Update

Alot has been going on with me the last few weeks. I moved from my beloved state of Ohio to my husband's home state of West Virginia and we've been busy unpacking and getting everything set-up at the new place. So I haven't got any writing done, but things are settling down so I'm hoping to change that real soon.

Though I haven't been able to write I do have the cover for Promised and I'm super excited about sharing it though I'm not sure when I will. I don't have the patience to wait and do a big reveal. Eden Crane did an abolutely beautiful job on it and it deserves to be seen. So maybe I'll release the cover sometime in the next couple of days. I might even share the second Chapter of Promised when I do.

As for the Enlightening Bloom I began writing it before the move took place and I promised on my Facebook page that once the page reached 100 likes I'd share the first chapter. And as of last week the page passed that  goal. So as promised here it is........Michelle <3

Enlightening Bloom

By Michelle Turner 

Chapter 1 – Bloom

~Worth The Wait~

It’s been a week since Rose sprung the news on us about my great-aunt. I wanted to leave right away but Pike (he always has to be the rational one) reminded me we had things we needed to do before we could take off again. The item at the top of his to-do list is why I am now standing in Bonnie’s suite watching my white dress swish back in forth in front of her full length mirror.

Yep, he’s making me go through with the mating ceremony before we take off. Okay, maybe he’s not making me, but still you get the idea. He even used his Alpha voice when he informed me, “We will not being going anywhere until you and I are completely bound.”

Which in case you didn’t know in Alpha shifter speak means not only does he plan on marking me with his bite; he also plans on putting his ring on my finger and making me his wife. Now, I wouldn’t be totally against this idea, but the way he went about the proposal pissed me off. Instead of getting down on one knee like a normal person to ask for my hand, I woke up one morning with the engagement ring already on my damn finger.

As you can see he’s got a little controlling since I was kidnapped by Trace. But still he should’ve asked! And that’s exactly what I yelled at him when I pushed his butt out of bed that morning. He of course thought my reaction was funny and knew I wasn’t going to take the ring off so he got up off the floor and ignored my reaction as he asked, “So do you like the ring?”

The ring in question has a thin white gold band with diamonds running up each side until they meet a large tear drop shaped diamond at the top. He informed me he picked the tear drop shape to remind us both of the tear lined path that led us to each other. So instead of throwing the ring in his face, like I should’ve done, I leaned in and kissed him.

Yep, I’m a sucker!

Anyways, that’s why I’m standing here looking at my reflection. Bonnie fixed my hair into lose curls and she pinned the sides back so it’s all hanging loosely down my back exposing my neck and shoulders. Pike wants easy access to my neck and who am I to deny him when I love how it feels when he kisses me there.

Emily did my make-up since I’m a hopeless case when it comes to the stuff. She kept it simple with mascara, a light eye shadow and blush, and a soft peach lipstick and lip gloss. I’m starting to think she’s a miracle worker, because I’ve never felt more feminine and beautiful.

“Blu, stop looking at yourself in the mirror and get over here to put your shoes on.” Bonnie tries to reprimand me, but I can hear the smile in her voice.

I take one more long look at myself in the mirror to admire the beautiful dress I’m wearing. My white dress falls just below my knees. The bodice is made of satin and has a sweetheart neckline with a flowery bead design at my waist. The skirt flares out in to a bell shape and is covered in a flower patterned lace.  Instead of the traditional pearls I’m wearing the diamond cross that my father gave me on my thirteenth birthday.

“I love you both.” I say spinning around to face Bonnie and Emily.

“We love you too,” they say in unison with matching smiles on their faces.

I run at them throwing an arm around each of their necks to pull them close. They both squeeze me tighter. Once we’ve all wrangled in the tears that are threatening to spill down our cheeks we pull back.

“Here ya go,” Bonnie shakes her head, holding up my old brown cowboy boots. She’s cleaned the dirt and mud off and they almost look new. For about a day Emily and her tried to talk me into high heels, but I wouldn’t give in. I wanted my boots and being the new Alpha female I got my boots.

I pull them both on and look down at myself then back up at them.

“You’re right. They’re perfect.” Emily concedes. Bonnie rolls her eyes, but since she’s smiling while she does it I know she agrees.

“Here let’s finish the look,” Bonnie says as she hands me my small bouquet of blue hydrangeas and white roses.

As I take the bouquet there’s a knock on the door.

“Come in.” Emily hollers.

“Is the bride ready?” Billy asks peaking his head around the door. Billy flew in so he could walk me down the aisle. The ceremony is going to be relatively small consisting of the pack, Billy, and Bonnie’s parents.  

Holding my hand out for him I tell him, “I’m ready.”

“You look beautiful, doll.” He says coming in the rest of the way and taking my hand. A few weeks ago I would’ve been sad that my dad isn’t here to, but since Pike’s come into my life I’ve learned to live without that sadness hanging around. I know my father’s in heaven watching me and he’s happy that Billy is walking me down the aisle.

“Thanks, Billy.” I kiss his cheek leaving my lipstick print behind.

“Does Pike look nervous at all?” I ask using my thumb to rub my lip print off his cheek. We decided to block each other’s thoughts until I come down the aisle and I’m missing the feel of his presence in my mind.

“Not at all. Though if we don’t get you out there, there’s a good chance he’ll come barreling up here to get ya.” Billy chuckles.

Pike must be missing our connection too.

“Then we better not keep him waiting any longer.” I laugh at the visual of my mate barreling up the stairs to get to me.

Billy holds his arm out for me and I place my hand in the crook of his elbow. The four of us walk out of the room and make our way down to the first floor. The wedding is being held outside of the pack cabin where the back deck overlooks the woods. Bonnie and Emily exit through the door before us and then the doors are closed leaving Billy and me alone.

“Your Daddy would be happy for ya,” He whispers when he leans into place a kiss against my temple.

“I love you, Billy.” I say in response.

“I love you too, doll.” He says patting the hand that’s holding onto his arm.

The doors in front of us opens and the sound of Keith Urban’s song “Only You Can Love Me This Way” floats in from outside.

“Take me to my mate,” I say smiling at Billy.

He guides me out on to the deck that wraps around the back half of the cabin. The wedding is set up on the right side of the massive cabin, because it has the best view. He leads me around the corner that leads to our guests and my future. I stop us at the back row of seats so I can search out Pike’s eyes.

They’re locked on me and he’s smiling. We both open up our connection at the same moment.

“So worth the wait,” he whispers through our bond.