Page 62 of The Howling (Monsters of the Yeavering #2)

B essie has worked wonders with my dress. Not only does it fit like a glove, but it feels like I’m floating in air. I’d expected it to be tight and uncomfortable, and the fact it isn’t made me cry.

I cry at everything at the moment, so no one was unduly bothered.

Gloriana weaves a mixture of herbs and wild flowers into my hair while marvelling at my tattoos. She’s so interested I offer to find out what I can do about creating one for her.

Lilburn takes my hand and leads me out of the bedroom and down the stairs, with Kaitlyn and Gloriana in tow.

“I trust you’re happy for us to be your honourable females,” Lilburn says.

“I couldn’t ask for more honourable females.” I smile, trying not to cry again.

The hall is, as I’ve been forewarned, filled to the brim with all the creatures of the Yeavering.

I spot Fenrother and Alice near the back.

She has a not so small bundle in her arms and waves happily at me.

Fenrother raises one lip which could be a smile, or he could have wind.

It’s always going to be difficult to tell.

The throng parts as Lilburn and Kaitlyn move ahead, and a slow hush descends on the masses as I pass through them, heading to the far end.

Above us, new banners flutter in a slight breeze.

They are a deep blue, stitched with the wolf’s head of Reavely’s pack and a white rose, which is the symbol I chose for myself.

I’m not entirely sure if I’ll make it down to the end, given how hard I’m finding breathing, when Kaitlyn takes hold of my hand. She squeezes it.

“I know it’s hard, but you’re blazing a trail for all the humans, all the witches, and all the warlocks in the Yeavering. It’s showing everyone there is life without the Faerie, and they need to know that,” she says quietly. “No pressure.”

“No pressure.” I set my shoulders.

I love Reavely, and no matter what else this wedding is supposed to symbolise to anyone, it is for me to tell him how I feel, publicly, like his pack prefers.

So, when the final throng parts, and I see him standing next to the fire, leaning on the lintel, staring into the flames, his tail waving behind him, my heart flips at how handsome he is.

He turns at the murmurings and his hands drop by his sides, jaw slack as I approach.

“This is not…” He runs a hand over the silk bodice of my dress, his eyes wide.

“It is, but Bessie made it into something especially for me, and for you,” I say. “She wanted it to be special for both of us.”

“I love you, my sweet mate.” Reavely presses his forehead against mine. “I will always love you.”

“And I love you, Reavely. You make my heart sing with every single moment you are near.”

“Then we are married, my little deer.”

“We are?” I look up at the assembly.

“My wife,” Reavely roars, lifting me into his arms and plundering my mouth with a dominant kiss.

“My husband,” I call out.

The entire room erupts into cheers.

“I’d sort of expected a longer, more drawn out affair,” I say into Reavely’s ear. “Humans usually do.”

“There is no need for a ceremony. All my pack needs is to know we are in love. Love is the most powerful magic the Yeavering has ever known.”

“I agree.”

“And now for the public mating,” Reavely says, kissing me again.

“What?” I slam my hands on his chest.

“I’m joking.” He grins, dipping his head into my neck, nibbling at my claiming mark and sending shivers through my body. “I’d mate you anywhere, but only where you want me to.”

He lifts his head.

“And now for the feast,” he bellows at the throng.

They part once again as members of the pack pull the tables away from the wall and others start bringing in the food.

It’s enough to distract them as Reavely carries me through the kitchens and out into the gardens.

We pass through the kitchen garden, the one I love sitting in, and he pushes at the door into the barren rose garden.

“Wait, there’s nothing in there,” I say.

“Is there not?” he says with the hint of a smile, opening the door and stepping through.

Where once I saw him surrounded by dead plants, head in his hands as the Reaper told him he wanted my soul, this place could not be more different.

Blooms, large and small, a rainbow of colours, are everywhere. Green fills the rest of the space, and the scent is one I never one to end.

“Reavely! This is incredible. How did you do it?”

“It is for you, but I can’t take the credit,” he says, setting me on my feet but keeping an arm around my waist as I capture a flower and draw it to my face, to inhale the delicate smell.

“Then who?”

“I always knew she’d want to see this day,” Reavely says quietly.

“This is Lorelei?” I stare around. “Is she here?”

“She is always here. This is her home and this is her garden. She did it for me, and I gift it to you.” Reavely smiles.

My heart does a slow, soft flip.

“Wynter, I love you, I need you, I want you.” He puts one hand on my waist and one on my stomach. “You are my family and this is your home.”