_Kieran's POV_
The sun was sinking low when I walked back out to the courtyard. The lanterns glowed softly, swaying in the wind, and the music played in the background. The decorations shimmered under the soft light. There were white roses, silver ribbons and pale gold cloth lining the tables.
Everything looked perfect.
But the guests were arriving slowly.
I glanced around, my hands behind my back. Adrian was speaking to a few wolves near the drink table. The Beta from the Crimson Claw pack had just arrived with his mate. But there weren’t many others yet.
That was fine. We were early anyway.
My eyes moved to the steps of the packhouse.
And then I saw her.
Annalisa.
She stepped into the open light, her red dress hugging her curves and sparkling like rubies in the sun. Her hair was
