a heavy sigh, a spark of frustration breaking through my otherwise tranquil mood. Our connection was so sketchy at times and we still had no idea why it fluctuated.
That’s a problem for another day, I told myself, sitting up so I could use the bathroom. Something to worry about, tomorrow.
My stomach growled as I padded across the room, flicking on the bathroom light so I could peer at the mirror. I didn’t know whether it was just my romantic notions or truth, but my reflection looked different today. No matter how many times I turned my head or how many faces I made, the results were the same—I glowed. My eyes were bright, my skin flawless, and I could keep my mouth from curling into a wide smile. I was beyond happy.
Finishing my morning routine and in desperate desire for food, I was shocked when my alarm clock caught my attention. It was already midmorning and people had left me to sleep as long as I wanted. Usually I was an early riser, often enjoying those first hours after dawn to walk or run, I wasn’t used to such leisure. Worry filled me. I was behind whatever wedding schedule there was and whirling around, I began throwing on clothes.
Hopping as I tried to get my shoe on, there was a knock on the door and in came April, carrying a tray. “Where are you going?” she asked, putting her load down on the bed and offering her arm so I could steady myself. I quickly hugged my younger pack sister.
“I’m running late!” I answered. “I was just going to grab something to eat and find out what’s going on. I know I have things to do . . . wedding stuff.” There was definitely an obvious hint of panic in my tone.
“I brought you something to eat.” She gestured to the food tray again, smiling. “Sit down and see if having something in your stomach will help. I got you a little of everything, so try to relax. There’s no rush.”
“I beg to differ. I overslept and now I’m hours behind on everything.” I tried to go around her, but she shook her head and pointed behind me. I cocked my head, noting the firm look on April’s face and it reminded me of Mason.
“You should also know that you’ve been ordered to stay in your room today. Everything has been taken care of and whatever you need will be brought to you. So, no more panicking. Just sit.” April gave me that look, again. “And eat.”
“Mason taught you that face, didn’t he?” I laughed, relenting and sitting back on my bed. A quick survey of the tray showed me a buffet of French toast, a bowl of mixed fresh fruit, and sugared oatmeal. There was also a glass of orange juice and a long stemmed red rose in a small vase. At the base was a folded card. Opening it up, I saw Mason’s familiar handwriting. See you at dusk. He’d drawn a crooked heart and signed it with a simple M.
Leaning forward, I deeply inhaled, the beautiful fragrance from the rose filling my nose. My heart rate began to steady and the frazzled feeling that had been taking over was also slipping away. I remembered Devlin’s words again, about being in the moment, and it also helped. I let out another sigh, this one releasing the rest of my tension.
“So then, what’s on my schedule?” I picked a small blueberry from among the fruit and popped it into my mouth. Juice coated my tongue when I bit into it and I moaned with satisfaction. They were delicious.
“Well, after breakfast,” April paused, leaning in like she had an exciting secret. “Mason has a surprise for you.”
“He does? What is it?” Food was momentarily forgotten while I tried to wheedle the truth from my friend. “Come on, you have to tell me!” I grabbed her hand, laying on an extra heavy dose of pleading to my voice as she fervently shook her head.
“Oh no, I promised my Alpha I wouldn’t tell.” I didn’t miss the way she emphasized the word Alpha. I don’t know what Mason had told her to keep her from spoiling his surprise but there was no extracting it from her. He’d figuratively sealed her lips.
“Ooooh, he’s playing unfairly if he pulled the Alpha card!” I laughed, releasing my hold on her hands. “It’s okay, I’m patient.” I picked up a half slice of the toast, dipping it into the cup of syrup, and took a bite. “I can wait forever.”
April just nodded, knowing that I was lying through my teeth.
I grinned when I heard another knock. “Thank goodness! I bet this is it.”
I bounded over, ready to discover whoever and whatever was on the other side and squealed with excitement when I flung open the door. Standing there with smiles and cocked eyebrows were my parents. I didn’t hesitate. I pulled my mother in and quickly embraced her.
“You’re here!” I exclaimed. Whatever strained relationship we’d had over the years was all forgotten, as my father murmured hello and closed the door behind him. I released my mother and hugged him, grateful for the awkward way he patted my back. Even now, he was uncomfortable with displays of affection.
