Egres laughed, “Ah, well our King seemed to believe you would somehow know about the threats before we did.” I blushed. Gordon said, “I’d also appreciate a heads up on if you’re being shimmered out into a rescue. We are quite handy in those situations.”
I sighed, “That’s… a little complicated… I mean… if I’m going alone… that’s one thing… but if I’m meeting up with people… some people like their anonymity. I’m not opposed to having you open a portal for me…and then fading back…in emergency situations though.”
Hutchins laughed, “I like her.” I blushed. I said, “Ok… well…. as I was saying….to the other….” Sierra yawned, “Mel, for the love of god why? You’re getting married today.” I replied, “I know that.” Sierra rolled her eyes grumbling, “Do you?”
I answered, “Yes…it’s kind of big day for me…Xander does want me…we aren’t even having a small private Mating Ceremony…it’s quite literally the one of my dreams.” Sierra huffed, “Do you know that I set an alarm specifically to get out here and tell you to march that happy little ass back to bed?” I answered, “No.”
Sierra demanded, “Go back to bed and lounge around. As you said, this is literally the day of your dreams. So, do some dreaming.” I pointed out, “No one can make themselves dream.” The Guards snorted. Sierra ordered, “Get inside and relax, god damn it.”
I argued, “But I was going to talk to….” Sierra interrupted, “No, go inside. Go see your mate and your pillow.” I said, “Ok, but first I…” Sierra groaned, “No buts! Get upstairs so I can go back to sleep.” I sighed, “Fine.”
I guess I’d find Hastein later. I grumbled, “Well…since I have to apparently…. Really quickly I’ll address the fourth person out here… you and I need to chat later.” Egres, Hutchins, and Gordon chuckled. Freya said, “You are so amusing. You just told a future King you want to talk.” I replied, “AH HA! You admit it’s him.” My wolf chuckled.
I followed Sierra back to my room. I asked, “Did my grandparents… umm on my mom’s side, get the invitation?” Sierra answered, “I personally handed it to them and made them open it. We had words.” I snorted, “Ok. Did Tiffany get her invitation?”
Sierra confirmed, “She did and she will be in attendance today with her mate. Before you ask, your Aunt Allison got your letter and thanked you for considering their trip. Your Aunt and Uncle wanted it noted they would absolutely come back but respect your feelings.” I nodded to my friend before my she pushed me inside my room and closed the door.
I tripped over the edge of the carpet, but Xander popped to catch me. My mate laughed, “What’s going on?” I sighed, “I was just dancing, and Si threw a fit over it.” Xander chuckled, popped us back to bed, and promptly went back to sleep.
My mind was racing a million miles a minute. I linked my friend, “Si.” She didn’t answer, which meant Sierra was asleep again. I smiled and grabbed my computer. I worked out Kingsley’s employment situation and got her a place to stay.
It just so happened that the Vampire King of Missouri’s third in command, who was in the Resistance, needed an assistant. I gave him the perfect one and set up Kingsley’s alias. I closed my laptop and got back up.
I went downstairs and made my way into the kitchen. I decided to make some omelets. I was lost in my tasks and distracted myself. I didn't even hear anyone join me until I heard a throat clear and startled. I instantly whipped around but relaxed when I saw who it was.
I greeted, “Good morning, mom.” She smiled asking, “Can I help you with anything?” I nodded and we started working side by side. Mom was copying what I was doing. Eventually she kissed my forehead. Mom told me, “Go on and take your breakfast to your mate before he gets up.” I smiled agreeing, “Ok.”
I took the plates upstairs and quietly opened the door. I had just sat down on our bed when Xander sat up. My fiancé chuckled, “I see you got up again.” I explained, “I made us breakfast… well, my mom helped…and….” Xander kissed me before saying, “This is very nice.” We ate breakfast together.
Eventually, someone knocked on the door. Xander called, “Come on.” He popped me into the bathroom then snapped the bathtub full of bubbles. My mate kissed me then pulled back. My mate encouraged me, “Relax. I’ll tell them you’ll be out. Take your time because it our day today.” He popped out.
I stripped off my clothes, stepped into the tub, closed my eyes, and just let myself relax. I was beginning to think Freya was keeping my thoughts from racing. Freya snorted, “I am.” Handy. Having a wolf was so awesome.
I eventually got out of the tub and wrapped a towel around myself. I found a robe on the back of the door that said bride. I grabbed it and put it on before stepping out. I promptly gaped at the sight before me. The entire room had been transformed into a spa.
A woman smiled at me greeting, “Hello, I’m your masseuse for the day.” I smiled as she led me over to a chair. They did mynails and toes. Sierra, Addison, Paige, Adeline, and Avery were here. Elise was getting a massage, and my mom was in here too.
Once our nails were done, we were led to the other side to get massages. I slipped a note to Paige letting her know I wanted her to do her Witch charm so no one could hear my conversation with Hastein. I’d picked three areas I thought he might go to… hopefully I found him at one of them.
After my massage, I was put back into the bathroom to shower. I quickly washed my hair and stepped out. When someone knocked on the door, I put my robe back on calling, “Come in.” Haley opened the door and smiled, then snapped my hair dry.
My soon to be mother in law asked, “Would you like me to snap your hair done?” I admitted, “It would probably work out best with what I want.” I showed her a picture. Haley smiled, “It’s really beautiful.” She snapped and I gasped at my hair. I’d wanted it down but back in intricate… what honestly looked like flowers. I whispered, “It’s perfect.”
Buttercup came in next, and Haley conjured a salon chair for me to sit in. Buttercup told me, “I’m really into makeup.” I knew that. Haley snorted, “She’s being really fucking modest. Buttercup is very talented at makeup and went to cosmetology school for it.”
I told them, “I know that… I mean… uhhh…. you’ve seen my dress. Other than a red lip to match my dress…I’m giving you free reign.” Buttercup squealed and got to work. She had a lot of supplies, including an airbrush for foundation.
When Buttercup stepped back, she smiled, “Ok. I’m done.” I looked in the mirror and gaped at my own reflection. I complimented her, “You are REALLY good at this, Buttercup.” My soon to be sister in law smiled, “Oh, it’s nothing.” I snorted, “It’s definitely not. This looks amazing.” My makeup looked natural but stunning. My lips were the exact shade I wanted too.
Another knock came. I turned and saw my Grandma Esther at the door. Buttercup smiled before saying, “I’ll just give you guys a minute.” I grabbed Buttercup’s hand and said, “Thank you again. My makeup is beautiful.”
Buttercup squeezed my hand saying, “I had a beautiful canvas and I do love doing makeup.” She left and my grandma came in. I glanced behind her to see if Grandma Haskins was there, but she wasn’t. I shook that off and smiled at my Grandma Esther.
My grandma smiled sincerely saying, “You look beautiful, Ladybug.” I replied, “Thanks, Grandma.” Grandma Esther set a box down and squeezed my hands. She told me, “I’ve long suspected we’d be here today.” I asked, “Huh? How did you know?” I’d never told her.
Grandma Esther laughed, “Oh, you girls and your secrets. I heard you, MaryBeth, and Melinda talking about your Xander. I know everyone always doubted whether you were right; however, from the moment I heard you say it this match made sense to me.”
“You two go so well together. I know my Ladybug can stand by his side in any fight, and you can handle yourself should a fight come if he is not here. I am so proud of the woman you have become. I can’t wait to get to know you more.”
