Page 74 of King of Malice

In the back stands Zane, because Cadence is helping Ava prepare.

Standing in front of me is Killian Smith, the man who we chose to officiate the ceremony.

No one is as shocked as me, but I think that Killian might have become my most trusted friend. The shadow has a heart that’s made of gold.

“After the ceremony, we need to talk,” he murmurs as the violinist takes her seat.

“About?”

“New identities for Ava and Anna.”

My head whips around, the crowd forgotten. “What?”

“I have one for Chloe,” he waves at his wife, and she waves back. “If anything happens to me, she has offshore accounts, a home bought by a shell company, and a new identity. She can disappear. We should do the same for your family.”

My jaw works as I try to find the words. Killian continues to prove why he’s become a trusted friend. “You’re right. Thank you.”

He nods. “My pleasure. I don’t say this about many women, but your Ava is one of the good ones. You know that I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

I have to look away, I’m so overwhelmed. “From you, that promise is worth more than gold.” Because while my father has gone underground. He is coming back.

And there will be a war.

I look at my two sisters. Keeping them safe is next on my to-do list.

But that is forgotten for the moment.

Because the violinist begins to play and my bride appears. She wears a simple gown of pale blue, so light, it’s nearly white.

I know she picked the color because she didn’t quite feel right about wearing true white. I let her make the decision.

But to me, she is one of the most beautifully pure people I’ve ever met, and I’ll spend my life protecting all the good I see shining out from the inside of her soul.

I reach out my hand, resisting the urge to race down the aisle and collect her into my arms.

My soon-to-be wife.

The love of my life.

Behind her, Anna appears. She wears a toddler gown in the same fabric and color as Ava’s, flowers crowning her head. In her hand, the gift I gave her this morning: a new mama doll for her dollhouse with blonde hair.

She jumps, making the flowing skirts flounce out. “I pretty!”

The crowd gives a small laugh as Ava bends down and kisses Anna’s cheek. “You’re beautiful.”

I can’t stand it anymore. “Come, my loves.” And then I start for them. Because while patience is a virtue of mine, so is commitment.

And I don’t want to wait another second to make us a family for real.

Dear Readers,

Thankyou to all of you who have been reading along with my “Kings of Las Vegas”series! As I wrote Dimitri and Ava’s story, I knew that Cadence and Zane’s story needed to be told too. It’s too good to leave behind!

Please keep reading for the surprise second story, The King of the Hunt!

All my best,

Tammy