Chapter 33
Three weeks later, Kate stood in her childhood bedroom and looked at herself in the mirror. The green contact lenses made her eyes appear almost human, but she had to be cautious not to let her emotions flare, otherwise, the unnatural glow would show through.
Over time, their supernatural radiance would diminish to a more human hue, but given her recent transformation, extra precautions were required.
A careful application of bronzer warmed her too-pale complexion, and she’d practiced her breathing until it looked natural rather than the unnecessary habit it had become.
The woman looking back at her was both familiar and transformed, carefully disguised to appear human, but still recognizably Kate Morgan. The deception felt strange after weeks of embracing her new nature, but she would do whatever it took to have this moment with her family.
“You look beautiful, sweetheart,” her mother said from the doorway, her voice thick with emotion.
Kate turned, taking in her mother’s appearance. Sarah Morgan looked older than Kate remembered, worry lines etched around her eyes that spoke of sleepless nights wondering about her daughter’s extended absence in Europe.
“Thank you for doing this, Mom,” Kate said, moving to embrace her. “I know it’s not the wedding you probably imagined for me.”
Sarah held her daughter close, and Kate forced herself to stay gentle, to remember how fragile her mother was now.
“All I ever wanted was for you to be happy. And when I see you with Devon…” She pulled back to study Kate’s face. “I’ve never seen you glow like this before.”
Kate smiled, feeling the truth of that settle in her bones.
She was happy—deeply, completely happy in a way she’d never thought possible.
The trauma of her transformation, the horror of Aleksander’s violations, those first few anxious weeks as a vampire, all of it had led to this moment, this choice, this love.
“Is Dad ready?” Kate asked.
“He’s been ready for an hour. He’s so proud to be walking you down the aisle, even if the aisle is just our backyard.”
Sarah’s eyes misted. “Kate, are you sure about the timing? You’ve only been back from Europe for three weeks. If you want to wait—”
“I don’t want to wait,” Kate said firmly. “I’ve waited my whole life to feel this sure about anything. Devon and I have been through more together than most couples experience in a lifetime. We know who we are, we know what we want, and we know we want it together.”
Sarah nodded, though Kate could see the questions in her eyes, questions about the changes in her daughter and the extended absence. But Sarah Morgan had raised her daughter to trust her own judgment, and she wasn’t going to start doubting that now.
“Time to get you married then,” Sarah said with a smile.
Kate’s wedding dress was a flowing white gown with delicate lace sleeves that covered her arms. Her childhood backyard was transformed for the big night with string lights hanging between the old oak trees.
They created a warm glow over the small gathering of family and friends.
White chairs were arranged in neat rows facing a simple arch covered in white roses and ivy. It was intimate, personal, and perfect.
Kate’s heart swelled as she saw the guests, her parents, her brother Jamie looking handsome in his navy suit, Zoe looking radiant in her maid of honor dress, a handful of close family friends who had watched Kate grow up.
And standing slightly apart, introduced as Devon’s business associates from Europe, were Sophia and Luc. Elegant and otherworldly even in their carefully chosen human disguises, but here to witness this moment because they had become family in the truest sense.
There, standing near the arch with Antoine beside him as best man, was Devon.
He wore a simple black suit that emphasized his elegant lines, his dark hair perfectly styled, his blue eyes warm with love and anticipation.
When he saw Kate appear at the back door with her father, his face transformed with a smile that made her heart sing.
“Ready, princess?” her father asked, offering his arm.
“Ready, Dad,” Kate said, taking his arm and letting him lead her down the makeshift aisle.
The ceremony was conducted by a family friend who had known Kate since she was a child, a celebrant who had agreed to perform the service despite the unconventional time for a ceremony.
Kate and Devon had written their own vows, and as they stood facing each other under the rose-covered arch, the rest of the world seemed to fade away.
“Kate,” Devon said, his voice carrying clearly in the quiet evening air, “when I first met you in Budapest, I had no idea I was meeting my salvation. Every day, you choose to love me, something I don’t take for granted. You’ve made me a better version of myself than I ever thought possible.”
Kate looked up at him with quiet adoration.
“Devon, you’ve shown me strength I didn’t know I possessed, and helped me discover parts of myself I never knew existed. You are my constant, my anchor, my home. I choose you, today and always.”
The celebrant smiled as they exchanged rings, simple platinum bands that caught the light from the string lights above them.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Devon, you may kiss your bride.”
Devon’s kiss was gentle, devoted, filled with all the love and promise of their shared future. Around them, their small gathering erupted in applause and cheers, but Kate was only aware of Devon’s lips on hers, his arms around her, and the absolute rightness of this moment.
“Mrs Karlov,” Devon murmured against her lips.
“I like the sound of that,” Kate replied, her smile radiant.
The reception was held in the same backyard, with tables set up under the stars and a small dance floor laid out on the grass.
Kate stood at the edge of the garden, watching her family mingle with Devon’s chosen family under the string lights.
Her mother was laughing at something Sophia had said, her father deep in conversation with Thomas about aquaponics.
Zoe was taking photos, capturing moments Kate knew she would treasure long after everyone else in them had aged and faded.
The knowledge sat heavy in her chest, a weight she’d been carrying since the transformation but had only now fully acknowledged. This would be the last time they could all be together like this.
In a year, she and Devon would move to Budapest, citing his business interests.