I invited them into my bedroom, giving them a moment to adjust and look around. I wanted them to see just how happy I was here, that the decision to move away from them and into the Mystic Wolves pack continued to be a good one. They’d visited on other occasions, but I often thought they still held onto the belief that I’d grow tired of Mason and leave. It had been my M.O. in the past—never staying long enough to forge connections. That had all changed the day I’d answered my door and found Mason on my doorstep.
“Of course, we’re here. We received a phone call from Daniel telling us to hurry and get here as quickly as possible.” My mother’s gaze looked me up and down. “We would never miss your wedding, but first things first. I don’t care what noble intentions you have, don’t you ever keep us in the dark, again. Do you hear me? I shouldn’t have to hear about this she-devil from someone other than my daughter.”
The rebuke was clear. I hadn’t wanted to worry my parents, my mother in particular, and had purposely kept all the drama with Amber from her. I realized now that not only had she heard how close I’d come to dying from someone else, but also about my being taken by the Moirai. Shame filled me and I bowed my head, guiltily.
“I didn’t want to worry you and then things got out of hand. You were on vacation, so I didn’t think there was anything you could do anyway.” She didn’t even let me finish before she dragged me into her embrace and crushed me against her.
“Never do that again. Ever. You may be all big and grown. You may be mating a powerful Alpha, but you are still my daughter and I deserve to be involved.”
I wrapped my arms around her and nodded against her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Mom.” I felt her body shake, shuddering with emotion before she stiffened and released me.
“All is forgiven. Besides, let’s not dwell on the past. Today’s your day and we’re here to celebrate it. My little girl is getting married.” Even though I could see she had regained her composure, a stray tear fell and was promptly wiped away.
I studied my father’s features, wondering whether I’d receive a well-deserved lecture from him too. He wore a stern, gruff look and I prepared myself. Whenever I had disappointed him in the past, I’d always felt as though I’d been stripped down to my core; because he never held back. Dean Matthews was always blunt and honest; his belief being that it didn’t serve any of his family to have the truth sugar-coated. His sermons were stuff of legend, but other than the abrupt head shake, he said nothing. Instead, he also pulled me into his arms, offering a brief squeeze as he kissed my cheek and then let go.
We stood for a moment, staring at each other, and I caught a glimpse of the worry he’d experienced over me. The last few weeks had scared him. He was just too old school and set in his ways to voice it.
“Sorry.” Just one word and he nodded. It was enough and he gestured for me to turn around.
“Looks like Mason has everything under control; so he suggested we spend the time with you and assist you in getting ready.” My father glanced around my room. “I’m not sure how much help I can be though. This is more your mother’s kind of thing.”
“Why don’t you take a seat by the window, dear, so we can see what’s needed,” my mother gently added, and after a short grunt and perusal of my shelves, he picked a book and sat down. Knowing him, he’d completely tune us all out within minutes.
“So, let me get a proper look at you now.” My mother sighed, and walked around me so she could view my body. “You don’t appear to be any worse for wear. Maybe a little thin and tired, but healthy nonetheless.”
I grinned at April as she watched on from the bed when I realized I’d forgotten my manners. “Mom, Dad. This is April. She’s one of the younger pack members here. She’s also a friend.”
“We know. We met her earlier. Thank you for keeping our secret.”
I glared at my young friend and she shrugged her shoulders. Mouthing Mason, I understood why she hadn’t said anything.
“Well, it looks like I was right to trust my instincts.” My mother’s words brought my attention back to her. “I’m glad I brought Mikey and Helen.”
“Who are they?” I asked, confused. My mother’s face broke out into a sly smile.
“Mikey is an absolute godsend when it comes to doing nails and Helen has been my personal hair stylist for years. When I heard what you’d gone through the past while, I knew you’d need some pampering.”
I wasn’t quick enough to bite my tongue. “Honestly, I don’t need anything fancy. I was just going to have April help me with my hair.”
The horrified look on my mother’s face was priceless. “Over my dead body. This is your special day and I want my daughter to look like a princess.” She pointed her finger at me when I started protesting. “You’ll indulge me on this, Darcy. It’s the least you can do after keeping your poor mother in the dark. Now finish your breakfast while I go get them from the other room.”
“Yes, Mom.” I looked over at my abandoned food. Suddenly I wasn’t so hungry anymore.
