Page 133 of A Game of Love and Betrayal

“Yes,” she replied honestly as she sipped her wine.

It bothered her that Zanri wasn’t here, but she wouldn’t let his absence ruin her night. This wonderful man beside her was her husband, and she would enjoy every second of their wedding.

“More than alright.” Brynleigh giggled, which was wholly unlike her. It was, quite frankly, disconcerting. “I’m very happy. Delighted, even.”

Clamping her mouth shut, Brynleigh eyed the glass she clutched. Maybe she’d had enough to drink. Everyone knew Faerie Wine loosened the tongues of even the most tight-lipped vampires.

A deep, warming chuckle ran through her husband. “Me too.”

A familiar pair of white wings caught Brynleigh’s attention. Hallie hurried towards their table. She wore a beautiful ruby cocktail dress, reminiscent of the Choosing’s theme, and matching heels. Therian followed behind, his hands in his pockets as he trailed his fiancée. The much larger dragon shifter dwarfed his partner, but they fit together perfectly. Just like Brynleigh and Ryker. Matches made in the heavens.

Brynleigh stood, wobbling slightly thanks to the Faerie Wine, and hugged Hallie. “I’m so glad you could make it. It’s nice to have a friend here.”

The Fortune Elf smiled. “Your wedding was beautiful.”

“Are you excited for yours?” It would take place three days from now. Brynleigh looked forward to attending before she and Ryker went on their honeymoon.

A brilliant grin lit up Hallie’s face. “Yes, I am.” She glanced behind her at Therian. “We can’t wait to get married, right?”

Therian bent and kissed Hallie’s cheek. “Right, love.” He looked up and smiled. “The wedding was very well done.”

“Thank you,” said Brynleigh. Even though she and Ryker didn’t have a lot to do with the actual planning, the wedding planner supplied by the Chancellor had listened to their suggestions. Brynleigh would forever remember this day.

“Of course.” Therian glanced at Ryker. “Captain, can we talk?”

Ryker stood and glanced at Brynleigh, an unspoken question in his eyes. Do you mind?

“It’s fine,” she assured him.

He slanted his mouth over hers, stealing a kiss. “I’ll be right back.” He trailed a finger down her collarbone, sending sparks running through her. “Wait for me?”

A smile danced on her lips. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

Ryker returned her smile as he and Therian moved away from the table. He whispered, “What’s going on?”

Therian rubbed his neck. “I got a message from my squad. There’s news about the rebels. They’ve…”

His voice dipped into a low whisper, too quiet even for Brynleigh to hear. Not that she tried. She’d ask Ryker about the conversation later. She was certain he’d tell her what he could.

She turned back to her friend. “I’m so glad you were able to come, Hallie.”

Unlike Zanri. She tried not to think about her friend’s absence because it was making her angry.

“You make a beautiful bride.” Hallie ran a hand down Brynleigh’s gown appreciatively. “This is absolutely stunning.”

It was. The moment Brynleigh had seen the dress on the rack, she’d known it was hers.

“Thank you.” Brynleigh moved her hips, the gown swishing around her. Yes, the wine was definitely getting to her head. “Isvana Blessed my Choice. Sometimes, I feel like this is a dream, you know?”

She never would’ve predicted this outcome.

Hallie’s head bobbed, and she shifted from one foot to the other. “I know exactly what you mean. Looking at Therian, I can’t believe we’re getting married. It’s insane how well we work. Does that make sense?”

Absolutely. Brynleigh couldn’t imagine her life without Ryker now.

“It’s like you’re two halves of the same whole.”

“Yes,” Hallie breathed. “Exactly. I tried to explain it to my parents, but they looked at me like I was crazy. But they weren’t in the Choosing. They don’t understand the connections that we made.”

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