“Your mother and I can’t get married without the rings in your pocket. Make sure to keep them safe.”

“I’ll guard them with my life. If any dragon tries to steal them, I’ll turn their fire into ice. Just like George,” Grayson said.

I laughed and smoothed down the back of his hair.

“We should head down. It’s almost time.”

My son and I walked down the stairs of our home in Brindle Creek. Our three-bedroom home was nothing like my old house at my compound, which was now being used specifically to house families whose loved ones were being treated at the hospital. I still went to my compound every weekday to work at my cybersecurity company, but Summer and I wanted to live in WaterLock’s territory. Brindle Creek was the place we wanted Grayson to spend the rest of his childhood—just like we had done.

My compound was still open to anyone in our kingdom—or our surrounding kingdoms—who needed refuge or medical treatment from the Rogue wolves. Their army was less of a threat now, but they were still out there. But the Rogues' numbers had dwindled because of the shifter army engaging in battles with them.

And the fact that their man on the inside—King Ezekiel—had been dethroned a month ago, thanks to the evidence my team and I had gathered. The more we looked into the king’s crimes, the more we found. I couldn’t believe that we had found evidence of Olivia being complicit in helping the Rogues, too. Father and daughter fled the kingdom before they could be arrested. I hired a team of shifter bounty hunters to find them.

Now, my team and I were trying to find evidence that King Montgomery of the Pyregate Kingdom and King Zachary from the Tideridge Kingdom had been helping the Rogue army, too. If I could present evidence to get them dethroned as well, it would be that much easier to completely eradicate the dangerous Rogue army.

My son and I walked into our big backyard and stopped at the end of the aisle to appreciate the decorations. The sun was setting, creating a glow over the aisle that was lined with white and pale pink roses. The rows of white benches were filled with WaterLock pack members and close friends from my compound. At the end of the aisle stood my father, who was going to officiate. Summer and I would be married under a white and pink flower arch.

As Grayson and I made our way down the aisle, we passed by Healer Aja, Healer Elijah, and my mother. My mom started tearing up when she grasped Grayson’s hand as we walked by. Summer’s mom and aunt were next to my mom. Goose was sitting patiently at the women’s feet, his tail wagging when he saw Grayson.

When I took my place on my father’s side, we shared a smile.

“You got the rings, buddy?” my dad whispered to Grayson, who was standing behind me.

My son nodded and patted his pocket.

“If a dragon tries to take them, I’m gonna turn their fire into ice,” Grayson said with a serious expression.

My dad and I shared a look.

“George the wizard?” he asked.

I nodded, my lips twitching.

Then, I turned to wait for my bride—it only took a few moments for her to appear.

The moment I saw her, my heart stopped beating.

She is absolutely radiant.

Summer’s long black hair was woven into a braid down her back. Her white satin dress was elegantly beautiful. The dress was made for her classic features with long, sheer sleeves that were buttoned at her wrists and a square neckline.

As she walked closer, her stunning blue eyes met mine, and my throat became thick with emotion.

I’m so lucky.

Summer’s father was next to her, their arms looped together. He had woken up from his coma a week after the Rogues broke into my compound, and he was doing well in physical therapy. I was so happy that he could be here for Summer. I knew how much her father meant to her.

My stomach swooped with anticipation when they drew closer.

I was about to marry the love of my life.

Summer and I beamed at each other. Our faces were shining with joy.

Then, a flicker of gold flashed between me and Summer. It happened so fast. It could have been a trick of light.

But my Mate and I were the only ones who knew what it was.

***