Page 106 of Beyond the Darkness

Chris quickly nodded his head. “Yes. Absolutely. You are one hundred percent right.”

Michail snickered.

Kit became teary-eyed with emotion. “Yeah, he’s... he’s amazing. They both are. And, dammit, if you make me mess up my makeup, I’m going to throw a makeup brush at you, Mom.”

Grace quickly hugged Kit. “No need to resort to violence. There will be no tears. Well, no more tears.”

Kit had gotten a little weepy when he’d gotten text messages from both Hudson and Connie letting him know they’d arrived safely. Connie’s message was filled with joy and excitement, while Hudson’s carried a hint of grumpiness as he expressed how much he missed Kit already. Despite being an Ancient, Hudson promised to persevere without one of his loves by his side.

Maybe.

Hopefully.

Connie had then texted that he was keeping Hudson from storming the bridal suite, sweeping Kit off his feet, and flying away with him. Kit had laughed through his tears. Didn’t that just sound like his mates? He was touched by the love that both Hudson and Connie consistently showed, even amidst Hudson’s humorous grumbling.

There was a soft knock on the door, and Chris checked to see who it was. Connie’s mom and his dads popped in to visit with Kit, the photographer with them. After dozens of pictures of Kit, his parents, and Connie’s parents, the photographer left. Henrietta and her mates left soon after that.

“It won’t be long now,” Grace said, checking her watch.

“I know. I’m ready. More than ready.”

“You look stunning,” Grace said, kissing his cheek.

“Thanks, Mom. You don’t look too bad yourself.” Kit giggled when she rolled her eyes.

His mom and Connie’s mom were both dressed in floor-length red gowns, while all the dads were in black tuxedos with red shirts and red rose boutonnieres. Only Kit and his grooms would be in red and white.

Hudson’s dads were not there, of course.

Kit stood before a towering mirror, his reflection merging tradition and modernity. His heart raced as he stared. Every detail had been painstakingly chosen for this night, from the intricate weave of pearls adorning his updo with its few loose strands softly framing his face to his white tux with its long flowing train, which Kit absolutely adored. It was both masculine and feminine.

The tux jacket was open back and heavily embroidered with seed pearls. His jewelry, of course, was pearls… at his wrists and ears. Later, after the wedding was over, he’d return to the bridal chamber and take off the coat since it had such a long train.

It was simply gorgeous but bulky. What he planned to do was stay in the white pants, then add a sheer white shirt. He’d wear the pearl body chain Hudson had given him over the shirt. Yeah, that should get him some appreciative rumbles from his mates.

Wait until they saw what he had underneath his clothes later tonight.

The sound of music floated through the air as the orchestra began to play a soft melody, signaling the end of cocktail hour.

Grace peeked out the window. “Okay, everyone is heading inside. Your dads and I are going to go, but they’ll be waiting for you outside of the grand ballroom.”

There was another knock, and Chris opened the door again.

Beckett walked inside, wearing the classic black tux and white shirt combination. “Hey there. Wow. I mean, damn, Kit. You look amazing. Connie’s and Hudson’s jaws are going to drop when they see you.”

“Exactly the reaction I’m going for.” Kit laughed. “Okay, Mom, Dads. I’ll see you soon. Love you guys.”

Grace only sniffled a little as she left.

Once the door was shut behind them, Beckett grinned at Kit. “So? How are you doing? Any nerves?”

“None. I’m excited, yes. We have a great turnout, from what I saw. My parents are here. Connie’s parents are here. The people we are close to are here, along with the movers and shakers of San DeLain and several celebrities. It’s everything I wanted. I can feel the bond too. They’re excited also.”

Eventually, the music changed again, signaling the start of the ceremony. Kit glanced at himself in the mirror one last time, adjusting his suit jacket. It was perfect—all of it. Thereflection staring back at him was a man deeply in love and minutes away from having his dream wedding.

“Ready?” Beckett asked, offering Kit his arm.

“You better believe it,” Kit replied, taking a deep breath as he placed his hand on Beckett’s offered arm.

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