Page 30 of Christmas Embrace

“As do you,” Luca responded. “And Kade.”

“Well, we can’t help it if we’re three studs.” Tristan looked in the mirror, smoothed a hair with a finger. He turned to Kade and blew him a kiss.

“There’s something wrong with you,” Luca shot back. “What’s the wolf doing at the wedding anyway?”

“He’s ours.”

“No. Not mine. He’s yours.” Luca waved Kade’s hands away and gave his tie a final tug. “I’m surprised he’s actually wearing clothes for once.”

“Hold on there, big man. Who says I’m wearing all my clothes?” Tristan gave a devious smile. “I’ll let you in on a little secret, boys. I’m freeballin’ it tonight.”

“There is definitely something wrong with you,” Luca said. “Why are you telling me this? You’d better keep those pants up tonight. No naked wolves. Period.”

“I won’t make any promises I can’t keep. Gotta be ready at any moment. It’s a full moon. Kalli’s looking hot as fuck tonight. Santa’s coming to town.”

“All these years and he’s every bit as uncouth as the moment you picked up his mangey hide off the street.”

“Have you been drinking?” Kade asked the Alpha.

“High on life, bro. That and I’m taking it all in, watching mister I’m a tough vampire go soft. Not just soft soft but ewy-gooey hot fudge with a cherry on top soft.”

“Fuck you,” Luca growled. “Who are you kidding with your big talk? You both have females. I’m simply formalizing what uncivilized wolves are incapable of doing.”

“Wolves are destined mates from the Goddess. We don’t need to dress up as penguins to claim our women.”

“Humans, my lupine friend. You forget.”

“And that is why we are superior,” Tristan joked. “I do look sick in this tux, right?”

“You’re not superior. You’re animals.” Luca turned to Kade. “Why did I invite him to be in this wedding?”

“Because we’ve known each other for years. And on occasion we’re friends.” Kade smiled at Tristan. “He enjoys taking the piss out of ya. I’ve missed the Alpha.”

Luca stood in front of the mirror, his expression serious. “So. I’m getting married today.”

“You okay?” Tristan asked, concern in his voice.

“I’m…I’m getting married.”

“You’re not having second thoughts, are you?”

“No, no, it’s just that…you know as a lad, I was engaged.”

“Yes.” Kade nodded, aware she’d died.

“I thought I was in love with her, a human. But my witch. She is the one. Do you remember how I went to get her in Pennsylvania? And you?” He laughed and looked to Tristan. “Naked as always.”

The wolf nodded with a smile.

“Leo burned the damn cabin down, leading us on that wild chase. And now here I am marrying the high priestess.”

“Destiny, brother,” Kade said.

“True dat. And it’s time for you to get married. Or it’s going to be your destiny that Samantha kicks your ass for being late.”

“It wouldn’t be pretty,” Kade agreed.

“Ready big guy?” Tristan asked.