I raised a brow, chuckling. “Oh? Well, I’m glad someone can reel you in, Cas.”
“This whole thing was my idea, though,” he said, slipping an arm around Nyssa’s waist and pressing a kiss to her temple. “I won’t allow Daxton to steal all the credit.”
I smiled, my heart lighter. “Thank you for suggesting the ceremony, Castor. I didn’t think much of it at first. I even grumbled all day—”
“Why am I not surprised?” he cut in with a saccharine grin.
“But I’m very happy we did this.”
Nyssa’s gaze drifted over the celebration, her eyes softening as she signed, “Shifters and High Fae are reunited. Just like our ancestors.”
I sighed with a gentle smile. “I agree.”
“Sixty seconds, Spitfire.”
I jumped, startled by the low growl in Daxton’s voice that stirred something primal within me. My phoenix awakening in a rush of heat through my core.
“I believe this is our cue to leave,” Castor whispered to Nyssa as he led them away.
“And then what?”I asked, my heart fluttering, eyes scanning the celebration.
“And then the chase begins.”
Chase?
I whipped my head around, searching for my husband. Across the way, I found his silver gaze locked on me, sparking with a dangerous glow that made my breath catch.
“In thirty seconds, Spitfire, you… are going to run.”
I blinked, swallowing heavily.“Run?”
“Yes. And when I catch you—”
“You meanifyou catch me?”
He smirked.“Cute.”
“If you catch me, then what?”
I couldn’t look away. The predatory gleam in his gaze was dangerous—and it excited me.
“Then, I'll prove to you why I’m the only male who can and ever will claim you. You. Are. Mine, Skylar.”
My throat tightened as a fierce wave of desire pulsed deep within me.
“Ten seconds.”
Lifting my skirt, I spun away from the crowd and dashed into the trees, heart pounding with every breath.
“Five.”
This was exhilarating. I never thought a chase like this would be so thrilling.
“Three.”
I made it to the riverbank, turned, and darted for the rolling hills.
“One.”
