Though things were mixed to fit Bella and Alyx, and include Aurora traditions, some of the things added made the vows that much more special. Like the fact he promised he’d say at least one beautiful thing to her every day. That had made even Charlotte smile.
Bella promised that she’d always smile when he kissed her good morning, even if she was in a grumpy mood. That got a laugh from Bella and Charlotte since neither of them were a morning person.
After the wedding ceremony, the doors opened to the gardens for everyone to take part in a celebratory feast set up under the dual moons. She lost track of the two guys. Gerri tapped her on the shoulder and walked with her to dinner.
“How do you like Aurora so far?” Gerri asked.
“It’s beautiful here. Reminds me of that feeling you get when you have the best dream and wake up smiling.” She sighed, inhaling the scent of the sweet-smelling pale blue flowers that looked exactly like giant peonies adorning the castle.
Bella had fallen in love with the flowers and the staff had made it their business to decorate everything with them. “I’m still in shock we’re on another world.” She glanced at Bella sitting with Alyx and his parents smiling and talking. “I’m so happy she’s found someone who loves her for the amazing person she is.”
Gerri met her gaze and frowned. “Are you still interested in my services? I ask because you are the first client I see to hesitate, and I want to reassure you.”
She’d been more than hesitating. Matchmaking was hard enough on earth. They were on another fucking planet. She had no idea what these big men would do with her. Another glance at Bella made the decision for her. The happiness radiating off her best friend gave her hope like she’d never had for her own love life. “Yes. I’m interested.”
“Very good. How do you like snow?”
She blinked, the question catching her off guard and she hadn’t even had wine yet. Lord, how she needed a drink. “I love the winter. Snow is my favorite. I like to ski and hike and just watch it fall. It’s peaceful and beautiful.”
Gerri smiled. “I’m happy to hear you say that. I have friends who live in the Ice Mountains and I think you might be interested in visiting the area. I won’t have anyone for you to meet just yet. If you are interested, this is a great opportunity. Things will be quiet here and Bella will be gone with Alyx for a few days.”
It sounded like a great chance to see some other areas of the planet. “How are the Ice Mountains?”
“Cold, but beautiful. When you look down from the highest peak, it looks like the other peaks are covered in diamond dust. They glitter and sparkle with the light of the two suns. It’s very cold there. You’d need to take winter clothes with you.”
The view tempted her like nothing had. She’d visited enough mountain tops to know this one was probably the best she’d ever see. “Yes. Sign me up. Tell your friends I’ll be happy to go for a few days.”
Gerri’s eyes sparkled with humor and something else, something she couldn’t define. “Don’t let them worry you. They’re big, but they’re nice.”
Right. Something she’d have to see to believe. People here were freaking huge. It was like earth folk were the little people next to the Aurora shifters. She’d never felt as tiny as she did at that moment, surrounded by all of them at once. That said a lot, considering she was the one who always felt like she was stared at because she was such a big woman.
SEVEN
Eros waited by the tree as instructed by the castle staff. He’d been trying to keep his animal calm and stop Brecc from grabbing their little mate and taking off with her. Apparently, earth people didn’t take kindly to being abducted. They didn’t need to get into any more trouble with Alyx.
The sounds of laughter and soft music filled the air. It did nothing to reduce his stress level. He wanted so badly to get out of there. To find out his mate’s name and to take her home. With him and Brecc. Where she belonged.
“There you are,” Gerri said, appearing from between the trees.
“Who is she?” he asked, desperate for information on the woman who would make him and Brecc whole.
Gerri patted him on the arm. “Calm down. She’s unaware of your desires to mate her. You will have to convince her of your feelings.”
He could see her through the branches, talking and laughing with Bella. Her smile lit up her face.
“What’s her name?”
“Charlotte. There are some things you should know. It would help you with getting to know her.” He watched Charlotte lift the wine to her lips and let her gaze roam over the crowd. “She’s been married before and comes from a very cold family.”