by Brenda Trim
The large tan-colored animal emerged in one fluid motion. It was much larger than she remembered, and Cassie froze in place as she stared at the wolf. It growled, and the deep sound sent a shiver down her spine. How in the hell was she supposed to not act frightened when she was scared shitless? This was a bad idea.
Finally, she stammered, “Hey there,” as she slowly reached for the quilt.
The wolf stayed put but didn’t take its eyes off her as she wrapped the blanket around her chest. Even though she knew it was Ryan, she felt exposed and vulnerable in front of the wolf.
“Do you remember me?” she muttered and stared into familiar brown eyes. The wolf took a step toward Cassie and growled again.
She swallowed against her tightening throat as sweat poured from every pore. She wanted to run, but there was nowhere to go. The ladder was behind the wolf. She considered jumping from the open window but figured she’d break her neck in the process.
As if sensing her fear, the wolf lowered its hind legs then the front ones. From this position, the animal wasn’t as intimidating, and Cassie relaxed slightly.
She took a closer look at Ryan’s wolf. Its fur was the most beautiful color. Tan with lighter shades of cream blended together, creating a luxurious coat of fur. She noticed one paw was dark brown as was one of its ears. And, it looked so soft. She wanted to touch it but was too frightened to move a muscle.
The wolf’s intense gaze never left hers, and Cassie realized she didn’t sense an ounce of menace. Ryan said his wolf wouldn’t harm her and she needed to trust that.
She reached out her hand. “I won’t hurt you. I’m your friend,” she cooed. Why was it people always used baby talk with animals? It seemed ridiculous, and she wondered if his wolf thought the same.
The large wolf began crawling forward, keeping its body on the ground. When it was within reach, Cassie stretched her arm so she could touch the magnificent creature. Fur, soft as cashmere, met her fingers. Cassie sank deeper and felt its strong form. This wolf was a beast, she thought as she stroked along its back.
“You’re beautiful,” she murmured as she rubbed its ears and face. The wolf laid its head in her lap, enjoying the attention.
Cassie had no idea how long she sat with Ryan’s wolf. She memorized every detail and was surprised how gentle the creature was. It was like an oversized dog, but way better. It understood her, and she sensed Ryan was there. And, the wolf was just as curious about her, sniffing and licking and putting its nose in places it didn’t belong.
“Stop, Ryan. I know you’re doing that,” she chastised when its snout lingered a little too long around her crotch. The wolf answered with a snort but obeyed her command.
Cassie sprawled out on the hay, and the wolf curled beside her. Its head was on her chest, and Cassie stared into brown eyes that melted her heart.
“I know you said not to fall in love with your wolf, but it’s too late. I love both of you with everything I am. Ryan, I want to spend the rest of my life loving both of you. Yes, I’d love to be your life mate,” she proclaimed and kissed the wolf.
In the next breath, the wolf shifted, and Ryan was beside her. “I’m going to spend the rest of my life making you smile because you’ve made me the happiest male alive. I love you, Cass,” he murmured then claimed her lips.
Cassie couldn’t believe she was getting mated. Butterflies erupted, and her head swam as she envisioned their big day.
Cassie Scott. It had a beautiful ring to it.
Chapter 20
Ryan rocked on the balls of his feet, impatiently waiting for his ceremony to commence. He knew females needed extra time to prepare for such an occasion, but he was itching to start their life together as a mated couple.
Sweat dripped down Ryan’s spine. Partly from nerves but also because he was standing next to the bonfire. The biggest issue was his tuxedo. It was literally strangling him. He’d never worn one before and hoped he never saw one after tonight.
The past two weeks were a whirlwind. Between announcing his intent to share his life force, reuniting with his family, connecting with new pack members, and moving Cassie’s belongings to Safe Haven, Ryan barely had time to breathe. He was grateful Cassie agreed to a ceremony under the first full moon instead of waiting until the next month.
“She’ll be out shortly, bro. Calm down,” Lawson said and clasped his shoulder.
Ryan chuckled. “Is it that obvious?”
“Oh, just a tad,” his brother teased.
