Sixty-seven.

Sixty-seven.
Kalvin stood up from his spot, sat between Colt and Maria at the top table, inside the large tented marquee. It turned out to be one of the insistances Maria had pushed upon, which Colt had eventually relented on, that and an official seating chart for a sit down, scheduled table meal. Even if it were to be a buffet style dinner, she still pushed for the tables and designated chairs and not the free for all "Let people sit where they want" occasion the bride and groom had wanted.

Although to be fair, Colt and Calum were in such a loved up euphoric state of bliss they didn't really care where anyone sat anymore. As long as they were together, and under the swathes of soft ivory drapes lining the inside of the tent, with the delicate pink wisterias and deep green ivys tangled around the junctions where the wall became the sloped ceiling, they got just that. Colt could see it was pretty, it was just too formal for her tastes. But thankfully, she had more important things on her mind, her husband, and her impending dinner.

Clinking his champagne glass, Kalvin cleared his throat to pull everyone's attention, the bride and groom reluctantly tearing their eyes from one another before he began, "Excuse me for interrupting, but I believe once you have all listened to me we can get started on those delicious smelling pigs."

He smiled at the room, deeply inhaling the smoky scent of pork and the assortment of sides; from apple sauce, to coleslaw, steamy baked potatoes and so many other complimentary smelling foods, that his mouth was watering and he had to fight hard to stop his stomach from growling louder than he could speak.

"And, no I will not stall and make as much of a fool of myself as I did earlier on today," he paused, looking at Colt as she gently touched his arm, "Although, I challenge any man with a daughter like you, not to stumble while giving her away. Anyway," he shook himself, "I am digressing. Now back to the point of my speech, I remember when I first met Colt's mother, Isla," he said with a familiar warmth in his voice, as he looked across to his own mate.

Isla was sitting beside Calum in her emerald green tea length dress, and softly curled hair, her eyes sparkling curiously as she wondered where her husband was going with this line of speech.

"You were a vision, to be fair, you still are, and you completely stole my heart and took my breath away, Beautiful." His heart warmed as he felt their own love connecting them through their bond, and he had to push himself to continue before he got lost in his mate's eyes. "Over the years, I have learned exactly how fierce my beautiful mate is, I have seen and experienced her capacity for love over and over again, I have seen her determination in slaying anyone who dares harm our family; including I might add a couple of third grade teachers, who I actually happen to think, were complete saints for putting up with the ridiculous stunts our boys pulled, and deserving of a medal not a tongue lashing." He laughed, as Isla sat blushing, "You are a phenomenal and extraordinary woman, Isla Merrier, and now, all these years later, I stand here today, having walked our beautiful daughter down the aisle, to marry her soul mate, and to start her married life; and my heart has filled with a new kind of pride, because she is so very like you."

Kalvin then turned to his new son in law, "And Calum, you have shown yourself to be everything and more we could have ever hoped for our daughter, and I am gladdened to welcome you to this family, and to our pack. But, dont worry, you only need to howl once a year at the moon with us," he added, while Colt bit her mouth to stop from laughing and Calum looked utterly freaked out.

"Calm down, Son, I'm joking," Kalvin admitted as the rest of the Merriers burst out laughing at his expense, Lewis and Scott going as far as to throw in their own howls.

Then Kalvin looked at Colt, "Now like I said, Princess, you have inherited all of those spectacular traits I mentioned from your mother. You have her strength, her heart, her beauty, and yes, even her temper, so on that note, Calum, for your sake I pray you never trigger the latter, for it is truly truly terrifying, and I wish you all the luck in the world, because speaking from experience, these women leave scars." The room erupted in laughs at Colt and Isla, who were sat blushing in their embarrassment, before Kalvin continued again, "Please may I ask you all to join me, in raising a glass to the new Mr and Mrs Macgregor, and wishing them a lifetime of love and happiness. They deserve it."

"The Macgregors!" came the responding call, before Kalvin sat down.

Next up was Alasdair with his best man's speech, which cordially apologised for the further delay in their meal, before going on to verbally roast Calum within an inch of his life. Before he playfully began pointing out how Colt had led the majority of the highland men on a wild goose chase, and that is why their wedding gift table would be rather empty today. Of course, he amended it to add that this behaviour only lasted until Calum came on the scene. A statement which of course, Felix vehemently and loudly objected to; causing those guests who were closer to the couple to erupt in even more laughter at the lion's antics.

After the speeches were done, the wedding party began to eat. There was joy and laughter everywhere, Colt's nieces and nephews ran about playing excitedly, and when the music started, the crowd parted in the large tented marquee, allowing Colt and Calum to take the makeshift dancefloor for their first dance.

Calum led Colt gracefully about the floor to the beat of the music as the couple found a perfect rhythm in one another's arms, and yet again the rest of the room disappeared, and it was only the two of them. They were too lost in each other to even notice, when the other couples began to join them on the floor. Instead they simply held fast to one another, with Colt's skirts swaying softly as Calum lead her across the space, and refused to let her go.

