Ella's Wedding

Even though Cora prepared in my room at the palace, we made considerable efforts to publicize this wedding as much as, if not more than, our coronation. Once Cora was dressed, we escorted her to the palace garage, where a beautiful open-top vintage Rolls-Royce awaited.

"Are you serious?" she asked, rolling her eyes, but laughing at the same time—it was very cool.

Roger had reservations about the plan, questioning its safety, but Sinclair's security detail assured us there were no major threats. Most humans who opposed a wolf king had either been appeased by Sinclair's promises of equality between humans and wolves, or had taken their complaints underground.

As Cora suggested last night, many people—humans and wolves alike—were excited about having a royal family.

Sinclair and I saw proof of this as we finished greeting the hundreds of guests in the Hall and stepped toward the doors. Cora's car was turning onto the road.

The crowds lining the streets erupted at the sight of us, cheering for Sinclair, Rafe, and—I blushed—for me. Sinclair waved, so I smiled and waved too. Then, I held up the baby, and the cheers grew louder.

Sinclair and I laughed as I secured Rafe against my side, pleased by the affection shown to our child. My smile widened as the cheers turned toward Cora, their duchess, as she waved from the car.

Cora's name had been in the news recently, and a major article about us—the two sisters raised as humans who found themselves at the center of this drama—was published this morning. It was flattering, focusing primarily on my sister—fitting, as it was her wedding—and detailing our struggles as orphans, her medical school journey, and her previously private relationship with Roger Sinclair.

I tried to show Cora the article this morning, but she waved it away, slightly embarrassed by the attention.

That Cora was gone now, replaced by a beaming bride in a beautiful wedding gown, her long veil trailing behind her as she enthusiastically waved to the well-wishers.

I glanced back to see Roger and Henry at the front of the room, where an altar would have been if this were a religious ceremony. Roger gave a thumbs-up, Henry waved, and Sinclair and I stepped out of the palace to escort my sister inside.

"This is crazy," Cora whispered, laughing as Sinclair helped her from the car.

"But cool, right?" I said, laughing and hugging her. "You look beautiful, Cora," I added, tears welling as I admired her gorgeous gown, which flatteringly showcased her pregnancy. We're very proud of our new addition.

"Oh geez," Cora said, wiping my cheeks. "Ella, you can't start now—we'll never make it through the day—"

"If you think this is her first time crying," Sinclair smirked, taking Rafe, "you're woefully mistaken, sister-in-law." Cora laughed as I gave Rafe to his father and linked arms with her.

"Ready?" I asked, dabbing my eyes.

"Ready," she said, winking.

Following our king up the stairs, Cora and I proceeded toward the palace. At the top, we waved to the cheering crowds before entering. The aides closed the door, and the music began.

"Congratulations, Cora," Sinclair said, kissing her cheek before starting down the aisle.

It was a short wedding procession. Cora had friends, but none she felt close enough to ask to be a bridesmaid. We kept it simple, reflecting more wolf than human tradition.

Sinclair and Rafe were the only ones to precede the bride. Rafe looked around at Cora's well-wishers with interest.

When my mate and child reached the front, the music changed to a classic wedding waltz.

"I love you," I said, kissing my sister's cheek. It was our turn.

"Love you more," she murmured, kissing me back.

Then, arm in arm, I walked my sister down the aisle.

We'd discussed it at length. In the absence of a father figure, Cora asked me to walk her. I cried and said yes. Henry offered, butit's always been Cora and me. We've been mother and father, sister and best friend. Walking her down the aisle on her wedding day felt absolutely right.

It gave me a magnificent view of Roger's face as his eyes focused on Cora, his breath catching at her beauty.

I bit my lip, seeing my sister glowing with joy, eager to reach his side.

"Cora," Roger whispered, taking three steps forward to the dais. "You look…" Cora reached for him. He grasped her hand and pulled her close. But Cora paused, looking at me. "Do you consent, sis?" she grinned. "To give me away?"

"To this guy?" I asked, teasingly scrutinizing Roger.

They laughed. Roger shook his head. "I'm taking her whether you consent or not, Ella," he grinned, holding Cora's hand tight.

"Good thing I agree," I smiled. My sister and I hugged before I joined Sinclair, taking Rafe back into my arms.

"They look good together," Sinclair whispered, watching my sister and his brother. "It's right."

"They're so lucky to have us," I sighed, grinning. "To have brought them together."

Sinclair laughed. "Nah," he said. "These two? They'd have found each other. Fated mates," he said, slipping his hand into mine. "We have a way of doing that, don't we?"

"We sure do," I sighed, resting my head on his shoulder.

And then, with a blissful smile, I watched my sister marry her mate.