Page 169 of Hunt Me

Matilda stood before the altar with Luka at her side, resisting the urge to fidget beneath the weight of thousands of eyes.

She had fought vampires, werewolves, assassins, and men twice her size without a shred of fear. Yet somehow, a cathedral filled with people made her palms sweat.

The gown had not helped.

Her seamstresses had spent months creating what they called a masterpiece and what Matilda called an elaborate death trap.

Deep crimson velvet hugged her bodice and waist before spilling into a voluminous skirt embroidered with delicate black vines. Tiny rubies had been sewn among the embroidery, and the neckline rested elegantly across her shoulders, leaving her throat bare except for the jeweled necklace Luka had fastened there himself that morning.

Her curls had been gathered away from her face, allowing several dark coils to tumble freely down her back.

And then there was the train that Matilda absolutely despised. It was nearly twelve feet of crimson velvet that trailed behind her. She’d threatened to cut it off twice, prompting her husband to hide any sharp objects she might get her hands on.

The cathedral had been chosen deliberately. Luka could have crowned her within the privacy of the castle, surrounded by nobles and members of court, but Matilda refused.

If she was to become queen of Night Falls, she would do so before its people.

Every pew was occupied, and citizens stood along the walls and crowded the cathedral steps outside. Humans stood beside vampires, guards from the royal army lined the aisle in ceremonial armor, nobles occupied the front rows—some considerably happier about the occasion than others.

Matilda’s attention settled briefly on David. She snorted when the newly crowned Alpha and Prince of Moonshire winked.

A soft cry drew her awareness to Denalia.

Their daughter rested comfortably in Duke Gustafson’s arms near the altar, dressed in a custom crimson gown of her own.

Luka reached for Matilda’s hand, threading his fingers through hers.

“Ready?” he whispered.

“No.”

His mouth twitched.

“Excellent.”

The cathedral quieted when Luka stepped forward.

“People of Night Falls, we stand here today not merely to place a crown upon the head of a queen, but to acknowledge one who has already proven herself worthy of it.”

Matilda’s throat tightened with emotion.

“She came to this kingdom not as our friend.”

A few laughs traveled through the cathedral, earning Luka a quick side-eye from Matilda.

He ignored her and pressed on.

“She came armed with weapons and an admittedly troubling determination to kill your king.”

The laughter grew.

“Must we include that?” Matilda muttered.

“Yes. We do not cower from history,” he said before returning his attention to the congregation.

“But Night Falls has never required perfection from those who serve it. It requires courage, loyalty, sacrifice, and the willingness to stand between its people and those who would see them harmed.”

His expression softened as he looked at her.