“And do you, Anna Lee, take this orc as your mate? To stand beside him, support him, and love him through all your days?”
“I do.” My voice comes out steady and sure. “I choose this wild orc, today and every day. He’s my home.”
Dane smiles. “The rings.”
We exchange gold bands. I slide a thick one onto Keric’s large green finger, custom-made to fit him. He slides a delicate one onto mine, to nest beside my engagement ring. He looks at the metal on his hand with something like wonder.
“I now declare you husband and wife,” Dane announces. “Keric, you may claim your Bride.”
My new husband pulls me into his arms, lifts me slightly off my feet, and kisses me like we’re not standing in front of everyone we know. Deep and thorough, even more intense than the kiss he gave me after he proposed. His tusks scrape gently against my skin. I grab his horns for balance and feel him groan against my mouth. It’s so damn sexy.
Cheers and whistles erupt around us. Somewhere, Maggie sobs happy tears. I think I hear Drew yell something inappropriate.
We finally break apart, laughing and so happy I might burst. The smartest moment of my life was when I said yes and took Keric’s hand at that bus station.
The reception spillsout into the communal space in front of the Lodge. Long tables of food are set up, twinkling lights are strung between trees, and music and laughter fills the evening air. The whole commune is here, plus our guests from California and elsewhere. It’s chaotic and loud and absolutely perfect.
Maggie outdid herself. The food is incredible, the decorations are beautiful, and she’s already three cups of orc ale in and dancing with Cadoc. I can’t stop smiling. My face actually hurts from smiling so much.
“Congratulations, girl,” Ellie throws her arms around me for the hundredth time. “I’m so happy for you. Both of you.”
“Thank you for being here. For everything.”
“Where else would I be?” She pulls back, eyes sparkling. “My best friend married an Irontree. We’re basically family now.”
Garlen appears behind her. “She’s been saying that all day.”
“Because it’s true.”
Zoe runs past, flower girl dress abandoned in favor of more practical attire for running around with the other commune children. “Auntie Anna your cat, Dinah is super cute.”
“Right? She’s the cutest. Do you think she’ll get along with Loki? I’m bringing Dinah with me when we come and visit you guys this summer.”
“Loki will love her.”
I laugh and watch her race off again.
Keric’s hand finds the small of my back, warm and possessive. “Happy?” he asks.
“Oh yes, it’s wonderful having everyone here to celebrate with us.”
He pulls me closer, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Good. Because I’m about to get impatient.”
Impatient is his code word for hot sex. “Not yet. This is our party.”
“I don’t care about the party. They can carry on without us late into the night. I care about getting you alone.”
I shift on my feet, trying to relieve the heat between my thighs because I want the same thing. “Soon,” I promise. “We need to spend more time with all our guests first.”
He grumbles but doesn’t push.
Later, I spot my husband with Jonus near the edge of the gathering. The two cousins talk quietly, cups of ale in hand. Jonus looks... restless. Unsettled in a way I haven’t seen before. He keeps scanning the crowd, looking for something. Or someone.
I wander over. “Everything okay?”
Jonus straightens, forcing a smile. “Of course. Congratulations, Anna. Welcome to the family.”
“Thank you.” I study his face. “You seem distracted.”
