Geri laughed, the sound breaking some of the tension in her chest. “You always know how to make a moment special, Cade.”
He chuckled and looked at her. “You look beautiful, Geri. Simple, elegant. Mom and Dad would be proud.”
“Thanks. I know they’re watching over us.”
She looped her arm through his, and together they walked outside. Everyone rose to their feet, a sea of smiling faces, their happiness palpable in the air.
Geri tightened her hold on him, and they began to walk down the aisle. Apollo stood at the end, his smile outshining even the bright sunflowers on the arch above him. As they approached, his eyes locked onto hers, filled with love and adoration.
Cade stopped just short of Apollo. “Take care of her,” he said, his voice low but firm.
Apollo nodded solemnly. “With my life.”
Geri stood beside Apollo, his hand warm in hers, and felt the steady hum of his love through their bond. The ceremony began, and the officiant’s words blended into a soft background, and in that moment, despite everything, she was sure—she was exactly where she was meant to be.
When the officiant prompted her, Geri looked into Apollo’s eyes, and she began to recite her vows. She knew her eyes were glowing when she saw her mate’s smile widen. “I promise to stand by you, to support you, and love you with all I am. You are my sun, my guiding light, and I vow to cherish every moment we have together.”
Apollo’s smile was radiant as he listened to Geri’s heartfelt words. When it was his turn, he gently squeezed her hands and began his vows, his voice filled with warmth and love. “I have waited an eternity,” Apollo said, his blue eyes locking onto hers. “You are my other half, my perfect match. I vow to protect, honor, and love you for all my days. Together, we will shine brighter than ever before.”
They finished their vows, and the officiant declared them husband and wife. Apollo leaned in, capturing Geri’s lips in a tender kiss, sealing their bond in front of the pack and the assembled guests.
As the newlyweds turned to face the audience, their smiles wide and their hands intertwined, the crowd erupted into applause and cheers. Geri and Apollo walked down the aisle together, the golden light of sunset brushing against their skin.
Once they reached the end of the aisle, Geri turned and tugged Apollo toward her. Before he could say a word, she pulled him in for a kiss, firm and full of promise.
“I didn’t need a ceremony to know I was yours,” she murmured against his lips. “But I’m glad we did it anyway.”
He grinned, brushing his thumb along her cheek. “Same. Though I’d marry you a thousand times if it meant you’d keep looking at me like that.”
They kissed again—longer this time—until a familiar voice called out from behind them.
“Okay, newlyweds, break it up,” Hannah teased. The event planner, clipboard in hand and headset askew, waved them over. “You’ve got to take photos, and you’re already behind schedule!”
“I won’t miss all the ‘official things’ I have to do,” Geri grumbled as they walked toward the camera setup.
Apollo chuckled beside her. “Ah, there’ll be some of that in Olympus, too,” he said with a teasing glint in his eyes. “Don’t get too comfortable, wifey.”
She groaned playfully and bumped her shoulder into his. “I should’ve known immortality came with obligations.”
They got through all their duties—cutting the cake, greeting guests, toasting with sparkling wine—and even managed to share a laugh-filled dance with the Greek gods in attendance. Geri had never imagined Artemis trying to pull her into a line dance with Demeter and Hades, but somehow, it had happened, and she was still catching her breath from laughing so hard.
She slipped away to grab a drink, the cool night air brushing over her bare shoulders as she approached the bar. The string lights twinkled above, casting a warm glow over the celebration. She reached for a glass of water, but her eyes caught something across the reception area.
Her brother Cade was seated beneath the large cedar tree, flanked by Apollo and Xavier, the pack’s second-in-command. Their heads were close, postures tense. No one was smiling. Geri’s instincts prickled, and her grip on the glass tightened.
They had to be talking about the bombing.
She didn’t hesitate. She set down her glass and wove her way through the crowd toward them.
“This wasn’t just a random act,” Xavier said, his expression grave, a stark contrast to the festive atmosphere.
“This sounds serious,” said Geri, and sat beside her mate. “What have you found out?”
Cade’s eyes narrowed. “Go on.”
Xavier explained the details, describing the sophistication of the explosives and the precise nature of the attack. “Whoever did this knew what they were doing. They wanted to cause maximum damage. I’ve been investigating thebombing of the barn all day. And I’ve found evidence that it was a professional job.”
“A professional job?” Geri’s eyes widened in alarm. “That means this was deliberate. I should stay to help figure out what’s happening.”
