Chapter 193: Chapter 193
Kyra’s POV
"Hold still," the makeup artist said as she applied a final touch of blush to my cheeks. "Perfect. Now for the veil. I think I left it in the other room. Give me a moment."
She hurried out of the preparation room, leaving me alone with my reflection. The woman in the mirror looked radiant. Her skin was glowing, her eyes bright with excitement. The simple white gown fit perfectly and flowed to the floor. Nothing like the fancy dress I’d worn for our first wedding.
A familiar cedar and musk scent drifted into the room, making Sylvia alert in my mind. I didn’t need to turn around to know who had entered.
"Hello, Kieran," I said calmly, not turning around.
He stood in the doorway, looking nothing like the messy man from months ago. Today, he wore a perfectly tailored black suit, his dark hair slicked back. He looked handsome—exactly like when I first fell for him.
"You came to my last wedding too," I said, turning to face him. "Though that was very different."
His lips curved into a sad smile. "This is my second time watching you marry another man," he said quietly. "Though this time, it’s my own fault."
I stayed quiet, studying him. The anger that used to bubble up when I saw him was gone. Something calmer had replaced it. Not forgiveness exactly, but acceptance.
He stepped forward, holding out a velvet box. "I brought you something."
I didn’t back away when he opened it. Inside was a stunning diamond tiara, the gems catching the light.
"My dearest sister is getting married," he said. "As your only family, I should be here to see it."
The word sister sent a pang through my heart. "Should I say thank you?" I asked.
"May I?" he asked, gesturing to the tiara.
I frowned slightly. "There’s no veil."
He reached into the box, pulling out a delicate lace veil. "I came prepared."
"Is this your blessing as my brother?" I asked, watching him carefully.
His expression darkened. "According to tradition, I should walk you down the aisle and hand you over to another man with my best wishes." His voice grew quieter. "But given that I’m a fugitive, and I once loved you... that would be too cruel."
"Thank you for bringing me my father’s last words," I said, changing the subject. "It meant more than you know."
He nodded, carefully placing the veil on my head before positioning the tiara. When he finished, he stepped back, looking at me with adoration.
"That’s my girl," he murmured. "You look gorgeous."
"Don’t," I said firmly. "We’re over, Kieran. My forgiveness doesn’t mean we can be friends. It just means I’m ready to move on."
He nodded. "I know, Kyra. I didn’t come here to ruin your wedding. I just wanted to see if the tiara I chose looks good on you." A hint of his old smile returned. "Turns out I have good taste."
Footsteps sounded in the hallway outside. Kieran dropped to one knee before me, taking my hand in his. The gesture was formal, almost reverent.
"Kyra," he said softly, pressing his lips to the back of my gloved hand. "Please be happy."
Then he was gone, slipping out through a side door just as my makeup artist returned.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, seeing the veil and tiara already in place. "I see someone helped you. It looks perfect!"
I nodded, touching the tiara lightly. "Yes. Someone did."
***
We had been so excited while planning the wedding. The excitement now was even greater than when I first married him. But the grand wedding we’d been planning had to be postponed for now. With unknown enemies still out there, we decided to hold just a small ceremony with only close family present.
The Nightfall Pack house had been transformed for the occasion.
"Nervous?" Nathan’s grandmother asked, appearing at my side.
"A little," I admitted. "But not about marrying Nathan."
She nodded. "Before you go out there, I wanted to apologize."
I looked at her in surprise. "For what?"
"For pushing you and Nathan together all those years ago," she said. "We thought we were doing what was best for the pack, arranging a match between two strong families. But we didn’t think about your hearts."
I took her hands in mine. "You gave me the chance to be with Nathan. I can’t regret that."
"And now? This time?" she asked. "Do you truly love each other?"
A smile spread across my face. "With all my heart," I answered. "Thank you for choosing me as his mate all those years ago. This time, we’re choosing each other."
Relief softened her features. "That’s all I needed to hear."
The music began. Nathan’s grandfather appeared, offering his arm to escort me in place of my father.
"Ready, Luna?" he asked with a warm smile.
I took a deep breath and nodded. "Ready."
Nathan stood waiting at the altar, his eyes finding mine the moment I appeared. His face lit up with joy.
Snow walked ahead of me down the aisle, scattering rose petals everywhere. Our closest family stood as I walked toward my future.
When I reached Nathan, he took my hands in his. "You look breathtaking," he whispered.
The ceremony was simple but meaningful. We exchanged traditional vows, then came the mating ceremony.
Nathan’s eyes held mine as he spoke the ancient words. "I, Nathan Anderson, claim you, Kyra Monroe, as my mate. I offer my strength, my protection, my heart, and my soul. From this day until my last, I am yours."
"I, Kyra Monroe, accept you, Nathan Anderson, as my mate," I responded. "I offer my loyalty, my wisdom, my heart, and my soul. From this day until my last, I am yours."
"By the blessing of the Moon Goddess," the elder said, "what has been joined in spirit shall now be joined in body and blood. The mate bond is sacred and eternal."
Through our mind-link, Nathan’s voice filled my mind. "This time, I will mark you as mine properly. Our mate bond will be unbreakable. And I promise, we won’t be signing any damn mate bond dissolution papers ever again."
I held back a smile. "Good thing, since I’d have to hurt you if you suggested it."
"After all this chaos is over, I’ll give you a grand, luxurious wedding that the entire region will know about," Nathan added.
Out loud, we said, "I do."
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the elder announced. "You may seal your bond."
Nathan’s lips met mine in a kiss.
Later, at the reception, I couldn’t help looking around for Emily. Her absence felt like something missing on an otherwise perfect day.
"She would have been here if she could," Nathan assured me.
"I know. I just wish..."
My phone vibrated in my dress pocket. I stepped away from the celebration to answer it.
"Emily?" I asked urgently.
"Kyra," her voice came through, tense and hurried. "I’m sorry I missed your wedding."
"Where are you? Are you okay?"
There was a pause, then,"I’m at my condo. Matt Foster is with me."
