She’d followed him out to his car, waving goodbye to the Beckett brothers already driving away. “You really think Cole will try something?”
The look he’d shot her as they got into the car said that Chris wouldn’t put it past the other man.
Frankly, neither would she. Daniel and Zachary had agreed to watch the church from the outside, one seated in his car, the other “reading” on a bench across from the steps. Gareth was driving around the neighborhood, a crystal dangling from his windshield that Grammy had spelled. Used for divining over maps, she’d fixed it so the crystal would point to the greatest personal threat towards Chris. Gareth was supposedly following whichever way that crystal swayed, keeping watch for Cole. Grammy was in the back of the church on the groom’s side, both she and Christopher ready to act if Cole should try anything within the church itself. They’d agreed to repeat the pattern once they were at the reception. The only time they’d be truly vulnerable would be in transit to the reception. Chris would be driving Lana, the protections wrapped around the car the strongest they could manage, but Kelly and the rest of the wedding party would be vulnerable despite the sachets. She hadn’t had time to do a thorough protection spell on the limo itself. They just had to hope that they’d be able to keep up with it and stop anything that might try to harm the innocent mundanes riding inside.
It was all they could do in the short amount of time they had, and their best hope of catching Cole out in the open. He’d proven elusive to all of their other methods so far. All enquiries over the last two days had turned up zilch. Until they could either neutralize the threat he represented or the king officially declared someone his heir, their lives would continue to be in danger.
Chris frowned, possibly picking up on her mood, possibly for some obscure wolf reason. She watched him for a moment longer, making sure it wasn’t Cole related. Relieved when he shook his head slightly, she tuned back in time to hear Dennis reciting his vows. The bride and groom kissed, to the laughter and applause of their families. She took the arm of her escort and followed the newly married couple out of the church.
* * * *
They made it to the reception without incident. It was a lavish affair, everything done in the colors of spring. Pale, multi-hued roses filled the tall vases to near overflowing, greenery draping down the sides to barely kiss the tops of the tables. Votive candles on each setting took the place of candelabra, lending a more casual feel to the otherwise sophisticated décor. White tablecloths, white plates and silver cane back chairs were set up around the head table. Lavender-tinted lighting added another small touch of color. It was feminine without being girly, cultured without being cold, and Chris found himself enchanted. He almost pulled out his PDA to make notes but worried that he’d get too caught up in planning his own reception to guard the current one.
Of course, he hoped Lana would pick a different dress than the one the current bride wore. While the poufy skirt and beaded top suited the pale blonde to a T, Lana’s dark looks and lush figure called for a more simple dress. He wondered if she’d let him go shopping with her to pick it out.
Of course, that would depend on whether or not she agreed to get married. He couldn’t plan a wedding with a reluctant bride, no matter how much he might wish to do so. He just hoped he’d be able to talk her into it. Marrying the woman he loved, putting that symbol on her finger that even a human could see and know that she was taken, was a dream he found himself indulging now in ways he’d never thought possible.
He wanted that final bond with her, wanted her name changed to his. Wanted the joint checking account, the mortgage, the two car garage. The children, the laughter, the fights, everything that would declare to the world that this was his mate, his wife, his family.
He watched her sway to the music, her escort keeping a respectful distance between their bodies. The lavender, high waist dress brought out the dark depths of her eyes, the material flowing around her legs. He caught a glimpse of her toes through her shoes, the nails painted a bright red.
“If you drool any more you’ll be panting.”
Chris tore his eyes away from Lana long enough to glare at Gareth. “What are you doing in here?”
“Eating. Nice spread. Remind me to kiss the bride later.” Gareth popped one of the canapés into his mouth. “Damn crystal hung straight down. It didn’t even move when I took corners. If he’s here then he’s blocking even that simple a divination.”
“Either that or he’s not a threat to me right now.”
Gareth paused, another canapé halfway to his lips. “Well. Fuck.”
