different types of shifters, and each species, whether mythological or regular, has their own cultural traditions. Many times, mate groups choose to incorporate a piece of their culture into the ceremony, whether it be through dress, vows, or customs. Krakens, for instance, use water in their bonding ceremony.” Her eyes went glassy as she remembered back to her own mating day. Not wanting to upset her by forcing her down memory lane, I changed the direction of my next question.
“So would Killian wear a kilt?” I teased while Rini pulled the last pin from her mouth and placed it along the hem of the dress. “Because I think I could get behind my big, Scottish mate wearing a skirt.”
Molly pretended to gag while Rini sent me a mischievous smile. “Talk about easy access. Think of the possibilities. I feel like we need to make this happen for the O’Connor brothers.”
I waggled my eyebrows and sent her a pointed glance. “So how was the honeymoon, Rini?”
She blushed, and Molly let out a dramatic sigh. “Yes, tell us everything. Let me live vicariously through you since I’m obviously not getting any with the tight watch my brother keeps over me.” Molly flopped down onto the couch with a cute pout on her lips.
“Young lady,” Angela scolded, but her expression was more amused than upset, or even shocked.
“What? I’ll be safe when the time comes.” Molly blushed, and Rini and I shared a secretive smile. I had a feeling Molly was about to take things to the next level with Cedric, and I made a mental note to have a sisterly talk with her later to make sure she was prepared and had protection.
Angela and Molly bantered back and forth lovingly about potential mates, and I smiled from how normal it all seemed. It was nice to have one day where we got to focus on something besides the war and taking down the remaining council members.
Rini pushed to her feet and inspected her handiwork, and I caught her eye when she raised her gaze.
“Don’t think you’re off the hook,” I mouthed to her, and she nodded, sending me a wink that told me she’d share all the juicy details of her honeymoon later. We were, after all, both about to be newly mated women. Sex would probably be on both of our minds for quite a while, and it might be fun to compare notes a little bit.
“We got really lucky that the dress has a lace up back, because we won’t need to alter the side seams,” she mused while circling the dress to make sure the fit was as perfect as we could make it.
“Thank you.” I reached out and stopped her, and her brown eyes were full of curiosity as they locked on mine.
“For what?” Rini tucked her brown hair behind her ear. In the time since we’d been at the rebellion, it had grown to brush the tops of her shoulders.
“For being here. When I walked into the dorm that day, I had no idea how much my life was about to change, but meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me. Not only did you help me meet my mates, but you became the best friend I never knew I needed. I just—” I sniffed, trying not to get all watery. “I’m so grateful to have a friend like you.”
I turned toward Molly next, realizing the rest of the room had quieted during our heartfelt moment. “You too, you know. Not only did I gain a best friend when I met you, but a soon-to-be sister too.”
“Aww,” Molly crooned, waving a hand in front of her eyes like the slight wind would help dry her sudden tears. “You’re about to mess up my mascara.”
“Oh, the travesty,” I joked, throwing a hand over my heart in mock sympathy.
We all broke down into giggles, and Rini reached for my hand.
“You know, I never really believed in fate before I met you, but now I think it absolutely exists. How else can we explain what brought you to Alaska, or how Killian was your Uber driver that day? There’s no other explanation for why I insisted I needed to live in the dorms instead of moving in with Cayden, Barrett, and Donovan. It was because we were supposed to meet. You were always meant to be my best friend, Nix. And now look at us. Two mated, or nearly mated, friends on the cusp of a new