Page 109 of Wedding the Werepanther

I slip on a pair of comfortable white pumps with block heels that are easy to walk in and won’t sink into the grass. Jasmine attaches the veil to the back of my hair, which she styled in one of those “effortless” looks that keeps my hair off my face while letting the purple waves flow down my back. Effortless for her, that is—I know I’d have a helluva time getting my hair to look half as good. Same with the makeup—Violeta’s way better at it than me.

I stand and twirl in front of the mirror.

“You look so beautiful,” Violeta says.

“It’s all thanks to you guys.” I throw my arms around each of them.

Dewdrop flies over with my bouquet, and I take it with thanks. It’s a gorgeous mix of white roses with purple wisteria and lavender. Shadow had the wood nymphs at Oopsy Daisy do the flowers for the wedding, and they did a fantastic job of making everything match the backyard’s wisteria-covered arbor. Even Dewdrop wears a tiny boutonnière of a white rosebud with lavender tucked into his translation-crystal necklace.

We make a long procession down the stairs and along the hall.

Victoria finally let me remove a single photo from the wall: the one of my grandparents. I hung it from the arbor so they’ll be with me on this special day.

None of my living blood relatives are here, and that’s okay, because it’s exactly as Shadow said: the entire backyard is full of family, the kind of family that counts, the family that loves and supports me.

Hannah hurries out the door to take her place at the front as the human wedding officiant. It’s one of her rarer mayoral duties, but it’s perfect to have someone who already understands and accepts magic, because Shadow and I decided to have… a less traditional wedding party in addition to the regular bridesmaids and groomsmen.

I glance at the magical parchment hanging right beside the door.

“It’s time,”Victoria writes.“Everyone’s in place.”

“And the music?”

“It’s ready when you are.”

“Thank you.” And maybe I’m thanking her for more than the music. Maybe I’m also thanking her for everything she did to make today happen. As much as I hated the way the marriage contract tried to take away my choices, I can’t say it didn’t speed things up between me and Shadow.

I’ll never flipping tell her that, though. God knows what she’d do next if she thought I approved.

“Okay, Victoria. Let’s do this.”

The “Wedding March” starts, and the Witch Bitches file out the door one by one.

I glance down at Dewdrop. “You ready to help everyone else go at the right time?”

“I’m on it!” he chirps and hops out the back door and heads left to where the rest of the bridal party waits.

I step into the open doorway, getting a clear look at the backyard. White folding wooden chairs line both sides of the aisle, full of loved ones. A few feet away, Jared crouches, his camera hiding most of his face as he snaps photo after photo. Hannah and Severin stand in front of the arbor, each ready to lead their part of the combined ceremony. My bridesmaids finish making it down the aisle and spread out to the left, each wearing a pretty lavender dress of her choosing. The groom’s party mirrors them on the right: Luke, Rune, Jace, and Thorvinn, all handsome in their tuxes, and Naomi and Mist in dark-purple Faerie silk dresses.

But it’s Shadow who takes my breath away. He stands waiting for me, his long hair free and unbound, the silver tips setting off his silver-embroidered cummerbund. His tux is immaculately tailored, one made for him by the shadow-fae dressmaker instead of scrounged from Victoria’s attic.

He’s devastatingly handsome, and he only has eyes for me. “I love you,” he mouths, and I say it back, warmth filling my chest.

“Kittens, you’re up!” Dewdrop whispers.

The three werekittens run down the aisle, too excited to walk. I’m just proud they’re still in their formalwear instead of having stripped it off. The night’s still young, though. Even odds at least one of them will be running around in only fur by the time the reception starts.

They take their places in front of the groom’s party, little chests puffed with pride that they get to represent their favorite uncle.

Thenmyspecial someones come into view. The rolling pumpkins and walking tulips move down the aisle, bringing a smile to my lips. Severin gathered them in a blanket of shadowsand flew them over from downtown so they could take part. They spread out in front of the bridesmaids.

Next come the flower bearers. A flock of pixies flies up the aisle, tossing rose petals as they go. When they get to the end, they take up positions across the top of the arbor, adding their glowing blue lights to the feeling of celebration.

Dewdrop flies after them, the rings and ribbon held in his little hands.

Moonlight steps up beside me and offers her arm. Shadow’s mother looks gorgeous in a Faerie silk dress of deep green that perfectly complements her eyes.

“Thank you,” I whisper. I’d been prepared to walk myself down the aisle, which would have been totally fine. But this is so much better.