After another forty-five minutes of couples dances, including, much to the groom's dismay, Kalvin and each of his sons taking a turn with the bride, the ceilidh began. The music shifted, and the party really began.

It was a little while later, when Zachary approached Colt, as she had stopped outside to catch her breath, coming up and embracing her in a tight hug, as they enjoyed the soft evening light given off by the warm sun.

"Luna, you look radiant today," he smiled warmly.

"Thank you, Zachary," Colt smiled genuinely, "But, I believe the time for Lunas and Betas are done," Colt stated warmly.

Zachary nodded thoughtfully, "I understand, but I can't agree to that I'm afraid, Mrs. Macgregor," he smiled, "You were fated to be my pack's Luna, and although fate has twisted its path in another direction, my respect for you still stands, Colt. You may not be his mate anymore, but you will always be my Luna."

"Well now, how can I object to that? Beta," Colt smiled back warmly at Zachary.

In another life she could have seen herself as looking to the man as another brother. Someone who would have had her and her mate's back in bad times; and in good, he would have likely been the person she turned to, to help her plan surprises and special occasions for the man they shared in common. But, instead she took solace in the life she had where she could still look to him as a friend, and it pleased her to see that Zachary had shed his defensive humour, and relaxed somewhat back into himself. She internally gave Maeve's influence the credit for having lifted some of the weight from Zachary's chest.

"Can I steal you for a dance?" He asked interrupting her thoughts, "I believe they've just announced a waltz, and it's about all I know the steps to." Zachary stated with a smile.

"Then lead the way," Colt smiled, placing her hand into Zachary's as they entered the marquee again.

They joined the dancefloor, and were waltzing in time around the room with the other couples, when Zachary stiffened. Over beside Maeve, Colin Macgregor was stood, placing his hand on her lower back and slurring what Zachary would class as provocative obscenities into her ear, and Zachary was struggling to hold back his growl.

"Now now, Beta," Colt stated, reaching up and turning his head to her own, "Maeve, can take care of herself," she chided him.

"But.." Zachary began ready to protest.

"I would have thought," Colt interrupted, "That while everyone is distracted by the painting's beautiful subject, you would be liberating said art work from the main hall? Especially, after all the fuss you made over the picture I sent you?"

Zachary missed a step, landing on Colt's toe, but she only smiled demurely at him, her eyes glazing with mischief at the thought of tomorrow's scandal.

"Can I even do that?" Zachary whispered, unsure of what protocol he was supposed to follow in this moment.

"I do not have a clue what you are talking about," Colt stated with a smile, as the song came to an end and they made their way from the dancefloor. "But, take a left at the end of the main hallway, past the stairs, and the door is on your left." She winked, before smiling and turning away to come face to face with her eldest nephew, laughing inwardly as she heard Zachary's footballs carry him towards the marquee exit.

Daniel was the spitting image of his father, Asher, and the young wolf was just as cocky and always getting into mischief; especially if said mischief riled up his father.

"Can I have the next dance?" He charmingly asked his aunt, bringing a genuine light behind Colt's eyes.

"Of course you can, Sweetheart," Colt smiled, pulling him into a hug before they lined up to perform a Canadian Barn Dance.

They were midway through the routine, when there was a small tap on Daniel's shoulder.

"Would you mind if I cut in?" Felix asked with a smile.

But, even at eight years old, Daniel was a sly child, and a territorial wolf. "Depends," he answered, "What's in it for me?"

"Daniel!" Colt laughed out loud.

But, Felix was prepared, "Well there's this," he stated, discreetly pulling out a Macallan 12 year old, miniature whisky from his jacket pocket.

"Felix, don't you dare," Colt began, as she watched Daniel's eyes light up.

"Oh please, Kitten, give me some credit," Felix responded, "Now, I have switched this for apple juice, but I'm betting if you drink it fast enough, your Dad will flip out, before he even realises!" He said excitedly.

Colt laughed, suddenly catching on, and always up for pranking her brothers, was overjoyed at the mischief playing across her nephew's face.

"Done." Daniel stated, before he grabbed the bottle and ran off to find his Dad, not even giving his aunt a second glance.

"Bye then, Daniel," Colt called out, shaking her head as she was ignored, "Felix, you are going to get him in so much trouble," she stated, shaking her head with a smile.

"Yeah, but if I time it right, I won't be here to have to settle Asher down again" Felix stated with a shrug.

"Oh?" Colt asked as she took his hand and allowed him to lead her in the last steps of the dance.

"No, Kitten, I have come to say goodbye," Felix smiled at her, causing her to falter and pull them both out of the dancing line up.

"But, the night has barely started, what are you talking... Oh," Colt corrected herself with a wobble. "You're leaving, leaving. But, why?" She asked with tears in her eyes.

