Behind the arch, the waterfall spills like liquid gold, fireflies dotting the tree and flowers, their glow turning everything even more enchanting.
A soft melody fills the air as I walk Nevaeh down the aisle where Anxo waits for her at the altar, the sunset blazing behind him.
He stands tall in a black suit with golden embroidery tracing his sleeves and collar. He looks every bit the royal Horseman.
But it’s the way he looks at her that matters.
Anxo can’t take his eyes off Nevaeh. No one can deny that the man is in love.
The smile on his face, the tears in his eyes, the way Jackson has to stop him from running to his bride says everything about the man my daughter is marrying today.
Hazel, Grace, and Jackson stand behind him, adorned with eager smiles to get this union blessed by the Sisters of Fate.
Harvey and Seiji stand on the other side… where I’m supposed to walk Nevaeh and take a step back, both physically and mentally.
When Anxo steps forward to take Nevaeh’s hand, something in my chest splinters. But before I can feel it fully, they both turn to me, smiling, and pull me into a tight hug. Like they need it just as much as I do.
Nevaeh curls her hand around her mate’s arm as he helps her onto the stage, and that’s my cue to step back and take my seat.
August is waiting for me beside my chair in the front row, right next to Seiji’s parents, Akihiko and Yua. Elijah and his mate sit beside them, followed by Khatri, his mate, and their two daughters.
I sit and pull the little werewolf into my lap. His hellhound sneaks under the chair, hidden from sight but watching everything.
I don’t think I’ll ever forget the looks on everyone’s faces when August walked down the aisle, carefully scattering the petals while a hellhound shadowed his every step.
It was fucking hilarious watching grown men lean away from a five-year-old and a three-month-old pup.
Now everyone knows August is protected by one of the most dangerous creatures in existence. I have no doubt the news will spread like wildfire soon enough.
After the Crescent Moon Coven slaughtered his pack, a message needed to be sent. He’s not a target anymore. And anyone who tries to make him one will be ripped to shreds.
The tightness in my throat eases with every smile Nevaeh and Anxo share.
They look truly happy.
I’ve been sulking about losing my girls, but that’s not entirely true, is it?
Before I left, my castle was a ghost house of the family I wanted. And now I finally have it.
My eyes drift across the stage until they find my mate. Like they always do.
Hazel’s eyes lock with mine. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, smiling softly. It’s so beautifully blinding that I forget where I am.
Usually her smiles feel restrained, like she’s afraid to jinx her own happiness, but not today.Today she’s glowing, beaming with joy, surrounded by our family.
Her teal gown flows like water, the soft light tracing every delicate detail as she moves. Effortless. Quietly captivating. Impossible to look away from.
The sheer fabric shows hints of smooth caramel skin beneath the shimmery waves printed on her dress. Thin straps rest on her shoulders, teasingly delicate, and when she turns toward Grace, I choke on my own spit at the glimpse of her bare back.
Two delicate straps crisscross her back, just above where the dress dips low at her hips. Fates, is she trying to ruin me?
Everything about Hazel in that dress is a personal form of torture.And I’d happily suffer.
Hazel turns back, and I realize I’m biting my knuckles, trying to stop my shadows from running to her.
Her head tilts to the side, brows dipping as she studies my expression.
Then she looks away, cheeks flushing pink when she realizes exactly what she’s doing to me.
