I stood at the altar, my hands clasped tightly behind my back to hide their trembling. The ancient cathedral loomed around me, its vaulted ceilings disappearing into shadows despite the hundreds of candles illuminating the space. Stained glass windows cast pools of coloured light across the marble floors, turning ordinary air into something sacred. I drew a shaky breath, the scent of fresh flowers and ceremonial incense filling my lungs. After centuries of rule, after facing down enemies and rivals, after navigating the treacherous waters of Lycan politics, I found myself undone by simple anticipation. Where was she? My queen, my mate, my Emma – soon to be my wife in the human tradition that had suddenly come to mean everything to me.
"If you don't stop fidgeting, you're going to wear a g
