Page 80 of Fastlander Fallen

“You look so…” Gunner’s eyes were full of his heart. “You’re beautiful, Hallie.”

Well, now Corey was already crying.

She was in heels, so Ace offered her an arm through the doorway into the room where they were having the ceremony. A few people were already in there. Gunner’s parents, Haydan and Cassie Walker, were there, and Damon Daye stood off to the side in a black suit, his hands clasped formally in front of him. There was also another familiar face there.

She recognized him from that night at the bar. Wreck. His face was void of emotion, and he stood next to Damon Daye. He caught Corey’s eye and nodded slightly.

She still had no clue what his shifter animal was, but he was here, and that counted for something. He’d shown up on a big day for the Alpha of the Fastlanders.

As she took her place beside Hallie, she was overwhelmed with the moment. She looked around at the people who had shown up for such an intimate moment. These were her cousin’s people. They were her people.

A soft purring growl emanated from her chest, and Ace brushed her back. “I’m okay. Just happy,” she whispered.

He nodded and stood back, clasped his hands in front of himself as the marriage officiant began.

That was just Ace. Solid. Sensitive to her needs, but he would bleed a motherfucker if they crossed a line. He was understanding, and kind, and strong. Dominant when she needed it, and tender when she slipped.

No one here knew it, but this morning she had given him a bagel. It might seem silly to most, but to them, it meant everything. It was a declaration. He’d given her the necklace she was wearing. It matched his, with the same pendant, but smaller.

Oh sure, she would probably have to replace the chain a dozen times, but that was okay.

She was his and he was hers, and someday, this would be them claiming each other.

Today was Hallie and Gunner’s day, but Corey was confident in the man who stood with her, supporting their friends. Supporting their family. Their Crew.

Tomorrow they would party in Damon’s Mountains, but for today?

Today they were bonding and celebrating Hallie becoming the mate of the Alpha. The wife of Gunner. The Second of the Fastlanders. The partner in all the chaos and triumph and joy and heartache.

After today, it felt like they were solid.

Like they would officially be the Fastlanders.

As the wedding officiant spoke, she turned again to Ace, and smiled up at him.

His eyes had already been on her. Always on her.

I like you, she mouthed.

His slow smile grew. Love you too, he mouthed back.

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