Page 30

Chapter thirty

W e landed in Nonna’s room. The shift was not an easy one. G slammed into the floor upon arrival, taking Lilith with her. I stumbled back, but Mom caught me before I hit the ground. Nonna, Aunt Thora, and Frankie weren’t so lucky as they fell back, all landed next to one another in a fit of laughter.

“I’m too old for this shit,” Nonna gasped, still laughing.

“Oh, shut it Mamma,” replied Thora. “Knowing you, you’ll outlive us all.”

“Aradia, save me,” Nonna answered.

Mom turned to me, brushing my tangled hair away from my face. “You smell like a brothel,” she whispered.

“Because we were basically in one,” I answered with a smile.

She laughed. “Go shower and take a nap. I’ll wake you when it’s time to get ready for your big night.” She pressed a kiss to my head. “I love you, little bean.”

I smiled, pulling her into a hug. “I love you too, Mamma.”

I stepped into the hall, staying close to the wall while my head spun. Once I got to my room, I closed the door, but before I could turn around, a hard body slammed into me, pinning me to the surface. My body instantly lit to life, recognizing the presence. I smiled; my face pressed against the cold wood of the door.

A finger traced up the curve of my side, grazing over my breast until his fingers wrapped around my neck. He flipped me around so we were face to face and brushed his nose against mine. His grip tightened, pinning me to the door by my throat. I bit my lip in response. He nuzzled his face against mine, sniffing. His eyes glowed a vibrant shade of red.

“Why, in the fuck, dear fiancé, do I smell other men on you?” he growled.

I bit back the grin that threatened to give me away. “I’m not sure what you mean?”

He slammed his free hand against the door, sending a crack through the wood. “You blocked me out.”

“I did.”

“Why?”

“Because I wanted a moment of privacy,” I admitted.

Before he could respond, I unleashed my own power on him, freeing me from his grasp and sending us both across the room. Now I was the one that pinned him to the wall by his throat. I laced my shadows around his arms, binding them to the wall while I trailed my free hand down his chest until I reached his hips and then … my favorite part.

“Do you really think,” I said in a heavy and sensual voice, “that I would ever take another after having this,” I said, tightening my grip on the hardness that fought to escape the restraints of his pants.

He smiled. “Did you use our power while you were in Vegas?”

I shrugged. “A little. It enticed quite the show. I never realized how horny humans were until now. Until I could feel their lust, their … animalistic instincts, fighting to be free.”

“No one touch you?”

“No one, my love,” I answered.

He broke free from my restraints, crushing me against him, pressing his lips to mine. The kiss was needy. Desperate. I clawed my nails into his back, wanting, needing more.

He shifted us to the bathroom, ripping my clothes off my body. The shower started as he pulled me against his naked body. He hoisted me up by my bare ass, wrapping my legs around his waist before diving his cock deep inside of me. There was nothing passionate or loving about this fuck. It was raw and full of hunger. I yelled out, biting down on his shoulder as he slammed me into the tile of the shower. The room filled with steam while he thrusted in and out of me at a pace that sent my entire body into a quivering mess.

He sucked and nipped and clawed at my skin, devouring every inch of me he could possess. I tangled my fingers through his dark hair, pulling his mouth from my neck before taking it with my own. Our tongues thrusted in and out of each other’s mouths, tasting and savoring every moment. His body lit with gooseflesh as I dragged my fingers down his smooth, silken skin. He pressed me harder up against the wall just before he released, sending himself over the edge, taking me with along for the ride.

I screamed, fireworks exploding behind my eyes. The walls around us shook. Darkness and constellations exploded from our magic. The mirrors in the bathroom shattered and the lights flickered. He gasped, continuing to thrust inside of me until he filled me completely with his ecstasy. My legs shook from the pleasure, still locked around his waist.

He held onto my body, slowly lowering me back to the ground. He pressed soft kisses to my face as his fingers stroked my sensitive skin. Without a word, he washed me from head to toe, taking time to savor the sensation and sight of me. I looked upon the man that would soon become my husband. There was truly no word to describe what he meant to me.

After, he wrapped me in a towel, shifting us to the bed and then tucked me in. He pressed a tender kiss to my lips, brushing the back of his knuckles down my cheek. “Get some sleep, my love,” he whispered. “The next time I see you, you will solely belong to me.”

I smiled at him, kissing the top of his hand. “I was yours long before I ever met you, Deus. And I am proud of that.”

He went still. In that moment, he looked so vulnerable and exposed. My fearless, brave, demon prince …

“You are truly the greatest gift I have ever received. I will cherish each moment of this life with you, and the next. I love you, Seren.”

“And I, you, Asmodeus.” I closed my eyes, letting my tired mind fall into the darkness that was now my home.

