Chapter 20: Wolf.e: Chapter 19

I’ve lived in Georgia my whole life, but I haven’t been to Tybee since I was a little girl. I’d forgotten how magical it is.

The inside of the sanctuary where the wedding is taking place has been transformed to a rustic, white floral dream. Much like last night’s rehearsal dinner, greenery, lights, and lanterns hang from every surface, candles are everywhere, and the entire back wall of windows faces the ocean.

The sun is just starting to sink when the organ plays and all the club members begin walking in, not in suits, but in the same black jeans, long sleeved, black button-down shirt and their cuts. The ones who wear rings have them on and the men are cleaned up, hair pushed back off their faces, those with longer hair in the back. There must be fifty of them and they all come in together. It’s almost hypnotizing to watch them. I can’t imagine being so invested in anything or having that much of my heart committed to something.

I shake my head, realizing that I’m romanticising all their probable illegal activity for one reason and one reason only, and that reason just walked in with the groom. Wavy hair, loose just behind his ears, Wolfe looks… incredible. It hits me that I don’t even know his first name.

Wolfe’s eyes lock on mine and I try my best to fight the pull. His powerful shoulders flex as he looks away, releasing his hold on me as he shakes a few members’ hands.

He strides to the front to shake Sean’s hand in congratulation, and I see him smile for the first time as he gives Sean the manliest hug I’ve ever witnessed, the kind where they clap each other on the back only once. Wolfe always looks incredible, but this smile, it’s the vast transformation between a cold and emotionless man and one who feels deeply for his men. In less than one second, he pulls me in like a moth to flame.

I wait for his eyes to come back to mine and as I do, a sort of nervous elation washes over me, like I’m inching my way up a really high roller coaster, anticipating that drop.

They search… lock to mine… hold me… Drop.

Wolfe turns to stand at Sean’s side as the music begins to play, and one by one the bridesmaids make their way down the aisle. Their dresses flow in a silky cascade, each woman filling out her black floor length dress in her own beautiful way. Everyone’s breath catches as Layla rounds the corner on the arm of Dell. I smile when I see him, and he gives me a small wave. It’s nice to find a friendly face in the crowd and he looks great.

The ceremony goes by quickly, officiated by a club chaplain from Rochester. It’s not religious in any way and we listen as Layla and Sean recite their own vows, Sean adding in that he promises to obey Layla as much as possible and Layla adds that she promises to disobey him, which makes us all laugh. It’s an oddly sweet and endearing ceremony, and as the sun says it’s final goodbye to the day, they’re announced husband and wife. They kiss amidst a roar of cheers and flashbulbs from the photographers.

By the time photos are over and we’re all ushered into the equally beautiful reception room, I’m feeling relaxed and actually glad that I came. Layla said there are times when club life gets hectic, maybe I was just unlucky enough to witness it on my first go around last night. I’m amazed once again how different this group is than I expected.

“Funny meeting you here,” Dell says from behind me as I stand at the bar.

I turn with my drink in hand, offer him the standard, “hey” and a friendly side hug.

“Not my usual crowd, where are you sitting?” he asks.

“Table six.” I smile.

“Me too, glad I’ll have someone I know to talk to.” Dell smiles. He’s always been handsome in a preppy, clean cut sort of way. Totally my normal type if he wasn’t Lay’s brother. His hair is shiny and swept to the side like he took the time to style it.

“Same here.” I smile, actually meaning it.

Dell was always like an older brother to me when I was younger. And now that we have the connection of work, it seems easy and safe. He grabs a drink, and we begin to make our way to table six together, chatting about work and Layla. He tells me he was hesitant at first about Layla’s new life, but he knows how much Sean loves her and how good he is to her.

“I have to trust Lay. She’s always been a good judge of character. And it’s not like she’ll listen anyway…” Dell shrugs, taking a drink from his stein of beer and, leaning in, he smiles wide. “Also, well, he could definitely kick my ass so I just keep my mouth shut.” He chuckles which in turn makes me laugh with him.

“At least you’re honest about it.” I pat him on the arm.

We haven’t even been talking for a full minute, before Kai is at my side at our table.

“I think there’s been a misunderstanding on the seating arrangement. Layla requested you sit at her table,” he says to me, while offering Dell a big friendly grin that says I’m a nice guy but I could break you. I have no idea how he does that so well.

I look back at Wolfe—who’s sitting now, two seats down from Layla and Sean at the head table—staring straight at me, sipping an amber colored whiskey.

“No, thank you. It’s fine I can stay here,” I say politely, not breaking eye contact with Wolfe. I was actually comfortable with a familiar family friend and it’s obvious to me what’s going on here. He may be used to getting whatever he wants but I won’t be at his beck and call. Not to mention, staying away from Wolfe is in my best interest because when he’s too close I just don’t think straight.

“Please, go tell Layla.” I emphasize her name because I know damn well it’s not her that wants me to move. “I’m going to stay here.”

Kai smiles even bigger. “I wouldn’t disappoint the bride on her wedding day, would you?”

I look over and she’s sitting at the table, waving at me excitedly. She’s so beautiful in her princess gown as she called it. It’s a white classic A-cut number, but around the bodice and dancing down the train is the most delicate black lace. I remind myself it’s her wedding day and I won’t start any drama with her infuriating club president.

“Fine,” I say, standing to follow him.

“Sorry, Dell.” I put my hand on his shoulder.

He waves me off. “No worries, Brin! Dance later?” he asks, standing, completely oblivious.

“Of course,” I say, giving him a friendly side hug.

I follow Kai, shooting daggers at the smug face ready to greet me.