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"You've got this," she whispered to herself, her ivory dress flowing around her like liquid moonlight.

The faces of Ectorius turned toward her—shopkeepers, council members, and families who'd once been suspicious of the human event planner now beamed at their Alpha's mate with acceptance and pride. Her presence had changed this town, just as it had changed her.

As Danica drew closer, she could see Asher's chest rising and falling with rapid breaths. His jaw clenched with restraint, a muscle working in his cheek as he fought to maintain composure. This man who could shift into a massive, powerful dragon was coming undone at the sight of her in a wedding dress.

Caleb stood beside him, tall and alert as always, but with a grin breaking through his enforcer façade. He caught Danica's eye and delivered an exaggerated wink, then nudged Asher with his elbow. The Alpha shot his friend a brief glare before returning his gaze to Danica, his expression softening into something so tender it made her heart skip.

When Danica reached the altar, Asher extended his hand. The moment their fingers touched, electricity arced between them, the mate bond humming with recognition.

"You're absolutely breathtaking," he murmured, his voice deep and rough with emotion.

Gerri Wilder stood before them, her petite frame commanding the ceremony with natural authority. Her designer suit shimmered with subtle iridescence, and her smile held the satisfied gleam of a master craftsman admiring her finest work.

"Welcome, everyone," Gerri began, her eyes flashing momentarily golden. "We gather to witness what the universe already knows—that Asher and Danica are two halves of one extraordinary whole."

As Gerri spoke about fate and choice, Danica couldn't take her eyes off Asher. His presence wrapped around her like physical warmth, his dragon energy recognizing hers despite her transformation being so recent.

When the time came for their vows, Asher took both her hands in his.

"Danica," he began, "Before you, I was a leader without direction. Strong, but incomplete. You challenged me, frustrated me—" The crowd chuckled, "—and filled every empty space I didn't know existed in me." His thumbs stroked the backs of her hands. "I vow to love you with everything I am, to protect you even though you're perfectly capable of breathing fire on your own—" More laughter rippled through the guests, "—and to lead beside you as my equal. You've made me whole, and I'm a better man, a better Alpha, and a better dragon because of you."

Danica's eyes stung with tears as she felt the truth of his words vibrate through their bond. Her turn now, she took a steadying breath.

"Asher," she said, her voice clear despite the emotion thickening her throat. "I came to Ectorius to plan a festivaland instead found the missing piece of my soul. I promise you laughter, especially when you're being insufferable—" She winked as their guests chuckled, "—loyalty that will never waver, and a balance that lets both of us soar higher than we ever could alone. I promise to celebrate, even on our hardest days." Her voice softened. "I was incomplete before you, restless in a way I couldn't name. Now I understand—my dragon was searching for you all along." She squeezed his hands. "We're stronger together, and this town, our home, is stronger because of it."

When Gerri pronounced them husband and wife, Asher didn't wait for permission. He pulled Danica to him with Alpha possessiveness, one arm wrapping around her waist while his other hand cupped her face. The kiss was deep and claiming, a promise of the night to come that made Danica's knees weaken and her dragon rumble with anticipation.

"Mine," he whispered against her lips before reluctantly pulling back, his green eyes burning with desire and love.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Danica gazed up at her mate, her husband, her Alpha, knowing with absolute certainty that their story was just beginning.

Several hours later, when most guests had departed their wedding reception and the cleanup crew was quietly dismantling tables, Asher led Danica away from the area. They walked barefoot across the cool grass toward the small pond in their garden, a quilt tucked under Asher's arm. The sounds of the reception faded behind them.

"I'd never thought I would plan my own wedding," Danica mused as they reached the pond's edge. Fireflies drifted across the water's surface, mirroring the stars above. "I always thought it was an impossible dream."

Asher spread the quilt on the ground and pulled her down beside him. "Why impossible?"

Danica nestled against him, her white dress pooling around them like moonlight captured in fabric. "I never stayed still long enough. Never found anyone worth settling down for." She traced her fingers along his jawline. "And I didn't have family to share it with."

Asher grabbed her hand and pressed his lips to her palm. "You have family now. An entire dragon clutch."

"And my Alpha," she whispered, the weight of belonging filling her chest as she looked up at the man who had given her not just his heart, but a home, a purpose, and a legacy.

The fireflies danced above them as Asher lowered his mouth to hers, claiming her with a kiss that promised forever and tasted like coming home.