Unruly Pet

Epilogue

Derik and I have been engaged for three months now. Not much has changed between us.

Except for I have a small flock of body guards following me everywhere, especially as Vivian. And you'll never believe who set up that scene at the hospital.

Or maybe you will.

It was the witch I rescued Rosie from. Unfortunately, because it was a crime against an official and not a pet I couldn't do anything legally.

But let's say Zach, Adam, and Derik made an example out of her by putting her away for a very long time. She could have gotten off worse. Or maybe she did and they just didn't tell me.

Derik kissed my hand. He's done that a lot since I first put the ring on, like he was just happy it's there.

Most people think our relationship moved too fast. That we got to committed too quickly and it won't last. But we've been through a lot together. It drove us closer.

And even as butterflies swam in my stomach I couldn't stop smiling.

And society has changed a lot, Blake and Rosie can be my bridesmaids without any ridicule. Most vampires still think of pets as less than them but pets are treated much better now.

I feel like I've achieved everything I could ever want in less than a year. I truly couldn't ask for more.

And our country isn't the only thing that's changed. I have. I was distant, untrusting, mad both at the world and at myself before. Now I feel forgiveness, and love, I give people the benefit of the doubt.

I'm not afraid to care about people or afraid they might hurt me. I've never understood that phrase, rise above, but that's exactly what it feels like. Like you're physically flying above everything that's wronged you. It's...empowering.

"What do you think of this venue? I know you haven't seen it in person but does it look okay?" Derik asked holding his arm around my shoulders.

"I wonder who's fault it is that I haven't seen the venue yet? Hmm, Mr. don't-go-outside-without-a-bodyguard?" I gestured towards the herd of people behind me.

The place we'd chosen together, I'd seen pictures before now, was outdoors. Flowers, grassy lawns, water features, gazebos, little white chairs. It looked like the place was designed so every single area was picture perfect.

"Ah, well, that doesn't answer the question?" He changed the topic.

"Yes, it's beautiful." I smiled gently.

"Good, the wedding is tomorrow, are you nervous?"

"A little, I'm more excited though,"

"Perfect, that's just how I want it."

We strolled leisurely around the venue taking everything in. And the longer I walked the more I wanted to stay. It was stunning.

***

"Babe, I need to go, the makeup and hair artists are going to get impatient with me." I reasoned.

"Then I'll come with you," Derik smiled victoriously at me.

"No, you absolutely will not. I want your jaw to drop when you see me on our wedding day."

"You make my jaw drop every day," I swear he just batted his eyelashes at me.

"I'll see you at the altar," I winked.

I changed into the simple silky black robe they wanted all the girls to wear while they got ready. I think because it's easy to get off without messing up hair or makeup.