The She-Wolf’s Mate (Book 2 She-Wolf Series)

Samantha

Cassie, of course, set up the most magical gathering of all time. A huge pergola had been erected at some point with lights draped across, casting a warm glow. Underneath it, large wooden tables were laid out with beautiful place settings and gigantic woodland flower bouquets.

All around, my friends, family, and fellow alphas mingled and laughed. The view almost brought me to tears.

Cassie coordinated the actual rehearsal of our ceremony, and then everyone took their seats as dinner was served. I felt better surrounded by the familiar faces and conversation.

My mom gushed over how excited she was for the wedding. My dad was his usual antisocial self, but seemed relaxed throughout the evening. My sister pointedly ignored Emerick who made rounds with the security teams preparing for the following day.

Across from me, I watched as Luke made conversation with the visiting alphas. Michael, who usually stayed at my side, now sat to Luke’s right, quietly observing his interactions. Everyone was preparing for the changes that were to come, and I knew my beta would serve my son with the same loyalty and strength he had shown me.

The way Luke conducted himself, a passerby might have mistaken him for ten years older than he was. I could tell that the other alphas were sizing him up, testing him, but he never once betrayed a weakness. It made me proud and sad all at the same time. When I thought of him, I still pictured his first wobbly steps. Before me now was a man as capable and dangerous as the rest seated at the table.

When dinner wound down, Ivar stood and tapped his glass. Silence fell.

“Thank you to everyone who made it,” his strong voice carried over the crowd. “I know that it was short notice, but my mate and I are so overcome with gratitude for the show of support. Alpha Paulson has shown herself to be an incredibly strong and caring leader in her time among the werewolves.

“Tomorrow we will be officially mated and she will stand as your Queen. Fate has decided her path, but I can say that I am proud to call her my partner and my equal on the throne.”

He looked down at me as he spoke his last line, and I knew he was sending me a message as much as everyone else at the table.

“Long live the queen!” A voice broke the silence.

“Long live the queen!” The rest of the group echoed.

Glasses clinked as cheers erupted around us. I pulled Ivar into a kiss as he took his seat once again.

“Thank you,” I whispered as we parted.

“You are my world, little wolf,” he told me. “Never feel that you are less.”

I smiled at him as we looked at each other, inches apart.

“Enough of that, love birds,” my mom called, cheerfully, as she approached. “Sammy, where will the two of you be staying tonight? I assume separately?”

Ivar tilted his head, curiously. “Why would we stay separately?”

“It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding,” my mom explained.

I could tell Ivar wanted to argue, but he looked to me for a response instead.

“I’ll stay at home, mom,” I told her. “Ivar can stay at the pack house.” I turned to the king. “It’s a human tradition.”

He stared at me for a moment before sighing and nodding.

“Okay,” he gave in. “If that’s what you want.”

My mom hugged us both before returning to mingle among the guests. When I looked back at Ivar, his mood seemed to have dimmed. I caressed his cheek and his eyes met mine.

“I will be yours tomorrow night, and every one after,” I told him. “It means something to my mom.”

“I know, Sam,” he said. “Sometimes I forget you belong to two worlds. I understand wanting to honor both.”

“Thank you.”

Cassie was at my elbow a moment later.

“You guys are spending the night apart right?” She asked. “It’s bad luck to see your mate before the ceremony.”

I giggled. “Yes, we have already worked it out, Cassie.”

“Oh good,” she looked relieved. “I had a room made up for you upstairs, King Ivar.”

He looked annoyed as she bounced away.

“Guess it’s not just a human tradition,” I teased him.

“Hmm,” he grumbled.

We said our goodbyes and thanked our guests before parting for the evening. Ivar stepped away to speak with Emerick and the rest of the security team. I turned and caught Trinity's gaze. She offered a small smile.

"Trinity, do you have a moment?" I asked.

She looked nervous but bowed her head. "Of course, Alpha Paulson."

Sensing her obvious unease, I wrapped her in a hug. "It's not about Moon Valley, Trinity. No one thinks you were involved." I felt her relax slightly and I pulled away. "Ivar said something after I woke up. He said you told him Travis blocked the mating spell. Is that true?"

She offered a sad smile. "It is."

Even though I asked the question, the air left my lungs at her response.

"How is that possible?"

She shook her head. "I've lived a long time, and still, there are things in this world I don't quite understand. I'm sorry I can't tell you how or why, but I have come across spirits who are able to influence magic over the years. Usually, it has to do with a loved one. The only explanation that has ever made sense to me is that the love between them binds them, even after death."

I fought back tears. "Is he not at peace then?"

"Oh Sam," it was Trinity's turn to hug me. "I don't think it's anything like that. When I felt his energy, the only thing I could feel was his love and his desire to protect you. I don't know what lies on the other side, but I know with certainty Travis is watching over you because he wants to."

"Can you talk to him?" I asked.

"No. I'm sorry." she squeezed me again before stepping back. "I've met people over the years who claim to be able to speak to the dead, but from what I have seen there are none with that gift."

I nodded solemnly. It was as I expected.

"Thank you, Trin," I said.

"Of course, Alpha," she said, glancing behind me. "I look forward to your ceremony in the morning."

I gave her a smile as Ivar wrapped a hand around my waist. Trinity bowed her head and took her leave. My mate and I walked arm and arm to the parking lot while Luke trailed a few steps behind. Ivar watched my car drive away and for a moment looked like he might try to follow before turning and heading inside.

As I turned on to the main road, I caught a glimpse of a figure on the shoulder. I slammed on the brakes, my heart racing.

“Holy Goddess, Mom!” Luke shouted from the passenger seat. “What was that?”

I took a deep breath, glancing in the rearview, but the person I had seen was gone now.

“Sorry,” I apologized. “I thought I saw someone by the road.”

“Do you need me to drive?” he asked. “You could’ve killed us.”

“No,” I shook my head. “You didn’t see anyone?”

“Honestly, I was looking at my phone,” he said, turning. “But there’s no one there now.”

“Okay,” I said, easing back on the gas.

“Who was it?” he asked.

“Emilia Redding,” I said, quietly.

“That’s impossible. You must be tired or nervous or something. Katrina would know if she found a way to break through the force field.”

“You’re right,” I agreed. “Guess I’m still tired.”

Still, as I drove home, anxiety gripped me. It shouldn't be possible, yet I knew what I saw. Emilia Redding had been standing at the side of the road, smiling maliciously at me.