Chapter 66

Almara

Today was going to be such a good day. Arthur had taken the day off and he had promised that we would spend the day together. We hadn't had much time to do anything together other than the few weeks that I had taken care of him, but that didn't count. We had never left the house other than to go see the doctor.

It seemed wild that it would literally be our second date with everything that we'd gone through, but I guess our relationship had been completely unconventional so far. It didn't feel that weird. But I still wanted to make a big deal out of it. I want to dress up and pretend that the accident never happened.

With that thought, it brought back the memory of Sofia accusing Dana. I fully believed her. Sofia had never seemed like a murderer. A spoiled princess used to getting what she wanted, yes. But not a murderer.I wasn't surprised that Arthur hadn't believed her. I couldn't fault him for that, but I wished he would just keep an open mind about it. I was sure it was going to come back to bite us on the butt. I just hoped we could come out on the other side when it happened.

I pushed those thoughts aside. I wanted to enjoy today, not think about potential disasters. I full-heartedly believed I deserved it after getting almost killed not once, but twice. Arthur still didn't know about Roman's attack and he never would.

I slipped into a cute, little forest-green sweater dress. The weather was starting to get chillier, but not enough that I needed a jacket yet. I carefully applied my makeup and curled my hair. It fell around me in waves. For the first time, I felt pretty.

You've always been pretty, Lily reprimanded and I smiled.

You have to say that. You're my wolf.

Lily growled playfully and I chuckled. Despite all that I had been through, I felt utterly at peace. I stroked my baby bump and was rewarded with a small kick. I swore I felt my heart swell. I was surrounded by so much love.

Arthur knocked on the door and I chuckled again. He was playing the dutiful date. Even though it was his bedroom too, we were pretending that we were just another couple and he was here to pick me up.

I primped in the mirror one last time before opening the door. A slow, lazy smile played over Arthur's lips as he took me in. He rested one arm on the door framed and leaned in. "We should do this more often. You look positively divine. Blessed by the Moon Goddess herself."

I blushed from the compliments. I still wasn't used to them and I wasn't sure I ever would get used to them. But they didn't make me want to hide away anymore.

I smiled shyly at him as I joined him in the hall. He placed my hand on his arm and we walked side by side to the garage. He picked the most normal looking car, but I assumed it was still very expensive, just like everything else he owned.

I slid in and waited for him to get in as well before asking, "Where are we going?"

"I thought we could visit an old friend. She's been calling me every day to ask about when we're coming to see her," Artur answered and I wracked my brain trying to think of any mutual friends we had in common. I came up blank.

"Who?"

Arthur smiled warmly. "I thought that would have been obvious. We're going to see my grandmother."

Excitement bubbled in my stomach. I hadn't seen Dorothea since before the whole Sofia thing. She hadn't been at the wedding either. Arthur had explained that she was basically a pariah in the pack, but he wanted to amend that as soon as Almara was luna.

Arthur would have even more power once he officially had a luna. Unmated alphas were seen as only half a team. For once the thought of having that kind of power didn't scare me. I could use it for good. Like bringing his grandmother back to the pack, for example.

I practically bounced in my seat as he drove to Woodsbury. Arthur chuckled and placed a hand on my thigh. I could feel its warmth even through the dress.

"You have no idea how happy it makes me that you love my grandmother so much," Arthur said, clasping my hand in his and bringing it to his lips. I looked at the spot above his head to see a deep yellow. I knew exactly how happy he was.

Arthur glanced over, saw where I was looking and laughed a full belly laugh. "I suppose you do know how happy I am."

Goosebumps rose on my skin. Arthur had accepted my gift without question, without judgment.The thing I had feared most had not come to pass. Other than the threat of Dana hanging over my head, I felt completely free. When we arrived at 'The Wild Peony,’ Dorothea was already waiting outside, a huge smile on her face as she waved cheerfully. I hopped out of the car before it fully stopped moving, ignoring Arthur’s shout of alarm.

I ran full speed into her arms and she hugged me tightly, murmuring words of comfort and love. I could feel Arthur behind me, a warm presence at my back.

“Come here, pup,” Dorothea demanded and pulled Arthur into our hug as well. We stayed like that for a few minutes, enjoying the feeling of family, of being safe and sound, of just being together.

“Alright. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, I have a surprise for you two,” she said and dragged us inside of her flower shop. The space didn’t look any different. At least, not until we got to the back room.

Lit candles covered every inch of surface that was available. A small wedding arch had been set up in the center of the room and all of my favorite flowers were in attendance.

“What is all of this?” Arthur asked but I thought it was pretty obvious.

“A wedding of course. I might not be part of the pack anymore, but I was still a luna at one point. I still have the power to officiate weddings. And nothing would make me happier than to do this for you,” Dorothea explained and I thought my face would hurt from how wide my smile had become.

Happy tears burned behind my eyes. I looked up at Arthur and was surprised to find tears in the corner of his eyes as well. I rose up on tiptoe to give him a swift kiss. His arms wrapped around me. “We’re getting married today,” I whispered, touching my forehead to his. I stared into his eyes from inches away and wondered how I could have ever missed the love that was in them.

“We’re getting married today,” he whispered back, giving me another little kiss before pulling away. We walked the short walk to the arch hand in hand.