The service goes by in a blur until it’s time for our vows. Wind has picked up, and the sky has darkened to steel blue. Sporadic drops of water fall on my face as Brady begins our simple vows we said to each other weeks ago. A streak of sun breaks through the clouds as he speaks.
When it’s my turn, the clouds clear, and we’re wrapped in sudden warmth. “I, Carly Cutler, take Brady Le Roux to be my husband. I promise to cherish, love, and protect him till death do us part.”
People chuckle at my promise to protect the alpha. But we know it’s not a joke. The sun is shining brightly now as if to share our joy with the clan.
Brady’s embrace is tight, and he takes me into a private world where nothing else exists when his mouth meets mine. My senses are enveloped in his heat, his smell, and his touch. For the first time in my life, I feel absolutely complete. The kiss goes on a little too long, and we finally break apart when the catcalls get too much. A voice calls out, “Bartender! Line up the Yukon Jack!”
Bottles clink and metal caps clatter on the bar as the wait staff frantically open Moosehead beer for the thirsty guests. A bottle of amber liquid I assume is the whisky is being passed around a group of men as they wait for their drinks, and someone yells, “Body shots!” I giggle when a group of women rush past us to answer the request. I almost expect to have Sierra grab my hand and pull me along.
Platters of whole raw fish are winding through the crowd, and hands reach out to snatch them without slowing down the waiters. A few get tossed in the air to be quickly gobbled up by large mouths. I suspect the no-shifting code of conduct will be waived later in the evening. I’m grateful Brady can talk in my head as he parades me though all the people, introducing me to the important ones. The older women share a knowing smile when they meet me, and I'm sure they can smell the pregnancy too. I see more than a few tear up, and I'm proud to be creating the future for this clan.
"You're about to meet the Robichaux. We need to work on making them our allies, so suck it up, sister."
I lean back so my body covers his and place my hand on his groin. "I think you're a little confused, because if you do what you do to me to your sister, I've married into the wrong family."
Brady's laugh roars through my head before he says, "Marion and Robert Robichaux, I'd like you to meet my wife, Carly Le Roux."
The moment I look into Marion's eyes, tiny hairs prickle on the back of my neck. I close my thoughts off from Brady. Her eyes are my eyes.
She glances down at the pin on my waist, and her hand shoots out to touch it. I grab her wrist before she can, and she asks, "Where did you get that?"
I force a friendly tone. "It was my mother's."
Her face pales, and I hear her whisper in my head. "Charlotte."
I stumble backward a step as I recall my mother's face, and her voice is crystal clear. It's Marion's. The realization makes me move forward to touch her arm as the corners of her mouth begin to lift.
A man steps gracefully between us as if cutting in to dance, and he grabs my hand. Alcohol is on his breath, and I cringe at his touch. "Victor Veilleux. And you must be the lovely new prima." His voice is cold as ice, and I pull my hand away as Brady tugs me against his body.
I say, "Yes."
His eyes are emerald green in a face framed by jet-black hair. "Surely you'll save a dance for me."
I smile sweetly and answer, "Of course."
Robert growls. "Young man, you’re interrupting.” Victor attempts a stare down, but Robert dismisses him by turning to me. “Now, Mrs. Le Roux, where were we?"
Victor steps back with a flourish of his arm as if he’s the one giving permission. I take Robert's hand with a grateful smile and say, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Robichaux."
He says, "The pleasure's mine. I do hope we'll be dining together in the near future. I think we have many common interests to discuss."
I turn to Marion. "I hope so, too." Her mouth is tight as she smiles, and I flash to my mother scolding me for something. It tugs on my heartstrings as hope blossoms in me. I push it away. "Do I know you?"
She stares at me but doesn't answer. Taking Richard’s arm, she walks away. Strange.
Brady lifts me by my hips and off my feet as he twirls me, causing me to let out a squeal. His bear is itching to play, and my skin tingles with the urge to shift too. He says, "Let's feed ourselves before this night gets crazy. You've never seen werebear in full swing.”
I reach up and place my hand on his face. It's smooth and warm under my fingers. "You forget. I like the whole crazy bear thing."
He turns to kiss my palm and says, "Oh, I haven't forgotten."
His voice reverberates through my body, and my core twitches in response. I reply, “God, I can't wait to get you naked.”