On the way, she'd made him tell her all about the Snow River pack, their business, their alliances and rivals. She had nodded thoughtfully, absorbing all the information and making mental notes. She'd attended all the staff and pack meetings that day, and contributed quietly and constructively to the discussion. All his wolves had been impressed, and Declan saw the respect and approval in their eyes. He was so proud of his mate. She was smart and strong, and just all kinds of wonderful. Her opinions were sensible and sound—even if they clashed with his.
“Fine,” Declan said at last. “If we receive news that Logan is the new Alpha, then we extend our friendship. If Rhett is still the Alpha, which would mean that Logan is dead,” he told Mina pointedly. “Then we kill them all.”
There were nods and ayes all round.
Declan nodded at Iona. “What's next on the agenda?”
His capable Beta listed out the items they needed to discuss and the deadlines for their various projects. The meeting proceeded efficiently and smoothly, and within an hour, everything was wrapped up.
As everyone pushed back their chairs and stood up, Mina clapped her hands. “Don't forget,” she announced. “We are...”
“...having a party tonight!” The entire room erupted in hoots and cheers. “Oh yeah!”
* * *
Declan tugged at his bow tie as he stood under the beautifully constructed arc. The female wolves in his pack had decorated the platform with flowers and lace and all things sparkly. They had even baked a towering wedding cake that had little pink hearts all over it. His pack had really outdone themselves.
Declan smiled as he watched his pack members usher their guests to their seats. A marquee had been set up just in front of the lake, and the chairs were adorned with white ribbons and roses. His wolves had traveled all the way to New Moon City and escorted Mina's family to Misty Valley. Declan had rented a whole convoy of limousines and chosen the more reliable drivers from his pack to ferry Mina's family from the city.
Immediately after her turning, Mina had gotten on the phone and told her mom everything. Declan had been pacing nervously in the hallway when Mina came bursting into the hall with the phone in her hand, squealing, “Mom wants us to have a wedding! Tomorrow night! She's going to inform all our relatives, and everyone will be coming!”
His pack had rallied to the call, and set up everything in a jiffy. Marquee, platform, flowers, wedding cake, food, drinks, even a whole crate of vintage alcoholic blood. Mina's cousin-in-law was a Master vampire, and he'd be attending the wedding. In fact, he'd be walking her down the aisle.
Declan knew immediately that he would love Mina's mom, Lindsay, when she told him what Lindsay had said to her over the phone.
“I told you, didn't I? I did tell you that wild and wonderful things were coming for you,” Lindsay had quipped.
Declan strode to the entrance of the marquee and welcomed a beautiful woman with red curls and intelligent gray eyes. It was clear where Mina got her looks from.
He embraced Lindsay warmly and kissed her on both cheeks. Lindsay smiled up at him with tears in her eyes. “So you're the one. You're the one for my baby,” she said, putting both hands over her heart.
Declan hugged the older woman and said, “Mina is the one for me. It took me forever, but I've finally found her. Thank you.”
“Thank you?” Lindsay looked confused. “For what?”
“For letting her come to Misty Valley. For letting her come to me.”
There was a shimmer behind them and every single member of his pack turned towards the entrance and unsheathed their claws. The air was thick was tension and hostility. Declan put his hand up to stop his wolves. They were all ready to attack.
The mist spiraled into a column, and a vampire materialized from the mist. He was holding a human woman in his arms. The woman had her auburn hair pulled back into a stylish chignon and was wearing a cream-colored gown. The vampire was smartly decked out in a suit and bow tie.
“Eva! Gabriel!” Lindsay glided forward to embrace the newly arrived couple. “You made it!” She turned to Declan. “Declan, this is Mina's cousin, Eva. And this is her mate, Gabriel King. Gabriel will be walking Mina down the aisle tonight.”
The handsome vampire beamed. “Who would have thought, eh? A vampire at a werewolf wedding. You didn't forget to order a crate of alcoholic blood, did you? Oh, and congratulations man!”
Declan allowed the vampire to pump his hand vigorously up and down. “Thanks. The alcoholic blood's over there. Knock yourself out.”
