Darkest Hour Before Dawn (THIRDS 9)

"Is he all right?" Hudson asked, his heart swelling. Even at a time like this, Seb's thoughts were on how Hudson was doing, how he was feeling.

"Rafe threatened to tranq him if he didn't sit his butt down, but then Julia told him he'd have to carry Seb to the altar. Rafe said Ethan would carry him, and Ethan smacked Rafe in the back of the head, and the roughhousing started. You know Seb's not one to miss out on a good brawl with his brothers. It settled his nerves, which I'm pretty sure is what the boys intended, but don't worry, they're still presentable. Their mother would have had their hides otherwise."

Hudson laughed. No matter how big the Hobbs boys got, one stern look from Julia was all it took. The lift doors opened, and Hudson smiled. He held out his arm, and Thomas placed his hand on the crook of Hudson's arm. They made their way to the marked spot in front of the aisle, and Hudson felt his cheeks burn as Seb's wide-eyed expression melted into a look of pure adoration, his smile reaching his dazzling tear-filled eyes. Seb stood at the altar with Rafe and Ethan at his side. Across from them, beside a handsome Dex dressed in a tuxedo, Nina looked stunning in her beautiful pale blue dress. A photographer snapped away, unobtrusive, and Pachelbel's Canon in D began to play. Hudson made his way down the aisle with Thomas.

The white chairs to the right of the plinths were filled with his pack. Lou and Bradley sat at the end, most likely so Lou could keep an eye on everything. He dabbed at his eyes with a handkerchief. Hudson was glad to see Austen had granted his request to stay, even if the man was sure to disappear into the night afterward, like the little Felid ninja he was. It was strange seeing Austen in a suit. He looked good. In front of them, Milena sat holding Rosa's hand, and next to Rosa, Letty had her beau's arm around her shoulders. Army-captain-turned-firefighter James Kirk was a sexy white tiger Therian with a charming smile. His name was the source of much entertainment for Dex. Kirk seemed to take it all in stride.

In front of them sat Calvin, dressed handsomely, his smile wide and his bright blue eyes glassy. He winked at Hudson and gave him a thumbs-up, making Hudson chuckle. Beside him, Darla sniffed. She looked beautiful, her dazzling eyes much like her son's, brimming with unshed tears of joy, and her smile lighting up her face. Next to Darla, Julia held tightly to her handkerchief, a tear rolling down her flushed cheek as she waved at him, the love and happiness in her eyes almost too much for Hudson, and Hudson swallowed hard in an attempt to keep his emotions at bay.

In the front row, Dom cut a rugged picture in his suit. He smiled brightly at Hudson. Sloane sat beside him, sleek and debonair in his tuxedo, and next to him, Ash sniffed--very macho-like of course--and wrapped an arm around Cael, who sported a wide, boyish grin. Sergeant Maddock beamed proudly at Hudson from beside Cael. Everyone who meant everything to him was here. His family.

Just before he reached the altar, Hudson caught a whiff of a familiar scent. This time, instead of sending him into a panic, Hudson smiled. His heart swelled, and tears blurred his vision. The thought might seem silly, but it was his wedding day, and if he wanted to believe Alfie was here in spirit, he had the right.

Thomas kissed the back of Hudson's hand before he went off to join Julia, though not before winking at Seb. Hudson let out a dreamy sigh when Seb reached for him, and everyone chuckled. Hudson couldn't help it. Seb looked incredible in his gray three-piece suit and matching tie. It accentuated his broad shoulders and expansive chest. His green eyes sparkled, and that roguish grin Hudson loved so much had the butterflies in his stomach fluttering wildly.

They faced each other, Hudson's hands in Seb's larger, stronger ones. The music softened, and Father McByrne began the ceremony. It was beautiful, unlike anything Hudson could have imagined. The Therian's lyrical voice spoke of undying love, a future of togetherness, friendship, loyalty, and laughter. As Hudson and Seb faced an uncertain future, riddled with challenges, and--unbeknown to Father McByrne--most likely bullets, they gripped each other tight, knowing whatever came their way, they would persevere, together. They came close to giving in to their emotions and tears on more than one occasion, but they laughed softly instead and continued until the rings were exchanged.

