Page 64 of Rock Hard

Something squeezed deep in Rex’s chest at the thought. Of watching Alice grow round with his cubs. Of all the fun they would havemakingthose cubs.

“The good news is,” Styxx continued, “by the time it comes to that, you’ll have this father thing down.”

Rex exhaled. Styxx was right.Again. He and Carly were making progress, and much of that was because of Alice. She was going to make a great mother. He wondered if maybe she would want to get started on that later tonight ... after the ceremony.

The pipe organ suddenly grew louder.

“That’s our cue.” Styxx clapped him on the back. “You ready?”

“So ready.”

“Then let’s do this.”

They walked out and took their places by the altar. The church was packed. Rex was pleased to see the other guys from the band in the front row.

“How did you get them to wear tuxes?” Rex asked quietly.

Styxx laughed. “Dude, they’re doing it for the pussy. Everyone knows chicks dig guys in tuxes.”

Rex laughed, too. Then Alice appeared at the back of the church and his mind went blank.

She looked gorgeous.Beyondgorgeous. He had expected the quarter-million-dollar gown to look like something in one of those bridal magazines she had been perusing, but this was so much better. The bottom was short in front, long in back, flowing behind her in a cascade of white silk and diamonds. A tight, sleeveless bodice hugged her lush curves, with well-placed slashes revealing a hint of creamy, golden skin with each step. It was hot as fuck.

Maybe he wouldn’t wait until later tonight. Maybe he would just throw her over his shoulder and carry her into the back to get started on those cubs right away ...

A swift, well-placed elbow to the ribs invaded his fantasy. “You’re growling, man. Unless you want everyone here to know what you are, I’d cage the lion. Feel me?”

Rex managed to get himself under control with considerable effort. While some trusted humans knew about shifters, most didn’t. He, for one, preferred to keep it that way.

He focused on his daughter instead. She, too, looked lovely, her gown a more modest version of Alice’s and perfectly suited to a young female.

Carly reached him first. “You okay, princess?” he asked quietly.

She smiled back at him, a brilliant smile that he felt deep in his chest. “Yeah, it’s all good.”

Carly stepped to the side, and then Johnny Prowler was there, placing Alice’s hand in his.

Rex withheld the snarl that tried to escape. Alice was incredibly fond of the guy, and had reminded Rex on multiple occasions that it was Johnny who had encouraged her to return and give him another chance. Maybe the fucking panther wasn’t so bad after all.

The ceremony went off smoothly, short and to the point, just as they had wanted. Rex kissed his new bride for the first time to thunderous applause with his family and friends right there beside him, and he knew, without a doubt, that it was his finest performance.