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

“You don’t have to pee, do you?” Jez asked with a frown. “It’s not going to be easy with a skirt like that.”


“No,” Ky laughed. “I’m fine. For now.” She sobered quickly, and the joy faded. “Just so you both know, Coby and I, we’re not telling anyone yet. About the baby. You know, just in case it doesn’t work out.”

It was incredibly rare for werewolves to reproduce naturally. Our biological makeup was of two natures, human and wolf. It just didn’t make it likely. In most cases, conception simply never occurred.

“Hey, take a look at me.” Jez held her arms out as if she were on display. “I was born, not bitten. It happens. Maybe not often but it does. Keep the faith, ok?”

Ky nodded, her grey eyes sparkled with renewed hope. “Thank you.”

“Now,” I said, clapping my hands together. “Let’s go get you married.”

When all three of us were dressed and ready, we headed downstairs. Jez got stuck fighting with Kylarai’s skirt and train while I ran down ahead to make sure Coby was already in place outside.

I moved carefully in the pale-pink stiletto heels that added four inches to my short frame. No surprise, Jez had picked them out, but I’d had to admit that they were a perfect match to my soft pink dress.

The skirt flowed behind me as I moved, making me feel more feminine than usual. It was a nice change from bloodstained casual wear. I rounded the corner into the kitchen and living room area and almost collided with Shaz as he exited the main washroom.

“Whoa,” he exclaimed, taking a step back as he looked me over from head to toe and back up. “You’re beautiful, Lex.”

A blush warmed my cheeks, but his words warmed the cold spot inside me where worry lived. “Thanks, babe. You’re quite the looker yourself.”

Hell yeah he was. In a black tux that perfectly hugged every angle of his body, Shaz was dressed to kill. His short, platinum hair was lightly gelled into place; his face, clean shaven. I’d seen him in a suit before but never quite this dressed up. It was a good look for him. Very sexy and suave. It was swoon worthy.

We stared awkwardly at one another until he began to babble about everybody being seated and in place. All we needed to begin was the bride.

“Right.” I sprang into action. “I’ll just tell Kylarai we’re ready for her then.”

Once Ky was positioned in the hallway, Jez took her place with Bryce, a local wolf acting as a groomsman. I loved that Coby was connecting with the pack. Even if I was just a little bitter still about being kicked out.

The wedding party was small. The entire event was cozy, consisting of less than a dozen guests. The Stony pack seemed to be shrinking.

When it came time to take Shaz’s arm and follow Jez and Bryce out the patio doors, a sense of panic struck. One foot in front of the other, I managed to clutch my pink and white rose bouquet and descend the patio steps without falling on my face.

Shaz held tightly to me as if he knew I was afraid of embarrassing myself. Staring straight ahead at Coby made me forget my clumsy fears. He stood in front of the archway with the minister, waiting anxiously for his bride.

As we parted, Shaz gave my hand a squeeze. We lingered for just a second longer and then let go. I took my place next to Jez and turned along with everyone else to watch Kylarai’s entrance.

The setting sun cast her in a pale orange glow. She walked alone, taking slow, even steps. Shaz had offered to give her away, but she had wanted to give herself to Coby. It was insanely romantic. The guests rose as she passed by. She joined Coby at the front and already her eyes shone with unshed tears. The energy jumped between them, creating a warm, loving atmosphere.

As the minister spoke, the rest of us looked on, each lost in our own thoughts. I could feel Shaz’s gaze upon me. Our eyes met and so many things stormed against the dam I’d built inside that I was sure it would come crumbling down.

This would never be us. We would never bind ourselves together this way, declaring til death do we part. Though my spirit was elated with joy for my friends, it mourned the loss of something I had never had to begin with.

My sorrow shone in Shaz’s eyes. It was an unspoken dream our wolves shared, to be mated always. The human within knew better though. In that moment, as we listened to our friends declare their undying love, we were forced to let go of a future that would never be ours.

My wolf didn’t understand. She whined and scratched at my insides, demanding I go to Shaz and nuzzle him, to show him that our love lasted even if our time together didn’t.

Breaking eye contact, I stared at my feet and willed myself not to cry. It was a ridiculous need brought on by the intensity of the moment. Maybe later I would mourn the picket fence life I never knew I wanted. Then again, maybe I never would.