Page 52 of Lycan and Lark
Leah’s tan skin took on a ruby complexion once more. Gideon cleared his throat. “No need to explain. You are free to do as you like. This is just...unexpected.”
Romani took Leah’s hand in his. Leah stiffened a moment before melting into his grip.
“Romani and I are...mates.”
“What?!” Aria couldn’t believe what she just heard. “How long have you known?”
Romani chortled. “A while. My mate here is very stubborn. It took me some time to win her over.” Leah punched him in the arm before smiling up at him.
“You knew before Gideon sent us away?” Aria asked, still trying to wrap her head around this.
“We did.” Romani nodded.
“Then why did you rail out all those girls in Scotland?”
Leah’s growl could have rivaled even Gideon’s wolf. Her black eyes glowed as she turned on Romani. Romani threw his hands up. “Aria is kidding, my love. I didn’t touch anyone. Right, Aria?”
Aria couldn’t help the giggle that escaped. “I’m totally joking, I just wanted to see if you’re as crazy and possessive as all the other mates.”
“Aria,” Gideon snapped before turning toward the couple. “Congratulations. We are overjoyed to welcome another fated pair into the pack.”
The whole group ambled out of the forest and back to the party. A toast was made for Leah and Romani, and champagne flowed like water. Aria watched Lark as he interacted with the others. She could see progress every day. Her heart fluttered as she thought about the future. Maybe the next wedding would be her own. That thought put a massive smile on her face.
She dragged Lark onto the dance floor once more, and this time he gave it his all. The lycans partied until late into the night and by the time Aria and Lark stumbled into their apartment the sun was beginning to come up. They staggered inside, ditching their wedding attire and crawling into bed. Before their faces even hit the mattress, they were out. Gideon’s wedding would certainly be a night to remember.
ChapterTwenty-Two
Dahlia arranged a brunch out on the green the next morning, well if you count noon as morning. Aria and Lark had been lured out with promises of hot coffee and catered breakfast. The spread was incredible. Earl had gone all-out and delivered some of the most delicious hangover-curing food imaginable. Everything from The Coop was buttery, rich, and the epitome of comfort food.
Aria lathered a biscuit with apple butter and stuffed it in Lark’s mouth. Lark jerked back as the unexpected food was forced into his jaws. “So good, right?”
He swallowed, then held his hand up before Aria could stuff a spoonful of grits in after it. “Aria, baby, I appreciate that you want me to try new things but you have got to stop constantly shoving food in my mouth.” He rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand.
Aria chewed her lip. “Sorry. I just want you to experience all the things you missed out on for so long.”
Lark leaned in and gave her a long, slow kiss. “You’re the perfect mate.” He brushed a hair out of her face and she shivered. His words felt so good. She hadn’t gotten used to him calling her his mate out loud. She dipped in for another kiss, when the sounds of Aaron calling out orders drew her attention to the back of the complex. Aaron had his newest batch of recruits lined up and marching off toward the forest.
“Don’t you ever take the day off? How are you even functioning after all the shots you took last night?” Aria called out to Aaron.
He shot her a look before his glare settled on Lark. “It’s my job to make sure they’re ready for threats both outside the complex, and within.” The group took off in a jog and were soon out of sight. Aaron’s words stung.
Lark wrapped an arm around her. “Like you said, it will take time.”
She sighed. “I know.”
Cheering pulled her attention back to the complex. Leah and Romani joined the brunch crowd. The two mates strode hand in hand and the lycans went wild.
“There they are!” Aria cheered. Celebrating new mates was a welcome distraction. “I’m so happy for you guys, but doesn’t anyone else think it’s crazy how many fated mates and Celestials have joined our group recently considering how rare it’s supposed to be?”
“Actually I was talking to Matlena about that and she has a theory.” Romani sat down next to Aria with a plate of food. “She believes when Nova’s Celestial powers emerged and when she and Darren found each other as mates it sent a ripple out into the magical world. They may have been affected themselves when Dahlia’s powers emerged even earlier. It awakened something. That’s why more and more mates have been drawn to each other, and why Celestials have been manifesting more often. Matlena believes it will continue, with each new Celestial and fated-mate pair sending new ripples of magic out into the world.”
“You’re saying we should expect more Celestials and mate pairings?” Aria asked. It made sense.
More Celestials and fated mates. Who would be next? Aria thought about how she and Lark together would send their own ripples out into the universe. Being fated mates, they would add to the magic that would awaken Celestials and draw lovers together. It was all very romantic.
Lark caught her staring. “See something you like?”
She gave him a coy smile. “Wanna sneak off in the woods with me? We got interrupted last time...”
