"I know you're right," my mother said, letting out a breath. “Just get her to her room," she said to Irene and Erik.

"Of course," Erik said without hesitation, and then I felt the movement as he started towards the house.

The familiar scent of my family home engulfed me, and I felt the warmth spreading through me.

This was familiar territory; this was where I grew up, and I was comfortable here. I was loopy and saying things out loud, I was sure of it. I could hear Irene chuckling softly and Erik agreeing with me, but I could hardly understand what I was saying, let alone what they were responding to.

Then, I felt the presence of my room and the soft blankets of my bed engulfing me. I was here... I was okay... I was home. But not really home; my home was with Gavin and our family. I missed Ryder so much, but I also really missed my mate. I wanted to be held and loved by him. I knew I was going to see him in the evening, but my wolf was nearly broken without him.

I needed him, and the thought made tears fill my eyes again. It was something that Irene had noticed because she started to wipe them away as they slipped off my cheeks.

"It's okay," she said softly. "You're okay."

I sniffled and wiped at my eyes, but I didn't say anything.

Soon, Nan arrived with a glass of water, and she brought it to my lips while Irene helped to sit me up. How did I become such a mess so quickly? This wasn't how this night was supposed to go. Yes, it was incredibly fun, but I shouldn't have drunk so much the night before my wedding.

My father was right; It was a stupid move on my part.

The water soothed the ache in my throat, and I let out a satisfied breath.

"You need to get some rest," Nan told me, keeping her voice low. "We'll be back in the morning to help get you ready for your wedding."

I nodded, but my eyes remained shut. I worried that it would hurt if I even attempted to open them.

I felt Nan kiss my forehead, and then I felt Irene kiss my cheek.

"Goodnight, future, Mom," she teased as she pulled away.

I would have laughed if I weren't so uncomfortable. I'm not sure how long I had been lying in bed for. I probably dozed off at some point, but then I felt the bed dipping slightly and the soft hand of my mother on my forehead. This time, I did open my eyes to look up at her, and she stared back down at me with a sympathetic look in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. I probably shouldn't have let you drink so much," she said with a sigh.

"It's not your fault," I managed to croak, my throat feeling parched.

She grabbed the glass of water Nan left on my bedside and brought it to my lips. "Drink slowly and take this medicine," she ordered, handing me a couple of pills.

I took the medication and popped them in my mouth as I took a big swallow of the water. I let out a contented sigh and rested my head back on my pillow.

"Get some more sleep. You have a big day this evening, and you'll need as much sleep as possible, she told me. It's 2 amras of right now you have a few hours of rest."

I nodded and let my eyes drift shut, my body relaxing against the bedsheets, and

everything else in the world faded away.

Then, I felt the bed dipping again,

and this time, I was comforted with

the sweet smell of my mate. The warmth that spread through me was almost too much for me to handle

felt his warm arms wrapping around me, and then he pulled me into him, practically placing me ontop of his body entirely. He nuzzled his face into my neck and inhaled deeply.

"I've missed you," he whispered lovingly.

"I got so drunk," I replied, my words still slightly slurred.

I felt his body vibrate, and I knew he was laughing.

"I know you did," he told me softly. "You probably shouldn't have drunk so much, but

I'm glad you had fun."

"I did," I sighed. "Why are you here? Where's Ryder?"

"He's safe with Taylor and Eliza for the rest of the night. I'll go get him later while you get ready for the wedding he assured me "But father called and told me what happened. I knew I had to see you as soon as possible."

I snuggled into him, living in the warmth he provided.

tyour

"I'm glad you're here,” I whispered, feeling myself drift off once again.

him.

He kissed my head and held me even tighter, like he was trying to absorb me into

"There's no place I'd rather be... and tomorrow, you'll be my wife," he told me. “I can't wait for that."

"Me too," I whispered again.

And for the final time that night, I drifted off to sleep with the knowledge that tomorrow, I'll be Mrs. Landry.