Red Rose Moon (Seasons of the Moon) by SM Reine Page B

followed him. They didn’t go far—just to the gazebo to sit down. Many of the werewolves were already seated. The time for the wedding was approaching quickly.
    “Thank you,” Scott said.
    Seth fixed him with a hard look. “You’re not forgiven. I’m sorry, Scott, but it’s going to take more than words to regain my trust.”
    “What do you expect from me?”
    “There was a way to bring Eleanor back from the dead,” Seth said, lowering his voice. Levi leaned in to listen to him. “After all of this is done, I want you to bring Gwyneth back instead.”
    The witch looked startled. “But it requires sacrifice.”
    “I know,” Seth said. “I know.”
    Music started playing from the speakers by the gift table. It wasn’t the processional yet, but it was a warning that they only had fifteen minutes left. Seth stepped away.
    “I’ll have Stephanie check on Rylie,” Levi said.
    Seth led Scott to the altar and took his position beside a disgruntled-looking Yasir. He swallowed his nerves, checked his cell phone, and saw that Abel still hadn’t called back.
    “Almost time,” he whispered.
    The music started playing. Rylie could barely hear it from her tent outside the house, but it still made her heart leap into her throat.
    “But I’m not ready!” Rylie gasped, pulling her garter belt over her stockings.
    She pulled shoes on, but her fingers were shaking too much to get the straps around her ankles. Gwyn laughed and took care of it for her. “Relax. The wedding’s not going to start without you. Trust me.”
    Rylie gnawed on a fingernail. “What if we get attacked during the ceremony? What if we don’t get attacked during the ceremony? Oh my God, what if I trip while I’m walking up the aisle?”
    Her aunt grabbed her shoulders. “Breathe in. Breathe out.”
    “I am breathing! I couldn’t panic if I stopped!”
    “You’re not going to trip and fall. You’re a werewolf, babe. You’re the epitome of grace. Remember?”
    “Oh,” Rylie said. “Yeah. But what about—”
    “Cain and Eleanor? Don’t worry about it.” Gwyn jerked her thumb at the table that was occupied by a space heater and parts of Rylie’s wardrobe. “I’ve got a shotgun under my wrap. And I have an extra weapon, too.”
    She pulled a glass ball out of a box on the table.
    “What’s that?” Rylie asked, curiosity winning out over her fear. She leaned in closer. It had a tiny animal skull inside.
    “This is what Scott used to resurrect Eleanor,” Gwyn said. “If she shows up, I’m pretty sure I can use it to get rid of her.”
    Rylie opened her mouth to argue, but Stephanie Whyte stuck her head through the flap, interrupting them. “Almost ready?” she asked. Little white flowers were pinned in her strawberry blond hair.
    “Almost,” Rylie said with a weak smile.
    Stephanie stepped in and fluffed out Rylie’s skirt. “Lovely,” she said fondly. And then her voice hardened. “My father’s officiating, but there are Union soldiers out there. I saw them myself. You’ll be safe.”
    “Stephanie,” Gwyn snapped. “Is this the time?”
    Rylie pressed her hands against her stomach. She wasn’t sure if that queasy feeling was morning sickness or nerves. “It’s good to know. It’s not like we aren’t preparing for trouble, too.” Rylie hesitated, and then asked, “Any sign of Abel?”
    Stephanie frowned. “No. Were you expecting him?”
    Expecting? No. Hoping? Maybe a little bit.
    Rylie shook her head.
    “I’m going to take position,” Stephanie said. “I’ll be watching you from the back.” She squeezed Rylie’s arm encouragingly. “You look great.”
    And then she was gone, and Rylie still had to get her dress done up the back.
    “Hurry,” she urged Gwyn, sucking in her stomach.
    “The dress is just a little snug.” Her aunt grunted as she forced the sides of the fabric together. Her fingers were cold against Rylie’s skin.
    Rylie pressed her hands against her lower belly. It seemed a tiny bit