Jared (River Pack Wolves 3)(64)

Jaxson and Jared were their own best men for the ceremony—Jaxson was his alpha, so that was obvious, and Jared had been the first to approve of Jaxson taking Olivia, a half-witch, for a mate. Anyone with eyes could see she was perfect for his brother… not to mention that she literally saved him. It was obvious to Jared that they belonged together, but it seemed important to Jaxson that Jared had been the first to state it out loud. His brother was alpha and anyone would have been honored to stand up for him. Jared thought maybe Olivia had a hand in Jaxson picking him.

He was happy he could do it with a whole heart.

“Are you ready to tie the knot?” Jared asked Jace, giving him a light punch on the shoulder.

Jace gave an incredulous look to Jaxson, who was standing next to him. Owen was on the other side.

“I am seriously not used to that,” Jace said with a smirk. “Jared with a smile on his face… it’s really kind of freaking me out.”

“Thanks a lot, bro.” But Jared didn’t take any offense. He knew the dark place he had come from, and that Grace had only barely saved him from it. There was nothing that could make him feel that way again, least of all a ribbing from his brother.

Jaxson grinned. “Judging by the sounds coming from Cabin Twelve, he’s got a lot to smile about.”

“Hey, now!” Jared complained. “Who had to listen to the both of you having fun with your new mates while I had none of my own?” He pointed to himself. “This guy. So you can all just deal with it.”

Jace chuckled. “I don’t know. You’re setting a high bar over there. Piper wants more every time she hears Grace having too much fun.”

“Sounds like a terrible problem for ya’ll.” Owen shook his head with mock sadness, his Texas twang coming out. “I’m just glad I’m staying in the main house. There’s too much lovin’ going on around here that’s not in my bed.”

Jace put his hand on Owen’s shoulder. “Half the female shifters here would line up for you, Owen, my friend.”

“Only half?” Owen cocked an eyebrow. “I’m feeling an insult here.”

Jace snorted. “Half should keep you busy enough. Why don’t you take them up on it?”

“Cuz I respect your Mama, that’s why.” Owen gave him a horrified look that Jared wasn’t quite sure was real.

Mama River was shuffling people into their seats, so Jared figured they must be getting started. He took up his position where his mother had instructed during the rehearsal and got an approving nod from her as she bustled about.

“Seriously, man,” Jaxson said from his spot next to Jared. “I couldn’t be happier for you and Grace. You’ve got a hell of a woman there, with what she’s doing. And I think she’s going to win.”

“I don’t doubt it for a second,” Jared replied.

Jaxson nodded. “I like having you guys here at the estate, too. When she’s ready, I’d like for her to join the pack. If that’s what you both want.” Jaxson gave him a questioning look, but he needn’t worry. The last thing Jared wanted was to go off by himself, anywhere, again. Not if he could help it.

“I’ll ask her,” Jared said. “After the wedding. Maybe after a few more… honeymoons.”

Jaxson just chuckled. Then a hush fell over the crowd, and their eyes were drawn forward, down the center row, to where the three brides were gliding in a slow and beautiful procession. Olivia, Jaxson’s mate, wore a sweeping white gown that showed off her curves to maximum effect. Piper, Jace’s mate, had a short snazzy number that was both outrageous and stunningly gorgeous. Jared smirked as his brother’s eyes traced every curve. He didn’t have to shift to know what Jace was thinking. Then, last in line, but first in Jared’s heart, came his beautiful Grace. Her long, thin arms were bare, exposing the thin, crisscrossed scars she gained during her time with Agent Smith. His heart still clenched whenever he saw them, but he had stopped saying anything about them, especially to her. She wore them with pride—they were her initiation into the shifter world and her raison d'etre for running for office. If she could survive that, he had no doubt his lovely mate could do anything.

He tore his eyes away from her arms and focused on the rest of her. Grace’s gown was simple—a pure white satin that hugged her slim curves and barely covered her perky little breasts straining underneath. Her long brown hair fell to her waist, and Jared couldn’t help picturing her as Lady Godiva one more time. But that only made him want her naked and riding on top of him instead of a white horse.