Gabriel flashed his fangs in a grin and sauntered off to get a drink. Declan chatted a little with Eva, who was a police officer in New Moon City, before excusing himself to check on the rest of the guests, who looked a little nervous being surrounded by so many werewolves. With the exception of Gabriel King, Mina's family was all human.
Looking at her human family, Declan realized just how much Mina trusted him when she decided to give up her human life and be turned into a werewolf. The realization humbled him and made his heart swell with love and pride for his mate.
She really was all kinds of amazing.
Once all the guests were seated and everyone had quietened down, Declan took his place under the arc next to Iona. He stared at the tendril of mist rushing in from the entrance and smiled. In a blink, Gabriel materialized in the tent with Mina on his arm.
There was a collective gasp, as Mina began to walk shyly down the aisle. Declan could hardly breathe. She was so beautiful. She was wearing a body-hugging lace gown with a long train. She had her hair done up in a bun and her sheer veil twinkled with small diamonds.
When Mina reached the front row where Lindsay was sitting, she stopped and bent down to give her mom a big hug. Declan saw Lindsay whisper into her daughter's ear and he heard Mina giggle and gasp, “Mom!” Mina glanced up at Declan and blushed furiously.
“She's all yours,” Gabriel beamed. The vampire put Mina's hand into Declan's, and walked to his seat beside Eva. Eva had the tips of her fingers pressed to her lips as she blinked back happy tears, and Gabriel immediately slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him.
Iona glanced down at the paper in her hand and cleared her throat. Iona had found this nugget on the internet, and printed it out. According to her, it was what they said at human weddings, and Mina wanted a human wedding. She wanted to wear a white wedding dress and have a ring on her finger. She might be a werewolf now, but she still wanted to get married. Married, not just mated, she'd emphasized.
It was fine by Declan. If this ceremony could make his mate happy, he'd do it a hundred times. And it seemed to make his wolves happy as well. There was going to be lots of food and beer, and dancing and mayhem after this. Wolves loved to play and everyone loved to party. They were going to party all night long.
“Dearly beloved,” Iona began, her voice carrying across the tent. “We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Declan Grant and Mina Stone...”
Declan simply gazed into his mate's shining eyes and saw the happiness there. He didn't hear the rest of Iona's words, but still managed to say “I do” right on cue. Then he took the diamond ring from his pocket and slipped it onto Mina's finger. He saw her blink at the gigantic sparkler on her ring finger.
Mina looked up into his eyes and held both his hands. When she said the magical words “I do”, Declan was surprised at the joy and pride he felt at those two simple words. It was a vow, a promise, a commitment. She was declaring her love for him before so many witnesses. Her family was here, her pack was here, and she was proud to be marrying him. Declan wanted to kiss her right then, but Iona shook her head subtly at him.
Not yet, she mouthed.
Eva stepped up to Mina's side and handed her an elegant square box. Mina whispered her thanks to her cousin and produced a gold band from the box. She put the ring on Declan's finger and smiled happily.
“And now, you may kiss the bride,” Iona declared with a wink.
Declan lifted the veil and swept his bride into his arms. He dipped her low as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “I love you, Mina,” he murmured.
“I love you, Declan,” she purred just as his lips met hers.
Everyone stood and clapped, whistling and shouting.
Mina blinked up at him breathlessly as he pulled her up. “Wow,” she whispered. “That was some kiss.”
He gave her a wink. “This—is going to be some life. Our life.”
They grinned at each other. Mina raised her head and howled. All the wolves of the Snow River pack stood and joined in the howl with pride.
“And now—” Mina pumped her fist in the air. “Let's party!”
~ End ~
FIGHT FOR ME
(Misty Valley Shifters, Book 2)
Coming soon!
About the Author
Natalie Kristen is a writer who enjoys mixing the sweet with the spicy, the light with the dark, the possibilities with the unimaginable. She enjoys exploring paranormal and dystopian worlds, deep desires and inspiring romances. She is hopelessly addicted to coffee, chocolate, reading and writing. She loves to hear from readers so please feel free to follow her on Twitter and Facebook, or visit her blog for the latest news and updates.
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/NatalieKristenBooks
Blog:
nataliekristen.blogspot.com
Twitter:
@NatKristenBooks
Growl For Me: BBW Paranormal Shifter Romance (Misty Valley Shifters Book 1) Page 7
