Page 20

Ava

T wo nights ago, I became forever changed. Becoming Nolan’s vampire mate is a privilege and a joy. We decided to stay in Las Vegas, and everyone has been helping in preparation for this day. Nolan’s only request was that we get hitched at the Elvis-themed wedding chapel.

Deep navy wood-paneled walls form the space, and teal couches and chairs rest on the natural wood floors. Stunning white orchids sit on the coffee table. The vanity mirror is surrounded by warm lights that make my skin look radiant.

Marcello watches me get ready from across the room, relaxed with his arms draped across the back of the velvet couch.

He looks great in his gray suit, mauve tie, and boutonniere of the same shade.

Gianna stands next to me, and Marcello’s eyes never waver from his mate for too long.

She looks lovely as my matron of honor in a dusty pink knee-length dress that brings out the highlights in her blonde hair and looks fabulous.

There’s no denying that her son has her facial features.

Her gray eyes are the only thing Nolan didn’t get from his beautiful mother.

“You look stunning, Ava. These are for you.”

She passes me a beautiful bouquet of roses. They’re mauve colored with deep magenta edges that make the radiant blooms pop. Pearls are nestled throughout the bouquet.

“Thank you, Gianna. You’ve helped make this day even more special. I feel like the happiest woman alive.”

My future mother-in-law smiles at me, and I catch the hungry look Marcello gives his mate. If Nolan’s and my relationship has just a fraction of the passion his parents have for each other, I will be a lucky woman.

“I think we’re all set,” I say, feeling a touch nervous, which is silly. Nothing could possibly go wrong. My mate will be waiting for me at the altar, as expected.

“I’ll tell everyone that you’re ready.” Gianna gives Marcello a quick kiss and leaves the room.

“Ava, tonight, you’re making my dreams for my son come true. You’re all I ever wanted for him.” He grins. “I knew you would capture his heart the minute you and I met.”

“I might not have grasped your diabolical plan then, but I’m grateful you didn’t take me directly to meet Lord Stryker so your son could claim me first.” I grin back. “Nolan is the most amazing mate I could have ever asked for.”

“I’m glad.” His smile brightens his entire face.

“Wedding March” echoes through the walls, and that’s our cue to head down the aisle.

Marcello leads me out of the small room and walks me to the wide double doors, then offers me his arm.

Sliding my arm in his, I take a deep breath.

I’m smiling so wide it almost hurts my face.

Today, Nolan is making many of my dreams come true.

Marry a rock star. C heck . Marry an inspiring, creative artist whom my father would have loved.

Check. Marry the most intriguing man I’ve ever met, who has been endlessly supportive.

Check. Feel like the most beautiful bride imaginable. Double check .

Marcello walks me down the aisle, and I can’t help but stare at my mate, waiting for me at the altar.

He looks incredibly handsome in a crisp black tuxedo with his caramel-colored hair pulled into a bun at the back of his head.

The black bow tie around his neck draws my attention, reminding me of when I fed from him two nights ago.

The beauty of his smile as he watches me nearly makes my heart stop.

The Elvis impersonator behind him says something I can’t hear, and Nolan chuckles.

Gianna and Stella sit in the front row with the band seated behind them as our witnesses. I can’t help but feel thrilled with this new family. I know I still have to meet Lord Stryker and the rest of House Stryker, but with Nolan by my side, there is nothing I can’t endure.

Marcello and I reach the end of the aisle, and he twirls me around, making Nolan grin.

He places my hand in Nolan’s and then stands behind his son.

Marcello takes my bouquet and passes it to Gianna.

I’m so glad Nolan’s parents are here, joining us for this moment.

We aren’t really eloping, since we already bonded, but the ceremony and tradition were still important to me.

I tear up, thinking how much my parents would have loved to share this moment with us.

We return to San Diego tonight, and tomorrow night, we’ll take part in the official mating ceremony at Stryker Palace in front of most of House Stryker. I will be presented to Lord Stryker as Nolan’s mate and move into Nolan’s suite in the palace.

