Page 29 of Mercy

“Nervous and excited at the same time,” Ree said.

The month of June had passed quickly. Barron and Mercy had moved into the house in pride territory, and she’d cut back on her hours at the salon so she could get the house cleaned and unpack all the boxes. The house had sat empty for a few years, and while it was in good shape, it had needed a floor-to-ceiling cleaning.

Davina helped as much as she could, and Mercy had asked for some cooking lessons so she could make some meals. Barron did a lot of the cooking, and while he promised he enjoyed it, she wanted to be able to make a few things for him, too.

Especially considering the good news she’d just gotten that morning.

“It’ll be awesome,” Mercy said, lifting the straightener from the holder and sliding it gently down a section of hair. “You’re going to be a fab alpha.”

In a few hours, Duke and Ree would become the official alphas of the pride. After the ceremony, the pride was going to celebrate with a big party.

“And to think that I owe it all to you threatening to call in thefavorand making me go with you to Tails.”

Mercy chuckled as she smoothed another section of hair. “It worked out wonderfully for both of us.”

Ree grasped Mercy’s free hand and smiled at her in the mirror. “I’m so glad we get to be together in the pride. I can’t imagine having this whole amazing thing going on in my life and you not being part of it.”

“Me, too.”

Once her sister’s hair was finished, she left her to get dressed. Mercy had gotten ready before she’d arrived at Duke and Ree’s home. Although there wasn’t a dress code for the ceremony and party, Ree had decided to dress up, so Mercy had taken the cue. The two had gone shopping together with Duke’s mom and they’d chosen dresses. Ree’s was a simple black dress she’d paired with sparkling jewelry, and Mercy had gone with a slinky navy-blue dress that she couldn’t wait to show off to her sexy mate.

The men were meeting them at the alpha’s house soon, so Mercy took the opportunity to check her makeup.

“Did I tell you that Duke wants to get married at Christmas?” Ree called from the bedroom.

“No, really? Did he say that when he proposed?”

“Yeah. He said the woods are really pretty when they’re all covered in snow, and I said the crap I was going to be outside in December for a dang ceremony.”

Mercy snorted. “What did he say to that?”

“Typical guy. He said he’d keep me warm and then he waggled his brows like a cartoon wolf.”

“Maybe one of those tents with a heater? I think they do that kind of thing for outdoor ceremonies.”

“Hard pass. I said outdoor weddings are for spring and summer, maybe fall. If he wants to make me his wife in December, then it has to be indoors.”

“I agree. Can’t have open-toed shoes if there’s snow on the ground.”

“Yes! I’ll add that to my argument if he asks me again.”

There was a knock at the front door, and Ree put her hand to her chest. “That’s Duke. It’s time. Oh my gosh, I’m going to be alpha female of the pride!”

“You’re going to be amazing.” Mercy took her hands and gave them a squeeze. “You’re so bossy. You were born for it.”

“Oh thanks,” Ree said, rolling her eyes with a laugh. “I love you, too.”

“I do love you. You’re the best sister in the world.”

“Ah, you’re going to mess up my makeup and make me cry!” The two hugged, and Mercy blinked back her own happy tears.

“Let’s go make you alpha.”

They linked arms and the two walked to the family room, Mercy scooting ahead and opening the door. Duke and Barron stood on the porch, both wearing dress pants, long-sleeved shirts, and ties. Barron looked amazing in all black, with a tie that had splashes of metallic blue.

“Wow,” Barron said as he took her hand and drew her close. “You look wonderful.”

“Thanks. You do, too.”

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