So Alpha Deacon Ricard does have a bit of a haunting past. Do we think he will take Claire's advice? And now that the festivities are underway, surely nothing will happen... Don't forget to follow along, like, comment, and share this story with your fellow paranormal romance lovers! Thanks for allowing me to tell this story!
“Claire Taylor. My, my, it’s great to see you. How have you been?” The portly man stepped in front of Claire before she could get to Malachy. Seeing Mal in his fitted tux, the wedding atmosphere, and the fact she hadn’t been in his arms in weeks, made Claire want nothing more than to run to him; to kiss him until neither one could stand it anymore. She knew it wasn’t an option until they dealt with Sloane. But talking with guests and making sure everything was running smoothly was part of her Maid of Honor duties. Or at least that was the excuse she’d use if anyone said anything.Not wanting to be rude, she smiled cordially. “Leader Allen, it’s good to see you as well. I hope you’re enjoying yourself.” She attempted to step away, but he once again stood in her path.“It would appear that being away from Jack and the rest of Crescent Moon has really helped you prosper. Being human suits you.” He took a drink of his wine, then smiled widely at her, completely unaware of the incredulou
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as both bride and groom recited their own vows. Thankfully, Jordyn somehow hid tissues in her dress, which she quickly handed one to Claire. Both women dabbed at their eyes, trying not to mess up their makeup. The ceremony was coming to a close after the exchange of the rings. Jack winked at Marian, making her giggle, because they knew which part was next. Claire wasn’t focusing on what Xavier was saying; she didn’t think anyone was anymore. Her favorite part of any wedding had always been the first kiss, even though most of the weddings she’s seen were in movies. It still counted, right?As if out of a movie, the sun began to set behind the altar. The glass windows magnified the deep orange hue as it reflected around the couple.On cue, Xavier spoke once more. “I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”Not hesitating, Jack rushed to Marian, lifted her by the waist, spun her around and kissed her. The happy couple continued t
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!“Shut that damn thing off!!” A pillow smacked Claire right in her face, bounced off, and knocked the lamp off the nightstand, completely missing the alarm clock. The crash made the girls shoot up from their places all over the room. Marian was loosely hanging on the small sofa, her legs over the back and her head somehow propped up as well. Steph scrambled up from somewhere at the foot of her bed, which Claire had no memory of climbing into. Steph slammed a hand on the alarm, crushing it to pieces. Claire shot up from under the blankets.“Jeez, Steph!! What did it ever do to you?” she joked. Her fingers shot up to her temples, trying to massage the thumping of her heartbeat pounding in her head. “Ugh... What was in those drinks last night?” At least it’s just a headache and not nausea, she told herself. She didn’t think she consumed that many last night, but the pounding in her head said otherwise.Steph crawled into the bed and o
She swiftly turned her head to stare at Sean, a stupid, infuriating grin on his face. “We’re staying in an actual castle! HOLY SHIT! No wonder The Council wanted to have the wedding here.” She couldn’t contain her excitement. This wedding was going to look like it was ripped from a page from a fairytale.“Welcome to Opal Moon, Cupcake.” Sean couldn’t contain his amusement at the stunned expression on Claire’s face. Her mouth gaped and her eyes were wide with wonder and awe. She rolled down her window, sticking her head out while Sean slowed the vehicle so she wouldn’t fall. She was speechless. The white stoned walls stood out from the orange, crimson, and brown leaves of the surrounding trees.The “castle”, tucked away next to the side of a mountain, almost as if it was built into it. The closer they drove, Claire noticed a few much smaller houses spread throughout the range. They finally arrived in front of the massive packhouse when two pillars caught Claire’s eye. Atop both pillar
The six-hour drive with Sean wasn’t exactly what Claire expected. Sean spoke with Quinn, and it didn’t go well. They had barely spoken. Neither looked at one another as they let the music fill the void between them. The interstate seemed never ending. She couldn’t even enjoy the flashes of light oranges and deep red hues of the autumn leaves.“You know you’re going to have to talk to me eventually. I know I shouldn’t have pushed you to tell Quinn the truth. I’m sorry, Sean.” Claire’s eyes pleaded with him as he kept his jaw clenched, his narrowed eyes never leaving the road. The anger sweeping across his features seemed to harden them more.He quickly closed his eyes, then turned the steering wheel, pulling his car to the side of the road. His hands gripped the steering wheel before he let out a deep sigh.“I’m not mad at you, Cupcake. You were right. Quinn deserves to know what I am. Who I am. You are just looking out for your best friend and I’m fucking that up.” He turned to fac
She closed her eyes, begging the pounding to end. Her phone vibrated in her leggings pocket. Not even thinking, she reached in and hit the green answer button.“Hello?”“Hello, Little One.” That deep, smooth baritone voice instantly soothed her headache. Claire gripped the phone tighter, afraid this wasn’t happening. She quickly turned the camera on. She needed to see him.“What is going on, Mal? You just left last night. I’ve been worried and no one here is giving me any info. Hold on a sec.” She took off down the hall, ignoring the stares from the living room. Once inside the comfort of her room, she grabbed her laptop, turned on some music, cranking up the volume. She knew the others were trying to eavesdrop, so she would make it difficult for them, at least.“Ok. Care to explain?” She couldn’t hide the pain and anger in her voice. She made herself sit at her desk, looking out her window down at the street.“I needed to make sure everything was all right…”“Bullshit. Try again..” H