The rest of the way, they followed the sweet scent of hairspray and perfume. As they approached closer, the sound of 90s pop anthems grew louder. James opened a cream door to a large dressing room. Two girls in matching long empire waist dresses huddled around a table of drinks in the corner and giggled over their jewelry. While other girls helped each other apply their make-up to perfection.

With her arms wide open, Delphine broke into the room and commanded it. "Julia! Darling! Where's my happy bride?"

"Delphine!" Julia squealed, a vision of lace and diamonds in white. Her black hair was curled and pinned up with a tiara placed perfectly on top of her head. She was a tiny thing with a round face and walnut-shaped eyes. "You came!" She threw her arms around Delphine.

"Are you kidding?" Delphine laughed and James whipped out his handkerchief. Leaning out of the hug, Delphine took the handkerchief and dabbed under Julia's eyes. "I love weddings, especially when I set up the happy couple. Everyone compliments my work all day about how absolutely perfect the two of you are. I like to lean in and say thank you."

Julia laughed. "Oh, you deserve it. James!" Then her eyes landed on James and he pulled her into a tight hug. She cheered, squeezing him tight and shaking him, "You look so handsome!"

"Hey Jules," James smiled, "you’re gorgeous. Everything is incredible."

Julia dragged Delphine to the bouquets, showing her all kinds of things and gushing about William and his secret plans for their honeymoon that she already figured out. Delphine was never surprised. Not once. She wasn't sure about a lot of things but setting two people up, she could do in her sleep.

Delphine and James were matchmakers. Oracles, who had the third eye. They could see into the past, the present and into the future, down to the very soul of a person. However, Delphine and James specialized in seeking love, matching souls and lovers, and intertwining destinies. Delphine found James at a young age and saved him by asking him to be her apprentice. Now at twenty-three, James felt more like a partner.

People tended to think they were ridiculous, but they've never been wrong.

If James let the world choose for him, he'd be under the thumb of some king. He'd be forced to have visions all day without rest. Just so some power-hungry monarch could grow madder and bigger. No grand title could hide that miserable kind of life.

James hopped into Julia's seat in front of one of the many make up mirrors. He slouched, watching Delphine begin to haggle for Julia's strawberry sized engagement ring. Julia laughed like Delphine was kidding, but James warned her, "Careful. She's serious."

A realization flashed through Julia's eyes, a gasp falling from her lips. She seized James' arm. "Oh, James! Before I forget! There is the most wonderful young man here and you must meet him! I thought he wasn't going to be able to make it. He's a little rough around the edges, but very gentle. He always has the best intentions and-"

"Trying to take my job, huh?" Delphine snorted. She leaned over one bridesmaid, taking her mirror hostage. Not that the girl could even use it. In a room full of vampires, only James and Delphine appeared in the mirrors. There would be no wedding pictures. Later, they'll have a portrait painted, but until then, Julia would have to trust everyone when they told her how beautiful she is.

"I'm serious!" Julia insisted. "He's very handsome. He's older than you but only by a few years-"

"Is he a vampire too?" James asked.

"Oh no, he's actually a werewolf-"

"HA!" Delphine unleashed a hearty laugh. She knew James' golden rule. His one rule, the only rule he ever made.

"What? What?" Julia looked back and forth, obviously confused.

"Sorry Jules," James shrugged with an uneasy smile. This was it, the part he always dreaded. Awkwardness crawled into James’ stomach and made him queasy as he waited for judgement. "I don't date werewolves."

“What?!” Julia just couldn't believe it. She nearly spent the rest of her time dressing up, asking what on earth was James' problem. James didn't see it as a problem.

It was all about attraction.

Some people were only attracted to blondes. Some people were attracted to tall people or people who were short. People with muscles or people with a bit more curve and softness. James just didn't like werewolves.

That was his one golden rule.

By nature, werewolves were very dominating. They're overtly possessive to the point of captivity and wolves had the worst temper, even more childish and tender than a two-year old's. They're also bossy and nagging and overbearing. James also didn't want to deal the pressure of being someone's MATE. Not that he'd ever in a million years be anyone's mate.

They took love more seriously than even Delphine or James.

James would rather be wanted than needed. And what's worse, he'd hate for someone to need him. He'd sure to be disappointing.

Finally, the flustered woman with the clipboard came by and asked James and Delphine to find their seats. They were ushered back out into the hall. James spoke up, touching Delphine’s arm as she dabbed the tears from her eyes. He said, “I just need to make a quick pit stop. I’ll meet you there.”

"Alright, but you better find me. You know I get misty eyed and I need a hand to hold." Before he could get away, Delphine raised her voice to remind him, "and don't forget you have a meeting after the ceremony!"

"I won't," James assured her and hurried to the bathroom.