September Moon (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #8)

She wasn’t wrong about Kale. He had made mad passionate love to me in the rain up against the wall of The Wicked Kiss. And I had every detail forged deep into the recesses of my brain.

Before I could remember the way he felt inside me, I rushed down the stairs to fulfill my mission. While waiting for the teakettle to whistle, I gazed outside at the elaborate wedding setup.

Two local wolves were setting up tables with overhead umbrellas for the dinner after the ceremony. The florist was busy at work, decorating each table with a gorgeous centerpiece made up of wildflowers.

The doorbell rang and I called, “Come in.”

When I turned to find Shaz opening the door, I was struck speechless. How many times could I apologize? I’d sent him messages and called. He had ignored every one.

Our eyes met, and he froze. Holding the bag that contained his suit, he seemed to search for words. “I just thought I’d get ready here, if that’s ok.”

“Sure. The main floor bathroom is all yours. The girls have taken over upstairs.”

“Thanks.” Averting his gaze, he headed down the hall to the bathroom.

The teakettle whistled, and I rushed to silence it. After pouring a cup of tea for Kylarai and two glasses of champagne, I put it all on a tray and carefully made my way back upstairs.

I couldn’t help but feel like I should have said more to him. Pushing the issue today of all days might not be the best choice, so I let it go and returned to my bedroom.

“Shaz is here,” I said, passing out the drinks. “He does not seem happy to see me.”

“Wait until he gets a look at you in that dress,” Jez snickered. “He’ll do anything you ask and forget that it ticks him off.”

Jez’s constant lighthearted jokes were her own way of hiding her inner pain. I knew that. So I laughed along with her even though we both knew that forgiving and forgetting were two very different things.

“Don’t worry about it, Lex. He’ll come around. He always does.” Kylarai beamed and showed off her bouncy curls. Jez had swept them back from her face and pinned them so her veil could be attached atop her head. “How fabulous does my hair look?”

“Pretty damn fabulous.” I touched Ky’s silken tresses, admiring Jez’s handiwork before she slapped my hand away.

We continued to get ready. A plethora of makeup and hair accessories littered the bathroom counter. When I had finished applying mascara and blush, Jez went to work on my hair. With a big barrel curling iron, she created large, loose curls that fell in waves down my back. Then she made a small braid on either side and joined them together in the back. It was subtle but classic in its simplicity.

“Thanks, Jez. Who would have thought you’d have such a handy hidden talent?”

“I have many talents, most of which you’ll never know about.” She grinned and sipped from her champagne.

As the clock ticked, Kylarai grew more restless. I was nervous too. This was a big deal for her, and I couldn’t be happier.

I toyed with the black amulet around my neck. Brogan had instructed me to never take it off. Yet, I wasn’t sure it was right for the dress I’d be wearing. So I tied it around my ankle instead. It hung on the outer edge of my leg, a small black teardrop against my pale flesh.

From my underwear drawer I retrieved the small box containing the old, silver cross pendant Kale had given me. It was a beautiful piece of jewelry. Lying against my chest at the base of my throat, it shone as if it was brand new rather than hundreds of years old.

“Good choice,” Jez commented from where she stood at the counter applying her trademark red lipstick. Her hand shook slightly, the faintest tremor of withdrawal. “That pendant is gorgeous.”

The sound of muffled voices downstairs could be heard from beyond the closed door. People were starting to arrive. Shaz must have let them in.

Kylarai reacted to the noise by clutching her chest in mock agony and letting out a little shriek. “Holy crap, ladies. I think I’m scared.” Then she laughed so hard she began to tear up.

“None of that,” Jez admonished. “You’ll ruin your makeup. Save the tears for the big ‘I do’ moment.”

The energy in the house buzzed with excitement. On impulse, I pulled Kylarai into a hug and squeezed. “I am so happy for you,” I whispered, battling my own tears. “Now let’s get you wrestled into that dress.”

It took both Jez and I to get Ky into her wedding dress. It was a phenomenal strapless gown that hugged her tightly before flaring out below her waist. A simple pink ribbon tied around the middle was the only splash of color. The skirt was mostly made of tulle which made it fabulously huge. A train flowed from the back, trailing her like a white cloud.

Once Jez secured the veil into Ky’s hair, the three of us stared in the mirror, each wearing similar expressions of awe and joy.