Page 44 of Protected By the Wolven

Lash grins against my mouth. “Funny, I ask myself the same thing every day.”

We sway together for a moment, content in our little bubble of joy. It’s hard to believe that just a few short months ago, I was trapped in a nightmare with Max. Bruised, beaten, hopeless. And now here I am, on the eve of marrying the love of my life, surrounded by a community that’s welcomed me with open arms.

The Wolven Warriors have been incredible, rallying around us to make sure our special day is truly magical. Dare and Fang spent hours yesterday stringing twinkling lights around the Naga Community Center, transforming it into an enchanted wonderland.

Bold’s mate Jasmine and Courage’s mate Candy managed to arrange for flowers. They said lots of brides donate their wedding flowers when the event is over. They’re breathtaking.

Courage even rigged up a clever pulley system to suspend a temporary dance floor over the naga pool so I can walk down the aisle.

Marissa loaned me her wedding dress. It makes me feel like a princess, all lace and rows and rows of pearl buttons and flounces of lace.

And Lash… my wonderful, thoughtful mate. He’s been my rock through all the chaos of wedding planning. Just last night, he presented me with a small wooden box, intricately carved with symbols I didn’t recognize.

“For weeks, I’ve been carving the box with the help of one of the elders,” he announced proudly, then proceeded to explain each symbol before popping it open to reveal a ring with a stone unlike any I’ve ever seen before.

“It was Loosh’s,” he explained, his voice rough with emotion as it always is when he speaks of the woman who raised him after he dropped to Earth. “One of the few things that survived the journey from An’Wa. It was her mating ring. I’ve always been fascinated by its starlike sparkle, and now my Starlight, my mate, will be wearing it every day of her life.”

Happy, emotional tears threaten for a moment, but I manage to hold them back. I can’t wait for him to put it on my finger tomorrow. It will be a constant reminder of the unbreakable bond we share. Maybe he’s right. Perhaps the Goddess had this planned all along.

Lash takes a step back, mischief dancing in his eyes. “You know, if we’re aiming for perfection, we should probably do a trial run. We should practice our wedding kiss, make sure it’s up to snuff.”

I laugh, the sound bubbling up from some effervescent well of happiness in my chest. “Is that so? Well, far be it from me to stand in the way of perfection…”

He captures my lips with his, the kiss soft and sweet and full of promise. I lose myself in the delicious slide of his mouth on mine, the rasp of his stubble against my skin, his fangs against my lips.

A sharp bark from the living room breaks us apart, both grinning like love-drunk fools. Miska scampers into the kitchen, her little paws tap-dancing on the tile.

“Alright, alright,” Lash chuckles, scooping her up. “Message received. Your wolven dad is neglecting his ball-throwing duties.”

My heart clenches at the thought that this male loves not only me, but my little ball of fur. Of course he does. He’s the best male on the planet.

He presses one more quick kiss to my forehead before heading for the door, Miska scrambling behind him.

“Try not to stress too much, Starlight. No matter what, tomorrow will be the best day of our lives.”

I watch him go, my heart so full it feels like it might burst. And as I turn back to my slightly overdone cakes, I realize he’s right. The details don’t matter. Let the cake be lopsided. Let the flowers wilt.

All that matters is that tomorrow, I get to pledge my life and my love to the most incredible male I’ve ever known. The male who saved me, who cherishes me, who looks at me like I hung the moon and stars.

Everything else is just icing on the (possibly burned) cake.

Chapter Thirty-Six: Epilogue

Zoya

“Twinkle, twinkle, little star…” I sing, my voice mingling with the gentle babble of the little orcling in my arms. Marissa’s daughter, Thalia, gurgles happily, her chubby green fist waving in time with the melody.

“You’re a natural.” Marissa grins at me from across the bakery counter, where she’s artfully arranging a platter of pastries. “She’s totally smitten with her Auntie Zoya.”

I bounce Thalia gently, my heart melting as she rewards me with a gummy smile. “The feeling is entirely mutual. Marissa, she gets more precious every day.”

“Yeah? Tell me that at two in the morning when she’s wailing because her toofies hurt. You think teeth hurt when they comein, wait until you have a babe with tusks—or fangs.” She’s smiling as she complains, though. Ever a doting mom.

The bakery is a hive of activity, a colorful whirl of ribbon-cutting preparations and last-minute decorating. The air is thick with the mouthwatering scent of fresh bread and sugary glazes, underscored by the bright laughter and chatter of our nearest and dearest.

It’s been two years since that fateful day Lash and I said “I do” in front of our mismatched, wonderful family. Two years of laughter, love, and more happiness than I ever dreamed possible. And now, as I stand on the cusp of opening Zoya’s Delights, my very own piece of heaven here in the Integration Zone, I’m filled with a bone-deep sense of belonging.

“Tired of holding one of my favorite orclings? She looks heavy, you should take a break.” Lash says as he emerges from the kitchen, a streak of flour on his cheek and a wide grin on his fang-filled face. He makes a beeline for me and Thalia, dropping a kiss to the baby’s downy head before capturing my lips in a sweet, lingering kiss.

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