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One year and six months later

T horn let out a long breath as he finished tying the skull bow tie around his neck. Only for Simi would he wear something so garish.

Ash knocked on the door behind him, then pushed it open. “You ready?”

“Sure.” Thorn grimaced at Ash, knowing he wore the same pirate-styled tuxedo. A long black cutaway jacket and vest with tan knee breeches, and black riding boots. White silk shirt with the black skull and crossbones bow tie.

Ash gave him a droll stare. “I hope that pained expression isn’t from wanting to marry my daughter.”

“You know it’s not.”

“Good, because I still feel like I should kill you over this.”

Thorn snorted. “As long as you promise to dress me in something else for my funeral, I’d probably be all right with that.”

Laughing, Acheron clapped him on the back. “You are way too obsessed with clothes, my friend. Besides we dressed like this a lot … centuries ago.”

Scoffing, Thorn adjusted his cuffs. “I promise you, I have never dressed like this. But it’s fine. For Simi, I’d walk naked down the aisle, over broken glass.”

“Good answer.”

And he was grateful that he wouldn’t be the one walking down the aisle in front of that crowd. There were be hundreds of people on Simi’s side, and he was dreading it.

But the worst was the knowledge that his side would be practically empty.

Okay, it would be completely empty. The only one who was here for him was his best man, Shadow. Simi, on the other hand, was loved by everyone.

I love her more than all of them together.

Why hadn’t he seen it sooner? All the centuries they could have been together. That was on him for being so stupid.

Or maybe it was scared. Loving her was terrifying. Especially since she came with an almost seven-foot-tall, angry god.

Another knock sounded on the door.

It was Shadow who stuck his head in. “Showtime. Y’all ready?”

“Yes, I am.” No regrets. What he felt for Simi far surpassed anything he’d ever felt for anyone else.

Thorn couldn’t wait to let everyone know that special demon was his significant other.

No, she was his heart and soul. The best part of him.

Inclining his head, he crossed the room and let Shadow lead him to the outdoor garden they’d rented.

Weird that he’d never once thought about getting married after his twenty-first birthday. Not really. Yet here he was on a warm April day in New Orleans, tying his eternity to Simi’s.

There were no butterflies in his stomach. No hesitation.

Just immense relief.

As they headed toward the flower-covered arch, Thorn slowed down. His side wasn’t empty.

His breath caught as he saw how many of his Hellchasers had shown up for him.

Damn. It looked like all of them. Past and present. To his complete shock and delight, his side was every bit as full as Simi’s. Fang Kattalakis was there, along with his wife Aimee and their three kids and their grandkids. Devyl Bane and Marcelina, along with their children. William Death, Jake … all of his Deadmen and their spouses and children.

Thorn couldn’t believe how many were here.

For him.

Granted, Simi still had more on her side, but not nearly as many more as he feared.

He couldn’t believe how many of her “friends” he actually knew. Kyrian and Amanda Hunter and their kids. Talon and Sunshine and their army of children. Valerius and his brother Zarek.

But the ones who meant the most to him were on his side of the garden. Cadegan and Jo, along with Thorn’s grandkids and E.T. who sat beside his mother.

My kids came. He’d sent them an invitation with no expectation of their joining him for this.

His chest tightened at the sight of them, and of the men and women Thorn had known for centuries.

All here to watch him tie his life to Simi’s.

Clearing his throat, he moved to his position in front with Shadow by his side.

With his hands folded in front of him, he heard the harpist begin to play the Macarena. Still Simi’s favorite.

Thorn bit back a laugh at Simi’s choice of wedding procession music. Why would she have chosen anything else?

God, I love her.

She was the most unique creature to ever grace this earth. Her sister Xirena’s four-year-old daughter, Mara, came down the aisle first, scattering rose petals and bird seed.

Her mother followed behind in a vibrant red dress, carrying black roses that had been sent to them from Apollymi. The goddess had wanted to make sure that at least a part of her was here for the ceremony which she was watching from her pool in Kalosis.

