Page 195 of Fated to the Hunters
Ezra chuckled darkly. “Let the kid scream out to the world that I’m a warlock. Once they see me, they’ll understand and have no doubt our child has a wonderful imagination.”
“Scarlett, we all grew up having to hide ourselves to some degree. We know what it means and are ready to take on the new challenge.”
Scarlett relaxed, letting out her breath. “Of course you are.”
“Does it scare you?” Mateo asked, sensing there was more to her worry.
“A little, because my pack has shrunk quite a bit.”
Mateo gave her a soft smile. “I know, and I understand that it seems so much more daunting to you now. You are not alone—we’renot alone. My parents will be thrilled to welcome their first grandchild, and your pack is not far away either. I’m sure if we talk to your brother, he will let you visit. Maybe our children can make friends within the pack too.”
“Thank you. I needed to hear that out loud.”
With his fingers curling around her waistband, Ezra hummed. “I don’t suppose you would let me start this whole new chapter tonight?”
Scarlett shook her head, prying Ezra’s fingers away from her clothes. “No, not tonight.”
“What a shame.” Scarlett yelped, as Ezra grabbed her by the ankles and tugged her down the mattress. “Let’s get you all comfy so you can get your beauty rest.”
Laying on Ezra’s chest, she listened to his heartbeat and let it guide her into her dreams. Mateo laid to one side, Vince to the other, and both spoiled her with caresses, giving her just a taste of the chapter ahead.
Chapter Sixty-Two
Scarlett
Standing under the weeping willow, Scarlett peered into the branches, trying to imagine what the fairy lights would look like twinkling under the night sky. She twirled slowly, making sure they had enough before looking over at Mateo, who was coming down from the ladder, awaiting her approval. They’d placed two rows of benches beneath the old tree, framing the aisle with candles and flowers. It would only be a small ceremony, but she had grown to like the idea much more. With three mates, she would be rather overwhelmed joining their minds, so keeping everything else small seemed more perfect with each passing minute.
“I think we’re good,” she told Mateo.
“I can always add more if I see it’s not light enough once the sun goes down.”
She stretched to her tiptoes and gave him a smooch on the cheek. “Perfect.”
“Now, let’s get you inside and fed because once you get that white dress on, you aren’t allowed anything other than water.”
She walked by his side as he carried the ladder back to the house. Ezra seemed to be finishing up the large table on the porch, while Vince was inside making sure the catering was delivered correctly.
“I like the black roses,” Mateo said, setting the ladder aside and taking in the centrepieces for the first time. “They make the rhinestones twinkle more.”
“Those were Ezra’s idea, so I’m not taking credit for them.” She pulled Ezra into a hug and admired his work. “It looks beautiful.”
“I’ll need help hanging the fairy lights so we aren’t left out in the dark later.”
“Ah, I can do that,” Mateo offered. “I had some practice today.”
“Just a little,” Scarlett laughed, remembering his struggle with the first few strands.
Mateo ushered her inside, where Vince was already making her a plate. He’d been in charge of the food and seemed pleased with his order.
“Where is the cake?”
He indicated the office. “I thought we should keep it out of sight. Now, sit and eat before Margaret and Karena arrive to start getting you ready.”
“Have you met Salina yet?” Ezra had allowed his second sister to be part of the ceremony, though she hadn’t been able to make a trip to meet them beforehand. When Vince shook his head, Scarlett let out a nervous breath. “She seemed nice on the phone.”
“Nothing will ruin this day,” Vince assured her. “And Ezra will be far too focused on you to have his mind anywhere else.”
Punctually—even a few minutes early—Mateo’s family arrived, with Ezra’s sisters showing up a few minutes later. There werehugs and introductions, but Scarlett was far too nervous to form a coherent sentence. She was glad that her three men seemed more put together, though that was probably just for show too.