“It’s time,” a voice whispered. A tickling sensation fluttered over my cheek. I pried my eyes open to see my mother’s beautiful face staring back at me, bearing a soft and loving smile. “How are you feeling?”

I stretched out across the cool sheets. An image of my devastatingly handsome fiancé flashed into my mind and I smiled. “Excited,” I said, the emotions hitting me in that moment. Tears filled my eyes. I was too tired and raw to try and fight them.

Annalise wiped them away from my cheek as they fell. “What is it, little bean?”

I took a moment, sitting up against the headboard as she took my hand in hers. “I’m just … I’m just so happy. I know we have a lot to still handle, but … is it selfish of me to feel like this? To be this happy when hundreds, possibly thousands will die?”

“Hey, hey,” mom said, taking my face in her hands. She wiped away the remaining tears. “You deserve every moment of happiness this day brings you, and more after. You have sacrificed so much to get to this point—to find the kind of love many will never know. And you’ve literally gone to the ends of the earth to protect that love. This day is about you and him. Nothing else. Today is yours, my daughter.” She pulled me into her arms as I laughed with happiness.

“I love him so much, Mamma.”

“I know, my bambina. I know.”

Nonna, Frankie, Aunt Thora, and Gianna took over my room as the preparations began. Makeup littered every surface. Hairspray wafted through the air. Laughter bounced from one wall to another. I smiled so much my cheeks hurt. Jokes were made, stories were told, and memories were created. The perfect beginning to a perfect fairytale wedding. My mother was right, today was about Deus and me. Nothing else. No one else. The world could wait.

I stood in front of the floor-length mirror surrounded by my family. “Oh, bambina,” gasped Nonna with tears in her eyes. “You are breathtaking.”

I smiled, nerves beginning to creep along my spine.

“Truly a vision,” added Aunt Thora.

“Elegant, with a hint of lust,” Frankie winked.

“A queen,” added G.

“You’re perfect,” my mother whispered, kissing me on the head.

“Thank you all,” I replied. “I couldn’t have made this day happen without you.”

The door banged against the wall as Lilith barged into the room. Her hair was fashioned into tight curls, pinned away from her face. The black satin dress hung on her curvaceous body, her well-endowed chest spilling from the top. Though she was the vision of beauty, her face was firm and fierce.

“Wow,” commented Frankie, looking her up and down.

G stepped forward. “You look—”

“Ridiculous,” Lilith interrupted. “How is one supposed to fight in this thing?” she asked, pulling at the sides of her dress.

“I was going to say gorgeous,” finished G.

“And tonight is not about fighting,” added Thora, making her way over to Lilith.

“It’s about celebrating and having fun,” finished Mom.

“You look magnificent,” I said, approaching her. “Satan won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”

“Speaking of,” added Frankie, “has he agreed to come? Ya know, since he’s made it oh so clear that he’s unaligned and all.”

Lilith rolled her eyes and stomped over to the mirror, pulling at the bust of her dress in aggravation. “He declined the invitation … at first. But then, I threatened to cut off his balls and feed them to him piece by piece. That seemed to change his mind, though, I am not sure if it was fear, or the thought of me fondling his most precious member that got him to reconsider. Either way, he will be there.”

We all remained still, unsure of how to respond.

“And here I thought Levi and I were kinky,” Frankie muttered.

“Looks like we have about thirty minutes to spare,” said Nonna, looking at her watch.

I turned back to the mirror, taking myself in. “Would you all mind if I have a few moments alone?” I asked, needing some air.

“Are you okay?” asked Frankie, searching my face.

“Yes, of course. I’m just … I just need a moment is all.”

“Of course, sweetheart,” said Thora, wrapping her arms around Frankie’s shoulders.

“Our escort will be here in fifteen minutes,” said Gianna.

“Great,” I replied. “I’ll meet you all downstairs in the foyer.”

After everyone filed out of my room, I turned back to the mirror. The dress was perfect. Just as I had envisioned. Made entirely of red lace, it hugged my body sensually, plunging low in the front towards my bellybutton. The sleeves began at the very edges of my shoulders and trailed down to points in the center of the top of my hands. The back was completely exposed to the curve of my bum. The train was long and magnificent, catching every ray of light in the room as it sparkled and glistened.

My hair was left down and flowed naturally. It was curled in large waves, heavier on one side with a beautiful gold comb tucked in the other. My makeup was dramatic with a long cat eye and a deep wine red lip. Diamonds hung low from my ears, strung together with gold. I wasn’t the vision of a typical bride, that was for sure … but I was the vision of his bride. The bride of Lust.

I smiled, the overwhelming flutter of nerves stirring again deep in my stomach. I sat at my vanity, trying to calm myself. My attention caught on the small wooden drawer. I pulled it open and removed the black box that contained the two lives I had once thought to be my destiny. I opened the lid, revealing the engagement rings given to me by Tony and Orion.