Hudson's ring was a simple narrow silver band, but inside the word Lobito was engraved in scripted letters. It filled Hudson's heart with joy, and judging by the tear that rolled down Seb's cheek, Hudson would hazard a guess his mate was pleased with the engraved inscription in his own ring. No matter what happened, those two words would never change.

Always yours.

Father McByrne pronounced them married, and everyone cheered as Seb grabbed Hudson and dipped him. Hudson laughed, holding on tight as Seb kissed him. The sweet, tender kiss soon gave way to a heated one, and their family and friends whooped.

Seb chuckled and lifted Hudson back. He kissed Hudson's cheek before murmuring

in his ear, "Always yours, Lobito."

"Always," Hudson replied, turning his face to kiss Seb again. He smiled up at Seb and placed a hand to his cheek. "Forever isn't long enough, darling."

Seb took Hudson's hand and placed it to his lips for a kiss. "Guess we'll just have to make the most of every moment."

They were rushed by their friends and family, hugs and kisses all around, before the music picked up, and the roof was transformed into a dance floor before Hudson had a chance to blink. Lou was certainly a force to be reckoned with. Everyone talked and laughed, teased, and ate good food. Hudson and Seb cut the cake, and unsurprisingly Dex ended up with a face full of frosting thanks to Ash. Seb's deep rumble of a laugh was the sweetest sound Hudson had ever heard. He realized he'd never been happier than he was at that moment.

They stuffed themselves full of delicious cake. Lou's catering was exquisite. It was extraordinary how quickly the man was able to pull all this together. Hudson tried his hardest not to laugh when Dex said he wanted a donut wedding cake. He was rather certain Dex was joking, but the look on poor Lou's face said Lou didn't think so.

"I would sooner walk into a bear Therian sex club naked and covered in honey than allow that monstrosity near a wedding."

Dex blinked at him. "First, I had no idea you were so kinky. Second, I'm the groom. It's my wedding. You're supposed to give me what I want."

Lou arched an eyebrow at him. "If you were any other client, yes. As it's you, the answer is a resounding no."

They all laughed, and Dex flipped them off before he was distracted by more food.

"Congratulations, both of you." Maddock gave each of them a fierce hug. "It's time for me to head off and leave the festivities to the youngsters."

"Thank you for coming." Hudson beamed at him before turning to Darla, Julia, and Thomas, who were also getting ready to go. This was more activity than Thomas was used to, and Hudson understood. The fact he'd been here for the ceremony was more than Hudson could have hoped for. Thomas was astounding.

"You call me if you need anything," Hudson told them, and they promised they would. Julia gave a sniff, and Hudson brought her into his embrace, letting his cheek rest against her head.

"My darling," Julia said, squeezing Hudson tight. "I'm so happy you're home."

Hudson closed his eyes, basking in her maternal love before he released her to hug Darla and then Thomas. Rafe was taking them home, his body starting to ache from all the physical exertion. Nina looked torn, and Rafe told her to stay, but Hudson could see she was worried about Rafe, so he kissed her cheek and insisted she accompany her boyfriend.

"He needs you," Hudson whispered in her ear. "I'll always be here for you."

Nina threw her arms around him and hugged him tight. She kissed his cheek, murmuring a sweet thank-you before waving good-bye to everyone.

After eating his weight in flaky minipastries, Dex dragged Hudson and Seb onto the dance floor. As per Dex's request, or most likely sneakiness, they were confronted with every typical wedding party dance, from the hustle to the electric slide, but there was nothing, nothing like seeing Ash trying to dance to something Dex referred to as Gangnam Style. Seb laughed so hard he was crying, and Dex was on the floor gasping for breath. Thankfully, Ash had drunk enough champagne he just flipped them off and called Dex a giant dork.