Hazel is a vision in a teal silk jumpsuit that flares around her calves. The ensemble is a plain shimmering material with adelicate silver chain on her waist, which I bet holds at least two daggers.
Giving me a rare warm smile, Hazel takes her place beside me as one of myGroomswomen, while Seiji takes a stand on Grace’s side as one of theBridesmen.
Don’t get me started on the titles. It was a long, excruciating debate before everyone settled on these.
Next, my best friend and her mate walk down the aisle hand in hand, making everyone stare at the stunning couple with jealous green monsters over their shoulders. I don’t remember a single day where these two haven’t matched or at least coordinated outfits.
Nevaeh strides to me in a black jumpsuit with sparkling gold stitching from her neck to the waist and a sheer black cape draped around her shoulders. When my eyes follow the poorly healed scars on her arms, just like every eye here, I clear my throat to get rid of the tightening sensation.
When Grace designed the attires, I suggested adding sleeves, but she shook her head with a smile and told me that this way, Nevaeh could flaunt her strength the day when she was ready, but until then, the cape would hide her scars while also making her lookchic—as Grace called it.
Taking in the sheer black cape, I’m stunned by the realization thattodayis the day she has decided to not care about the judging eyes.
She’s not bound by her scars anymore.
Once Anxo helps his mate onto the stage, he kisses her head before running back to the start of the aisle, making everyone laugh at his rush. My best friend takes her designated spot next to me, and I duck to kiss her cheek. Nevaeh grabs my hand, knowing I’m a moment away from breaking.
I remember how hard it was for Grace to finally admit her dad wouldn’t be walking her down the aisle after all. To comforther, she formed a plan to torture him with details when he came back, and though it helped, Grace was still worried about doing it alone.
Anxo solved that dilemma effortlessly by asking Grace if she wanted him to match his suit with her dress so they lookedaestheticwalking down the aisle together. That man is always on top of things. His ability to stay ten steps ahead of everything and everyone is sometimes so fucking creepy.
Grace was over the moon by the gesture, and it took us twenty minutes to stop her tears. Thoughts about how Ireallysoothed my mate are forgotten when the most adorable mini-werewolf walks down the aisle in slow, careful steps with his flower basket.
August refuses to take the next step until he’s sure there are enough petals for Grace to walk on when she follows behind him.
I’m definitely begging Grace to give me my own August.
My eyes search for my solace, and the second they find my jittery mate walking down the aisle with Anxo supporting her, it’s like the world around me stops existing.
The large, flowy ball gown drags behind her, and even when the fabric is bulky, I can see how incredibly light it is. At least now I don’t have to worry about Grace feeling weighed down by it.
Nevaeh gave me so much shit for being ‘a softy’ when I kept asking if whatever my mate was wearing was comfortable. Once I got my answer I let it slip to Hazel how Nevaeh has become oddly fond of chilled soda.
Tit for tat monkey.
Seeing my beautiful bride, I understand why August was adamant about this suit. Grace is adorned in the exact shade of red as the rubies embroidered in my suit.
The thin off-shoulder straps fall to her smooth honey-brown shoulders, and I internally curse myself for not leaving a trail of love bites along her slender neck.
She’smarryingyou, dumb fucker. The world already knows she’s yours.
“How are you feeling now?” Seiji’s dad pats my shoulder from behind.
“Like I’m the luckiest man alive.” I barely hide my voice breaking, but when Grace smiles at me with those warm caramel eyes, a tear falls on my cheek anyway. She shakes her head with a soft smile, and I keep staring at her like a lovesick fool.
This is the first time I’ve seen Grace in a dark color. She usually prefers cool pastels, but after tonight, I’ll try to convince her to let me see her in red more often.
The second she is close enough, I step in to help her onto the stage and ignore Anxo standing beside her, giving me a look. The feel of her soft hands in mine finally helps ease the tight knot in my stomach.
“Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of The sisters of Fate to witness and bless the joining of this man and this woman in their soul linking for eternity. The bond…”
Lost in her eyes and beautiful smile that gets brighter as the ceremony proceeds, I completely zone out of what’s happening around me. I could’ve missed the whole fucking thing if my eyes didn’t stop drinking her in,which was so damn difficult, but when she tugs my hands and chuckles, I focus back on the ceremony.
“I take it you have your own vows?”
We both nod, and Horseman Famine asks Grace to go first. I can’t help the panic that flashes inside me for a quick second.
What if she says all the perfect things, and when it’s my turn, I spew some nonsense instead of what took me weeks to prepare? My rapid thoughts come to a halt at her soft voice.
