by Calista Fox
His eyes squeezed shut. How on earth was she going to get that image out of her mind?
And what must she think of him?
His heartbeat kicked up a notch or two as dread crept up on him. He wanted to speak to her, to comfort her. But he couldn't move a single muscle.
As though she sensed his agony, she reached a hand out and placed it gently on his shoulder. Her touch was light and tentative, but it did wonders for Garrett's psyche. He didn't make her recoil with disgust or loathing.
That was something to be relieved about.
"Robert says it may be a day or two before you're fully recovered,” she said in a quiet voice. “You just have to lie still and let your body heal. He said you're in pretty bad shape.” This last part seemed to choke her up. Her tone was a bit thicker, a bit raspier. When she pulled in a breath, he could hear how shaky it was.
Garrett groaned. Christ, if he could just speak to her. He opened his mouth but no words were forthcoming. His throat was all but closed up. It was a wonder he was even breathing. In fact, it was a complete and utter shock he was even conscious.
"Don't try to talk,” she said. “Just ... listen.” Serena moved closer to him. Garrett felt her settle an elbow next to him. She was careful not to jar him, but she managed to move in close. He felt her warm skin against his, heard the soft rasp of her breath, felt a lone teardrop hit his bare arm.
"I hate that this has happened to you. I hate that I can't do anything to help you.” She was quiet a moment, then added, “I wish you would have shifted sooner. I know you didn't want to do it in front of me and I'm so sorry that kept you in wolf form ... kept you from healing."
More tears splashed on his bicep. Garrett's heart constricted, as though a large hand squeezed it tight. If he died tonight, he felt certain it would be from emotional pain, not physical.
"All I care about right now is that you get better,” she continued. “What happened in the courtyard ... You did that to protect me. And Robert. You did it because you had to. I understand that, Garrett. And I can accept it. I can accept everything about you."
His insides coiled tight, but Garrett forced his eyes open. It took more energy than he knew he possessed at the moment, but he did it. His head lolled to the side and he stared at Serena. The image was a bit distorted, but he could see past the fuzziness to the woman who held his heart.
Wanting nothing more to hold her in his arms, he tried to shift on the bed.
"No, don't!” she said, alarmed. “Don't move. Robert said you can't move. Oh, God! Please don't move!"
He settled back against the pile of pillows and let out a low groan.
"Oh, Jesus,” she muttered. “You are so freakin’ stubborn and hardheaded."
Garrett laughed ... on the inside.
Takes one to know one, he thought.
Then she said, in a less strained voice, “Guess that makes us perfect for each other."
His eyes closed. Suddenly, the tight fist around his heart eased a bit. She wasn't here to tell him she couldn't deal with the bizarre—no, downright dangerous—events of the evening. She wasn't here to tell him she couldn't be with him, that she didn't want him or love him.
And just as he felt the hope begin to swirl in his gut, she confirmed his suspicions. “I love you,” she said, her voice strong and steady. “As a man and as a wolf. I love you, Garrett Slater."
His heart nearly leapt from his chest. Which really wasn't such a great feeling because it was just one more thing that shot pain through him from head to toe. But Garrett didn't care. All that mattered to him was that Serena loved him.
He braced himself for a little more pain and said, “Me, too."
Her fingers moved from his shoulder and she suddenly clasped his hand. She held it tightly and he found her touch unbelievably comforting.
"I choose to stay.” She leaned closed to him and whispered in his ear. “I choose you as my mate. For life."
Epilogue
Silver Mountain—May
The ceremony was a simple one. Serena and Garrett had found the perfect spot to marry. The rim of Silver Mountain on the north side wasn't the easiest place to reach, but Garrett had commissioned personal, luxuriously appointed helicopters to transport the guests. They gathered on the grassy knoll that provided a breathtaking view of the mountain range. The wildflowers that dotted the carpet of lush green grass were vibrant and plentiful from the spring rains. Far below, Silver River snaked through the rugged terrain.
A light mist had fallen earlier that morning, and it left in its wake a glorious rainbow that arched over the rim where Serena and Garrett said their vows. Robert gave her away and Shay stood beside her as her maid of honor.
The reception was an over-the-top occasion at the lodge, complete with fresh lobster tails flown in from Maine and petite filet mignons served with a rich Hollandaise sauce. Dom Perignon flowed freely and lively music floated on the early evening air, mixing with the soul-stirring sound of laughter.
The smile had not left Serena's face since she'd woken up that morning. Everything was exactly as she wanted it to be. As Cinderella-fairytale-esque as she'd always dreamed her wedding—and life—would be.
"I know you didn't think it was possible,” she whispered in Garrett's ear as he swept her up in his arms and swayed with her on the dance floor. “But this is perfect. Every single thing about this day, about us, is perfect."
Garrett's arm tightened around her waist. His warm lips grazed her temple, then he grinned down at her. “Perfection is exactly what you deserve."
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About the author:
Calista Fox began her fiction-writing career in junior high, when she penned stories of adventure, intrigue and romance for her friends and wrote an ongoing soap opera (for seven years!) based in a fictitious seaside town. After graduating college, she managed internal and external public relations for the CEO of a Department of Defense contractor. In 2004, Calista shifted directions, leaving speech and congressional testimony writing behind to return to her first love, romantic fiction.
Between Calista and her alter-ego, Ava McKnight, she has contracted over 20 stories, with publication dates scheduled into 2009. Her books have received rave reviews and she is also the recipient of a Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Erotic Sci-Fi Novella. Her work has been featured in magazines, such as Romantic Times Bookclub (Dec. ‘06 issue) and Playgirl (Dec. ‘05 issue).
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