Page 31 of Depths of Desire (The Emerald Dagger Mafia #3)

“May I suggest we don’t do that anymore?” Renzo asks. “I feel like these secrets could lead to difficulties at some point. I have a feeling that soon it will be us against the world, and we’re going to need each other’s unequivocal support. Secrets seem to get in the way of that.”

I have another moment of unease. Should I share that Esme said Mother is alive?

I want to tell them but, at the same time, I don’t want to end the camaraderie that we have at the moment.

Besides, I haven’t confirmed it for myself.

Esme could be wrong. I need to find her to ask her.

Her lack of communication, or responses to my attempts to reach her, is weird.

Finding her must be task one after this wedding is over.

If something happened to Esme because of me, I will never forgive myself.

The sound of the chapel door opening brings us all to our feet. Security outside didn’t say anything, which is a bad sign. My fangs grow as I feel the rage and readiness to fight fill my veins. My brothers are beside me, and they, too, have their fangs out and ready.

A figure appears at the end of the aisle. “Well, that’s quite a welcome.”

“Julien?” I gasp. “Is that you?”

Julien takes a deep bow. “In the flesh.”

“I don’t believe it.” I walk down the aisle and meet him halfway. We hug like the long-lost brothers that we are. “It is so good to see you.”

Julien grins. “And you. You haven’t aged a day.”

We both laugh at the joke. I stand back and grin at my friend.

It’s true he hasn’t aged a day. He still wears his hair long and tied back with a leather strap.

His eyes look clear and so much happier than the last time I saw him.

“You’ve been spending time at the gym and in the sun.

You’re rocking a tan and some serious muscle. ”

“I could say the same about you,” Julien replies. “But yes. I’m trying to stay healthy. Exercise keeps my head clear.” He smiles again. “So, where is your lovely bride?”

“In the room at the side of the church. Where is the priest?”

Julien chuckles. “You’re looking at him.”

I stare at him, my mouth hanging open.

“Did I hear that right?” Renzo asks as he comes over and greets Julien. “Did you say you were a priest?”

“No way,” Luca snorts. “I don’t believe it.” He, too, hugs Julien.

“Believe it,” Julien comments and then meets my gaze. “After Saska, I decided to take a break and rethink how I had been living. I found the priesthood to be a soothing balm after…everything.”

“I’m…surprised but happy if it’s made you happy.” I don’t really know what to say. It’s astounding to me. “I find it hard to get my mind around you being a priest. You were so…”

“Wild? Carnal?” Julien laughs. “I still have my moments. The order has decided to look the other way on those moments because I provide them with influence and money. It’s a symbiotic relationship.

Don’t worry, I am recognized as a priest by the vampire council, a very popular one in certain circles, in fact.

This marriage will withstand the most serious scrutiny. ”

I shake my head. “I still can’t believe it, but okay. Luca, tell the girls we’re ready. The priest is here.”

Julien holds up a hand. “First, I want to talk to you and then meet the bride.”

I frown. “Why?”

“I have to know you both are doing this of your own free will. I looked into everything you told me. If I marry you two, I will be called before the council, and I want to be able to tell the truth. That your bride confirmed she wishes to marry you. That you said you want to marry her. It will only make your argument stronger.”

“Of course,” I say, but my shoulders tighten. Julien is a very attractive man, and Luna is only marrying me because she feels she has no options. Jealousy rears its ugly head and fills my veins.

Julien smiles. “Still impatient after all these years.”

“I waited a hundred years for you to return my call,” I say dryly. “Another ten minutes won’t kill me.”

He smirks faintly. “I’m not worried about time, Nico. I’m worried about intention.”

I narrow my eyes.

Julien’s gaze remains steady as he says, “Is this marriage what you want? Not what the family wants. Not what politics demand. Is it your wish to marry this woman?”

A snarl rises in my throat, unbidden. “I wouldn’t bind her to me if I didn’t want her.”

“That’s not what I’m asking.”

I step in close, my voice just above a growl. “She’s mine, Julien. She always was. Before I knew her name. Before she looked at me like I wasn’t a monster. Before she touched me, and I forgot what it meant to be alone.”

Julien tilts his head, watching me. “Ah, it’s love, then?”

“It’s more than love.” I clench my jaw. “It’s fate. It’s bone deep. It’s in the blood. And if you’re asking me whether I’ll protect her, whether I’ll cherish her, whether I’d kill for her, then yes. I would. I have. I will.”

“And if she runs?”

The words hit like a hammer. I look away for half a second—then back at him, fierce and unflinching.

“Then I’ll find her and bring her home.”

Julien studies me for a long moment. Then he exhales slowly. “Then I will perform the ceremony. If your bride agrees,” he cautions. “And I will do it knowing that you’re ready.”

I nod once, tightly. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” he says, eyes flicking toward the candlelit aisle. “I have to talk to Luna first.”

“I’ll take him,” Renzo volunteers, and he escorts Julien down the aisle toward the back of the church. The urge to run after them is extreme.

“Don’t worry, Nico,” Luca says. “Luna will say she wants to marry you. She doesn’t have a choice.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” I murmur. “I need her to actually want to marry me, or he’ll see right through her and everything will fall apart.” What I don’t say aloud is, I will not allow her to walk away. Luna is mine now and forever, whether she likes it or not.