“You can have anything you want. A wedding, reception, honeymoon…”
Barrett cleared his throat. They both turned.
“Since I’m in the neighborhood and it is under my authority that Arkansas Weres mate, I could make it legal now.”
She looked at Braxton and smiled. “Okay.”
***
Barrett led them through the back of the house and into the forest. Patches of snow still clung to the ground, and from the smell in the air, Braxton knew there was more bad weather to come later that day.
The Arkansas commander stopped at a large oak tree and faced them. Braxton held his breath while Barrett spoke, giving his blessing on their union. He watched Kate’s beautiful face. She stared back at him, her eyes full of unshed tears of happiness.
All his life he’d never dared to believe he would be given such a gift as Kate. She was smart, funny, and beautiful as hell. And he silently vowed to do everything in his power to make her happy all the days of his life.
“Since Kate is not full-blood werewolf, blood must be shared to bond you two together.” Barrett produced a knife from a holster inside his jacket. Braxton held out his hand and Barrett made a shallow cut. He did the same with Kate’s hand.
Barrett then made a cut in his own palm and held it against Braxton’s palm and then Kate’s. He then pressed Braxton’s palm and Kate’s palm together.
“You are no longer two bodies. Instead you are one body, one heart, one soul. From this day forth, you will be forever entwined. None should ever come between you.”
Barrett nodded once and then walked away, leaving them the privacy of the forest.
“You okay?” Braxton caressed her cheek.
“I’m better than okay. I’m wonderful.” Kate kissed his wound. She gave him a worried look. “We haven’t even talked about where we would live. I mean your mom is in Louisiana…”
“We will live here. At Bella Luna.” Braxton pressed his finger to her lips. “My life is with you. I never thought I’d be so blessed to have someone like you, Kate.”
Kate smiled dreamily up at him. “I think I’m the blessed one. So what do we do now?”
Braxton arched his brow. “I’ve got an idea or two.”
“I can’t do that now. I’ve got a houseful of guests…”
“And, we’ve got Damon, Ava, and Granny to tend to them.” Braxton picked her up in his arms. “Which means I’m planning on having my way with you, even if I have to lock the damn bedroom door.”
“So, what are you waiting for?” Kate gave him a sassy smile.
Braxton smiled as he carried his mate, the love of his life, back to their home.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to Amanda Sumner, my critique partner who first read Braxton’s story. Your feedback was priceless in making this character great. Thank you to Jaye Garland for your critical eye for detail and advice regarding my Arkansas Werewolves. A shout out to my girl, Tracey Steele, who fought for my Werewolves before they were unleashed up the world. Your friendship is so valuable to me.
Thank you to Kim Killion for designing my Rise of the Arkansas Werewolves covers! You took an idea of how I wanted my covers and you brought them to life! Thank you Jennifer Jakes for the fantastic formatting, for answering all my lame questions and for always being accessible. You guys rock!
Lastly and most importantly, thank you to the readers and the fans that have loved my Rise of the Arkansas series. You guys have made my dream come true and you are the reason I continue to write.