Page 83 of The Wolf

“Chill the fuck out.” She waves me off, pouring herself more wine. “All I’m saying is congratulations, bitch!” And with that, she moves away toward the dessert table.

“But just for the record,” I shout after her, “I didn’t know what he looked like before… or that he was a king.”

She spins around with a smug. “Yeah, I know you’d be the one to go for a wolf.”

Thewolf.Mywolf.

I sneak a peek back at him again. Both he and Satan are now watching me, whispering to each other and chuckling like two schoolgirls—the Devil and the Antichrist… what a hilarious start to a joke.

“I might hate him a little less without the fur,” Katia remarks, snapping me out of my thoughts. When I look at her in shock, I see her staring at Alex. “Only because he and Pen look so much alike,” she adds before leaning over me to whisper, “That’s some great taste you have, Red.”

“Always the underdog,” Edwin murmurs to himself, his voice a mix of amusement and resignation.

He’s also in his human form—the premiere of me seeing him like this—and it seems he might’ve drawn the short stick from the genetic pool. Even so, he’s still handsome—just in a more rugged, huskier kind of way. Tall and muscular, with golden olive skin, dark brown hair, and a heavy beard—what’s not to like here? And who doesn’t like a good underdog story?

Clara snuggles close to him, rubbing slow circles on his chest as she smiles up at him.“Guess you’re lucky I find rough ‘round the edges…irresistible.”

They’re adorable. With the two new babies they just decided to “adopt”, they seem even closer and happier than ever.

“Anyway,” Katia continues, a playful glint in her crimson eyes. “Julia, are you wearing my wedding gift?”

Her wedding gift… meaning, the sluttiest bridal lingerie set and designer heels to pair it with.

Yes,of course, I’m wearing it.

Penny bursts out laughing, seeing the embarrassment written all over my face. “I’m pretty sure that’s Kat’s way of burying the hatchet with Alexander.”

I swear, I better not hear them later, complaining about how loud I was, when they are the ones literally pimping me out.

Suddenly, I hear Vernox’s gravelly voice behind me, “May I have this dance?”

I spin around, and I couldn’t be more glad to not have to be a part of that ridiculous conversation any longer.

But, in an instant, Alex’s disapproving growl rumbles in my head.

Vernox seems to read my expression and adds,“Let me guess, the groom hates our friendship.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Ah, so we’re friends now?”

“Yes,”he replies firmly, his eyes glowing with certainty.“Yes, we are.”

“He’ll get over it,”I respond with a shrug.“It’s just… he and I didn’t even get a chance to dance yet.”

“I see.”Vernox nods in understanding, though his pointy ears twitch slightly with irritation. He pauses for a moment, gazing at me, before continuing,“I wanted to say goodbye. I’ll be leaving tonight.”

“But it’s not really a goodbye, is it?”I ask, something tugging at my heart—I’m going to miss this damn gargoyle.“I really hope it’s her, and to see you both soon.”

“I’ll do my best.”He bows his head with his right clawed hand on his heart as his eyes pierce mine. Then, a little smirk curves his lips.“You make a spectacular bride, my Queen.”

My cheeks flush hotly, and I giggle nervously.“Now you’re just asking to get beaten again.”My eyes quickly dart to my man. He looks furious, while Satan seems highly amused next to him, laughing in his angelic kind of way.

Vernox gives me a full smile and walks away without another word, his wings shifting with each step, tail curling behind him. I follow his movements with my eyes and watch how he exits the ballroom, hoping it’s not the last time I see him.

And I truly wish him all the best.

With a sigh, I turn back to the table and pour myself more wine. Just a second later, Alex’s strong, wide arms are around me, his soft, full lips ghosting over my neck.

“You’re so over the top for no reason,” I complain. The man has zero chill… and I love him for it. Sort of. Maybe. Definitely.

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