Page 19 of Wild Wolf
They headed across the meadow, where tables and chairs had been set up beneath an enormous white tent. Nolan stated he was fully committed to her. She said the same, but did he really meanit?
Her new mate guided her to the head table, decorated with freesia and roses grown in the gardens near the vineyards. A cool wind blew through the trees, rustling the leaves, raising gooseflesh on her bare arms. The thousands of tiny blue-white bulbs strung on the tent ceiling sparkled like fairy light. It gave the tent a mystical, etherealtouch.
Covered with white tablecloths, each table bore a vase of pink roses, white hyacinth, and honeysuckle. Nolan sat and then pulled Jordan onto his lap to feed her the ceremonial first bite of their weddingdinner.
Jordan parted her lips and Nolan slid a grape between them, reminding her of another time they’d eaten grapes off thevine.
That night they had made love in thebarn.
“So you may never go hungry. I will always keep you satisfied, in every way possible,” he murmured as she ateit.
Their hands still tied together, Jordan lifted the silver cup filled with costly white wine to his Nolan's mouth, trying to control her shaking hand. Sweat trickled down her back. With every ounce of her strength, she controlled hernervousness.
“So you may never thirst for another’s touch except mine. I will always quench your spirit,” she told him in the traditionalvow.
He kissed her then, his mouth moving over hers, but then Nolan pulled away, as if he didn’t want the kiss to linger. Cheers and applausesounded.
Then they untied the leather cord and settled in for the wedding feast. Jordan tried to keep her spiritsup.
Judging from Nolan’s physical reaction, he wasn’t thrilled about this union. She picked up her wineglass, downed a large gulp. Chardonnay. Good, more dry than sweet. Her palatetingled.
Nolan gave her an oddlook.
On her right side, Nia sipped her wine. “At least you can skip the wedding night consummation in front of the entire pack,Jordan.”
Jordan stared at her. “You didthat?”
“Rules of the Mating Challenge Aiden undertook to win myhand.”
Aiden leaned forward. “I don’t recall any complaints from you, mylove.”
“It was special,” Niacountered.
Aiden laughed. “I certainly enjoyed it,” hemurmured.
Passion flickered in Nia’s eyes. “Don’t get so confident, Mitchell. Just because we have a babysitter and privacy this weekend doesn’t mean I’measy.”
“Maybe not but I’m hard when you get me,” Aiden said, and laughedagain.
The tender look the couple exchanged, and the heated desire in their eyes made Jordan feel lonelier than ever. She gave Nolan a sideways look. He sipped his wine, seemed more interested in his prime rib thanher.
A band played as the guests danced. Pack members stomped with enthusiasm to a lively country tune. The celebratory feeling in the air lifted her sagging spirits. Certainly the pack enjoyed thewedding.
She and Nolan got up to greet their guests and accept congratulations from each member of the pack. Another tradition Nolan honored. Everyone seemed delighted by their union, but when she reached Erica and Shirl’s table, where they sat with their siblings and parents, her old friends barely offeredcongratulations.
Jordan gestured to Nolan. “I know you need to spend a little time with some of your senior staff, so I’ll stay here and catchup.”
Nolan’s smile was warm, and he bent down and kissed her. “Don’t take toolong.”
She glanced up to see Erica and Shirl glaring at her. Jordan’s stomach lurched. She gave a bright smile. “So how have you two been? Seeing anyonespecial?”
“Special? The only special one is Nolan, and now you have him.” Shirlsulked.
“Nice of you to get mated. You leave here, and come back and everyone treats you like a queen.” Erica refused to meet her gaze. “And we’re here, working the vineyard and winery, and there’s no appreciation forus.”
Jordan wished she were anywhere but this table. “Have you talked with Nolan about what youwant?”
Shirl laughed. “He only has eyes for the vineyard, and the winery. And nowyou.”
