Page 51 of The Night Wolf
Marriage? Sean’s gaze snapped to Dani and Caleb, who shrugged at him.
“Excellent. I’ll be looking forward to him arriving. Thank you, Wolfgang.” He hung up. “The steak should be here shortly.”
“Then I’d best get started on the crust.”
“Can you wait one second, Dani? I’d like you and Caleb here for this.”
She came back to Sean’s side.
“Sean…. As you know, my wolf has claimed you as his mate, a decision I wholeheartedly agree with. But in the world out there, they won’t recognize the bond we share, and that bothers me.” Gareth reached into his pocket and took out a gold band. “This was my father’s and his father’s. It’s been passed down in our family for generations. It’s meant for the one we intend to spend our lives with, and no one is more deserving of it than you.” He moved closer to the bed. “I ask if you will be mine. Will you take my heart and keep it safe, just as I want to do with yours?”
Sean opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He bobbed his head up and down.
“He’s speechless. That’s adorable.”
Sean scowled at Caleb, who just laughed. He turned back to Gareth, who stood there, a bemused smile on his face. “Yes, please. I want nothing more than to be yours.”
Gareth bent and took Sean’s hand, then slid the band over his finger. “I asked Lyram if he’d be willing to perform the ceremony. He’s done it for other wolves who took humans as their spouses, but we’ll be the first mated couple. I’d like… I’d like it before our baby is born. I know it’s old-fashioned, but I want him to have two parents who are married.”
Dani held up a hand. “When are you thinking of having it, Alpha?”
“This weekend.”
She gawped. “But I have to make food and get the house decorated and—”
“It’s just a simple ceremony, you know.”
Obviously Dani wasn’t happy. “This is Sean’s first child and his only wedding. Do youreallythink simple is going to cut it?” She wagged a finger. “I don’t think so.”
Explosive laughter burst from Sean at seeing this slip of a woman snarling at her Alpha. Then he sobered. Gareth mated him, wanted to marry him.
What would happen when Gareth found out the secret that Sean was keeping? Would Gareth cast him aside, or would he still be able to love Sean for what he was?
“EXPLAIN TOme again why I have to wear this.” Gareth looked at his reflection and groaned. Fine, the tuxedo looked nice, but was it really necessary? “And why can’t I see Sean?”
Dani sat in the corner, watching as Trevor from the tailor shop did the alterations. “Because you’re doing thisforSean. Or isn’t that a good enough reason? Tomorrow you’ll see him when Lyram pronounces you married.”
Thoughts of Sean made Gareth’s insides gooey. The look on Sean’s face when Gareth offered him the ring was worth any price, as far as Gareth was concerned.
“That’s more than good enough.”
“Good. As for why, it’s bad luck to see your spouse before the wedding.”
“Wives’ tale! And it’s not like Sean and I are blushing virgins. Heis….” He stopped and looked down at Trevor, then back to Dani as he mouthed, “Pregnant.”
“When I got married, we did everything the traditional way. It was big and bold and scary and wonderful. It’s a memory that will last a lifetime. Give that to Sean, who has very few memories to hold on to.”
When she said it that way, Gareth felt like an absolute heel. “You’re right. Thank you for your counsel.” He gave her a wink. “See, I told you.”
“You did, and you’re right. You obviously need help.” Then she did the strangest thing. She stuck her tongue out at him. Dani teased, but rarely played. It was a good look. He peered at her. “Could you go check on Sean? I want to be sure he’s okay.”
“He’s fine, I promise. Caleb is with him, and they’re gorging on pizza. And besides, you need a lot of help.”
He liked this new Dani. “You know, I don’t know that I like you so much. I miss the old Dani.”
She frowned. “I’m sorry, Alpha, I—”
He held up a hand, which had Trevor sighing. “Don’t. Please. Gareth. Especially since you’ve been my family for many years. And I’m kidding. I like that the woman who helped me to become the man I am will one day help me in other ways. You set up this amazing wedding with next to no time. You helped me get the ring that I’m going to put on Sean’s finger. And you’ve opened my eyes and made me understand that all this, everything we’re doing here, is for Sean.”