“Here.” He took a second crystal, this one made of chocolate quartz, and handed it to his brother. He’d asked Grammy to make it after Lana had gone to bed, tired from her own spellcasting. “Do another check. This one’s tuned to Lana.”
“On it.” Gareth left, but not before swiping one more canapé off of Chris’s plate.
He turned his attention back towards Lana. She was laughing up at her escort, her head thrown back, her amazing breasts threatening to spill out of the top of her dress.
Chris was in front of the other man before he’d even realized he’d moved. “Mind if I cut in?”
The man backed away, a look of amusement on his face, his hands in the air. “She’s all yours. Later, Lana.”
Chris turned and pulled Lana into his arms, his eyes roaming to where he knew his shadow mark now rested on her neck. The knowledge that she’d finally acknowledged their mating raced through him, filling him with happiness beyond any he’d ever known.
He pulled Lana into his arms, much tighter than the other man had held her, and began dancing. “Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?”
“Not yet.” She cupped her ear and tilted her head to the side, her expression waiting.
“You look beautiful tonight.”
Her arm went around her neck. “Thank you. You don’t look half bad yourself.”
“I wore the Armani just for you.”
Her stunned expression quickly turned to horrified laughter. “Oh no you didn’t.”
“What, you didn’t recognize it?”
“Chris!”
“I smell your skin every time I move.” She gulped, her cheeks heating. He placed a soft kiss on her neck, loving the way her head moved just enough to accommodate him. “I might never have it cleaned again.”
“You are so bad.” She leaned back, her smile soft and sultry and just a tad indulgent.
It was a look that had his heart soaring. He loved her so much he could barely breathe. “But you like me that way.”
“Mmm. True.” She didn’t protest when his hand slid down her back to rest at the curve of her ass. “What am I going to do with you?”
Love me. Please love me. “What would you like to do with me?”
“Could I do anything I wanted?”
He blinked. “Anything is such a broad term.”
She giggled. “Could I … convince you to get a tattoo?”
One eyebrow rose. “A tattoo.”
Her head tilted. “Yup. A tattoo.”
“How many champagnes have you had?”
“Not that many. C’mon. Could I?”
“Like tattoos, do you?”
“Maybe,” she drawled, drawing her finger up and down his shoulder.
He narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. If the thought of a tattoo on him brought that kind of a flush to her cheeks, he’d definitely have to get inked. “I suppose I could accommodate you. What would you like to see?”
“Wow. You gave in easily for a man with no ink on him.”
He waited for the answer to his question.
She threw her head back. “Fine. A witch would be nice. Maybe Wendy from Casper?”
No fucking way. “A witch, yes. Wendy, no.” No way was he walking around with a cartoon witch on his … anything. “If I get a witch tattooed on me, you bet your sweet ass it will be the real deal.” He already had an idea, something that would please
them both and mark him unmistakably as hers.
She studied him thoughtfully. “Why do I get the feeling you might have something in mind already?”
“Because you’re a very smart woman who is beginning to know me too well?”
“Good answer.” Her expression turned serious. “How’s the search for Cole going?”
“Nothing so far. Gareth’s trying a different tack. I don’t know whether to hope we actually find the bastard or go home empty-handed.”
She patted the hand that had a firm hold on her butt. “Not completely empty-handed.”
He threw his head back and laughed, squeezing her ass cheek a little tighter. “Nope, not empty-handed at all.”
*
“So, who’s studlicious?” Kerry was grinning at her, champagne in one hand and her hair clip in the other. Her hair had tumbled down during a particularly enthusiastic dance with one of Kerry’s young cousins, not that Kerry seemed to mind. Now the carefully crafted curls tumbled wildly about her face. She looked like a demented debutante.
“Studlicious, as you put it, is Chris Beckett.” Lana’s eyes were drawn to Chris. He was standing in the corner of the room, talking to one of the groomsmen, his gaze constantly tracking around the room. When he found her, he smiled, hefting his glass to her before turning back to his companion.