I pulled out Tony’s first. I thought what we had was true love. Even with his lack of judgment, Tony was a good warlock. He deserved to be happy and to find someone who loved him, but it could never have been me. I realized that now.

Then, I pulled out Orion’s ring. The black diamond was beautifully set within the silver band. How happy and hopeful he had been when he’d given it to me. A tear fell from my eye. I slid the ring on. The paper that accompanied the ring had read:

Little dove, place the ring on your finger and repeat these words. “Septamor avalous”.

“Septamor avalous,” I whispered.

Flashed of his memories began: the first time we met, the first time we touched, our day at the festival, our training sessions—the hope and excitement. The love that began to grow inside of him, along with desire.

I pulled the ring from my finger, unable to continue. This band represented a future where he and I would have led the covens into our Renaissance: a future that would never happen. He died so I could have this chance: a future full of love and completion. Regardless of how short that future might be, I wasn’t going to waste it.

“I love you, Orion.”

I put the rings back into the box and placed them inside the drawer. I examined the ring Deus had gifted me, almost identical to his own, except bigger, somehow. Our love was incomparable. I hadn’t known love until he came into my life.

That first day we met in the woods, he had made me so enraged and frustrated; but at the same time, I couldn’t look away. He was captivating … even then.

I stood from the chair, blotting my face before shifting down to meet the others in the foyer. It was time. Time for me to take hold of my future. To pledge my life to the man that was perfectly created … just for me.

When the fog dissipated around me, my family stood by the door, joined by Gor. He took one look at me and beamed from ear to ear. I couldn’t help but blush as he approached. He placed a hand on either side of my shoulders, looking down at me with endearment.

“You look absolutely divine, little goddess,” he said softly. “My brother isn’t going to be able to control himself.”

I laughed. “That’s the idea,” I replied. “And thank you for the compliment.”

He nodded, turning back to the group. “Are we ready to attend a demonic wedding?” he asked playfully. Everyone smiled.

“The faster we get this over with, the fast I get out of this dress,” barked Lilith,.

We gathered in a circle, and Gor shifted us to the hidden location of my wedding, which only a few others knew about. When I opened my eyes, we were in a small hunting lodge filled with luxurious furniture and artwork. The log walls reached high into the air. I turned around to see a floor-to-ceiling window displaying the perfect image of a winter wonderland.

Snow-covered mountains stretched as far as the eye could see, sprinkled with patches of evergreen trees. The sky sparkled with every shade of blue, purple, and green. Stars shot across the night sky, creating paths of lingering light. It was the most breathtaking thing I’d ever seen.

“Aurora Borealis,” I whispered.

“Deus thought you might like this as the backdrop for your wedding,” said Frankie, approaching my side.

“Where are we?” I asked.

“Swedish Lapland,” answered Gor. “Now, I believe the ceremony is about to begin. Everyone, take your places.” He pressed a soft kiss to my head. “I’ll see you out there, sis.” He winked and left the cabin.

Nonna and Thora took the lead in the procession. Lilith lined up behind them, followed by Giana, and then Frankie. My mother joined me at the back. She handed me a bouquet made of aster, lavender, and sage.

“The purple reminded me of the shade your eyes turn when you access your goddess,” she explained.

“They’re beautiful. Thank you.” I looped my arm through hers and took a breath, focusing on the door ahead that would lead me to my future.

One after another, each of the girls stepped through the door and allowed it to shut behind them. Frankie turned to me right before her turn and blew me a kiss, then strutted down the aisle like she was the showstopper.

My mom’s grip on me tightened, her eyes filling with tears. “Are you ready?” she whispered.

“Absolutely,” I answered, more confident about this decision than any that had come before. As I gazed into the face of my beautiful mother, the doors opened. I turned, taking in the magical world Deus and Frankie had composed.

Soft snow covered the ground and fell in large flakes around us, but there was no bite from the winter breeze. Pillars of perfectly contained cylinders of fire shot from the ground into the air, red and black flames lapping and twirling around one another in a beautifully orchestrated dance. The sound of a full orchestra strummed to life. I recognized the music instantly: the performance he and I attended during our first and only real date in Austria.

Red rose peddles were scattered across the snow, mixed with green pine needles. Every few feet, arches of bright white and yellow light stretched high above, releasing sparks of yellow light that gave the illusion it was raining starlight. It was truly the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

Wooden chairs lined either side of the aisle, filled with only the closest people to us. On one side, I noted the faces of Roric, Adrianna, Loriana, Tyler, Joseph, Gabby, Bella, and Antonio. All Deus’s brothers sat on the other side, along with Talia. Nonna and Aunt Thora were in the first row.