I gaze into my mate’s crimson eyes. I still can’t believe that Nolan Szasz is my mate for eternity. Just a little more than a week ago, he was this untouchable force of nature, and now he’s mine.

“Ready to become my vampire bride, sweetness?”

Grinning, I nod, and he releases my hands and carefully raises my veil over my head, revealing my face. The hunger in his eyes will never get old. This man wears his love for me as clear as day.

“You look radiant, my beautiful mate,” he says, clearing his throat and taking both my hands in his.

“Thank you. You look very handsome.”

The Elvis impersonator marrying us clears his throat. “Ready to recite your vows?”

“Yes!” we say in unison.

Everyone chuckles at our exuberance, and Nolan looks me in the eye.

“Ava, my love, I promise to be by your side from this day forward, for better, for worse, for everything. Your happy days and your endless photos. Your babbling thoughts and your uncomfortable days. I want your playful spirit and your awkward moments. I want it all, as long as I’m with you.

I will protect you from the spotlight as best I can.

Thank you for becoming my muse and helping me to reach my dream of starting my own label.

Because of you, I know I’ll always be able to write the next song.

You are the best surprise I could have ever received. Thank you for rocking my world.”

Nolan slips a huge champagne diamond ring on my finger, and I can’t help but watch the dazzling facets sparkle in the light.

“Your turn, little lady,” Elvis says to me.

“This is a lot of pressure...I hope I don’t blow this.

” Marcello winks at me, and Nolan just smiles, waiting patiently.

“Nolan,” I say, steeling my nerves and wiping tears from my eyes, “I promise to love you and covet you for all eternity, and I promise you will be as important to me as sugary sweet donuts and warm chai lattes. I will always stand in the wings and support you at your shows. You are a dream come true for me. I didn’t know what my life would become that night when your dad decided to play matchmaker, and now, I’m grateful for it all.

You make my dreams come true, and I am the happiest woman alive because I get to call you mine. ”

I slide his platinum wedding band onto his finger and kiss his hand, needing to ground myself to him in some way.

Nolan wipes a tear from his eye and grins at me. “I’m as important as donuts, huh? Wow, I must be quite a catch.”

Everyone, including Elvis, laughs, and I want Nolan to kiss me now . I breathe a sigh of relief that I got my words out as intended.

“Now we get to the fun part—my performance!” Elvis pauses and slaps Nolan on the back. “Nah, I’m just kidding. It’s time to say the most important part. Nolan, do you take Ava to be your wedded wife?”

“Of course, I do.”

Tears stream down my face. This man brings a brightness and meaning to my life that I had no idea I was missing.

“And Ava, do you take Nolan as your hunka hunka burnin’ love?”

We all laugh, and I wait until everyone collects themselves before I answer, “I do.”

Nolan squeezes my hands, and I know he’s just as impatient as I am. The ceremony might be quick, but not quick enough.

“Well, you may now kiss your little wife and seal the deal,” Elvis says, stepping back from us.

Nolan pulls my body to his and grabs the back of my neck, holding me for the first time as husband and wife.

When our lips meet, I feel ripples of our love through our mate bond, and waves of intense emotion stir in my soul.

The depth of his love for me caresses me like warm rain.

He kisses me with an intensity that feels like I’m being blown over by a violent gale.

I know if it wasn’t for him holding me close, my knees would have given out.

Nolan’s kiss is perfect, and at the end, he sneaks his tongue between my lips for a quick tease of what’s to come in our near future.

“Well, if that’s not the sweetest thing in the world. I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Nolan Szasz!”

I might not have known that I was an Omega, and I might not have dreamed that I would ever become a vampire, but I’m thankful for that night that I went to work when I was feeling low and out of sorts.

Now, I’m filled with more happiness than I have ever experienced.

Being Nolan Szasz’s mate and now his wife is everything I could have ever wished for.

Getting to spend eternity with him is a blessing I will never take for granted.

My life will never be the same, and finally, I have become Nolan’s vampire bride. His Omega mate.

* * *

T hank you for reading Rebellious Harmony. I hope you loved Nolan and Ava’s story.