Page 106 of Destined Mate

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In less timethan I’d expected, I was staring at my reflection in the mirror of the dresser across the room. We’d left my hair straight, and it cascaded down my shoulders and back. Stella had blended various beige, bronze, and chocolate colors across my lids, giving them a smoky tone that made my blue eyes shine brighter, and she’d finished the look with a faint pink gloss that gave my lips a natural appearance.

I didn’t recognize myself. Stella was a wizard with a brush. Stevie had done my makeup well, but Stella had taken it to new heights.

I hate to rush you, but will you two be done soon?Bodey linked, our connection warming in my chest.

Her eyes glowed as well, probably from Miles following up with her.

Coming now,I replied and slipped on my tennis shoes.

Stella arched a brow. “I brought heels.” She gestured to a sparkly pair that would’ve gone with any of the dresses.

“With how long the skirt is, I can wear these, and no one will notice. I’ll be more comfortable.” After running in heels last night while under attack, the last thing I wanted was to put on another pair so soon.

I expected her to argue, but she shrugged and headed to the door, saying, “Just be careful when you sit so they don’t stick out from under your dress.”

Usually, people challenged me when I didn’t listen, but here she was, giving me sound advice. I contemplated changing into the heels just because she wasn’t pressuring me, but then the clear disadvantage I’d been in last night had me marching after her.

We headed down the stairwell, Miles and Bodey waiting at the bottom.

Bodey’s mouth dropped open when he saw me, and the scent of arousal shrouded him. With the approval in his stare, his scent, and how mouthwatering he looked, my legs propelled me toward him faster, and I didn’t care if I fell. His black suit clung to him, every curve of muscle visible through the thick jacket. He wore a light-blue shirt that made his eyes seem lighter.

When I reached him, his hands slid around my waist, the jolt between us springing to life and stealing my breath away.You’re always beautiful, but this…His breath caught, and his hand cupped the back of my head.I don’t even know how to describe you.He moved to kiss me, but Stella clutched my arm, pulling me away.

“Donotmess up her lipstick,” she snarled. “You can wait until after the coronation to kiss her.”

Bodey pouted and shook his head. “I’m certain I can’t.” When he bent to kiss me again, I turned my head so his lips brushed my cheek. Though I wanted his lips desperately, I didn’t want to upset Stella.

Jack’s laughter forced my eyes away from Bodey and toward the living room. Jack, Lucas, Samuel, and Dina stood waiting by the front door.

You look beautiful,Samuel linked. He wore a suit similar to the one from last night, giving him a very kingly look, which, no doubt, was the point.

Lucas, Jack, and Miles wore black suits as well, while Dina wore a white dress that made her look like a goddess. It was low cut, and the flowy skirt had a slit up the front, revealing her thigh when she walked. She wore no shoes, and there were two ropes intricately tied around her waist.

She tilted her head, staring at me. “Her magic. It’s unleashing. The mate bond must have broken the spell, but not all of it is free yet.”

“It’s not?” Lucas’s brows lifted. “She’s already almost as strong as Theo.”

I stiffened. I must have misunderstood him. Though I could connect with my wolf, I didn’t feel stronger than the people around me.

Dina licked her lips. “The spell isn’t completely gone.”

“You can check her out more later,” Miles said, taking Stella’s hand. “We’ve got to get to the coronation.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Jack scoffed and pulled out a pair of keys. “You’ve been saying that for the past thirty minutes. We got it. We have a long-ass drive, and I swear, if you don’t shut up about it, your ass will be walking. My Navigator is a whine-free zone, and anyone who can’t comply will be working the corner.”

Lucas arched a brow. “You mean hitchhiking.”

“Ha!” Jack snorted. “You think anyone would pick up his grumpy ass? He’d have to work the corner to get some money to get an Uber to drive him the rest of the way.”

Stella growled. “Or we could just use a credit card.”

“Yeah, if you want to be boring.” Jack shrugged. “Depends on—”

Stella’s snarl was so loud that it cut Jack off. He grinned wickedly.

I would’ve reacted the same way to someone talking about Bodey pimping out his body. “Okay, let’s go.” I clapped my hands. “We don’t want Dina and Samuel to be late to the very thing you’ve been planning for months.”

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