I snapped us drinks. Hastein slammed his, saying, “I definitely needed this.” I replied, “Good thing it’s a Hackura tradition then.” Hastein laughed, “So is fucking all day, little cousin.” I hummed, “I am aware. All will be well, H.” Hastein locked eyes with me. After a minute my cousin asked, “Is that so?” I nodded, “Answers that you want might be coming your way.” Hastein didn’t say anything in reply and simply drank his whiskey, slower this time.
EJ admitted, “I can’t believe this day is finally here. It’s like we’ve all been waiting for this moment for over a decade.” Phil snorted, “It’s like? Did you just say it’s LIKE we’ve been waiting a decade? Do you know how many heavy bags Toby and I have had on hand for every event Melanie was supposed to show up to, and didn’t?”
Gage scoffed, “Am I invisible to you, Phil?” I felt Phil’s humor in the bond as he ignored that comment, “God, we’ve kept that industry in business. I swear to you we have.” We all started laughing. Gage said, “I really do feel like you people don’t see me sometimes.” I nudged him, “I see you.”
Phil snorted, “You all laugh, but I’m serious. There’s a whole system about the heavy bags that I’ll admit Gage is a part of.” I knew my cousin was serious. I shrugged, “I was a tad upset when she didn’t show up.” Phil snorted, “A TAD?! Good lord. He believes that you guys. A tad, Jesus Christ.”
Hastein said, “Well, he didn’t throw anyone through a wall until after she showed up. So, you had that going for you. Personally cousin, I would’ve thrown that Robert dick through a few walls.” Phil rolled his eyes saying, “In the pack territory. He’s thrown plenty of people through walls prior to that.” Hastein smiled.
My mom linked me, “You boys need to get ready.” I snapped us all into our tuxes. I popped to the chapel with Hastein. EJ came with Phil and Gage. I linked mom, “We are in the chapel.” My mom popped in a moment later.
Mom looked at EJ and told him, “You should prepare yourself and warn your siblings that someone told Melanie about the dress slit rule. Let’s just say, DAMN did she go all out.” EJ growled. I admitted, “That was me and everyone is welcome.” A few people laughed.
I linked Phil, “Did you give the DJ my request for our first dance song?” Phil retorted, “I don’t answer insulting questions, cousin.” I laughed out loud. EJ was not alone in his growl as the women started to walk down the aisle.
My mom told me Melanie decided to avoid conflict by having all my guys up here with me and the girls walking down the aisle by themselves. Now I could see why. They looked beautiful in their dresses, but they were revealing.
Finally, it was Melanie’s turn to walk inside. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Her dress was stunning. A one of a kind creation, just like her. I was pretty emotional about this moment finally being here. Melanie was going to be my wife. Oden purred in my head.
The ceremony flew by. Neither Oden nor I liked it when my dad cut Melanie’s hand. My mate didn’t even flinch which made my hackles rise. Most people flinched because it was a reflex. I didn’t like that she’d been in enough pain throughout her life that it didn’t bother her.
Gage linked, “She’s healed now at your own hands, it’s ok.” I replied, “She didn’t flinch.” Gage replied, “I noticed.” Yeah, well I didn’t like it. My Uncle Aiden did our Fairy ceremony. When my Uncle Bjourn spoke the words for our Hackura ceremony, I barely managed to stay on my feet when Melanie’s emotionsblasted into me so hard. I knew my other connections felt some of it.
I quickly locked those down so I could get a handle on this new one. Oden linked, “Ours is more intense because she’s the White Wolf. Our mate bond is stronger than everyone’s.” My wolf was quite boastful about that fact.
I knew what was stronger was Melanie’s lust combining with mine. I wasn’t going to be able to lock that down. The second we were outside, I popped us away because I needed to taste my wife. I knew if I didn’t, I’d take her at our reception without caring who was around. Our connection was that intense right now. I was able to calm down after making her come with my tongue. I popped us to into our reception.
