I take a breath, steadying myself.
"All right," I say. "Let's… let's do it. It's a yes. For both of you."
Kayden lets out a bark of laughter, sweeping me off the chair and into his arms like we're at the climax of a chaotic romantic comedy. He kisses me fiercely, heat and triumph pouring into every movement.
When he pulls back, his eyes are glowing. "I had the best idea, and it wasn't even from a book. Admit it. You're proud of your husband-to-be."
"I am," I say, laughing despite myself.
Asher steps in, his hand closing around mine as Kayden releases me. His kiss is quieter but no less intense. He cups my cheek, his palm warm against my skin, and murmurs, "Well, future Mrs. Darrow, we have a wedding to plan."
Future Mrs. Darrow.
The words hit me like a spark and a weight. This is happening. It's wild, reckless, entirely insane. And yet, somehow… it feels right.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Sage
When we spill the big news to everyone gathered in the living room, there's a stunned, ringing silence.
Then, chaos.
"Oh my god, congratulations! I wish we had time for a proper ceremony," Donna squeals, giddy with excitement.
"If you're certain this is the right path…" Tomas says, cautious but not opposed.
"Both of them?" Jace blurts, eyes wide, horrified. "Like, at the same time?"
"Well, didn't see that one coming." Winston exhales slowly, clearly stunned.
"Weaponizing marriage." Astrid raises her beer. "Respect."
Eira only smiles, like she knew before any of us.
I clear my throat. "Maeve, would you be willing to conduct the ceremony? And is it possible to bond with both?"
Maeve stares for a long beat, then shakes her head, and lets out a short, disbelieving laugh.
"It's possible," she says. "Nature doesn't carry the same hang-ups as human law. But Sage…" Her gaze sharpens. "Areyou absolutely sure? Binding yourself to vampires… this kind of bond is unnatural."
Kayden bristles immediately. "We didn't ask for judgment, druid."
"This isn't judgment," Maeve says coolly. "It's fact. Nature marriage connects your life force. They are death. You are life. It could be unpredictable."
"Would it be harmful?" I ask. "To any of us?"
Maeve studies me for a moment, then shakes her head slowly. "Not that I know of. A bond made in willingness is accepted by the old magic. But it would be uncharted territory. Honestly…" Her lips twitch into something almost like amusement. "I'm curious to see how it would turn out."
"This isn't a research project," Asher says, his voice calm but firm. "It's our lives."
Maeve tilts her head. "And yet you came to a druid. You ask nature for help, and you get nature's interest."
Asher steps forward. "Are you willing to conduct the ceremony?"
Maeve sighs, the weight of politics and danger visible in her expression. "That would be pushing it. Helping you with the crystal and the protective barrier? He might overlook it. But officiating a marriage between his runaway bride and two vampires?" She shakes her head. "He won't let that slide."
"Are you afraid of him?" I ask quietly.
