Page 60 of Bite the Power
Tessa barely had time to check her reflection before the door swung open. Melanie burst in carrying an elaborate garment bag, followed closely by Elora with a jewelry box, and behind them both?—
"Gerri!" Tessa's eyes widened as the petite woman in a stunning lavender pantsuit slipped through the doorway.
Gerri's blue eyes sparkled as she surveyed the room, her gaze lingering on the slightly rumpled bedspread. "Well, well. I could have sworn I saw a certain handsome groom sneaking away from this corridor just now." She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Though perhaps that was some other devastatingly attractive man I mistook him for."
Tessa's cheeks reddened. Gerri's knowing smile made it crystal clear she understood exactly what had transpired moments ago, but thankfully her words remained cryptic enough that Melanie and Elora seemed oblivious.
"Tessa, you're glowing," Melanie observed, hanging the garment bag carefully in the wardrobe. "Must be pre-wedding nerves."
"Something like that," Tessa managed, shooting Gerri a grateful look.
Gerri waved a dismissive hand. "Nerves are overrated. I'm just glad everything worked out so beautifully with Eli's research and those mysterious environmental anomalies." Her expression grew more serious. "Turned out the real mystery was just some polar bear with daddy issues seeking revenge, didn't it?"
"Magnus was definitely more troubled than anyone realized," Tessa agreed, thinking of the brutal confrontation that had nearly cost Kaidan his life.
"Well, I had a feeling this little Arctic adventure would work out better than I ever imagined it could." Gerri's eyes turned that familiar golden shade for just a moment. "Sometimes the universe has a way of putting exactly the right people in exactly the right place."
Tessa felt tears prick her eyes. "Gerri, I can't thank you enough. If you hadn't been at that gala?—"
"Oh honey, you would have found each other eventually. I just sped up the process a bit." Gerri pulled her into a surprisingly strong hug. "Now, let's get you into that dress before your king comes prowling back here looking for his queen."
The next hour passed in a whirlwind of silk, lace, and careful styling. Tessa's wedding gown was a masterpiece—an elegant off-shoulder design that hugged her curves before flowing into a dramatic train. The bodice was embroidered with delicate silver threads that caught the light like freshly fallen snow.
Before she knew it, they were walking through the palace corridors toward the grand ballroom. Tessa's heart hammered as she heard the soft murmur of voices beyond the ornate double doors.
"Ready, Your Majesty?" Elora squeezed her hand.
Tessa nodded, unable to speak past the emotion clogging her throat.
The doors opened, and Tessa stepped into a winter wonderland. The ballroom had been transformed with hundreds of white roses, cascading ice sculptures, and twinkling lights that mimicked the aurora borealis dancing across the vaulted ceiling.
But none of it mattered the moment her eyes found Kaidan.
He stood at the far end of the aisle in his perfectly tailored black suit, his golden hair gleaming under the soft lighting. Hiseyes locked onto hers with such intensity that she forgot to breathe for a second. The predatory gleam from their earlier encounter had been replaced by something deeper—reverence, love, and a joy so profound it made her chest tighten.
This is really happening,she thought as she began walking toward him.I'm marrying the King of the Arctic.
Elder Thor stepped forward as she reached the altar, his weathered face beaming. "We gather today to witness the union of two extraordinary souls," he began, his voice carrying across the hushed ballroom. "King Kaidan Veyr and Dr. Tessa Monroe have shown us that love knows no boundaries—not between species, not between worlds, and certainly not between hearts that are meant to be joined."
Tessa felt tears threatening as Kaidan took her hands in his much larger ones.
"The strength they've shown together in protecting our kingdom proves that their bond will endure any storm," Thor continued. "Now, let us hear the vows they've prepared."
Kaidan's voice was steady and sure as he spoke. "Tessa, you came into my life like the first thaw of spring—unexpected, transformative, and absolutely essential. You've shown me that true strength isn't about ruling alone, but about finding someone brave enough to stand beside you through anything."
Tessa's voice trembled with emotion as she replied. "Kaidan, you've given me a home I never knew I was searching for and a love I never believed could exist. I promise to be your partner, your equal, and your fiercest defender for all the days of our lives."
After they exchanged rings and Elder Thor pronounced them husband and wife, Tessa marveled at how surreal yet perfectly right everything felt.
When their lips met in that first kiss as husband and wife, Tessa felt the world tilt on its axis. The applause around themfaded to a distant hum as Kaidan's mouth moved against hers with possessive tenderness, his large hands framing her face like she was something precious and unbreakable.
This is actually my life,she thought dazedly as they broke apart.I'm a queen.
The realization hit her with stunning force—not just the title, but everything it represented. Three months ago, she'd been alone in Washington, and now she stood in a ballroom filled with polar bear shifters who were cheering for her, wearing a crown that caught the light like captured starfire.
"My beautiful queen," Kaidan murmured against her ear. The way he said it made her knees weaken—like she was his greatest treasure, his most coveted prize.
"I can't believe this is real," she whispered back, her voice trembling with joy. "Three months ago, I thought I'd never find someone who could handle my stubborn independence, and now I'm married to a man who thinks it's one of my best qualities."
