Page 71 of Clashing With The Grumpy Wolf

I feel a surge of pride as I watch Seraphina glide down the aisle. Despite everything—the sabotage, the theft, the betrayal—this moment is perfect. This is why I do what I do. This is what makes every struggle worthwhile.

The dragon ceremony is both familiar and alien, vows exchanged, promises made, and love declared for everyone to hear. Percy tells his bride they will fly together through storms and sunshine. Seraphina vows to guard Percy’s flame until the stars burn out.

I find myself unexpectedly moved, blinking back tears that threaten to ruin my professional composure.

At the key moment, Percy and Seraphina join hands, then open their wings wide, scales shimmering, membranes unfurling with a soft whisper of movement. They stretch their wings in unison, tips touching.

The officiant pronounces them mated for life, and Percy and Seraphina turn around, wide smiles on their faces, then jump off the cliff.

I know dragons can fly, I’ve seen it. Still, my heart jumps all the way to my throat when the bride and groom disappear into the abyss, only to reappear a moment later, flying together, joined by the hands. They circle the guests three times before landing back on the platform.

The dragons among the guests release controlled bursts of flame that shoot skyward in celebration. The sight is spectacular, streams of fire in gold and red twining together against the deepening blue of the evening sky.

The reception transitions seamlessly from ceremony to celebration, just as planned. The ballroom glows with candlelight, tables arranged precisely, centerpieces drawing appreciative murmurs from guests who don't realize how close the event came to disaster.

I move through the space, checking details, resolving minor issues before they become problems. A selkie elder needs his water refreshed more frequently. The temperature needs adjusting to accommodateboth the heat-loving dragons and the cold-preferring ice sprites. The band needs guidance on when to transition from dinner music to dancing.

Then it’s all over. The guests are dancing, the cake has been eaten.

Well done, I tell myself.Well done.

At some point, Adrian comes to find me.

"You've performed miracles today," he says softly.

I turn to find him watching me with undisguised admiration. His uniform has been replaced by a formal suit that emphasizes his broad shoulders and lean strength. My heart does a ridiculous little flip in my chest at how gorgeous he is.

"I had help," I reply with a small smile. "Particularly from a certain sheriff who can turn into a wolf when needed."

Adrian's eyes darken at the memory, the green in them seeming to glow slightly. He takes my hand, interlacing our fingers.

"Come with me," he says. "Just for a few minutes. Everything here is perfect, they won't miss you."

I hesitate, glancing around at the reception, still in full swing.

"Trust me," he adds, his thumb stroking across my knuckles. "The world won't end if you take fifteen minutes for yourself."

He's right, I realize. Everything is running smoothly. The newlyweds are surrounded by adoring friends and family. The music fills the air, and the dance floor is full.

"Fifteen minutes," I agree, allowing him to lead me away from the reception, into the quiet hush of the rose garden where silver moonlight bathes the blooms in ethereal light.

In the garden, surrounded by the sweet perfume of roses and the distant sound of celebration, I finally ask the question that's been weighing on me.

"Do you have any more news about Courtney and Vera?"

Adrian guides me to a stone bench nestled among the roses. The moonlight illuminates his face, highlighting the strong lines of his jaw, the concern in his eyes.

"Vera Castell has a history," he says gently. "Once we had her name, it didn't take long for investigators to uncover a pattern of scams and sabotage. This wasn't her first time destroying someone's career for profit. Or stealing from a client and blaming someone else."

"How many others?" I ask, a chill running through me despite the warm evening.

"At least three that we know of. She's facing serious charges: theft, arson, conspiracy, attempted murder. Enough to guarantee a long prison sentence."

I nod slowly, processing this information. Part of me feels vindicated, knowing that Vera will finally face consequences for what she did to me in New York and what she tried to do here in Saltford Bay.

"And Courtney?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady despite the raw wound of betrayal.

Adrian takes my hand, his touch warm and comforting.