The relationship between Ryan and his brother was stronger than ever. Once he realized their bond meant more than his jealousy toward Lawson, it was easy to focus on the positive aspects. Plus, Lawson needed him more than ever now that he was the pack’s Alpha. The truth was, Ryan never wanted the title. He was content standing beside his brother, supporting his leadership.
“Thanks again for doing all this,” Ryan murmured as he looked around. “It’s perfect, and I’m sure Cassie will approve.”
The grounds around the front of the hotel were transformed into a winter wonderland. Ryan wanted to give Cassie a ceremony she’d never forget. Shifters didn’t partake in what humans considered a traditional wedding ceremony, but he knew it was important to her, even though she said it wasn’t.
He recalled a conversation when they first met. Cassie went on and on about fantasizing as a little girl about her wedding day. How she wanted the perfect dress and lots of flowers. Granted, he hadn’t seen her dress, but there were too many flowers to count. Gardenia permeated the air, and the red Amaryllis added a pop of color to the white setting.
“Don’t mention it. And, I’m honored to bestow your blessing tonight,” Lawson replied, and they shared a knowing look.
“I wish more than anything Mom and Pop were here. They didn’t get the chance to even meet my life mate,” Ryan added and shook his head. This was the happiest day of his entire life, and his parents weren’t there to share it with him.
“I know they’re here,” muttered a soft voice and Ryan turned to see his baby sister, Brenlee, standing beside him. Tears filled her beautiful light-brown eyes. “There’s no way they’d miss this,” she reassured and wrapped her arms around Ryan’s waist.
He hugged her tight, appreciating her heartfelt words. “You’re right, Bren. I need to focus on that instead of them not being here physically,” Ryan replied, and his wolf howled within.
The truth was, his family was forever connected through the spirit of their animals. He knew his parents were nearby, enjoying this happy occasion.
Brenlee’s gasp drew his attention, and Ryan glanced to the side. “Oh, wow, Ryan. Just look at her,” his sister whispered.
His breath left in a whoosh as his gaze landed on his life mate standing in the doorway. She was the most stunning female he’d ever seen.
She wore a white, off-the-shoulder gown that cascaded to the ground. Tan and cream-colored fur lined the top and bottom of the dress. Her long brown hair fell in loose waves, and her beautiful brown eyes sparkled with joy. He was undoubtedly the luckiest male alive.
As Cassie slowly walked toward him, he noticed her flushed skin and wondered if it was nervousness or the fact that he shared his life force with her the previous night. Shifter blood altered a human’s DNA, and he warned her she might develop a small fever.
She took the last few steps and reached Ryan’s side. “Hi, handsome,” she muttered as she took his hand.
“You feeling okay?” he asked.
“Never better,” she replied with a smirk. Ryan recalled how much she enjoyed the blood exchange and he looked forward to the pleasures awaiting them after the ceremony.
Ryan leaned down and whispered, “Sexy as fuck, you are.”
Cassie’s hand flew to her mouth as she tried to hide her laugh. “Stop. This is supposed to be serious,” she whispered.
“Oh, my bad,” he teased with a wink.
Lawson cleared his throat, and the murmur of the crowd came to a stop. Liv stood beside Lawson, and the pack me
mbers gathered around their small group, forming a circle around them and the bonfire.
“Thank you all for joining us under the light of the full moon. We come here tonight to bestow a blessing upon Ryan and Cassie. Please join hands and rejoice in this union,” Lawson announced.
The Hollow Rock pack clasped hands, and Ryan felt the spirit of their wolves form a protective barrier around him and Cassie. He stared into the eyes of each shifter, acknowledging their presence and support as was the way of a pack. They stood as a united front. Nothing or no one could break a loyal pack. His heart swelled with pride, thankful to belong to this group then he turned to Lawson and nodded. His brother smiled and recited the ceremonial blessing.
“Mother Earth, please protect the ones we love. We honor All you create as we pledge these two hearts and lives together.” A distant howl echoed, and Ryan connected to the goddess Gaia.
“We honor You and ask for this union to be abundant and grow strong through the years.” Energy surged through Ryan’s bloodstream, renewing his strength and vitality.
