153. Wedding - pt 1
153. Wedding - pt 1
MATT
Wedding Day, Two Months Later
I’ve never been this nervous about anything in my life, but damn, I’ve also never been this happy. It’s my wedding day with Devon, and Pamyel seems to be celebrating right along with me. Devon’s mom has been a whirlwind, helping me plan every detail; white flowers cascading from above, oak chairs arranged in the mansion’s garden, and a stunning floral arch where we’ll seal our bond.
But none of that matters as much as the fact that, in just a few minutes, I’ll be Devon’s husband. Sure, lycans don’t care much for formal unions like us humans do, because we’re already mates. But now, officially and legally, my mate will be mine. My Devon.
I’m sitting in the room set aside for me, staring at the mirror while adjusting my black tie for the millionth time. My suit is simple, dark gray, but tailored to perfection. Devon’s choice, because, in his words, “it makes your ass look like a work of art.” He made sure to embarrass me in the suit shop, and I can’t help but grin at the memory.
My laughter fades into a quiet sob as I think of my mom, who won’t be here today. She passed years ago, long before I could’ve dreamed of marrying someone like Devon, let alone in a place like Pamyel. She’d be so proud. I can still feel her arms around me when I was a kid, calling me brave even though I was so scrawny. “You’ll find your place, Matty,” she’d say, stroking my hair as I cried over some bully’s taunts.
Tears threaten to spill, but I wipe them away before they can fall. I left my veterinary clinic in the human world in the capable hands of a friend and fellow vet. My assistant, after a lot of tears, was thrilled for me. Explaining to them that I was…
“You look absolutely gorgeous, Matt,” Alice’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. She’s standing in the doorway, wearing an emerald-green dress that hugs her curves and makes her green eyes sparkle, her loose waves of hair framing her face. She’s smiling as she crosses the room and pulls me into a warm hug. “Devon’s going to lose it when he sees you.”
“You think so?” I ask, my voice trembling slightly. “What if I trip at the altar? Or forget what to say?”
Alice laughs, cupping my face with both hands. “You’re gonna knock it out of the park, Matt. And Devon would never let you fall.” Her green eyes shine with affection, and a wave of gratitude washes over me.
Alice has been my rock since elementary school, and now she’s here, ready to walk me down the aisle.
“Thanks, Allie,” I say, swallowing the lump in my throat. “For everything. For putting up with me, for being my friend, for… damn, for making me feel like I belong somewhere.”
“You’ll always have me,” she says, kissing my forehead. “You and me against the world.” Her smile is warm, but she adds, “Now let’s go before I start crying and ruin my makeup.”
We leave the room, and as we head down to the garden, my heart races. The crowd is gathered, and I spot Kenny in the front row, his mischievous grin lighting up everything around him. Alaester and Aemon are there too, striking in their regal capes, but their smiles show how genuinely happy they are for us. Even the elders, after wrestling with their own prejudices, showed up. Devon’s parents stand proudly on one side of the altar.
And then, I see Devon. He’s at the altar, wearing a sharp black suit, his silver hair swept back, his brown eyes sparkling the moment they find mine. God, he’s breathtaking. My chest tightens, and tears spring to my eyes without warning because this is real. I’m marrying him.
Alice squeezes my arm as we walk down the petal-strewn aisle. “Breathe, Matt,” she whispers, but her voice sounds off, tight, maybe queasy?
When we reach the altar, I notice she’s paler than usual, clutching her stomach with her free hand.
“You okay?” I ask quietly as I pass her arm to Devon, who pulls me into a quick hug before I take my place beside him.
“I’m fine,” she murmurs, but it’s not convincing. She steps back to stand beside Alaester and Aemon, breathing deeply as if fighting nausea.
The officiant begins speaking, and I force myself to focus on Devon. I feel like I might burst with joy any second.
When it’s time for the vows, Devon takes my hands, his eyes so full of love that the rest of the world fades away. “Matt, you came into my life like a bolt of lightning; fast, fierce, and unforgettable, striking right at my heart and becoming my home. I never truly understood what it meant to be mates until you showed me the depth of love I’m capable of feeling.” His voice trembles with emotion. “I promise to love you, protect you, and make you laugh, even when you’re mad at me. Forever, kitten.”
“Your turn, Matt,” the officiant says.