Page 114 of Bind Me

She frowns, her eyes narrowing in playful scolding. “I don’t like you saying that because if I go, who’s going to look after Chowder?”

I chuckle, the sound rough but genuine.

“Seriously, though,” I say, looking deep into her eyes. “Today made me realize how much you are my world and that I am never letting you out of my sight.”

“Well, you know what I learned today?” she says, leaning in to kiss my cheek, then the corner of my mouth.

“Go on.”

“That you, Kaden, are my pain in the ass, my stubborn kraken, and I have fallen completely and utterly in love with you.”

My heart might have just exploded. I capture her lips, kissing her, pushing past the aching pain in my arm. She’s what matters, and she said she loves me, too! It’s a promise of a future together, one where we’ll fight for our happiness, where I’ll fuck her every damn day. And one where she might stop fighting me.

Epilogue

SASHA

Three Months Later

The morning sun streams through the open balcony doors, casting a golden glow over my reflection, and I realize with a flutter of nerves and disbelief that today, I’m marrying the man I once thought was only a dream.

Since moving to Norway, life has been turbulent, messy, and chaotic. I grew up my whole life believing things that weren’t true and facing tragedy because of a stranger’s greed. It’s been months since we eliminated Lilia, yet my mind still goes back to the discovery that she caused so much tragedy for no reason other than greed, for revenge. She chose my mom, like other random mermaids, to exploit and turn into a siren, in turn destroying so many families.

I tense, trying to remind myself that my mother is free of her clutches, though I still lost her to being a wild siren now. And my father is never coming back. As I think that, my wolf stirs inside me as though reminding me that part of him will always be with me.

I’m moving to Norway permanently now, making this my home, and somehow, after everything, I seem to be catching a break and finally getting that perfect-ever-after life.

I lift my gaze to the full-length mirror in front of me. I’m alone in the hotel room, the French doors open to a glorious sunny day, the high balcony overlooking the ocean. The breeze rushes inside as I stare at myself, about to cry.

I’m wearing a stunning dress the color of azure to match my sea. It’s covered in crystals, with a long train—electric blue at the top, fading into white as it goes down to my feet. There are patterns of starfish and shells sewn into it with glittery thread. Thin straps crisscross my back, while the front has a low, sweeping neckline and tiny pearly buttons going down my bust that cinch in the dress across down to my waist. From there, the dress opens up, fluttering, revealing my pearlescent white swimsuit underneath, glinting iridescent colors when the sunlight hits it. My legs are completely on show, so wearing no shoes fits the beach theme perfectly.

My diamond necklace and matching earrings glint in the sunlight, and more of them are dotted through my flowing hair, which has been set in waves and perfectly frames my face. I still can’t believe I look this amazing. But if I’m going to get married to my true mate, I want to blow him away, to have him never forget this day.

Smiling, I wipe a tear, not wanting to ruin my makeup. I have tiny diamantés along my eyelids and curling upward from my eyes, and my lips are a rosy pink and glistening.

The door suddenly opens, and I turn to find Billie there. Her eyes are beaming at seeing me, and she shuts the door, rushing over.

“Oh my God, Sasha! You look so beautiful. You’re giving me goosebumps right now with how stunning you are. Kaden is going to go insane when he sees you. And that dress, wow!”

“It’s not too much skin? I rubbed glitter all over my legs for extra shine.” I’m laughing nervously now, and she’s at my side, hugging me.

“I love you so much,” she says.

“I love you more, and I am so excited to be sharing this moment with you. And look at you.” I break away, taking in the strapless white lace dress following her stunning curves, the fabric see-through to her bikini underneath. With Billie having gorgeous, almost-white silvery hair, she looks like an angel.

“Are you ready?” she asks, smiling. Her presence calms me.

“I’m so nervous but excited, and I’m trying really hard not to cry.”

Billie’s suddenly fanning her face. “Don’t say that,” she says, “I’m already tearing up at seeing how beautiful you are and that you’re getting married. But we have to go; everyone’s waiting.”

“I guess it’s happening now.”

“Yep, and you make a striking bride.”

I take her hand, and we head out of the room. I lean into her, saying, “Thank you for agreeing to walk me down the aisle.”

“Of course, you are my family, girl. I am so grateful to be doing this.”

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