In two years, the visits home would become less frequent, holidays only, then every other holiday.
In five years, her mother would comment on how young she still looked.
In ten years, avoiding the questions would get much harder.
She would have to let them go, gradually, until her life as a human was entirely gone.
This was another thing Aleksander had taken from her.
It wasn’t just her mortality; it was also her place in the world of the living.
She couldn’t have both worlds, but at least she had this moment.
At least they had today, this perfect, warm night when everyone she loved was together, safe and happy, celebrating a love that had survived impossible odds.
Devon appeared at her side, as if he sensed her sadness. “Penny for your thoughts?”
“Just memorizing this,” she said softly, leaning into him. “All of it. Every face, every laugh. I want to remember them exactly as they are right now.”
He understood without her having to explain. He’d done this himself, centuries ago, watching his own human family fade into memory. “They’ll always be part of you,” he said, pressing a kiss to her temple. “And you’ll always be part of them.”
Kate nodded, blinking back tears. It would have to be enough.
As the evening progressed, Kate couldn’t help but notice some interesting developments among her guests.
Zoe met Luc during the cocktail hour and seemed completely captivated. Kate watched with amusement as her best friend, usually so confident, became almost shy around the elegant vampire. Luc also seemed intrigued; his usual reserved demeanor softened whenever Zoe laughed at his jokes.
“She has no idea what she’s getting herself into,” Kate murmured to Devon as they swayed together on the makeshift dance floor.
“Neither did you,” Devon replied with a smile, following her gaze. “And look how that turned out.”
Kate laughed softly. “True. Though I’m not sure Zoe is ready for the supernatural world.”
“Are you matchmaking at your own wedding?” Devon said with amusement.
“I’m observing,” Kate corrected. “There’s a difference. Though I have to admit, I like the idea of my favorite people finding happiness with each other.”
Zoe kept shooting Kate curious looks that suggested she sensed something different about both of them.
“So,” Zoe said, finding Kate near the dessert table later that evening, “what happened in Europe? You came back different”
Kate smiled and chose her words carefully. “I learned some things about myself. I found out what I’m capable of and what I want from life. Devon helped me uncover parts of myself I didn’t know were there. Europe was… transformative.”
“And you’re happy? Really, truly happy?”
Kate looked across the yard to where Devon was deep in conversation with her father, probably discussing art or history or one of the many subjects he was an expert in.
As if sensing her gaze, he looked up and smiled, and Kate felt that familiar warmth bloom in her chest.
“Really, truly happy,” she confirmed.
“Good,” Zoe said, then glanced over at Luc, who was helping Jamie carry chairs. “And speaking of happiness… your husband’s friend Luc is quite interesting.”
Kate grinned. “Is he now?”
“Don’t give me that look,” Zoe said, but she was smiling. “I’m just saying he’s… different. Sophisticated. Like he’s seen the world and has stories to tell.”
“He definitely has stories,” Kate agreed carefully. “Just be prepared; men like Luc don’t do anything halfway.”
As the evening wound down and the last guests departed, Kate and Devon found themselves alone in the backyard where they’d just pledged their lives to each other. The string lights still twinkled overhead, and the scent of roses filled the night air.
“No regrets?” Devon asked, pulling Kate into his arms for a slow dance to music only they could hear.
“None whatsoever,” Kate said, resting her head against his chest. “This was perfect. Simple, intimate, surrounded by the people who matter most.”
“Your family likes me,” Devon observed with some surprise.
“Of course they do. You’re charming, smart, and you make their daughter happy. What’s not to like?” Kate paused and then added quietly, “But I think my dad suspects you’re older than you say. He kept asking about your ‘extensive knowledge of European history.’”
Devon chuckled. “I might have gotten a little carried away talking about the Renaissance with him. I’ll be more careful.”
Kate spun gently in his arms, her dress flowing around her like water. “Do you remember,” she said softly, “that night at the Budapest exhibition? When I first met you?”
Devon’s expression grew tender. “I remember thinking you were the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. And the most fascinating. I had no idea that you would change everything.”
“I thought you were dangerous,” Kate replied, her fingers tracing the lapel of his jacket. “I was right about that, but not in the way I expected. You were dangerous to my heart, to my carefully planned life, to everything I thought I knew about myself.”
“And now?” Devon murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
“Now the real adventure begins,” Kate said, her voice barely a breath, which only Devon heard. “Thirty years of Council service, hunting down rogues, dispensing justice.”
“Together,” Devon said firmly. “As husband and wife.” He paused, his voice soft. “And speaking of justice, how is your project with Sophia progressing?”
Kate’s smile was fierce and determined. “The petition to reform the Pet system is nearly ready. Sophia thinks we have a real chance of getting new consent protocols passed, especially with my testimony and our new status as Council enforcers.”
Devon’s smile was proud and fierce. “Using your position to protect others. “I should have expected nothing less from you.”
“I can’t change what happened to me,” Kate said. “But maybe I can stop it from happening to someone else. That’s worth thirty years of service, don’t you think?”
“Without question,” Devon agreed, his voice filled with pride.
Dancing under the stars in Kate’s childhood backyard, they felt the promise of their shared future. They had found each other across centuries and different species. They had survived violation and trauma.
They were no longer captor and captive, master and Pet.
They were husband and wife, ready to embrace eternity together.
As one.