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The white dress flows down so perfectly, it’s hard not to cry at it’s beauty. The silver embroidery glitters in the sunlight, the lace detail kissing my shoulders like it was crafted by the Goddess herself.

The elders wanted me to wear the former Luna’s dress in accordance with some bullshit tradition. But Alaric slid his black card into my hand, kissed my temple, and said, “Get the one that feels like you, wild one.”

And this? This is me.

My hair is up in a ponytail, long curls tumbling down my back. My makeup is soft, barely there, but just enough to highlight the glow that only love can give a woman.

I’m glowing because of him.

I glance at the mirror one last time, fingers lightly brushing over my stomach as if to calm the nerves that haven’t stopped fluttering since sunrise. This is it. Today, I become Lila Irene Hells, Luna of Blackwood.

A soft knock on the door draws me out of my thoughts.

“He’s at the door,” Maya, my best friend and pack sister, says, raising both brows and giving me the look.

I try to act innocent. “Who?”

She scoffs. “Don’t play innocent. You know who.”

“I can’t send him away,” I say quietly, brushing my fingers against the lace. “Not when he’s come this far.”

“You’re not supposed to see him before the wedding, Lila. It’s bad luck.”

I don’t think I care either way.

“He’s my luck.”

Maya glares, but her tone softens, “Fine. Five minutes. But if you mess up your makeup, I’ll kill you.”

“Thanks.” I smile.

She opens the door and walks out.

One heartbeat later, he walks in.

I barely breathe as Alaric closes the door and drinks me in like I’m the only thing worth worshiping.

His gaze rakes over me slowly, dragging from the tight silk bodice of my dress down to the tiny slit in the side that’s just enough to tease a little bit of my right thigh.

His jaw tics.

His eyes darken.

And then he stalks toward me like a predator with no intention of letting his prey go untouched.

“Fuck, baby…” he growls, his voice more vibration than baritone. “You look like every fantasy I’ve ever had.”

I step back, but only because I want to make him chase me. He doesn’t let me go far. His hand wraps around my wrist, tugging me flush against him.

“You’re not supposed to see me before the wedding.”

But who am I kidding? I wanted him to come. Needed him to, if I’m being honest.

“Then I’ll close my eyes,” he murmurs right before slamming his mouth onto mine.

His kiss is ravenous and the only spark needed to light the fire between us that begs to be fed. Alaric devours my lips like a starved man, like he’s been waiting for this moment all damn day.

My fingers grip the lapels of his jacket, deepening the kiss and moaning at the feeling of his lips trying to take control of mine.