Miko let out a heavy sigh. “Fuck that tie bullshit. I’d revolt and shift into my leopard first.”
He smiled at the serious tone Miko had. “Me, too. Damn, why are humans so weird in their traditions?”
They pulled up to the church the address had stated, seeing all the flowers and balloons decorating the building. His leopard wanted to come out and play with the decorations.
“Your animal fighting to come out and destroy shit?” Miko pointed at the balloon arch over the entrance.
Ridge raised his brow. “Destroy is a strong word, brother. You alright?”
Miko lifted a shoulder. “I hate this shit.”
“You want to take my truck home? I can get a ride back if you’re twisted up inside.” The last fucking thing he needed was one of his crew to go crazy during the ceremony.
“Nah, I’m good.” Miko nodded, pushing his door open. “Let’s do this.”
“Fuck,” he snarled. Now he had to worry about Miko going catshit crazy and himself blowing it when he saw Noelle.
He and Miko walked up the sidewalk together, their long legs eating up the distance from the parking lot to the door in no time. Several heads swiveled in their direction, and conversations stopped, which wasn’t unusual. He and Miko were both big men, but they were dressed like most of the other guests. However, no matter how you dressed them, there was no disguising the fact they were different. He had long, multi-colored hair, with bright blue eyes, and both arms tattooed. Miko was similar in build but had long blond hair, green eyes, and only one arm with a tattoo sleeve. They both wore dress shirts and jeans with their best motorcycle boots. You can take the man off his Harley, but you can’t make them into something they aren’t.
They ignored the whispers and outright stares. Most of the people were aware of shifters and witches since they lived in Assjacket, and this was the stomping ground of Zelda and her band of people. He didn’t know why they were getting so much attention, unless most of the guests were from out of town and weren’t aware. Whatever, he wasn’t going to waste time worrying about them. He came to see Noelle. His leopard did a little purr inside his mind.
“Damn, I swear you just vibrated, Alpha. What the hell?” Miko took a step away from him as they waited in line to enter.
Ridge stared at Miko then dropped his gaze to his hands, surprised to see them shake. “Fuck, this might’ve been a mistake.”
“Come on in. So glad you could make it.”
He recognized the overly friendly tone of Zelda as his arm was gripped in between hers. The sound of a male growling had him peering over her shoulder. “What’s up, Mac?”
“I’ll cut your arm off and beat you with it. That’s what’s up,” Mac threatened.
Zelda waved her free hand in the air. “Don’t pay attention to him. He’s grouchy today. Now, you two come on in. Let’s find you a seat on the bridezilla side.”
Ridge eased his arm from Zelda’s grip, knowing shit was going to hit the fan. “Bridezilla huh?”
“Oh yes, she is most definitely that. How do you like my Noelle?” Zelda asked, seeming not to notice Ridge’s reluctance to touch her.
Mac moved between them, his canine teeth a little longer. Ridge pretended to not notice. “Um, your Noelle?”
Zelda peered around Mac. “Don’t play stupid, Ridge. It doesn’t become you. Besides, I saw the...oops from last weekend. She’s a little temperamental, my Noelle. It’s no fault of her own, you understand.”
“Well, hello. Sassy Bermangoggleshitz at your service. Are we talking about our Noelle? She’s a lovely girl, unlike her wretched sister. I’ll be so happy to see the back of that heifer after she finally marries that oaf and moves to wherever they are moving.” Sassy looped her arm with Zelda’s.
Miko coughed into his hand, repeating Sassy’s name. “I just can’t. Seriously, Ridge, this shit is weird as fuck.”
Ridge smacked Miko on the back of the head. “These weird-as fuck-women can turn you into a toad or blast your head off with a snap of their fingers. Be nice.”
Sassy snapped her fingers then laughed. “I like him, Zelda. He’ll be good for our Noelle.”
“Will you quit calling my mate your anything?” Ridge growled.
Zelda and Sassy both pumped their arms while making odd cheering sounds, drawing everyone’s attention to them. “Alright, you two take a seat. We’re gonna stand in the back and make sure things run smoothly. You just never know with this town.” Zelda patted Ridge’s arm, causing Mac to growl.
“You do that. We’ll just mind our own business.” He wouldn’t tell her he preferred her to mind her own business as well. The trio walked back down the aisle, leaving him and Miko in the pew alone, aside from several people glaring their way. Great.
“So, that was a great way to make an entrance. You think Zelda planned that?” Miko opened up the program they were given, fanning himself.
Ridge rolled his eyes, blocking out his surroundings until the Wedding March began. Of course, the witches had something to do with him getting the invite. He stood along with everyone else as the first group began walking down the aisle. Noelle’s dressed in a pale-pink dress with several rows of silk and tulle should’ve looked ridiculous, but on her, she made the gown amazing. Her white-blonde hair was swept up in an intricate hairdo, leaving her neck exposed, making his teeth long to sink into the muscle where her neck and shoulder met.
“You’re grunting, Alpha,” Miko whispered out of the side of his mouth.
He took a deep breath then cursed as her sweet-orange-spice scent hit him. It didn’t matter that the church was filled with roses and honeysuckle. With every inhale he took, the unique aroma he associated with Noelle filled his lungs. “Fuck,
