“Kaiis right behind this bush. I don’t want him to see you yet, but he needs totalk.”
Ilooked at the bush and could see him through the leaves. “What’s wrong?”
Kaisighed. “The wolves protecting our perimeter have given me some distressinginformation.”
Ifelt dread sink into my stomach. “Spit it out! What happened?”
“Well,RAIDOS showed up on foot, deep in the woods, intending to stop the wedding, I’msure.”
Well,I guess that was to be expected.
“And… the vampires stopped them. Killed some of them. Sent the rest running.” Kaisighed.
“What!”I shrieked. Oh my God. The vampires were so invested in us having the matingceremony so that I would become fertile and then Layla could have evil spawnchildren, that they were protecting my wedding!
“Kai,that’s–”
“Iknow. It feels like we are doing what they want.” He seemed unsure. Oh my God,he was having second thoughts. Sadness overwhelmed me.
“Youdon’t want to …” I started. I guess I understood.
Thebush rattled and Kai leapt out from behind it and approached me. “What? Are youcrazy? No.”
Ilaughed. “Emma’s gonna kill you.”
Helooked at my hands and feet, then at my lips. “You look beautiful and I’mmarrying you today. You will be my wife for the rest of my life here on Earthand every life after that.” He pulled my body close to his and tenderly strokedmy cheek. I felt my throat tighten with emotion.
Thescreen door opened and Emma came out. “Kai! You’re breaking tradition! Get outof here.”
Kaifaked a scared expression. “Gotta go.” He kissed me quickly.
‘I’lltake care of everything. I just wanted you to know what was going on and Iwanted to hear your voice.’
Ismiled.
Kaiwas walking away when he turned to look back at me. “I can’t believe I’mmarrying a witch.”
Iplayfully gave him the middle finger. Emma slapped my hand. “Aurora,” shescolded. “Come on, you have to get ready.”
Can’targue with a pregnant woman.
I Do
Ouch.My hair was being pulled up tightly in a cascade of curls. There were four attendantsworking on my wedding makeover. I raised my arms up so the ladies could wrap mysari. Emma finished brushing some lipstick on me with a small brush. I blottedmy lips. She started tearing up.
“What’swrong?” I reached out to touch her. My henna had dried and been washed off anda deep, dark reddish print was in its place. Red and white glass banglesclinked on my wrist.
“You’reso beautiful, weddings are so beautiful. I think I’m a little sensitive becauseof the pregnancy hormones, but I’m really glad you came into our pack and webecame such good friends. You’re like a sister. I love you.” She sniffled.
“Emma!Stop or I will cry.” I gave her a long hug, careful of her belly sticking out. WhenI pulled away Emma was smiling and wiping her face.
Therewas a faint knock at the door. Raj poked his head in. “May I speak with you?” heasked.
Inodded. Everyone left me and I was alone with my father-in-law-to-be.
Helooked me up and down and smiled. “You look like a true Indian bride.”
Ismiled. Raj and I had an understanding. He acted like a big, tough Alpha and Iknew better. He was a loyal, loving father and a good man. We had a goodrelationship.
