Page 28 of Ceremony of Lust

The traditional wedding ceremony is long, nearly two hours, with multiple prayers chanted, ancient promises made, and rituals completed. At one point, Zev’s parents along with my grandmother stand with us, taking the heavy covering from my shoulders and extending it to cover Zev. My crown is replaced with something smaller and lighter, connected to a matching one Zev wears. Symbolically, we are joined.

My hand trembles as I slide a band of gold down Zev’s finger, sealing it with a solemn oath to be his obedient wife. A smirk tugs at his lips because he already seems to know one very important thing about me. I am not obedient.

Zev is steady as he holds my hand high, any trace of smugness gone. His voice is loud and confident as he makes a similar vow before slipping the thin gold band down my finger.

Then we perform a complicated dance around the altar, circling it seven times. By the time we finish, I’m sweaty and uncomfortable.

One last song is performed, and then Hadassah says the words which solemnify our marriage.

“Zev and Yael, you have accepted your fate and each other. You have pledged to join your lives together and completed the ceremony of marriage, thus creating an unbreakable bond. Your families and this community are grateful for your sacrifices. May your new union be blessed with great prosperity. In accordance with the laws of the state, I am pleased to announce you are married.”

A great roar rises up in the hall, filling my ears and sending shivers up and down my spine.

Zev’s grip on my hands tightens, and he pulls me forward. We are expected to kiss now, sealing our promises, but I’m acutely aware of everyone staring at me.

“Yael,” he whispers, soft enough for only me to hear. My gaze lifts to meet his, and I notice the hint of a smile on his lips. “Don’t worry about them.”

How did he know what I was feeling?

He steps forward, bends his head, and brushes his lips against mine. It’s a kiss for them, chaste and pure, but when he backs away, I can see what’s waiting for me when we’re finally alone. The wolf is going to devour me whole.

16

Zev

Yael looks like an angel.I don’t deserve the goodness and light she’ll bring to my life, but I’ll accept it.

Kissing her last night was impulsive, but I sensed her distress, and when she took matters into her own hands, I was silently relieved but also thankful. Our first kiss as husband and wife is different. When we kiss, something electric surges through me, and I wonder if she feels it, too. When I step back, I see the fear in her eyes, so I rub my thumbs along the backs of her hands, hoping to reassure her.

I keep her steady as we walk down the aisle, still connected with the ceremonial garb and crowns, through the congregation and out into the sunlight. We stand in the middle of the courtyard as everyone from town gathers around us.

“Zev,” Yael whispers. The sound of my name on her tongue illuminates the colors around us. It’s as if I’m seeing and hearing everything for the very first time.

Could redemption really be a possibility?

She tugs on my hand, and I give her my attention. “What’s wrong?” I ask.

She struggles to rise to her tiptoes. “How long is this supposed to last? I’m dying underneath this robe.”

My hand slides around her tiny waist, holding her steady. “Not much longer.”

My parents and Yael’s grandmother approach us, removing the ceremonial attire and the crowns keeping us connected. Then the crowd parts, and my brothers approach with two chairs. This is my favorite part of the entire ceremony and the most joyous. We sit, only to be lifted into the air moments later. The community carries us into the reception hall, singing celebratory hymns until we’re finally lowered behind a table.

When I look over at my new wife, I’m surprised to see a smile of pure delight on her face and musical laughter bubbling from her lips. Whatever she feared moments ago is gone. I also get my first real look at her. She’s radiant in the lace dress. I can only imagine how her grandmother and Hadassah reacted to something so scandalous. It’s modest, but the sheer lace covering her arms and chest reveals more of her skin than I’ve ever seen. My mouth waters in anticipation of my first taste of her sweetness.

Soon. It’s coming soon.

Hadassah approaches our table and signals for us to follow her.

It feels as if we’re sneaking away, but every couple is given seven minutes alone together to dowhateverthey wish before the reception begins. I’ve heard most couples take the opportunity to eat before the reception really gets started. I’ve also heard more scandalous rumors about couples hurriedly consummating their marriage.

If I had my way, I’d spend the rest of the night alone with Yael.

When the door closes behind Hadassah and we are finally left alone, I turn to face my bride. She’s still glowing, but I can tell she’s nervous. I approach her slowly, taking in the complete sight of her in her wedding dress.

“You’re a beautiful bride,” I tell her. “I have to admit, I kind of hoped you would choose this dress.”

She runs her hand down the front and drops her head. “You did? Both my grandmother and Hadassah had fits when they saw me. They wanted me to change.”