Chapter Three
The glorious moonlight painted the world a sparkling shade of silver, while leaving some of the trees and the surface of Clover Lake in shades of gray, from white to black and everything in between. On that warm, early-July night, red and white petals were lining the forest floor, as Dean rolled up his sleeve to check his watch. The moment he would state his love for his Siren was finally here.
An eagle’s call ripped through the air, as Kate stepped onto the aisle, in a luxurious, white dress, holding on to Julia’s arm. Her lips curled into a blissful smile, as her gaze met Dean’s. Her friend nudged her with the elbow, forcing her to look around her, up at the chattering crowd. He gave a small laugh, staring at the awkward expression on her face. At the same time however, Dean could feel his heart thumping in his chest. The two friends stopped, just before the end of the aisle. Julia leaned sideways and planted a firm kiss on Kate’s cheek, as a large eagle flew over her, flapping his wings. She moved around her, settling her gaze on Ray, as Kate headed towards Dean.
“You look phenomenal,” he complimented, as she turned to the right to face him.
“Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself,” she teased, holding her bouquet of pink azaleas low, as he returned her smile.
“Hello and welcome, boys and girls,” Raul started, looking around at the crowd. “The three humans among us know why there’s no priest performing this ceremony. I’m not going to repeat what my brother said the other day. We all know what we believe in. We all know our ideals. Now, I’d like to say a few things about the happy couple. Dean…” he paused. “Dean is one pedantic bastard. He thinks things through, he never acts on impulse. I was surprised when he told me he wanted to mate with Kate. He’d known her for just a few weeks. But, who am I to judge? I did the same thing, and I don’t regret it. Kate’s been a good friend to my Monica for almost twenty years. I believe she’s got all the makings of a wonderful mate. It’s time for the vows. Dean?”
“Kate…” Dean spoke, holding out his hands, palms up, as a shy smile spread across his face. “We were both in tough places, when you found me. You were trying to hide your pain, and I was trying to figure out how life works. When I heard you singing to me, a little voice inside of me ordered me to get closer to you. I wasn’t going to give up, until you opened up to me. You did, and your confession scorched my heart like wildfire. I promised to bring that happy girl back. I did. And if you let me, I’m going to spend the rest of my life sending away your fears, loving you with my entire being. You’re my Siren; my other half; my mate.”
“Dean…” Kate croaked, placing her hands into Dean’s, as tears pooled in her eyes. “You keep calling me your Siren, but, the truth is, you enchanted me. Your persistence shook me to my core. You wouldn’t let go, when things got even harder. You proved to me you were different, in every way. Others would have been too scared to even be around me, but you were not. You laughed in the face of fear. You defeated it. How could I not fall for the man who stood by me, every step of the way? How could I not love the man who risked his life for me? You’re my one, Dean Bradford,” she uttered, her voice breaking, as two tears raced down her cheeks; “my soul mate; my love. There’s nothing in the world I want more than to grow old with you.”
“Very good,” Raul gave an appraising nod. “Junior; the symbols,” he continued, looking down at Ray. His brother groped in his pocket, and pulled out a sizeable, blue, velveteen box. Raul took it in his hands, unlatched it so it sprang open, and held it low in front of him. Dean released Kate’s hands, and reached into the box. He fished out a sparkling, silver bracelet, with two eagles facing one another, carved into the middle of it. Gazing down into her watery eyes, he clipped the bracelet around her wrist. “These two eagles set us free, just like we took each other’s pain away. I bind my soul to yours, Kate Brooks, until death do us part.”
“Oh my…” Kate sobbed, pulling a golden ring out of the box, as Dean held his hand out, palm down. “This is the symbol of my eternal love for you, which will always surround you, like it does now.”
“By the power of the Alpha, I now pronounce you ‘mates.’ You may kiss each other,” Raul said, widening Dean’s smile, as he leaned in towards Kate. Closing his eyes, he wrapped his arms around her back, pulling her in his embrace, as she raised her free hand to cup his face. Each and every guest burst into long, warm applause, as their lips joined in a sweet, soft kiss. Kate gripped her bouquet tighter, and tossed it up into the air, before curling her other arm around his shoulders. The azaleas landed on Julia’s lap, as a cool breeze rustled through the trees. Dean flexed his muscles around her, lifting her off her feet, as the applause grew louder. She let out a playful scream, snaking her other arm around his neck, just before their lips parted.
“I love you, my Siren,” Dean whispered, slowly opening his eyelids, as Kate planted a short kiss on his chin. “I wish you could perform tonight.”
“I love you, too, Wolfy,” she breathed, as their gazes met. “Brides are not meant to entertain, they are meant to be entertained. Don’t be greedy.”
Dean responded with a chuckle, realizing she had a point. As much as he desired to listen to her once again, this was her night. There was plenty of time to enjoy her gift, and everything else about her that had enthralled him, in the future. Now, all he had to do was relish in the moment; this magic moment.