“Are you crying because you don’t like the idea?” Kyle asked hoarsely.
She shook her head. “No. I’m crying because I have everything, everything I ever wanted. Only, what now?” She glanced toward the door.
“You’re wondering why I brought you in here instead of marrying you on the spot?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Well, yes. After that speech…”
“Oh fuck yes, I want to marry you. But hell if I’m going to do it on that altar, with you in that dress, and the groom’s spot still warm from another man’s feet.”
Breathless, she took his hands. “But you will marry me, in our own ceremony in our own time, and, um, will you join Fireborn pack?”
A slow smile spread across his cheeks. “I think I’d better. That other man—”
“Cameron—”
“He’s all wrong for you.” Kyle’s gaze darkened. “You’re mine, Laina, and I’m yours.” He gathered her hands in his. “Let’s make it official.”
She released a deep exhale. “I should go tell the guests.”
She started to rise, but he reached out, taking her face in his hands. And then he kissed her, long and deep, as if there wasn’t a 160-pound mastiff watching, as if Alex was already dead, as if the entire world had melted away and left only them in a cocoon of their happiness. She thought back to what Jason once told her. Love might not be enough to change the world. He was right about that. But maybe, at least for today, it was enough to change her desire to live in it.
ChapterThirty-Seven
Days later, Laina woke to the blissful sound of birds singing, the chatter of foraging animals, and a warm stream of sunlight through a frosty window that baked her naked body. She rolled over, right on top of Kyle, who woke enough to wrap one arm around her waist before closing his eyes again.
“Haven’t you had enough, woman?”
“Never.”
“Seriously. Give the hybrid a break. Kyle. Need. Sleep. And maybe food.”
“There’s a combo grocery store and bait shop in Red Grove. Or we can drive into Carlton City for pancakes at Valentine’s.”
“Valentine’s. The site of our almost first date. Awesome burger and chocolate cake, by the way.”
“I’m aware.”
“I’m in.” He rubbed his sleepy eyes.
“And maybe, between the syrup and the bacon, we can decide if we want our wedding reception there.”
That popped open his eyes and made him smile like he’d won the lottery. “I like the sound of that. So you’re still marrying me, eh? Despite my meager accommodations?”
She held up her left hand, allowing the sun to catch on the two-carat diamond he’d put on her finger the night before. “Your accommodations are nothing short of magical.” In fact, the cabin had turned out to be safer than expected. On top of an enchantment by Gerty to keep all evil supernatural creatures out, they were practically neighbors to Silas’s favorite witch, Grateful Knight, who, it turned out, had helped Kyle get into Rivergate Manor. Kyle said she was a sucker when it came to love. Silas seemed to think that her presence would keep Laina safe. She wasn’t sure about that but was happy Silas approved of her new residence. Plus, it was close enough to Carlton City that she could commute to her animal clinic every day.
“I thought we could be married here in the spring, outside, between Gerty’s and Arthur’s trees. Is that too soon?” Kyle stroked her hair back from her face.
“I’ve always wanted a spring wedding.” She traced his pectoral muscle with her finger. “You’ll have to get our phoenix symbol tattooed on your shoulder.”
“I’ve always wanted a tattoo. It seems we’ll both have what we want.” He flipped her over, positioning his hips between her thighs and entering her with a satisfied moan.
“I thought you were tired.” She moved her hands to the small of his back.
“I guess you bring out the animal in me.” His eyes flashed golden, and she grinned, her inner wolf sensing his. “I love you, Laina.”
“I love you too. There’s more to it than that, though. There’s something you should know.” She glanced away, unsure if this was the time to tell him about her wolf’s obsession with him.
“Tell me.”