Then, at the front, stood the most devastatingly handsome version of Asmodeus I had ever laid eyes on. My heart skipped and a smile erupted from my lips. A silk edged lining adorned his perfectly tailored tux, threaded with red stitching. A red pocket square with gold details popped from the black background. His pants hugged every inch of his muscular legs. His hands were crossed in front of him. His hair shined, brushed to one side as usual. But that smile …

His face was the definition of perfection. His bright white teeth flashed as I stepped into the snow. Two deep dimples highlighted the sides of his cheeks. His icy blue eyes flashed from red to blue as he drank me in. I noted that adorable little beauty mark on his upper cheek. He was breathtaking.

My mom pulled me alongside her as we began our descent to the small platform which had a beautiful arch filled with greenery for Deus and me to stand underneath while we exchanged our vows.

My smile never once left my face. No one mattered but him. I felt the warm tears of happiness slide down my cheeks with every step that brought me closer to my destiny. Finally, I stood at the bottom of the platform, unable to take my eyes off him. Without warning, he was in front of me, slamming his mouth into mine with a kiss of desperation.

The crowd around us begin to laugh before he pulled back, his eyes glowing red. I giggled with surprise, as did he.

“Should I just skip all the hard work I put into these vows then?” Gor asked sarcastically, looking down at us.

“On with the formalities, brother,” Deus replied, never taking his eyes from me. “ I’m going to take my time peeling that dress from your delicious body tonight, my love,” he whispered into my mind. “I hope that nap energized you for what I have prepared.”

I laughed again, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks.

“Who gives this woman to this man?” asked Gor.

Nonna, Aunt Thora, and Frankie joined my mother’s side. “We do,” they said in unison. I smiled at each of them, one more beautiful than the next.

“I am so proud to be a part of this family,” I whispered, allowing the tears to fall. “Of this legacy.”

“We are the ones who have been blessed, bambina,” said Nonna, kissing each of my cheeks.

“You were the missing piece that our family needed,” said Aunt Thora. “Our bright light.” She kissed me.

“My soulmate,” whispered Frankie, her face full of tears. “The piece of myself I didn’t know I was missing.” Kiss .

“You are my world, little bean,” said my mother. “You are my everything.” She kissed me and then turned her attention to Deus. “I am giving you the greatest gift you will ever receive. Never forget how fortunate you are. Never forget how much she is worth.”

“You have my word,” he said, kissing my mother on the cheek before she took her seat next to Nonna.

I handed Frankie my flowers and then joined Deus and Gor on the platform. Gor smiled at the two of us. He opened his mouth to speak—

“Whose bright idea was it to ask sloth to conduct the ceremony?” I heard Mammon say playfully.

“Father, we’re going to be here well into the next decade,” added Satan, grumbled, his face stern and emotionless.

Our guests erupted into laughter. Gor’s face went taut with anger. I gave him a reassuring smile. He took a breath and began.

As Gor spoke, everything around me faded away while I lost myself in the eyes of my mate. All I could think about was touching him. Holding him. Tasting him. God, I wanted to taste him. I would never get enough of his glorious body or talents.

My heart swelled as I thought back to every selfless thing he had ever done for me. The shameless taunting and teasing. The time he gave me as my mind and heart healed. The training. A place to call home. A reason to look towards the future. A reason to hope.

Our story replayed in my head, the story that led me to this beautiful moment, where I would officially become his in every way that mattered. Life meant nothing if Deus wasn’t in my a part of it. He was truly my definition of love.

Gor got to the part where we exchanged rings. Deus slid two gold bands around the large red oval incasing the stone. The bands were lined with diamonds, catching the light from the flickering flames that surrounded us. I slid a gold band onto his left hand that contained a strip of red in the center, matching my own.

Gor tied our hands with a piece of fabric, reciting a beautiful poem. Deus rubbed the back of my hand with his thumb, a soft smile never leaving his lips. Once Gor had finished, Deus reached out his hand, gently caressing the side of my face. “Tell me every terrible thing you ever did and let me love you anyways,” he whispered.

I smiled back at him. “And I would ask you to show me your flaws, but I fear it would make me love you … more than I already do.” We exchanged our I do’s, promising to love and cherish one another for eternity.

“And finally,” Gor said, slamming his book shut, taking a breath. “By the power vested in me by—well, Hell— I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Deus didn’t wait another second. I was in his arms, his fingers digging into me as we kissed. Darkness, stars, and red light all flashed above us while our friends and family cheered and clapped with excitement and happiness. I allowed myself to melt into him.

And then two became one.

He pulled away slowly, his eyes heavy with love and joy. He laughed. “The Prince of Lust,” he said, “a husband. Who would have ever thought?”

“Not me, that’s for sure,” grumbled Lilith as she passed, headed for Satan.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” he called after her. She didn’t even turn around as she flipped him the bird. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with that.”

I laughed. “Let’s allow that to be Satan’s problem for now,” I suggested, looking into his beautiful blue eyes. “Now, it’s time to celebrate.”