“And none of them are you, honey,” he admitted.
Tempest’s lips twitched. “Good answer,” she said.
A chair scraped loudly across the hardwood floor. “All right, lovebirds,” Wraith called. “You two done flirting so we can get this show on the road?”
Laughter rippled through the room as Howler shot his Enforcer a dark look. Wraith just grinned, not phased byHowler’s threatening look. He stood at the head of the makeshift aisle with his arms crossed over his chest, looking entirely too pleased with himself. Someone had shoved a tablet into his hands, though it was obvious he had no intention of actually reading from it.
“You’re really okay with him doing this?” Howler muttered.
Tempest shrugged innocently. “My club likes him. They think that he’s funny.”
Across the room, one of the Dark Chaos women yelled, “Get married already!” More laughter followed, and Wraith cleared his throat dramatically.
“All right,” he said. “Let’s get serious.” The room went quiet again. Wraith glanced between them, his expression sobering in a way Howler knew all too well.
“We all know why we’re here,” he said. “Not because these two need paperwork or permission.” A few approving murmurs spread through the crowd.
“Wolves don’t mate lightly,” Wraith continued. “And bikers don’t pledge themselves to someone unless they’re ready to ride through hell for each other.” His gaze flicked between Tempest and Howler. “These two already proved that.”
Howler felt Tempest’s fingers brush against his. Wraith gestured lazily. “So instead of a bunch of fancy words, we’re keeping it simple.”
Tempest lifted an eyebrow. “That’s your plan?”
Wraith grinned. “You trust each other with your lives?”
Howler answered immediately. “Yes.”
Tempest didn’t hesitate either. “Always.”
“You ready to stand beside each other when the next war shows up?” Wraith asked.
“Yes,” Howler said.
Tempest’s voice came softer—but stronger. “Always.”
Wraith nodded once, seeming satisfied with both of their answers. “Then say it.”
Howler turned fully toward Tempest and really looked at her. The scars along her shoulder from that night in the warehouse were still red and visible under her dress. There was a strength in her posture and a fire in her eyes. She had walked into his life like a storm and burned a place in his chest he hadn’t known was empty.
“My wolf chose you before I understood why,” Howler said quietly. “You fight harder than anyone I’ve ever met. You protect your people like they’re carved into your bones.” Tempest’s eyes shimmered slightly. “You’re my equal,” he continued. “My partner. My storm.” His voice lowered. “My mate.”
Tempest swallowed, and then she stepped closer. “You’re stubborn,” she said. The room snickered, and Howler smirked faintly. “You’re bossy,” she continued.
“Accurate,” Wraith muttered.
Tempest smiled but didn’t even glance his way, keeping her eyes on Howler. “But you stood beside me when everything was burning down around me,” she said softly. “You fought for my people like they were yours.”
Her hand finally closed around his, strong and certain. “You didn’t try to control my storm.” Howler’s wolf rumbled with pride. “You rode straight into it right by my side.” She squeezed his hand. “You’re my partner, my equal, and my mate.”
Wraith clapped his hands once. “Well damn,” he said. “That works for me.” The room erupted with laughter and cheers, and Wraith spread his arms dramatically. “By the authority absolutely no one gave me,” he announced, “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
Tempest blinked. “That’s it?”
“That’s it,” Wraith said.
Howler didn’t wait another second. He pulled her against him and kissed her, and the room exploded in cheers and howls. Someone revved a motorcycle outside the clubhouse doors as Tempest kissed him back like she did everything else—fierce, fearless, and completely unapologetic.
When they finally broke apart, she rested her forehead against his. “You ready for what comes next?” she asked.
