Winslet pressed her fingertips against the frost-kissed window of the Icefang clan’s ceremonial hall, watching the Arctic sun cast molten gold shapes across the frozen lake’s surface. Her breath created delicate clouds against the cool glass, but inside her chest, warmth bloomed steady and unshakeable. The woman reflected in the window bore little resemblance to the terrified city girl who had fled Seattle two months ago—no longer hunted, no longer diminished, no longer running from shadows that whispered Bracken’s name.
“Stop fidgeting with that window and let us finish your hair,” her mother chided gently, though affection colored every word. She moved with the practiced efficiency of someone who had orchestrated countless elegant events, but her hands trembled slightly as she arranged the delicate silver pins that would hold Winslet’s veil.
Ellie laughed from where she knelt, adjusting the hem of Winslet’s wedding dress with scientific precision. “She’s just nervous. I would be too if I were about to marry the most intimidatingly gorgeous Alpha in the Arctic.”
“Korrak isn’t intimidating,” Winslet protested, turning from the window.
“Right.” Ellie’s hazel eyes sparkled with mischief. “The man’s protective energy for you practically radiates across the territory.”
Heat crept up Winslet’s neck at the truth in those words. Even now, separated by walls and tradition, she could feel Korrak’s presence through their mate bond—restless, eager, barely contained. He was probably pacing like a caged predator.
“He’s perfect for you,” her mother said softly, securing the final pin.
Ellie rocked back on her heels, grinning. “God, I’m so jealous. You get this powerful, devoted Alpha who would level mountains for you, and I’m stuck with?—“
“Kol,” Winslet interrupted, raising an eyebrow. “Who happens to be completely smitten with you.”
Pink stained Ellie’s cheeks. “We’re just... figuring things out.”
“You’ve been ‘figuring things out’ for weeks.”
“Well, seeing you and Korrak together made me realize I was being an idiot,” Ellie admitted, standing and smoothing her burgundy bridesmaid dress. “When someone looks at you the way Kol looks at me... you’d have to be dead not to feel something.”
Before Winslet could respond, the door burst open with theatrical flair. Gerri Wilder swept in wearing a shocking pink pantsuit that somehow managed to look both elegant and audacious, her white bob perfectly styled despite the Arctic wind outside.
“There’s my beautiful bride!” Gerri announced, her voice carrying that familiar mix of warmth and mischief that had first convinced Winslet to trust her in a Seattle hotel room. “Though I have to say, you’re practically glowing today.”
Winslet’s heart lifted at seeing the woman who had orchestrated her escape—and ultimately, her salvation. “Gerri! I wasn’t sure you’d make it.”
“Miss your wedding? Darling, I wouldn’t dream of it.” Gerri’s eyes, shifting between blue and gold in the afternoon light, swept over Winslet with satisfaction. “I must admit though, your situation was a bit trickier than my usual matchmaking cases. But I’m so thrilled it worked out. That grizzly bear was a menace who got exactly what he deserved.”
The casual mention of Bracken no longer sent ice through Winslet’s veins. He was gone. And she was here, whole and loved and free.
Gerri stepped closer, her expression shifting to something almost mystical. “It seems like your Alpha is going to have an heir to secure his family’s lineage after all.”
Winslet’s breath caught, her hand instinctively moving to her still-flat stomach. “How did you—I literally just found out yesterday.”
Ellie squeaked, launching herself forward to envelop Winslet in a careful hug. “You’re pregnant? Oh my God, that’s incredible!”
Winslet laughed, tears pricking her eyes. “Korrak nearly passed out when the healer confirmed it.”
“He’s going to be insufferably protective of that child,” Ellie warned, but her smile was radiant.
“He already is,” Winslet said, warmth flooding her chest. “He’s been hovering since yesterday.”
Gerri clapped her hands together, her eyes flashing gold. “Well, this calls for celebration! Though I suppose we should get you married first before that Alpha of yours breaks down the door to get to you.”
As if summoned by her words, a sharp knock echoed through the room. Kol’s voice carried through the wood, carefullycontrolled but tinged with amusement. “Ladies, the ceremony is about to begin. And Korrak is approximately thirty seconds away from storming this room if his mate doesn’t appear soon.”
Ellie pressed a quick kiss to Winslet’s cheek before heading toward the door. “That’s my cue.”
As Ellie slipped out with Kol, Winslet’s father appeared in the doorway, resplendent in his formal suit. His eyes softened as he took in his daughter.
“Ready, baby girl?” he asked, offering his arm.
Winslet took one last look in the mirror—at the woman who had survived hell and found heaven in the arms of an Arctic Alpha, who carried new life and infinite possibility—and nodded.
“More than ready.”
