Page 15 of Seized By Magic

“Wow, at least you’ve learned one important thing at school.”

I rolled my eyes and watched her work for a moment before realizing I was wasting precious time. “Masie, I don’t know what I’m doing. I talked to the guys about their expectations for the relationship, and we agreed to move in together, even though some of us wanted to wait. I thought we would have more time. Weeks, at least.”

“I know. I wish I had more time to prepare you. I never, ever would have believed this would happen. Not so soon.”

“Did you know about my bond mark?”

She lifted my hair and shook her head. “I’ve seen it a thousand times, but never thought about it. You never showed signs of being a witch or shifter, so it never crossed my mind. Looking back, it was so obvious.”

“What do you think my parents would say?”

She tilted her head while wrapping another section around the iron. “Amber and Peter would be so proud of you. Your dad would interview the guys and make sure they were worthy of his little girl, but ultimately, they would both trust in the mark and the bond. Your mom would have loved this moment, Saige. She had a small wedding with just me and some of their closest friends. She would be happy to know that you have more support than they did.”

“I do?”

She grinned. “All guys’ parents are here. That’s a big deal. It means they all approve as well.”

Relief washed through me. “Really?”

“Yes. I didn’t want to spring this on you, but we each wanted alone time with our kids before the ceremony. You can meet them after.”

I swallowed any emotion that could mess up my makeup and willed her to go faster.

“Ten minutes.” Mrs. Hedgings poked her head into the bathroom and sighed, “Oh, Saige, you look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” I grinned at her. Even though I was still in my pajamas with half my head curled. It was nice to hear.

“We’ll be ready,” Masie promised.

She disappeared again, and Masie worked faster on my curls before pulling them over one shoulder and pinning them back with a pearl clip, exposing my bond mark. I touched the spot before carefully pulling off my shirt so I didn’t mess up my hair.

Masie appeared with a white garment bag and unzipped it to reveal the dress Hannah showed me last night.

“How?” I breathed as I reached out and touched the silky fabric.

“The guys sent me what you wanted, and I found it this morning before I came.”

“Thank you so much.” I tried to hug her, but she put up her hand. “No messing up the look. You’ve got to change.”

She helped me into the dress and strappy white heels, and when I stepped back into the other room and stood in front of the gold mirror, I covered my mouth. “Oh, wow.”

I looked older. I looked beautiful. I looked like a bride.

“You are absolutely stunning, my love.” Masie gently kissed my cheek. “I’ll be outside, waiting.”

She turned and hurried out, leaving me with Mrs. Hedgings.

“Ms. Chronis will perform the ceremony. All you need to do is walk out and meet the other four in front of her. You will stand in a circle and take hands and repeat the oath after her. It’s very similar to what you did with Hannah.”

“That’s it?” I pictured drinking a potion or at maybe some blood ritual being involved.

“Yes, dear.”

“I’ll go now. Wait a minute so you can make a grand entrance, then join us.” She patted my arm before spinning and leaving me alone.

I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths. I could do this. I wanted to do this. This was my future. It was meant to be.

I would be happy. I could make the guys happy. This didn’t have to be a bad or scary thing. I would never feel alone again. I had my own family unit now. I would grow stronger and so would my abilities. I might even be able to shift.

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