Page 197 of Fated to the Hunters
Your love for us keeps us breathing.
Mateo,EzraandVince
Both mothers in the room gasped as they peered over her shoulder. “Those are beautiful,” Margaret complimented. The last gift was wrapped in a satin bag. When she opened it, a heart-shaped wooden hair pin fell into her palm.
Scarlett,
I made this out of a fallen branch from our weeping willow. It is over one hundred years old and has been guarding the lake for many generations.
Love,
Vince
“Would you like me to add it into the braid?” Karena offered.
Scarlett sniffed and nodded, handing her the pin and quickly dabbing more tears away. “I don’t think I can stop crying now.”
Her mother took her hand and gently rubbed her thumb over her skin. “It is alright. You are allowed to cry.”
She turned into her mom’s chest, still unable to believe that she was actually here. There was so much she wanted to talk to her about, but it all had to wait. After all, she had some mates toclaim. Once she’d calmed, she was offered one last chance to eat but her stomach churned, feeling far too nervous. When it was time to get into her dress, Karena and Margaret left the room to give her a private moment with her mother.
“You look beautiful,” her mother told her when the door closed.
“Thank you, Mom.” Scarlett turned, letting her mom fasten the buttons lining the back of her dress.
“You have become such a strong woman.” Her voice broke and tears welled up again. “I’m so sorry.”
Scarlett wrapped her in a tight hug, not ever wanting to feel her loss again. “You’re here now.”
“I’m so proud of all you have accomplished. Maximilian told me everything and I only wish I could’ve seen you grow.”
“You still can. I have a long way to go.”
Her mom softly laughed. “You do.”
They only separated when a knock on the door broke through the silence and Maximilian’s voice echoed through the wood. “It’s time.”
Her mom gave her another kiss to the cheek before wiping her tears and stepping out, leaving her with Maximilian.
He paused in the doorway, leaning against the frame with watery eyes. “I loved that dress the most.”
Scarlett twirled and faced the mirror, flattening the white lace over her hips. She’d chosen a fitted dress with long sleeves and an open neckline to give the ceremonial cut enough room. “Thank you.”
Maximilian appeared next to her and smiled at their reflection. “How are you feeling?”
“Excited… nervous.”
“It’s a big step for all four of you.” He laid his arm around her shoulder and carefully kissed her braided hair. “They have been impatiently waiting all afternoon. Mateo had to physically restrain Ezra from coming in here.”
“Sounds very much like him.”
“Are you ready?”
“Yes, I just need the dagger.”
She had decided against a traditional bouquet like most brides would’ve carried. Instead, she held the dagger in one hand and tightly gripped Maximilian’s arm with the other. Her legs shook all the way down the stairs, and it only got worse the second she stepped out into the cool, night air.
The moon seemed just as nervous as she was, hiding behind the clouds, and Scarlett was grateful for the lights Ezra and Mateo had hung above the porch. The weeping willow seemed to glow from within, the wind making it seem as if the lights were dozens of little fireflies.
