Page 90 of Spellbound & Speechless
I step ahead, and my sisters drop the trail of my dress. I don’t care that the cream fabric is dragging through the grass. All I can think about is being with him.
“She’ll be back,” Laurel says behind me, likely talking to Seth. “Let’s get you arealdrink.”
I don’t know if Iwillbe returning at all.
Now that I can see him, all I want to do is wrap myself in Mac’s embrace. The party was a bad idea. I love everyone in attendance, but there’s only one person I want to be with today.
Him. My mate.
Our bond is still so new, and I don’t want to waste a moment of this feeling.
Everyone is staring, but I pay them no mind as I fling myself at Mac. He catches me, as he always does, his powerful hands wrapping around my waist as my lips meet his with desperation.
I’m already ruining my makeup, getting gloss all over his handsome face. I don’t care, and neither does he. He kisses me deeply, as though my entire family isn’t watching, and I tilt my head to the side to accept it.
I hold his face in both hands and know he’smine. My mate. My husband. My love. He is a gift from Aphrodite that only I can cherish, but the rest are blessed enough to witness us.
When he sets me back down on my feet, I sigh, looking up at him with heavy lids. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” He swallows thickly. “You look even more beautiful than I imagined.” His fingers graze against the ribbing of my corset. “Did you seriously make this?”
“I did.”
“Maybe you should open up a wedding boutique.”
“Mm… that’s not a bad idea.”
My goddess would certainly approve.
“Enough business talk. Sorry.” He chuckles and holds my face. “We have so much future ahead of us—so fucking much to be excited for.”
“We do.”
“I know witches don’t exchange vows at these things…” He bends lower for only me to hear. “But I want you to know my intentions and how much I love you. I want to keep you safe. That’s why I accepted this mating bond. Because it will keep you safe.”
“I know that. You’ve always kept me safe.”
“I know this is new, and I’m not the type to run headfirst, but you opened my heart more than anyone has. More than anyone could.” His eyes grow misty, but the tears don’t fall. “I think what I’m trying to say is… you’re it for me.”
“And you’re it forme.” I kiss his chin. “I always knew that, for me, there is one true love. Now, I know it’syou. That’s why I’m choosing you here, like this, for everyone to see. I believe in our love.”
“And I believe in you.” When he pulls away, it seems like he’s forcing himself to. “Now… do you want to introduce me to your family and friends? You have a lot of ‘em.”
I nod adamantly, holding his hand and pulling him to the happy party. As expected, everyone stares. I give them a gentle wave as I walk through the crowd, and they disperse to whisper, eat, and drink.
Even without Mac’s family around, there’s plenty for us to do. We drink, I get him to dance, and the introductions… oh, those take the longest. I acquaint him with my cousins, aunts, uncles, and anyone in Starbrook he hasn’t already met.
Most people are excited for us, and while some elders seem confused, I remind myself that many of them had fastmarriages as well. They’re probably assuming I’m secretly pregnant, but I’m not—and it’s none of their business either way.
I’m done caring about what other people think of me. Caring that much kept me hiding from my family in a motel instead of being with them likethis. I would rather celebrate with them any day.
Mac is cordial through the meetings—until he’s not. It’s not as if he’s rude to anyone, but when we’re walking away from my cousins, he goes completely silent.
His face falls and twists to a look of shock. Fear yanks at me through our mating bond, begging me for attention. I can’t put my finger onwhy. Did I miss something?
“Mac?” I tug on his sleeve, frowning. “Is it…?”
I am trying to forget about her, but the corrupt witch is the only thing that can ruin our party. It’s impossible to ignore completely.