“We honor Fire and ask that this union be warm and glowing with love in their hearts.” The bonfire rose higher, its flames shooting sparks to the heavens. He glanced to Cassie and sensed her confusion and fear. He squeezed her hand, letting her know everything was okay.
“We honor Wind and ask that these two sail through life safe and calm, steering clear of stormy weather.” A strong gust whipped through the forest, and the trees swayed from the force.
“We honor Water to clean and soothe their relationship. May it never thirst for love.” Small droplets of rain fell from the sky. Cassie gasped and looked upward. He could see she was awed by the strange happenings.
“And lastly, we honor the spirit of the Wolf who wanders wild, runs and leaps with abandon, protects with fierce strength, and howls with unconditional love.” The pack simultaneously chanted, linking to their inner animals.
“With all the forces you create, we pray for harmony and true happiness as Ryan and Cassie forever grow young together.”
Ryan turned to Cassie and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a small velvet box. “I know you said you didn’t need a symbol to represent our union, but I’m hoping you’ll accept this token of my love,” he said and opened the lid.
Cassie’s eyes flew wide as she stared at the cushion-shaped diamond set in platinum. “Ryan, you shouldn’t have,” she exclaimed.
“Well, if you don’t want it,” he said and shut the lid.
“Don’t you dare. Put that fucker on my finger,” Cassie insisted as she thrust her hand in his face.
Ryan chuckled. “Such a potty-mouth sometimes,” he teased as he slipped the diamond on her finger. “Now, kiss me, Mrs. Scott.”
His mouth crashed against hers, and cheers and howls erupted from the crowd.
Cassie stared at her hand as Ryan led her into Safe Haven. She’d never seen such a beautiful piece of jewelry and couldn’t stop looking at it. She meant it when she told him she didn’t need a ring. She knew the whole wedding concept wasn’t something shifters embraced, and she didn’t want him to feel obligated to buy her a ring. She knew Ryan loved her, and a piece of jewelry symbolizing it wasn’t necessary.
She had his heart. That was all that mattered. But now, looking at the exquisite ring on her finger, she was ecstatic that he decided to purchase it. She guessed deep down it meant more than she realized.
They walked into the main dining area, and Cassie smiled. Ashley and Ryan’s sisters had gone overboard with decorations. Crystal vases filled with gardenia and amaryllis adorned each table and candles were lit throughout the room. A champagne fountain was stationed at the bar, and the buffet table housed several silver containers filled with food.
“You hungry, Mrs. Scott?” Ryan asked wryly.
“No, but I hear a champagne glass calling my name,” she answered and drug Ryan to the bar.
They grabbed two flutes, and Cassie looked up at her handsome husband. “To love, and laughter, and happily ever after,” she crooned then clinked her glass against his.
“I’ll drink to that,” Ryan toasted and took a swig of champagne.
Most of the pack made their way to the buffet, but Liv and Lawson joined them at the bar, each of them grabbing a glass of bubbly. Knox was one step behind them and grabbed two flutes. He guzzled one then raised the other toward Ryan and Cassie.
“To the happy couple. May you live each day as if it were your last, and each night as if it were your first,” Knox saluted.
“Here, here,” echoed between their small group and crystal clanged, filling the room with its magic melody.
“Cassie, you look sensational. Seeing you in that dress makes me wish I’d done the formal ceremony with Lawson,” Liv confessed as she played with the fur on Cassie’s dress.
“Sunshine, I’ll remarry you every year if you want. You can wear a different gown each time,” Lawson promised and kissed Liv on the cheek.
“Aw, you’re a sweetheart, but that sounds like a huge headache,” Liv replied. “But, maybe on our tenth anniversary, we renew our vows.”
Ashley walked over and placed a large platter of finger foods on the bar. “Hey, eat up. There’s a lot of partying to be had, and I don’t want any of you getting sick,” she informed them and pinned Cassie with a glare.
“What? I’m not the lightweight of the group. That would be Liv,” Cassie quipped with a laugh.
