Page 8 of Ashes

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IGRIT MY TEETH ANDgrip a bouquet of flowers in my hand as my father leads me down the aisle.

Victor is waiting for me at the end, his face expressionless, but he looks as handsome as ever in his black suit.

Monsters shouldn’t be pretty like that.

He looks like an ordinary bad boy.

Someone you might meet at college or in a club.

The one who whispers sweet things in your ear, fucks you, and then disappears.

The one who can’t remember your name in the morning.

Or doesn’t even bother to remember it.

But his looks don’t matter to me. I want him dead. And as soon as I get a chance, I’ll make my move.

My father lets go of me and I face Victor, lifting my veil.

He regards me with a cold, impassive gaze.

The priest starts the ceremony, and all I can think about is that my brother is counting on me to do this right.

Till death do us part.

Hell yeah.

“You may kiss the bride,” the priest says.

Victor catches my chin, pulling me to him, and I’m actually looking forward to it. Our lips collide, and I bite his lower lip so hard I can taste blood.

He pulls away with a gasp, a hint of surprise in his eyes that quickly vanishes, and a chilling smile that doesn’t reach his eyes spreads across his lips.

He catches my arm, tugging me to him.

“I’ll destroy you,” he whispers into my ear, his hot breath sending a shiver down my spine. “You belong to me now.”

I hiss at him, glaring at him.

He grips my hand as we go through a crowd of people who congratulate us as if we were actually a happy couple in love.

It’s ridiculous.

I guess what my family and Victor’s are really celebrating is the deal that just became official.

Money and power.

Those are the only two things that matter to them.

“Son, won’t you stay for the party?” Victor’s father asks.

“No,” Victor says. “I don’t care for parties.”

“All right then.” His father claps him on the back.

I’m glad we’ll be out of here sooner rather than later.