Shaking her head, she used a no-nonsense tone. “The creature did those things, not you. The man was not in control. Do you even remember the things
“No, nothing except flashes of looking through his eyes, feeling the rage and confusion. Maybe I blocked out the rest. But I—he—killed people,” he whispered. “I knew the beast had done something bad because I was covered in blood. I had an awful feeling.”
“That wasn’t you,” she reiterated.
He was silent a moment. “I never knew it was your uncle behind my kidnapping, until it was all over and I ended up here. I defended him in a criminal case once, and that was the thanks I got. Nick told me the man apparently waited until our breakup and then had me taken to Bowman. I had caught their eye as a perfect test subject.”
“And they weren’t concerned that you’re a prominent attorney with colleagues and a client base who would miss you?”
“I guess not. They were that arrogant.”
“Or that stupid.”
His lips curved. “It’s really good to see you. Are you happy?”
“I am.” He was still fragile and she didn’t want to hurt him in any way, or rub in her bliss. But she told the truth. “He’s my other half. We mated, and we’re going to get married as soon as he’s up and around. Living here will be perfect, too. That way I can continue my study of the wolves—the real ones.”
“That’s wonderful.” His voice rang with sincerity.
“Would you be interested in attending? I’d love to have you if—”
“Thank you, but no,” he said quietly. “It’s best that I go home, get my life in order. But I do wish you all the best, and I’ll be thinking of you.”
“All right, I understand. And thank you.”
“I can’t thank you, Ryon, and the Pack enough for risking so much to save me. I’m forever in your debt. If any of you ever need a good criminal attorney, I’m a phone call away.”
She laughed. “I’ll be sure they know. And you’re welcome. Like I said, you’re my friend and there’s no way I was going to leave you to your fate.”
“You’re a rare woman, Daria. I was a fool to let you go.”
“Yes, you were.”
They both laughed at that, knowing the real story. The decision to part was mutual, their lives too different, going in different directions. They would remain friends. Whether she’d ever see him again, she didn’t know. But she hoped so. Some people, like Ben, were worth holding on to.
And no one more than her amazing mate, whom she loved to distraction. He was worth any risk.
Here, with Ryon, she’d found her home at last.
Sixteen
Ryon stood at the altar, which was really a simple white archway decorated with all sorts of flowers he couldn’t name. He didn’t care—he had eyes for only one beautiful flower in the entire vicinity.
Daria walked up the aisle, escorted by her father, Charles. They were both smiling, but it was her brilliantly happy one that caught his breath. Her face was radiant. Raven hair was piled on top of her head, spilling down on the sides of her face. Brown eyes devoured him, shining with love and promise.
As they reached him, Ryon was a little nervous about taking her from the older man, but the transfer took place without a hitch. Ryon liked Charles and hadn’t really been worried since the feeling was mutual, but still. The man was “giving away” his daughter. But Charles seemed thrilled for his baby girl, and as long as she was smiling, Dad would, too.
The ceremony passed quickly, in part because they’d shortened it to the essentials. It was meaningful and not rushed, they just chose not to let it go on and on because Ryon was still healing. By the time it was over he was leaning on the handle of his cane a bit. A small ache, nothing he couldn’t bear. He was anxious to make nice with their friends.
And then get on with claiming his new bride. His wolf growled in agreement.
Soon he was kissing the bride, and didn’t release her until the audience starting hooting and catcalling, making a good-natured fuss.
“Come on, man,” Aric shouted. “There’s beer waiting!”
Everyone laughed. Ryon reluctantly stepped back from his mate. The local preacher, a friend of Sheriff Deveraux’s, announced them as husband and wife. They turned to face the crowd, and everyone cheered.
Through all the usual wedding stuff, Ryon endured his friends’ backslaps and raw jokes about the wedding night. They took loads of pictures, ate lots of food.
Zan walked over, holding a beer. The man had gotten back from his vacation to learn he’d missed a major op, and hadn’t been thrilled. But he was still learning to compensate for the loss of his hearing. He could read lips pretty well, and his speech was okay, if a little odd. The biggest issue was how he’d do once placed back in the field. They just didn’t know yet.
The Healer stopped and hugged Ryon. “Congrats!”
Ryon made sure his old friend could see his mouth. “Thanks. Having fun?”
“You bet.” He waved his bottle at their resident Fae prince. “Good thing Blue can glamour his appearance, or that might give the preacher a shock.”
“It would be entertaining, for sure.”
“Yeah. But the last thing we need is more publicity. People might find out what we really do here.”
That’s what they were all secretly afraid of. If the world knew that paranormal creatures existed—not to mention that the government had allegedly experimented on humans and shifters—the fallout would be huge.
His friend grimaced. “Sorry. This is your party, so no heavy stuff. Right?”
“Right.”
“I’m gonna go get another beer. Congrats again, man.”
“Thanks.”
Just as Zan ambled off, Ryon caught sight of Micah standing alone at the corner of the building. He was sure he glimpsed a prescription bottle in the man’s hand as he tucked it into his coat pocket. Then the younger man definitely popped something into his mouth and washed it down with his wine.
“I’m worried about him, too,” Daria whispered into his ear.
He kept his voice low. “He’s addicted, isn’t he?”
“I’m not sure, but I hope not. He’s taking a lot of pills.”
Ryon’s heart sank. His mate, however, was having none of it.
“Hey.” She stood in front of him. “This is our day. Tomorrow, we’ll see about our friends. We’ll go to Nick if you want.”
“Okay. He might not know, and he’ll be able to help us watch Micah. We should tell Rowan and Aric as well. His sister wouldn’t appreciate being kept out of the loop.”
“I agree.” Slipping her fingers into the vee of his dress shirt, she toyed with his chest. He hadn’t worn a tie, and now he was damned glad. “Let’s do the cake, then go for the icing—in our quarters.”
“Lady, I love how your dirty mind works.”
They called everyone over, tossed the garter to the guys, the bride’s bouquet to the girls. Then they cut the cake and shoved their pieces into each other’s faces, giggling. They stayed just long enough to get all their guests served, and then ducked out. Jogging toward their room, Ryon grew more and more excited.
“I didn’t tell my dad good-bye,” she said suddenly.
“He’ll still be here tomorrow. And do me a favor—do not say the word
“I doubt anything short of nuclear war could do that.”
“Why risk it?”
Inside, Ryon left a trail of clothing—shoes, jacket, pants, shirt. When they reached their bedroom, he stood
