"Nervous?" Nate asks, glancing sideways at me with a knowing smile. I look at him, my heart swelling a little. He looks absolutely amazing in his pastel colors, like an angel in the peach long-sleeved shirt and crisp white slacks.
"Extremely," I admit, the heels making me feel both powerful and precarious. They're red, striking against the soft hues of my dress, and I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation.
"If it makes you feel any better," he says, his voice warm and sincere, "you look incredible. Truly." He takes my hand, and I grip it tightly, feeling the steady pulse of support radiating from him. The heels lift me just enough that I'm slightly taller than him now, a shift that feels both odd and empowering.
We start to walk out of the room together, and I steel my face, reminding myself that I may be nervous, but I refuse to let it show. The weight of the moment hangs in the air, thick with anticipation, but I keep my expression neutral.
As we walk down the hallway, I can't resist sneaking a glance out the window. The sun is setting, casting a golden hue across the landscape, and I feel a pang of nostalgia.
"It's a little unfair that I'm already giving you away," Nate says, a hint of sadness lacing his words. I roll my eyes playfully.
"It's time for me to leave the nest, Dad," I reply, amusement lacing my voice.
I squeeze his hand, and he squeezes back, the bond between us palpable even in this moment of transition. I know he's a bit serious about all of this. We had grand plans for Moonsand, dreams that now seem bittersweet in light of my newfound mate.
"You'll always have my soul. You know that, right?" I say as we descend the stairs, my heart thumping in my chest, a mixture of excitement and anxiety bubbling inside me.
"Promise me you won't forget me after bouncing on his penis," Nate quips, a teasing grin spreading across his face.
I choke out a laugh, the absurdity of his words cutting through the tension. "Promise," I say, my voice sincere despite the light-heartedness.
As we reach the bottom of the stairs, my inner wolf perks up, her instincts kicking in. I can feel her excitement, the primal energy thrumming beneath my skin.
And then I see him. There he is, dressed in a sharp three-piece black suit that accentuates his powerful frame. My heart races, each beat echoing like a drum in my ears, and I feel a wave of nerves wash over me.
When our eyes meet, it's like the world falls away. His face lights up, that dazzling smile breaking across his features, and I can't help but smile back, even as my stomach twists with anxiety.
Father, I think, a wave of longing flooding over me. I wish you could see this moment. I might not have ended up with Jake, but I've found someone better. Way, way better. This is my mate—my destiny—and as the reality sinks in, I know deep down that this is just the beginning.
As we walk closer to them,find Kellan standing with Tristan, his presence commanding attention. Without thinking, I slip my arm through his, the connection igniting a warmth that spreads through me. I don't even notice when Nate and Tristan slip away, leaving just the two of us.
Kellan's golden eyes sparkle like the sun breaking through the clouds, and I feel myself getting lost in their depths. He towers over me, even with my heels, and there's an undeniable magnetism that pulls me closer to him.
"By the moon, you're stunning," he breathes, his voice low and filled with awe as he pulls me closer, the electricity of our touch sending shivers down my spine. It's as if the world around us fades away, leaving just the two of us in this electrifying moment.
"You clean up well yourself," I reply, my heart racing as I place my arm on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my palm. His suit fits him perfectly, accentuating his powerful build, and I can't help but admire the way he carries himself—confident, strong, and undeniably handsome.
"Let's head in before it's too late, and I decide to see what's underneath this dress," Kellan says, his voice low and teasing. His arm glides down my exposed back to my lower back, his touch sending a wave of heat coursing through me. It's possessive, a claim that stirs something deep within, and I can't help but revel in it.
"Okay," I respond, my voice barely a whisper, a rush of warmth flooding my cheeks. It's all I can manage to say, caught in the web of my emotions and the intensity of his gaze.
With a gentle but firm guidance, he leads me forward, his arm still resting on my lower back, and I can feel the connection between us pulsing with each step. The world around us blurs as my focus narrows down to the feel of his warmth against my skin, the strength radiating from him as he walks with purpose.