“New boyfriend?” Lana turned to find Kerry checking Chris out. “Mommy approves. What does he do for a living?”
“He’s a graphics artist for Black Wolf.”
“That’s nice. The Armani says he makes good money. Is he packing?”
“Kerry!”
Kerry turned back to her. “What?” She glanced back at Chris, her expression wicked. “I’d hate to think a sundae that yummy didn’t have a cherry on top.”
“Let me put it to you this way, baby bear. He’s juuust right.”
“Really?” Kerry’s head tilted to the side. “Does he have any brothers?”
She sipped from her champagne before answering. “Three.”
Kerry batted her lashes. “Invite me to the next family barbeque? Please?”
“Kerry—”
“I’ll pay for your next pedicure.”
“Done.” She wondered how the Beckett brothers would react to her brash, outspoken friend. It would be fun finding out. Kerry was her best friend, so they’d better get used to her.
An arm snaked around her waist. “Hey, sweetheart. Having a good time?”
Chris’s deep voice washed over her. She shivered, her body heating up at the feel of his warm body curling around hers. “Yup. You?”
A kiss landed on her neck. “It’s a lot better now.”
“He’s good.” Kerry held out her hand with a laugh. “Kerry Andrews.”
“Christopher Beckett. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too.” She turned her head. “They’re getting ready to throw the bouquet!” She grabbed Lana’s arm. “C’mon!”
Lana allowed herself to be dragged along behind Kerry, laughing at Kerry’s enthusiasm. They took their place in line with the other single women, eagerly waiting for Kelly to toss her bouquet. She ignored the glare Chris was sending her way, stretching her arms up and screeching with the other girls when the flowers flew overhead.
They landed in Lana’s arms with a thump. She clutched them to her chest, startled; she’d intended to direct them Kerry’s way. Oops.
“Darn it.” Kerry pouted briefly before grinning. “Looks like Chris might be the one after all, you lucky, lucky girl.” Kerry rubbed her hands together and backed away from the dance floor. “Let’s see who gets the garter.”
*
Christopher stood in line with the other single men, determined that not one of them would claim the prize and touch Lana’s sweet flesh. He had every intention of using maiming tactics if he had to.
From the smirk on Annabelle’s face he had a pretty good idea how Lana had gotten the bouquet so easily. If anyone could manipulate thrown flowers without causing a ripple in the magical stream, it would be Annabelle.
He figured she planned on making sure he got the garter. He was all for helping her along on that plan.
The garter was tossed, and Christopher jumped, snagging it in midair. From the shocked look on everyone’s faces he might have been a smidge too enthusiastic, but what the hell.
He led Lana over to the seat and slid her shoe off, stroking her instep with his finger. She wiggled and jerked, glaring at him, daring him to do it again.
Mm. Ticklish spot. I’ll have to remember that for later.
Ignoring the raucous calls of the crowd and the sexy teasing of the DJ, he placed her foot on his knee. Sliding the garter slowly up her leg, savoring the soft feel of her skin, he watched her, his gaze tangling with hers, keeping her focused only on him and what his hands were doing. Her face flushed darker and darker the farther up her leg he got. He slid it up to mid-thigh and stopped. Her breathing hitched, and she gulped. His fingers flexed on her soft skin, reminding her of what his touch could do to her.
His hands drifted back down, lifting her foot to his lips. He kissed her ankle and slid her shoe back on, the dazed expression on her face a fitting payment for the blue balls he was sure he would have until he could get her back home and into his bed. He stood and helped her from the chair, the clapping and laughter of the guests surrounding them.
Lana hid her face against his chest. “You are so bad.”
He grinned wickedly and dipped her. “And you like me that way.” He stole a kiss from her, beyond grateful when she immediately kissed him back.
When he managed to pull away from her lips, the expression on her face had his heart stuttering in his chest. Full of warmth and want and laughter, it made him want to whisk her away from everyone and everything and explore whatever it was that was lighting her up from within.