“I can attest to that,” intruded a voice and Cassie turned to see Bart approaching. “Congratulations, Cass. I’m sorry I was late, but I did catch the tail end of the ceremony. You look ravishing,” Bart murmured and gave her a hug.
“Thank you,” she replied when Bart let her go. She smiled when Bart shook hands with Ryan, thinking their world was right with them all back together.
“Hey, that’s not very nice, BS,” Liv teased Bart.
“Truth hurts,” he joked then shook hands with Lawson and Knox.
“Glad you could make it. I was hoping you’d come so we could talk about the press conference,” Lawson interjected and handed Bart a glass of champagne. “How’d it go?”
Cassie glanced at Ryan to see his reaction. He gave her a small nod, letting her know he was fine with the subject.
The press conference was held after they found him at the lab in Nashville. The thought of Ryan undergoing electroshock therapy made Cassie nauseous. She was beyond thankful Lawson, and the others got to him in time. She didn’t know what she’d have done if he didn’t survive.
“Well, good and bad,” Bart replied.
“Uh oh. Give me the bad first,” ordered Lawson and Cassie watched his cheeks redden with anger. The shifters didn’t need any bad news. They wanted justice.
“It seems Mrs. Jensen has gone MIA,” explained Bart.
“That c––” Lawson stopped himself abruptly.
“Yeah, I know. Don’t worry. I’ve got an APB out on her. She can’t hide forever. She will go to jail, mark my word,” Bart added, and Cassie heard the sincerity in his tone.
“That’s where she belongs,” Ryan interjected, and Cassie reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze of reassurance.
“Damn straight,” Lawson barked. “So, what’s the good news?”
“Well, my office has been slammed with calls from shifters. Most of them needing help to find their loved ones,” Bart said and rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ve got a problem though, and I’m hoping you can help me out.”
“Sure. Anything,” Lawson quickly replied.
“I really need someone who can come to the office. Not every day, but maybe once or twice a week. I get the sense that the shifters still don’t trust me. If I had someone on my staff that could handle these phone calls coming in, I think we’d get further,” Bart explained.
“I could help with that,” Ryan offered.
“No, bro. We’re behind as it is. We’ve got an iron gate that’s going to take weeks to fabricate,” Lawson countered then g
lanced around the room. “You know what? I think I’ve got the perfect solution. Erika!” he shouted, and a black-haired female walked to their group.
“Yes?” she asked then quickly added, “Your ceremony was so touching. I’m delighted I could be here to celebrate your union,” Erika said as she looked to Cassie and Ryan.
“Thank you for being here,” Cassie replied.
The young woman was new to Safe Haven. She was rescued from the Nashville lab and decided to remain with the Hollow Rock pack.
“Erika, I was just speaking to Bart Smith. He needs someone to handle calls from shifters coming into his office. Do you think that’s something you be interested in doing?” Lawson asked.
“It’s nice to meet you, Erika,” Bart introduced and held out his hand.
“We’ve actually met before,” Erika replied with a small smile as she shook his hand.
“We have? When, because I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t forget someone so beautiful,” Bart relayed and tossed her his award-winning smile. Cassie rolled her eyes. He was laying it on thick alright. It was refreshing to see that some things never changed, she thought.
“I believe you met my wolf. She’s unforgettable, too,” Erika asserted. Cassie didn’t know her very well, but she already liked her sassiness.
“That was you?” Bart exclaimed nearly choking on his hors d’oeuvre.
“Yes. And, thank you for taking such good care of me,” Erika replied as she looked at her hand, which Bart continued to shake.
“Dude, you might want to let go sometime today,” Cassie teased. Bart’s face flushed and he quickly released Erika’s hand.
“Sorry,” he muttered. “Can we talk for a few minutes about the position?” he asked and motioned to an empty table nearby. No way did Cassie believe for a hot minute that he wanted to talk about the job. If she knew Bart, he wanted to talk about another position altogether.
“Sure,” Erika said, and Bart excused himself then escorted her to a seat.
Music erupted from a speaker and Cassie grabbed Ryan’s hand. “Time to spin me around the dance floor, hubby.”
