Page 52 of Quick on the Claw

Tiffany’s voice cracked slightly, but she pressed on. “I can’t thank you enough for taking that leap with me. For seeing past my walls and loving me anyway. For giving me the courage to love you back, fully and without reservation.”

She squeezed his hands, a soft smile playing on her lips. “I promise to stand by you, in good times and bad. To be your partner, your confidante, and your biggest supporter. To love you fiercely and without condition. And to always, always believe in the magic of us.”

As she finished, Tiffany saw tears glistening in Zak’s eyes. He brought her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles.

Zak gazed into Tiffany’s eyes, his heart swelling with an emotion so profound it threatened to overwhelm him. The golden light of Nova Aurora’s twin suns filtered through the stained glass windows, casting a warm glow over Tiffany’s face, making her look even more radiant than usual.

He took a deep breath, his deep voice resonating through the hall as he began his vows.

“My Tiffany,” he started, his golden eyes never leaving hers, “my brave, beautiful, extraordinary Tiffany. You have given me more than I ever dreamed possible. For years, I wondered if I would ever find my true mate. The weight of the crown and the responsibility to my people - it all seemed to overshadow any chance of finding the kind of love I saw between my parents.”

Zak’s voice softened, filled with gratitude. “It was my mother’s wisdom that led me to you. Her advice to look beyond our world, to be open to new possibilities - it brought you into my life. And now, I cannot imagine a single day without you by my side.”

He squeezed her hands gently, his thumbs tracing small circles on her skin. “All my life, I’ve watched my parents’ love, their unwavering support for each other, their ability to face any challenge together. I yearned for that kind of connection, never truly believing I would find it. But then you came crashing into my world, with your quick wit, your boundless compassion, and your incredible strength.”

Zak’s voice cracked slightly with emotion. “You challenge me, support me, make me laugh. You see me not just as a king, but as a man. With you, I’ve found that deep, unshakeable bond I’ve always dreamed of. You are my partner, my confidante, my heart.”

He brought one hand up to cup Tiffany’s cheek, his touch infinitely gentle. “I vow to love you with every fiber of my being and to support your dreams as fiercely as you support mine. I promise to be your safe harbor in any storm, to face every challenge by your side. To cherish every moment of laughter, every quiet night, every adventure that lies ahead of us.”

Zak’s eyes flickered briefly to Tiffany’s stomach where their child grew before meeting her gaze again. “You’ve given me a love beyond my wildest dreams, and now a family of my own. I promise to be the best mate, the best father, the best man I can be for you, for our child, and for our future together.”

His voice dropped to a tender whisper, meant only for Tiffany’s ears. “My love for you spans galaxies and transcends worlds. It is as eternal as the stars themselves. Thank you for choosing me, for loving me, for being my perfect match in every way. I love you, Tiffany, now and always.”

As Zak finished his vows, a collective sigh rippled through the audience. Queen Astra dabbed at her eyes, a proud smile on her face. Even the usually stoic Draven looked misty-eyed.

Tiffany’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her smile radiant as she gazed up at Zak.

EPILOGUE

Tiffany’s cheeks ached from smiling as she gazed around the grand reception hall. The air buzzed with laughter and music, a perfect blend of Earth and Nova Auroran melodies. Her hand was firmly clasped in Zak’s, their fingers intertwined as if they couldn’t bear to be separated even for a moment.

“Can you believe it?” she murmured, leaning into her new husband’s solid warmth. “We did it. We’re actually married. Married and mated.”

Zak’s deep chuckle rumbled through her. “Indeed we are, my love. How does it feel to be a queen?”

Tiffany wrinkled her nose playfully. “Honestly? Not much different than being a teacher. I still feel like I’m winging it half the time.”

“You’re perfect,” Zak assured her, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. “I love you more than I ever thought possible.”

“I love you too,” Tiffany whispered back, her heart swelling with emotion. “So much it almost scares me sometimes.”

Their intimate moment was interrupted by an excited squeal. Sia bounced toward them, dragging a bemused-looking Draven behind her.

“Oh my god, you guys!” Sia gushed, enveloping Tiffany in a tight hug. “That ceremony was amazing. I totally didn’t cry. Nope. Not at all.”

Tiffany laughed, returning the hug. “Sure you didn’t. I totally believe you.”

As they pulled apart, something glittering on Sia’s left hand caught Tiffany’s eye. “Wait a second,” she gasped, grabbing her cousin’s hand. “Is that what I think it is?”

Sia’s grin threatened to split her face. “Maybe,” she singsonged, wiggling her fingers to show off an ornate ring. “Draven might have done a little proposing of his own after our mating.”

Draven ducked his head, a blush creeping up his neck. “I couldn’t let Zakhar have all the fun,” he mumbled.

Zak clapped his friend on the back. “Congratulations, brother. It’s about time.”

“We can’t wait to start our own family,” Sia added, her eyes sparkling. “Maybe our kids can grow up together.”

As the two couples chatted excitedly about their future plans, King Alyx and Queen Bella approached, their daughter Avery skipping alongside them.

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