Page 184 of Commanding Flame and Shield
Nothing. No giggle or tug. Just quiet.
Ally?A shudder down the line.Sweetheart, are you crying?
Maybe.
Relief washed over me, but also that desire to soothe and comfort and protect.
Can I hold you?
Freya would kill us.
She can try.
You should know, though, August…
Alvara, there isnothingyou could do to change my mind. You are my soulmate. There’s nothing you can say to change that—and whatever you’re worried about, we will face it together.
Until the very end?
Baby, even then, I'll see you in our encore.
She was quiet for another moment, and I walked back towards the pool house. Back towards the laughing of my now sea-drenched companions.
I love you.She finally answered.
Love you too.
See you at the ceremony.
I’ll be the one in the tux.
A mock purr came down the line.
I threw my head back and laughed.
* * *
The murmurof the crowd rising to stand ran a chill down my spine, despite the warmth of the day. Alec tapped my shoulder, and I turned around, heart hammering in my ears. I didn’t bother to hide the tears that rolled down my cheeks, as our eyes found each other down that flower-covered, shell-lined aisle. Those eyes that I had first seen in dreams a lifetime ago. Eyes that were my home, my salvation, my anchor to this world, that caught my attention.
Wordlessly, Aren slid his arm out from under hers, and offered me her hand. I nearly choked, and a tear streamed down her cheek as I accepted it. The Commander stepped up to his place on the podium.
But it was to Ally that my eyes remained glued.
EIGHTY-SEVEN
SURPRISES
ALVARA
I stared off the balcony at the rumbling waves, glancing between them and the sky, a glimmering blanket of infinite darkness that kissed the distant glistening waters. The bliss of the day faded with the sun, leaving in its place a dark expanse of the unknown. The same horrible memory on a loop in my mind. My visions were still absent as August stepped up beside me.
His expression was gentle as he said, “I have an idea—don’tlook—just, play along.” When he took in my narrowed eyes, he laughed. “Do you trust me?” I nodded. “Want to do something crazy?”
“Crazier than getting married?” I retorted.
He snorted, removing his shirt to reveal that spectacular, chiseled frame. “God, I think so.”
“Damn.” My lips quirked, but I studied him for a moment before offering a small nod. “Okay, Mr. Porter. I trust you.” The moment the words left my mouth, at the sight of his grin, my trust fled. But there was no time to adjust or defend, as August lunged forward, scooping my legs out from under me, and we jumped.
