Page 7 of Protected By Artemis

He closed his eyes briefly, tuning into the nuances only his shifter instincts could detect. The field felt right—balanced, vibrant, and ready to host the joyous occasion. Satisfied that everything was in order, he opened his eyes and nodded to himself. He noticed a familiar blonde figure by the arch and sighed.

“Artemis,” he called out, hoping he didn’t sound too annoyed. “I see you got your wish.”

“Yes, Alpha.” Artemis turned to him.

His breath caught in his throat as his gaze landed on her beautiful face. Just like that morning when he first saw her, he was awestruck by her.

But she was a goddess, after all.

“You must know that Hannah was a pleasure to work with.” She promptly went back to fidgeting with the flowers, her nimble fingers adjusting petals and leaves carefully.

He watched her.I’ll give Hannah and her team a week off for dealing with this.

“We’re about to start,” he said, stepping closer. “You should go sit.” When she didn’t reply, he grasped her elbow. While he’d already touched her earlier when he had thoughtlessly tried to save her—he snorted to himself, as she was an immortal—the contact of their bare skin sent a jolt through him. Still, he could not bring himself to let go. He tugged at her gently, and she obliged, stepping away from the arch and allowing him to guide her away.

However, she paused and looked over her shoulder and waved a hand at the arch. “One last thing,” she said, her blue eyes sparkling, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. “There, now it’s perfect.”

He grimaced and made sure he left her in her seat before walking away. The ceremony was about to begin, and everything needed to be in place.

He walked to the room in the community center where Geri was getting ready, his steps steady and purposeful. As he approached the door, he could hear the soft murmur of voices and the occasional burst of laughter. He knocked gently before pushing the door open.

Geri stood in front of a large mirror, her hands clasped together. Her simple yet elegant dress flowed around her, andshe was a vision of understated beauty. She looked up as he entered, her eyes wide with excitement and nerves.

“Okay, let’s get this over with,” he said, standing beside her.

Geri laughed. “You always know how to make a moment special, Cade.”

He chuckled and looked at her. “You look beautiful, Geri. Simple, elegant. Mom, Dad, and Grannie would be proud.”

Geri’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she nodded. “Thanks. I know they’re watching over us.”

Taking a deep breath, he offered his arm to his sister. She looped her arm through his, and together they walked outside. The pack members rose to their feet, a sea of smiling faces, their happiness palpable in the air.

Geri tightened her hold on him, and they began to walk down the aisle. Apollo stood at the end, his smile outshining even the bright sunflowers. As they approached, Apollo’s eyes locked onto Geri’s, filled with love and adoration.

Cade stopped just short of Apollo. “Take care of her,” he said, his voice low but firm.

Apollo nodded solemnly. “With my life.”

Satisfied, Cade stepped back, allowing Geri to take her place beside Apollo. The ceremony began, and the officiant’s words blended into a soft background as he watched his sister and her soon-to-be husband. Despite his earlier jest, his heart swelled with pride and love for his sister and the happiness she had found.

As he sat among the rows of chairs, watching the ceremony unfold, a wave of disbelief washed over him. Geri, his little sister, was getting married. He remembered how her fears once held her back from finding a mate.

Their parents had been deeply in love and inseparable. But when their father died in a tragic accident, their mother soon followed, unable to live without her bonded mate. Heremembered the horror of losing their father, but watching their mother wither away had been even worse. He had been a senior in high school, thrust into the role of protector and caretaker for his younger sister, who was just a kid at the time.

One night, during those dark days, he had asked his mother if it was worth it—to be bonded to someone so completely. Her eyes had started glowing, a telltale sign that happened when bonded mates spoke about each other, indicating that their inner wolves approved of their mate.

“Yes, Cade,” she had said, her eyes shining with an ethereal light. “I never thought I could love as much as I loved your father. But then we had you two, and we were able to love even more. It was all worth it. And soon, I’ll be back with him, and everything will be right again.”

Her words had stuck with him, reassuring him that finding a mate was good despite the risks. She had told him that nothing in life was guaranteed, but to experience a love like that was amazing. She urged him to be open to that possibility and that he shouldn’t be afraid to love and be loved.

Now, as he watched Geri and Apollo exchange vows, he saw the same deep love and connection in their eyes. Geri stood, her hands clasped in Apollo’s, and she began to recite her vows. Her voice was steady, filled with emotion and sincerity. As she spoke, her eyes started to glow, just as their mother’s had when she spoke of their father.

“I promise to stand by you,” Geri said, her voice resonating through the field, “to support you and love you with all I am. You are my sun, my guiding light, and I vow to cherish every moment we have together.”

Apollo’s smile was radiant as he listened to Geri’s heartfelt words. When it was his turn, he gently squeezed her hands and began his vows, his voice filled with warmth and love. “I have waited an eternity,” Apollo said, his blue eyes locking ontoGeri’s. “You are my other half, my perfect match. I vow to protect, honor, and love you for all my days. Together, we will shine brighter than ever before.”

They finished their vows, and the officiant declared them husband and wife. Apollo leaned in, capturing Geri’s lips in a tender kiss, sealing their bond in front of the pack and the assembled guests.