EJ linked me, “Calm your intense emotions, little brother.” I replied, “I’m trying. Our connection is taking some getting used to. Oden said ours is so intense because she’s the White Wolf.” EJ nodded. I knew I’d get a handle on it, but it might take some time.
Almost as soon as we danced and ate, Melanie and I were on opposite sides of the tent. I kept an eye on her. I smiled at Blaise and Corbin when they walked up. Blaise smiled telling me, “It was a beautiful ceremony! Congratulations.”
I replied, “Thanks, cousin.” I considered her to be my cousin now that she was with Corbin. Blaise continued, “Corbin said I could come to some of Melanie’s classes that she teaches for fighting. He also said he’s coming, but you guys can hang out or something.”
I laughed, “I’m sure Melanie will like that.” Blaise admitted, “She’s got moves I want to learn. Corbin taught me some basics over the months. Witches don’t really train in the physical aspect of fighting. I met Melanie’s friend Paige. I’m sure you’ve noticed, but Melanie knows a lot of people.”
I snorted, “I have noticed that.” Blaise hummed, “I swear everyone keeps asking me about the other woman that was with Melanie when she saved us, as if I talked to her. She was cool too though. I feel like your mate must know a lot of cool people. I’m glad she agreed to be my friend.”
I laughed, “You and Melanie will have interesting conversations.” Blaise grinned, “I’m counting on it.” Corbin shook my hand, “Congratulations, cousin.” I spotted the back of Kade’s head. I said, “Thanks. I’ll be right back.” I popped in front of my other cousin.
I said, “You know, you were given a plus one. I thought you might use it.” Kade said, “Not today.” I popped him further away. I gently told him, “Cousin, your sorrow is intense. You clearly wanted to bring your woman here. She’s been with you so long now, and Ariena has been silent. It’s safe to bring her to things.”
Kade sighed, “I’m going to see her now.” I told him, “She is welcome anytime, and it does seem likely your woman is not a secret from my mate.” Kade chuckled, “I was getting that sense.” Kade gave me a hug and whispered, “I’m happy for you.”
I replied, “As I am for you, even if she’s just your choice. I love you, Kade.” Kade clapped me on the back and sent all his love before he portaled away. I stood there for a second finding Kade’s bond. It made me think this woman wasn’t just his choice, she was his fated.
I popped back inside. Sierra instantly walked over to Phil. Sierra groaned, “That guy wants to meet with Melanie too. Somehow, they all know I’m managing her pack meetings now.” I laughed, “That’s our Male Lead Scientist.”
Sierra rolled her eyes, “Oh, I know. Why do I know that you ask?” I did not. Sierra continued,
I know because he told me. I already know Melanie will squeal knowing he wants to meet her. They will geek out together. Doesthis mean I won’t hear about science shit I don’t understand? Not a single chance.” I laughed.
Then I looked around and saw a flash of Melanie’s dress as she left the tent when thecha cha slidecame on. I raised an eyebrow surmising, “You came over to distract me.” Sierra laughed, “No actually I didn’t. I would’ve if I was asked to though. Which means Melanie doesn’t mind if you follow her.” Sierra left and went to dance with her friends. I popped out of the tent.
I walked over to a frustrated Gabe. I immediately asked, “What’s wrong, cousin?” Gabe nodded, “I can’t hear them.” I looked over at Melanie talking to Hastein. I frowned admitting, “Neither can I.” EJ popped to us.
My big brother asked, “What’s going?” He spotted Melanie talking to our oldest cousin. EJ snorted, “Never mind. I thought we were about to have a fight or something.” I snorted, “No, I don’t think that’s what’s going on at all. One problem is getting taking care of.” I watched Melanie who was excitedly clapping. Her joy hit the bond, and I staggered.
EJ asked, “Are you ok?” I replied, “My mate is so happy for her friend.” Gabe snorted, “Your mate is something.” I nodded, “Melanie’s very special.” Gabe said, “We will always protect her, cousin.” I replied, “As we will always protect all of our cousins’ mates.”
