Page 125 of Victorious: Part 3
Even from beyond, she’s here.
Blessing this moment, this union, this new chapter.
Alpha’s hand tightens in mine, and I know he feels it too.
Alpha and I glance back at Poppy to see her not with tears in her eyes, but the brightest smile crossing her face, and somehow that makes me feel even more joy in the moment than I thought I could ever possibly feel.
Thank you, Livvy.
Thank you.
Dutch clears his throat, pulling everyone’s attention back tothe moment. Alpha and I look at each other knowingly. “Bikers and bitches,” Dutch announces. “I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Landry, or as we all know their rightful names, Mr. and Mrs. Cadell, because Haven is the one who wears the pants in this relationship.”
I burst out laughing while Alpha scowls, but I grab his hand in mine and lean into him. “You could change your last name. We do have a rather progressive relationship, you kno—”
“Fuck off, Little Lamb. I know you’re tougher than me in most things, but I can still be alpha when I need to be. And you, my darling wife, belong tome. I don’t care if I have to go all caveman on you about it.”
Grinning widely, as we begin to walk back down the aisle together, I cuddle into him, feeling like I’m flying. “Oh, big man, while I’d love to see you go all caveman on me, there’s no need. I’m yours. Now, and always.”
He leans in, pressing his hand on the curve of my ass. “Good… and tonight, I am going caveman on this ass, just so you know.”
Giggling, I waggle my brows at him in excitement as we take off to do the rounds before making our way to Gears.
***
The reception is in full swing by the time we make it through all the congratulations and photography.
The crappy bar where we first met has been transformed with string lights and long tables laden with food. Someone, probably Bea, arranged flowers everywhere, and now the space feels magical instead of functional.
I’m sitting at the head table next to Alpha, watching our family celebrate, when Dutch stands, clearing his throat. “I’ve got some good news. Cassandra has officially been accepted into the LA Defiance family.”
Cheers erupt as Cassandra stands and waves. She’s come sofar from the broken girl we found in Javier’s compound. Now she’s strong, confident, part of our family in every way that matters.
“And…” Dutch continues, radiating a smile, “Warden Garver has accepted honorary membership. Because anyone willing to risk their career to help us save our family deserves to be recognized.”
More cheers as Garver raises his glass, looking embarrassed but pleased.
Alpha leans over, his voice a growl of heat against my ear. “I can’t sit through another toast. One more fucking speech and I’m dragging you onto the table.”
I arch a brow, lips twitching. “What, tired of the happy tears and heartfelt bullshit?”
His hand slides under the table, his palm branding the inside of my thigh and squeezing with a bruising force.
One he knows I love.
Because we’re unstable like that.
“No. I’m tired of pretending I’m not hard as fuck with you sitting next to me looking so fucking innocent and pure. Looking at me like you want to bite me. Touch me again and I swear to God I’m gonna make you scream through the motherfucking walls.”
I smirk, but my thighs instinctively press together. “Bathroom. Two minutes.”
He doesn’t nod.
Doesn’t speak.
Just stands and stalks off, pure fucking predator in black, like the suit is the only thing holding back the impending carnage.
And I can’t fucking wait.
