Page 65 of Bruised MC Bear

“I never understood why an American forestry company even has employees like you working out in Eastern Europe to begin with.”

“Conservation Science has no real boundaries, hun. We’re losing forests all over the world, and studying deserts give us some insight into how to use land spaces, and protect forests and the environment at the same time. I probably wouldn’t have to leave Europe at all if it weren’t for all the instability in the area.”

“I hear you, but I’m still glad you’ll be closer. More girl time for us. So anyway, Axe’s best man should already be at the airport to pick you up.”

“Uh, Axe’s friends? I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.”

“Why not? You don’t know any of Axe’s friends.”

“True, but Axe is a bear shifter. We wolves aren’t huge fans of bear shifters … and vice versa.”

“The best man isn’t a shifter at all.”

“He’s not?”

“Nope.”

“What is he, then? A regular old human like you?”

“Honey, I’ll have you know that I’m neither regular nor old,” she joked. “About the best man, his name is Vincent. Is it okay if I text you each other’s numbers so he can tell you where in arrivals to meet him?”

“Sure,” I told her, noticing that she had neglected to give me a firm answer to my question on what Vincent was. Still, although I’d brought it up, I wasn’t up for extending this conversation about supernatural or preternatural beings on my cell phone while I was standing in an airport terminal.

“Great. He’ll be in touch soon. He can also get you settled in at the hotel.”

“Aren’t the reservations in your name?”

“They are, but … Vincent … he owns the hotel. Well, the chain.”

“He owns the Regal Mount hotels? The five-star chain with hundreds of locations worldwide? And he’s Axe’s friend? Strange.”

“Yeah. He’s a nice guy too. We’ll get the formal introductions all sorted out when Axe and I get there this evening, okay?”

“Sounds good. Oh my gosh, Angel. You’re getting married tomorrow! Do you need me to work on anything when I get in?”

“No, sweetie. You’re off the hook. It’s a tight schedule, but everything’s set. Tonight, we’ll have dinner and get the families together. Tomorrow morning, we’ll make a quick stop at the chapel and hotel ballroom to make sure everything is ready for the wedding and reception. After that, we’ve got a few hours at the spa for hair, makeup, massages … the works. We’ll have a couple of hours to get me in my gown, then the ceremony, pictures and the reception back at the hotel.” She took a breath. “Easy as pie, right?”

“Wow. That’s a lot to do in precious little time.”

“It is. Be glad that we got the shopping for your bridesmaid’s dress out of the way.”

“No kidding. I still don’t know how that online bridal site did such a great job on it. It fits like a glove.”

“It’s the magic of internet shopping.”

“For sure. Hey, what about the bachelorette and bachelor parties?”

“The bachelor party was last night. Axe decided to get wild and crazy at the clubhouse. He’s not too keen on mixing booze and bears here in the city.”

“I’d bet.”

“So you and I have to fit something in … tonight after dinner.” She chuckled. “Are you ready for male stripper dick in your face?”

“Uh … I’ll let you take the hot seat. It’s your night! And I’ve got a stack of dollar bills all ready for whatever you want.”

“I’ll be sure to put it to good use.”

“I have to say … the guilt is getting to me that I couldn’t do more. I mean, this has probably been the easiest maid of honor job in the world.”