"Oh, don't cry on me now, or your husband will be on us in a flash, pesky mate bonds, and all that," Felix forced a half hearted joke to cover his own wobbling.

"You don't have to leave, Pussy Cat," Colt responded, "I love having you here. Even Calum likes having you around, really," She joked.

"I know he does, it's because I'm fucking awesome, Kitten," Felix smiled, wrapping his arm about Colt's shoulder. "But, I came because I was told you needed me. You quite clearly don't anymore," he smiled, "and I'm so honoured I got to see you this happy, Kitten. You really do deserve it."

Colt flung her arms about Felix, and held him tight, "I am going to miss you so much. You are my best friend, Pussy Cat."

"And you're mine, and I will always be here for you, but I have to go find my own path now, you know?" He smiled down on her, wiping her tears with his thumbs, "Maybe it will start with the gorgeous red head I seen about earlier?" He said with a laugh.

Colt smiled through her tears ignoring his innuendo, "Find your happy, Pussy Cat. But please, stay in touch?"

"Count on it," Felix smiled, "Now, I...."

"Were my ears burning?" Came a musical Irish voice.

Felix and Colt looked up to see Maeve had ditched Colin, and was approaching with a beautiful red headed woman. The woman was radiant, but she also shone with strength, not just beauty, and there was a twinkling in her pale green eyes that seemed to contradict itself, showing both wisdom and mischief. Instantly Colt knew this was the woman Felix had his eye on. But, for the moment the woman stared only at Colt, evaluating her from head to toe.

"Maeve, does your friend have a name?" Colt asked, curious, yet wary for some unknown reason as she was openly scrutinised.

"Sorry, I'm Morgan." The woman answered in Maeve's stead, "I came to bestow a gift, but I'm too late it seems," she smiled genuinely.

"Do I know you from somewhere?" Colt asked, recognising her aura all of a sudden.

"No, we haven't met before, but I have been following your story, through Maeve, for some time, and wished to bestow my own blessings." She smiled warmly.

Colt suddenly looked to Maeve, and back to Morgan, "You're a... here?" She asked incredulously.

Morgan laughed, "I am. But, enough about me, this is your day. It is rare I get to be part of such a happy occasion, so thank you. Your strength has inspired even us. We who are normally so jaded about this world. But, you, there is something special in you, Colt, and you will need it in the times to come."

Maeve frowned, looking at Morgan, but Colt spoke first, "What do you mean?"

"Enough silly talk, this is a wedding." Morgan stated, waving her arms to end the subject. "Enjoy your time with your mate, Mrs Macgregor. I plan on stealing your friend," she spoke smiling slyly at Felix, "for a dance, if you don't mind, Lion?"

"How could I say no to such a woman?" Felix stated, grinning and holding out his hand for Morgan to take.

Felix winked back over his shoulder as he led the beautiful woman away to dance. During which he decided, he hated ceilidhs; the constant pairing up, and separating off meant he couldn't keep his hands on the woman for more than eight beats of the song, and it was driving him mad. However, when the song came to an end and Morgan pressed herself into every groove of his body, his own knees almost gave out from under him. Felix was so worked up, he was more than willing to follow her outside for the fresh air she had requested.

Blowing the bride and groom a kiss as he left, knowing if he got his way, he would be in for a long night and wouldn't see them again for some time. He exited the marquee and followed Morgan down past the ceremony space and onto the beach.

"Are you planning on taking me skinny dipping, Darlin'? Because I'll totally show you mine if you show me yours," he offered with a smirk and a raised brow.

"Now, there is an option," Morgan smiled, pulling Felix against herself, and threading her fingers into his blond hair, as she stared eye to eye with him, "I forgot how mesmerising a lion's golden eyes could be."

"Yours are pretty special yourself," Felix stated, leaning in to steal a kiss, while his skin tingled all over.

The sun was setting on the beach, as Felix tightened his grip on her, nipping at her bottom lip playfully and swallowing her moans.

Morgan pulled out of Felix's grip and held out her hand, "Come with me, Felix?"

Felix's grin lit up his face, "I always insist a lady comes first, Morgan, at least three times," he stated, raising his brows suggestively, before stepping towards her and reaching out for her hand.

Morgan gripped his fingers, and pulled him towards herself, walking backwards while kissing him. Felix pulled back to ask where they were going just as a blinding light overtook them.

Then the beach was empty.

Maeve stood under the now dark sky, at the edge of the orchard, watching after the now empty space on the beach, "I hope you fecking know what you are doing, Felix Torr," she sighed, before heading off to say her goodbyes for the night as well.




Author's Note: That's it for Felix. Next time he returns he will be on his own adventure, and that will be 2023 at the earliest, folks. P.S. Sorry about the delay, this was ready the other day, but then I accidentally deleted it... I'm clever like that, 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️