Audrey was opposite. She was radiant in a simple ice-blue gown. But it was Fen who drew Raquel’s gaze and held it. He’d dressed in a tux. His hair was neatly trimmed. And despite the fact that they’d spent hours together today as a couple, it was like that first moment all over again when she realized that he wanted her, that he was only waiting for her to say yes.
He smiled and shifted his stance to face her fully.
“I never thought you’d mate a hound,” her father said. “He’s not what I would have picked for you.”
“I know. He’s mine.”
“He’ll treat you well or he’ll to answer to me.”
“You don’t have to worry, Dad.”
“Because he’s so special for a hound?”
“Because he’s Fen.”
Her father stopped before the dais, took her by the shoulders and turned her. Her breath caught with the thought that he might withhold his approval here at the end. Not that it would matter much, but she wouldn’t like to have to defy him. Instead, his own eyes perhaps a bit over bright, he kissed her brow and placed her hand into Fen’s.
Something passed between the men she couldn’t quite decipher and then Fen’s warm hand closed around hers and pulled her to his side.
“You’re beautiful, Rocky.” His smile faltered. “I don’t know if I took the time to tell you—”
“I know.” She squeezed his hand, touched the rose tucked into his lapel. “This is one hell of a first date.”
His low laugh made her belly flutter. “I still intend to woo you.”
She intended to get him naked again as soon as possible. And though she managed to keep herself from sharing that bit of information out loud, she could tell by the look in Fen’s eyes that he understood exactly what she was thinking.
Aiden looked from Fen to Raquel. “We’re ready here?”
When they agreed that they were, Aiden nodded and addressed the crowd first. She thought part of that was to explain to their poor confused guests why Fen stood beside her instead of Christian. She barely paid attention. All her focus was on Fen, his palm as sweaty as hers and trembling ever so slightly. She wasn’t nervous about marrying him, not really. After the binding this was simply icing on the cake. Cake. The thought reminded her that she hadn’t eaten since breakfast and her stomach rumbled. Fen looked at her out of the corner of his eyes. His lips curled at the ends.
When Aiden called him Douglas, she raised her eyebrows and his cheek creased in a long dimple.
Relief had her giddy and trembling. Had her voice shaking as she repeated the binding oath. So many ties held them together. Vow. Magic. Family. Clan. None of them bound her as tightly as the look in Fen’s eyes.
A cheer rose up as he tugged her forward. His hand cupped the back of her neck and he kissed her, long and deep. A reminder of what had passed, a promise of what lay ahead.
And then the real party began.
She ate until she regretted allowing Audrey to take in the dress that last time. She danced until she wished she’d listened to her mother’s advice to break in the shoes. When the party was in full swing, Fen grabbed her hand and tugged her into the shadows.
“We could make a run for the Dumpster.”
She laughed. “That’s the first place Audrey will look now.”
He groaned. “You told her?” His lips grazed her temple. “You don’t tell her all of our secrets do you?”
She snorted. “Hardly.”
His hands slid up her neck in a light caress, thumbs hooking beneath her jaw and angling her face up. “I need to get you alone, Rocky.”
She lifted onto her toes and kissed him. “The limo’s still out front. We can leave anytime you want.”
“How about now?”
Her smile widened and she grabbed his wandering hand. “Now. I think we’ve both waited long enough.”
* * * * *
Thrilling and dangerously sexy,
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Private investigator Grace tracks a kidnapped child to middle-of-nowhere Iowa. Encountering a strange creature she knows can’t be a local animal, she doesn’t need her psychic abilities to figure out the sleepy town is not what it seems. When she meets the intriguing Aiden, she’s plunged into a world of Norse gods and fire demons where the Wild Hunt still rides the night.
Aiden needs Grace’s help to cross the portal between worlds and rescue his daughter. Grace is unlike any woman he’s ever met. He’s drawn to her courage, distressed by her vulnerability and doubtful of her motives. But he knows that her visions are the key to defeating the enemy and bringing everyone home alive.
Grace wants a future with Aiden, even if it means she’ll never have a normal life. When a test run to the portal takes a terrifying turn, they must learn to finally trust each other or Aiden’s daughter, and their chance at love, will be lost forever...
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About the Author
Eleri Stone was born and raised in New Jersey. She graduated from the University of Iowa and still lives in the Midwest with her husband and their three children. Eleri is a lifelong fan turned writer of fantasy and paranormal romance. She enjoys kayaking, cooking and hearing from readers. Visit her at www.EleriStone.com.