Instead he stood, twirling her and taking a bow to her friends and family. She got it immediately, curtseying to the crowd before dragging him off the dance floor. She led him past Kerry, laughing when the blonde fanned herself. “This is a hell of a first date, Chris.”
He stumbled. It wasn’t how he’d envisioned their first date going, but somehow… somehow, it was perfect. He squeezed Lana’s hand. She looked back at him, so full of happiness she glowed with it.
Absolutely perfect.
“Christopher!”
He turned to find Zachary running towards him, his expression panicked.
“Zach?”
“Gareth’s hurt bad.”
He didn’t even stop to think. He ran.
“Who’s Gareth?” He was startled to hear Kerry’s voice at his elbow.
They shoved the door to the reception hall open and ran into the parking lot. “My brother.”
“Crap.” The blonde put on an extra burst of speed, impressive in the heels she was wearing. She actually reached the bloodied man on the street before he did, going to her knees and assessing the damage in a professional manner that screamed experience. “Call nine-one-one,” she ordered, pushing Daniel out of her way without a second glance. Daniel allowed himself to be pushed, but from the look on his face he was none too happy about it.
Christopher had never felt so helpless in all his life. “What can I do to help?”
Kerry checked Gareth over, her face turning grim. “Think happy thoughts.”
Christopher pulled out his phone and dialed.
Chapter Ten
“He’ll be all right, Chris.” Lana hugged Chris, pulling him down onto the hard plastic seat. He’d been pacing since Gareth went into surgery.
“If he’d been two inches shorter his throat would be slit.” Her wolf was growling. Rage poured off of him in palpable waves. “I’m going to kill him.”
She didn’t even have to wonder whose death he was contemplating. “Cole can’t get away with this. The karma alone is going to be a bitch.”
“Thank the Goddess your friend Kerry was there.” He shuddered. “I don’t know wha
t we would have done without her.”
She stroked his hair, sighing when he relaxed into her. “Called an ambulance and held cloth to the wound, same as she did.”
“He’s going to make it.”
“Yes he is. Don’t doubt it for a second.” Because if Gareth didn’t make it, she had no idea what Chris would do.
“How the fuck did this happen?” Zach growled. His sunny blue eyes were dark with worry. The youngest Beckett was pacing the worn linoleum, tension riding his lean frame.
Lana stared blearily at Zach. She was so damn tired. “I’m not exactly sure.”
“There’s no fucking way Gareth would drive with an open switchblade on the dashboard and you know it.” Zach was practically vibrating. Lana wondered if she had the strength to deal with all of the Beckett males.
“We already know Gareth isn’t stupid. We also know that stomping on the brakes plain old can’t drive a knife into a man so hard it penetrates his collar bone and sticks there.” Daniel cracked his knuckles, his eyes never leaving the swinging doors the doctors would come through after surgery. “That knife was shoved into him by someone or something.”
Kerry snorted. “The man was locked in his car, no broken windows, no nothing. If he got stabbed it was because he stabbed himself.”
“Or the attacker was already in the car with him.” Daniel cracked another knuckle.
“The angle of the knife tells me it came dead on from the top of the steering wheel. I’m not sure an assailant could even angle his arm the right way to get that shot.”
Daniel finally turned his glare onto something other than the doors. “You stay out of this. You have no idea what you’re dealing with.”
Kerry leaned towards Daniel. “Magic. Woo-woo stuff. Right?” She wiggled her fingers in his face, ignoring his shocked look. “Lana’s my best friend. Whatever is going on here involves her, therefore it involves me. And the angle of that knife indicates that it came out of the steering wheel of that car. What if Lana had been driving? She’d be dead. So get over yourself, get over the fact that I’m a mundane, and let’s all assume that Kerry has a brain in her pretty blonde head. ‘Kay?” She patted Daniel on the head like a dog, nearly earning herself a bite from the normally unflappable Daniel.
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