Xirena made her way to her spot that was opposite of Shadow.

Then Thorn saw Acheron. But that wasn’t what mattered to him. It was the little demon goddess standing at his side, dressed in a black Goth wedding dress, complete with a black veil.

Never had he seen anything more beautiful. Simi’s long black hair was curled to perfection and her eyes twinkled as she looked at him.

As they stopped by his side, he saw a moment of hesitation in Acheron’s swirling silver eyes. It looked as if the Atlantean was thinking of picking Simi up and running with her.

But after that, resignation descended over his features, and he placed Simi’s hand on Thorn’s arm. “Take care of her.”

“Always.”

Ash placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a fatherly squeeze before he headed toward Tory.

Thorn kissed Simi’s hand as they turned to face Savitar who was officiating the ceremony. While this might not be legal in a human world, it was in theirs.

Savitar, who was actually wearing pants for once and not board shorts, smiled at them. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today because hell has apparently frozen over.”

Thorn glared at him. “Could you please be serious?”

Making a face, Savitar sighed. “Everyone here knows how hard that is for me, but for Simi’s sake, I’ll try.” Clearing his throat, Savitar began again. “We are gathered here today to honor Thorn and Xiamara who are creating a life together … gods have mercy on you.”

“Seriously?” This time, it was Acheron calling him out.

Savitar held his hands up. “All right. All right. You have made the conscious decision of commitment to one another, and today you will begin your future as a wedded couple.”

He looked out at the huge crowd. “To those who’ve come to witness this union, and there are a bunch of you, you are the most important people in Simi and Thorn’s lives. We’ve assembled here from near and far to celebrate this wonderful moment. You are the ones who know them well, and you are an integral part of their lives and this ceremony.”

Savitar looked over to where Nick Gautier sat with Artemis. “And we are all deeply grateful that Acheron didn’t kill our groom.”

Thorn didn’t speak as he imagined the looks on both Acheron and Nick’s faces.

Savitar paid them no heed. “Your love for Simi and Thorn fills this ceremony with meaning, and we’re grateful that so many of you have joined us for this. Makes me wish I’d prepared a better ceremony. But that’s okay. I’m told our couple have prepared their vows.” He inclined his head to Thorn.

Thorn smiled at her. “Sim … you are the light in my darkness. Before you … well, I can’t really remember a time in my life before you. But what I do remember are all the times when I needed a friend and you were there, without hesitation. You are the air I need. The only thing to keep me going, and I promise to love you for eternity and to trust you with my credit card. Even when you’re watching QVC.”

Simi laughed at the most wonderful thing she’d ever heard. She still couldn’t believe this moment was real, but she was grateful for it. “My dearest Thorny-man, the Simi has loved you since the first time you made me laugh. Which happened to be the first day we met. I can’t believe that you will be my husband. Mostly, I’m glad akri didn’t hurt you. You have given me your hand and I promise to give you my forever. The Simi will always love you and I will protect you and make good use of all your credit cards.”

Everyone, especially Acheron, laughed.

Thorn kissed her hand.

Savitar sniffed before he cleared his throat. “By the powers vested in me by me, I now declare you married demon and demon. Thorn, gently kiss your bride and remember that Acheron is watching and scowling. Let’s not end this in carnage.”

“I’m sure he’s scowling more at you at the moment.” Thorn cupped her cheek in his hand and quickly kissed her lips.

Even that light touch was enough to thrill her. This was her husband. Now and forever.

No one would ever divide them. And hopefully akri wouldn’t kill him.

Thorn stepped back as everyone cheered. It was a perfect moment, and Simi was grateful to everyone who was here to share it.

They rushed down the aisle to where the tents were set off to their left. Their reception was extra special. Catered by Fang and Aimee and the staff at Sanctuary, it was her favorite barbecue and fixings, along with a chocolate fountain for dessert.

At this moment, she had everything she’d ever wanted and one thing she’d never planned on.

A demon of her own.

Laughing, she hugged Thorn. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being mine.”