High Voltage

"Oh, Jesus,” she muttered. “You are so freakin’ stubborn and hardheaded."

Garrett laughed ... on the inside.

Takes one to know one, he thought.

Then she said, in a less strained voice, “Guess that makes us perfect for each other."

His eyes closed. Suddenly, the tight fist around his heart eased a bit. She wasn't here to tell him she couldn't deal with the bizarre—no, downright dangerous—events of the evening. She wasn't here to tell him she couldn't be with him, that she didn't want him or love him.

And just as he felt the hope begin to swirl in his gut, she confirmed his suspicions. “I love you,” she said, her voice strong and steady. “As a man and as a wolf. I love you, Garrett Slater."

His heart nearly leapt from his chest. Which really wasn't such a great feeling because it was just one more thing that shot pain through him from head to toe. But Garrett didn't care. All that mattered to him was that Serena loved him.

He braced himself for a little more pain and said, “Me, too."

Her fingers moved from his shoulder and she suddenly clasped his hand. She held it tightly and he found her touch unbelievably comforting.

"I choose to stay.” She leaned closed to him and whispered in his ear. “I choose you as my mate. For life."

Epilogue

Silver Mountain—May

The ceremony was a simple one. Serena and Garrett had found the perfect spot to marry. The rim of Silver Mountain on the north side wasn't the easiest place to reach, but Garrett had commissioned personal, luxuriously appointed helicopters to transport the guests. They gathered on the grassy knoll that provided a breathtaking view of the mountain range. The wildflowers that dotted the carpet of lush green grass were vibrant and plentiful from the spring rains. Far below, Silver River snaked through the rugged terrain.

A light mist had fallen earlier that morning, and it left in its wake a glorious rainbow that arched over the rim where Serena and Garrett said their vows. Robert gave her away and Shay stood beside her as her maid of honor.

The reception was an over-the-top occasion at the lodge, complete with fresh lobster tails flown in from Maine and petite filet mignons served with a rich Hollandaise sauce. Dom Perignon flowed freely and lively music floated on the early evening air, mixing with the soul-stirring sound of laughter.

The smile had not left Serena's face since she'd woken up that morning. Everything was exactly as she wanted it to be. As Cinderella-fairytale-esque as she'd always dreamed her wedding—and life—would be.

"I know you didn't think it was possible,” she whispered in Garrett's ear as he swept her up in his arms and swayed with her on the dance floor. “But this is perfect. Every single thing about this day, about us, is perfect."

Garrett's arm tightened around her waist. His warm lips grazed her temple, then he grinned down at her. “Perfection is exactly what you deserve."