Total pages in book: 120
Estimated words: 113406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 454(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 454(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
Madisyn initially figured that just Dawn and the Phoenix Pack would come. But the Olympus Pride, who’d formed an alliance with Nick, had insisted on coming after Ingrid heard about the ceremony through Dawn. Cain, Harley’s cousins, and Riley’s uncles—whom Madisyn had met back when Riley lived at the shelter—had also asked to come. And since Gwen’s family was currently visiting, they would also be there.
“Just don’t let my brothers get him alone,” said Roni. “On the night of my mating ceremony, they got Marcus drunk and tied him to a tree.”
Shaya smiled. “I don’t think they’ll dare do that to Bracken. Although they would if Madisyn was their sister too. They still find it weird that you’re mated, Roni.”
“You know,” began Madisyn, “I had a dream that Claudia and Daisy were at my mating ceremony, whacking the crap out of each other with inflatable badgers, and I kept telling them that they had to hurry because the Hogwarts Express would be leaving soon.”
Ally laughed. “Why inflatable badgers?”
“I don’t know. I was dreaming.”
The Tundra Pack hadn’t retaliated in any way. Because Claudia was in the public eye, her father’s death hadn’t escaped notice. In a TV interview, she’d stated that he and some of her pack mates had died in a battle with another pack, but she’d refused to state which one. So far no one had speculated if it was the Mercury Pack. Shifter business was shifter business, so the human authorities hadn’t gotten involved.
“Have you talked to Daisy lately?” asked Shaya.
Madisyn nodded. “She’s doing well.” After the battle with Archer, Madisyn had made a call to Daisy and told her what had happened. The sow then contacted her family, relayed the info, and soon after returned home. The last Madisyn heard, the clans were now operating separately as opposed to answering to one clan.
She snapped out of her thoughts as Shaya rose from the sofa. “Time to go,” the redhead declared.
Blowing out a breath, Madisyn stood. “I’m ready.”
They headed to a clearing deep in Mercury territory where other mating ceremonies had taken place. Everybody was gathered in a circle, surrounding Nick and Bracken. People parted to let Madisyn through, flashing her smiles and patting her arms or shoulders as she passed.
Her focus was on Bracken, who was looking absolutely delicious in his black slacks and the slate-gray shirt that matched the color of his eyes. A shirt she’d picked out. He drank in the little red dress she was wearing and gave her a look that said she would be wearing it when he fucked her later.
Nick spoke the ceremonial words. Though they had no power, they moved through her somehow. Or maybe that was Bracken’s sheer awe and contentment.
When the ceremony was finally over, Bracken pulled her close and kissed her. “All I want to do right now is take you home and do very filthy things to you.”
She smiled. “The wait will add to the tension.”
“No, it will just drive me crazy.”
The after-party kicked off quickly. People ate, drank, sang, and danced on the makeshift dance floor. Others sat at the tables or stood in groups, chatting and laughing. Bracken didn’t leave her side as they walked around, making an effort to speak with each and every guest. Greta was remarkably pleasant and seemed to be enjoying herself, though she probably only made the effort to mingle because she had Allen with her.
When Madisyn said as much to Makenna, the she-wolf nodded and said, “It would be so amazing if she imprinted on him.”
Gwen frowned. “Can that happen if she’s already been mated?”
“Technically, it shouldn’t happen,” replied Makenna. “But I’ve heard stories about people it has happened for.”
Jaime nodded. “Some say they’re just myths, but I’d like to think not. I’d like to think people who’ve lost their mates don’t have to grow old and die alone. Although I can’t imagine ever loving anybody the way I do Dante, so maybe it wouldn’t really work.”
Taryn touched the Beta female’s shoulder. “On to a cheerier subject. I’m so unbelievably psyched that you’re pregnant.”
“Me too,” said Jaime, smiling. “Dante’s been crowing like a rooster ever since he scented it on me. Like he thinks it means he has super sperm or something.”
Ally laughed. “Yeah, I think men believe it’s proof that they’re the ultimate virile man.”
Makenna grabbed Madisyn’s arm. “Ooh, did I tell you that you won the romantic trip to Rome?”
“Won?” echoed Bracken, looking at his mate. “You entered a competition to win a vacation?”
Madisyn shook her head. “No, Makenna entered my name.”
He blinked. “Makenna was the one who entered the competition, but she used your name . . . and it was chosen?”
Madisyn pursed her lips. “Yeah. That’s about it.”
“See,” said Makenna, “there is such a thing as luck.” Ryan grunted, and she glowered at him. “That was uncalled for, White Fang.”