Page 52 of Jasper

Lark held up a black strapless dress and strappy sandals, and Anke held up a black tank top and short skirt with black flats.

“What did you guys wear?” Melody asked.

“I wore something like the strapless dress,” Lark said.

“Me too,” Sarah said.

“Me three,” Jeanie said, laughing.

Anke wiggled the hangers she held and said, “I wore a two-piece like this.”

“The strapless dress is really cool,” Melody said. “I think I’ll go with that one, but I’ll take the flats.”

“We have a surprise for you too,” Anke said.

Lark brought the dress and the flats Anke held over to the bed and laid them down, and then Anke brought over a small rectangular box.

“What’s this?” Melody asked.

“It’s from all of us,” Sarah said.

Melody opened the box and found a silver chain with a wolf charm. She lifted the delicate necklace from the box and smiled. “I love it! Thank you so much.”

“We’ve all got one,” Jeanie said, pointing to her necklace. “We’re going to give them to anyone who gets mated going forward so we all have something to wear for the ceremonies.”

“That’s such a cool idea.”

Anke put the necklace on for her, and then Melody took the dress and shoes and hurried into the bathroom to finish getting ready.

She took off the robe she’d put on after her shower. She was now only wearing a pair of lacy black panties, which she knew Jasper would love. The dress fit perfectly over her curves, and when she looked at herself in the full-length mirror on the back of the bathroom door, she smiled.

She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so sexy.

Slipping into the flats, she opened the door and the females all cheered and whistled. Melody’s cheeks heated in blush and she smiled. “Thanks for helping me get ready.”

“That’s what friends are for,” Jeanie said.

“And the pack family,” Anke said.

Sarah wrapped up the curling iron and set it on the dresser and said, “Are you ready for the next chapter of the rest of your life? Your mate is waiting.”

“I’msoready.”

Jasper stood at the front of the bonfire next to Joss. He wore only black pants and shoes. He stared into the darkness across the paddock where he could see the darker shadow of the maintenance shed. Soon, Melody would open the door and walk across the paddock, escorted to him by the pack females who’d befriended her.

He hated that he’d had to be apart from her so much that day, but going to shop for the ring, digging the firepit, and setting up the tent had taken up a lot of time. It would be worth it, though, when they were finally mated officially. And maybe married too.

Before them, the pack sat in rows of folding chairs. A buffet was set up nearby for after the ceremony, but he and Melody wouldn’t be eating. He had plans to make up for all the time they’d been apart that day with a few extra orgasms.

And then they’d eat and he would shift for her so they could hang out in the paddock with the pack.

The door to the maintenance shed creaked loudly as it opened, and he held his breath. The light was off inside, but he could see movement as the small group made their way to them.

The pack stood and watched the darkness as well, everyone reverently silent.

Jasper’s heart was beating so fast he was surprised it stayed in his chest.

When Melody drew close enough that he could see her more clearly in the light of the big bonfire, he wanted to fall down at her feet and worship her.

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