Dark hazel eyes met mine—soft and welcoming. Liam offered his arm, and I wrapped my fingers around his forearm. He was the closest to my age, and the more chaotic of Kaelen’s brothers.
A bit of a wild child, even by mafia standards.
But in that moment, I saw him as a brother.
A steady force that wouldn’t let me tumble.
I always hated growing up without siblings. Most alpha and omega bonded pairs had big families, but unfortunately, my family hadn’t been so lucky. I looked forward to having two new brothers. Three if I counted Torin.
Liam’s hand covered mine and we started to move.
Afraid to meet Kaelen’s gaze, I stared at my silver flats poking out from under my dress with each step.
“Look up, Willow,” Liam said, his voice gentler than I had ever heard. “I promise you, it’s alright.”
Long fingers patted my hand. Dragging my lip over my teeth, I tilted my head up. On the left stood Sam with a tiny bouquet clutched in front of her dress. Ignoring how my heart hammered, I finally dared to look at him.
Aidan clutched Kaelen’s arm, whispering something in his ear.
A purr whispered against my lips as my eyes found his. The bright green glimmered in the setting sun, looking like dewy morning moss. He followed my every movement, his calm façade cracking ever so slightly. My omega preened, and a swell of emotion choked me.
Father Fitzpatrick nodded as Liam placed my hand in Kaelen’s. His crystal eyes twinkled under his half-moon glasses.
“My gorgeous omega,” Kaelen whispered, pecking my cheek as he stroked my ring.
I barely registered what was happening until Father Fitzpatrick directed me to turn Kaelen’s Claddagh ring while he did the same with mine.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Two palms cradled my face, rubbing my cheeks with so much reverence. I covered his hands with my own, allowing him to angle my head how he wanted it. Warmth burrowed into my heart when I met his unguarded gaze, so full of longing and passion.
It was like Sam said; he looked at me like I was the center of the universe.
I almost blurted out those three words. But before I could makea fool of myself, his lips slotted with mine. Our few assembled guests broke into applause. Kaelen slid a hand to my nape, gripping it while his other fell to my hip, tugging me closer.
Father Fitzpatrick cleared his throat as Kaelen slid his tongue past my lips.
Desire burned beneath my freckles. Kaelen chuckled, palming my head and pressing it into him.
“Sorry, Father,” he murmured. “Got carried away with my blushing bride.”
Twenty-Three
KAELEN
As we settled around the table for dinner, I kept touching Willow, refusing to hold back. I tucked her hair behind her ear, staying as close to her as possible. My gaze flicked to Aidan and Torin, who had Sam tucked between them, showering her with attention.
Goosebumps broke out on Willow’s arms as I nuzzled into her, drowning in her intoxicating scent.
For weeks, I’d restrained myself with Willow, nervous that I would spook her if I approached her with the full force of my alpha. But now, she was my wife. Fuckingmine.And nothing would ever change that.
Soon, I would bite her. Claim her in every possible way.
By the time her heat came, she would be ready.
I would bond her.
At the shelter, I saw something shift. Her scent blossomed, and the shell that surrounded her dissipated. My brave girl. Her omegahad accepted me that first night, and now Willow had too.
