September Moon (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #8)(90)

“Don’t worry about it, Lex. He’ll come around. He always does.” Kylarai beamed and showed off her bouncy curls. Jez had swept them back from her face and pinned them so her veil could be attached atop her head. “How fabulous does my hair look?”

“Pretty damn fabulous.” I touched Ky’s silken tresses, admiring Jez’s handiwork before she slapped my hand away.

We continued to get ready. A plethora of makeup and hair accessories littered the bathroom counter. When I had finished applying mascara and blush, Jez went to work on my hair. With a big barrel curling iron, she created large, loose curls that fell in waves down my back. Then she made a small braid on either side and joined them together in the back. It was subtle but classic in its simplicity.

“Thanks, Jez. Who would have thought you’d have such a handy hidden talent?”

“I have many talents, most of which you’ll never know about.” She grinned and sipped from her champagne.

As the clock ticked, Kylarai grew more restless. I was nervous too. This was a big deal for her, and I couldn’t be happier.

I toyed with the black amulet around my neck. Brogan had instructed me to never take it off. Yet, I wasn’t sure it was right for the dress I’d be wearing. So I tied it around my ankle instead. It hung on the outer edge of my leg, a small black teardrop against my pale flesh.

From my underwear drawer I retrieved the small box containing the old, silver cross pendant Kale had given me. It was a beautiful piece of jewelry. Lying against my chest at the base of my throat, it shone as if it was brand new rather than hundreds of years old.

“Good choice,” Jez commented from where she stood at the counter applying her trademark red lipstick. Her hand shook slightly, the faintest tremor of withdrawal. “That pendant is gorgeous.”

The sound of muffled voices downstairs could be heard from beyond the closed door. People were starting to arrive. Shaz must have let them in.

Kylarai reacted to the noise by clutching her chest in mock agony and letting out a little shriek. “Holy crap, ladies. I think I’m scared.” Then she laughed so hard she began to tear up.

“None of that,” Jez admonished. “You’ll ruin your makeup. Save the tears for the big ‘I do’ moment.”

The energy in the house buzzed with excitement. On impulse, I pulled Kylarai into a hug and squeezed. “I am so happy for you,” I whispered, battling my own tears. “Now let’s get you wrestled into that dress.”

It took both Jez and I to get Ky into her wedding dress. It was a phenomenal strapless gown that hugged her tightly before flaring out below her waist. A simple pink ribbon tied around the middle was the only splash of color. The skirt was mostly made of tulle which made it fabulously huge. A train flowed from the back, trailing her like a white cloud.

Once Jez secured the veil into Ky’s hair, the three of us stared in the mirror, each wearing similar expressions of awe and joy.

“You don’t have to pee, do you?” Jez asked with a frown. “It’s not going to be easy with a skirt like that.”

“No,” Ky laughed. “I’m fine. For now.” She sobered quickly, and the joy faded. “Just so you both know, Coby and I, we’re not telling anyone yet. About the baby. You know, just in case it doesn’t work out.”

It was incredibly rare for werewolves to reproduce naturally. Our biological makeup was of two natures, human and wolf. It just didn’t make it likely. In most cases, conception simply never occurred.

“Hey, take a look at me.” Jez held her arms out as if she were on display. “I was born, not bitten. It happens. Maybe not often but it does. Keep the faith, ok?”

Ky nodded, her grey eyes sparkled with renewed hope. “Thank you.”

“Now,” I said, clapping my hands together. “Let’s go get you married.”

When all three of us were dressed and ready, we headed downstairs. Jez got stuck fighting with Kylarai’s skirt and train while I ran down ahead to make sure Coby was already in place outside.

I moved carefully in the pale-pink stiletto heels that added four inches to my short frame. No surprise, Jez had picked them out, but I’d had to admit that they were a perfect match to my soft pink dress.

The skirt flowed behind me as I moved, making me feel more feminine than usual. It was a nice change from bloodstained casual wear. I rounded the corner into the kitchen and living room area and almost collided with Shaz as he exited the main washroom.

“Whoa,” he exclaimed, taking a step back as he looked me over from head to toe and back up. “You’re beautiful, Lex.”

A blush warmed my cheeks, but his words warmed the cold spot inside me where worry lived. “Thanks, babe. You’re quite the looker yourself.”

Hell yeah he was. In a black tux that perfectly hugged every angle of his body, Shaz was dressed to kill. His short, platinum hair was lightly gelled into place; his face, clean shaven. I’d seen him in a suit before but never quite this dressed up. It was a good look for him. Very sexy and suave. It was swoon worthy.

We stared awkwardly at one another until he began to babble about everybody being seated and in place. All we needed to begin was the bride.

“Right.” I sprang into action. “I’ll just tell Kylarai we’re ready for her then.”

Once Ky was positioned in the hallway, Jez took her place with Bryce, a local wolf acting as a groomsman. I loved that Coby was connecting with the pack. Even if I was just a little bitter still about being kicked out.