Chapter 141: Chapter 141

Caught off guard, Elena stiffened in her car seat. “I mean… I’m a witch, and he’s a vampire, would that even work…?” she stuttered, cheeks reddening. Surely, she had daydreamed about what it would be like to have children with Ryder—but they had never talked about it before.

“Why wouldn’t it work?” Helen smiled. “You don’t know much about the children of vampires, hm? The vampire gene is dominant, which means your child would undoubtedly become a vampire like Ryder. I assume your green magic would be passed on as well.”

“Oh, I actually had no idea,” Elena answered. “Ryder and I haven’t talked about this yet, but… I think starting a family is a wonderful prospect. I would like it.”

A soft smile settled on Jennifer’s lips. “Well, whatever you choose to do in the future, you have my full support. And, just between us, I’m sure Ryder would love to have a family with you, too, darling. I’ve seen the way he looks at you; it’s obvious you’re his everything.”

Elena gazed through the window, propping up her chin on her hand. “He’s my everything too,” she mumbled. She missed the amused glance Jennifer exchanged with Helen in the rearview mirror—the two women were silently swooning over the cute couple.

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The following weeks were hectic for both Ryder and Elena as they prepared for the wedding, booking a venue and planning the catering. They sent wedding invitations to friends and acquaintances, including the witches and wizards and Mark and Willow.

The couple received advice from Jennifer, who turned out to be a huge support, handling the decoration of the venue and several other details. Elena trusted her judgment, and when the wedding day finally arrived, she wasn’t disappointed. Her mother-in-law had proven herself to be excellent at meeting Elena’s and Ryder’s tastes, choosing soft pink and golden hues, as well as roses to decorate the venue.

Elena wore her beloved wedding dress, had flowers woven into her intricate braid, and applied light makeup. Helen had helped her get ready in the morning and was quite proud of her work—Elena looked like a fairy, regal and delicate at the same time. Edgar had the honor of leading her down the aisle. She had hooked her arm with his, her heart fluttering as she got closer to Ryder, who awaited her at the other end of the long, golden carpet.

He turned around as soon as he heard the sound of her heels on the floor and was met with a sight he would never forget—his soulmate was angelic. She always was pretty, but right now, she practically glowed with happiness. Her eyes were bright, and she bit her lip to hide a wide smile, trying her hardest to remain serious—how cute. Ryder’s lips twitched in amusement, and he caught her enamored gaze. Helen had convinced him to attach one single flower to his black suit, and now he understood why. It matched the flowers that had been woven into his soulmate’s hair.

Elena reached him and came to stand next to him, the ceremony beginning. The venue was filled with the couple’s clan members, friends, and family, and they all observed the couple as they exchanged their vows and, lastly, their wedding rings. They were golden, and the couple had decided to have their soulmate marks engraved in them as well.

The ceremony ended with a sweet kiss—and then Elena and Ryder were married. From now on, she was officially a part of the Ryder family.

The celebration following the wedding ceremony lasted well into the night, giving the guests plenty of opportunities to bond since not all of them were familiar with each other. Elena was surprised at how well Alex and Ryder got along. Meanwhile, Alan and Charles were engrossed in a conversation with Clitus, Avocado, and Snake.

She was inwardly relieved that her fellow witches and wizards held no grudge against vampires—it was nice to see them getting along. Meanwhile, Jennifer and David seemed interested in getting to know Willow and Mark, the only werewolves attending the wedding. Needless to say, it was a memorable day, and Elena was glad she could spend it with all the people who were important to her.

Many hours later, the festivities reached their end, and the couple retreated into the cozy cottage where they planned on spending their honeymoon. It was situated in the mountains, surrounded by nature, much like the place where they had spent a weekend in spring. Elena had enjoyed that vacation so much that Ryder had suggested a similar location for their honeymoon.

The couple withdrew into the bedroom of the cottage, where they shared a few intimate moments. Elena enjoyed every second of their wedding night, letting him taste her blood whenever he pleased. Her neck was littered with love bites when she cuddled with him afterward. He sighed contentedly and dipped his head into the junction of her neck and shoulder, breathing a kiss on one of the bite marks he had left earlier. As always, his flower tasted delicious—he almost couldn’t resist taking another bite…

“Don’t tell me you’re still thirsty?” she whispered, slightly amused at his yearning glances. “My husband is quite insatiable…”

“Mhm… can’t help it, my wife is irresistible.”

“You’re a charmer,” she giggled, raking her hand through his black hair, and snuggling up to him. He wrapped his arm around her waist, his touch setting off the sparks of their soulmate bond. They danced over her bare skin, tingling pleasantly. He planted a kiss on her jugular before he lay his head on the pillow next to her. Elena gazed into his crystal blue eyes, framed by dark lashes.

“I love you, Ryder,” she whispered, and his gaze softened in response. “I know it sounds cliché, but you gave my life a new meaning. At the time we met, I was at the lowest point of my life and didn’t expect a chance to start over.”

“You deserve the best and nothing less, Elena. I’m glad I was able to support you when you needed it. We’ve come a long way in the past months. The people who stood in our way are finally gone. From now on, we can focus on ourselves…” His voice grew huskier, and he trailed off, his gaze darting to her lips.

Elena inched closer, splaying her hand over his bare chest. “What exactly do you have in mind?”

“I heard you want to start a family with me,” he teased and nipped her earlobe, eliciting a sharp inhale.

“That’s true, I’ve been thinking about having children. But how did you know?”

“Helen may have mentioned something along those lines, and I’ll gladly fulfill your wish, petal.”

“Right now? No protection?” Elena’s cheeks flushed. Ryder was stunned for a moment before he recovered from his surprise and chuckled. His eyes darkened with desire, devouring her.

“My, you’re in a hurry. Can you take another round, though?” A devilish smirk settled on his features, and his fang dug into his lip as he watched her. His soulmate was gorgeous, alluring, and he couldn’t keep his hands off her luscious, naked body. Already, his hand snuck under the cover, thumb tracing circles over her hipbone.

She raised her brow, challenging him. “I can, but what about you?”

Red desire bloomed in his irises, a dangerously beautiful hue. “Let me show you,” he murmured and locked their lips. “My flower.”

End