Page 34 of The Brave (Black Arrowhead #6)

W hile the pack chattered in the dining room at the far side of the house, I sat alone in the rocking chair, staring at the front window, Violet in my arms. Hope had placed the chair in the living room so we could see outside, and Tak even hung a bird feeder on the porch to give her something to look at.

While straightening the purple tulle, I admired the dress Melody made her. It matched the hat I’d knitted last week. A headband would have been cute in summer but not for November, so I knitted my first flower pattern on the hat.

I quietly hummed a song while gazing into her eyes. They were still grey, and Milly had told me I’d know her true eye color in a few months since some babies were like that. Her hair was definitely blond, but unlike mine, it didn’t have a single curl.

I pinched her cheeks together, trying to summon a smile. The others said babies don’t smile at three weeks—that it’s just gas—but I was certain my Violet had given a few smirks, often while sleeping.

Last week, Hope and Tak had gone to her mother’s house for a visit. When they returned, they gifted me with a cradle her mother had made. Atticus and I kept it next to the bed so we could easily rock her back to sleep without getting up.

Catcher trotted over and sniffed her hand. Violet stretched while turning her head to look at him. After taking a seat, Catcher yawned and whined simultaneously. He was a happy boy.

Virgil swaggered into the room in a tuxedo-print T-shirt, black pants, and leather shoes. “How’s Miss Poopypants?” He sank into the curved chair across from me and crossed his legs.

When she began to fuss, I put her over my shoulder and patted her back. “Where’s Cleo? Is she coming down?”

He raked his fingers through his dirty-blond hair. “That girl’s been locking herself away like a princess in a tower. She let Milly in, but Milly’s only there to lift the hood and inspect the engine.”

Milly had given Cleo a thorough examination a few weeks ago. Tak had cautioned her not to tell anyone about where she came from. The poor girl was underweight and malnourished. She had a scar on her lower belly but wouldn’t talk to Milly—or anyone, for that matter—about how she got it or what happened to her. Milly didn’t ask us where Cleo came from. It was nice to have a Relic we could trust. Since Salem could monitor Cleo’s progress until we found her a home, Milly prescribed supplements customized to her specific needs.

Having been through captivity myself, I suspected she was isolating herself out of fear and a need to process everything. Unlike me, she could remember what had happened to her, and that was a terrifying thought, especially for a kid her age.

“That poor girl,” I said, my eyes fixed on a sparrow outside. “Bear said he just leaves food outside the door. Does she at least come out at night to sneak food from the kitchen?”

Virgil shrugged. “Ask Lucian. He’s the resident night owl.”

“I hope Tak can find her family. They’re probably worried sick.”

“Yeah. The Relic doesn’t want to move her until the lab results are normal and she gains weight. People who do that to kids are real shitheads.”

When Violet finally burped, I cuddled her in my arms again.

“Might want to check your shoulder.” Virgil pulled a lock of his hair in front of his nose. “You should have seen what she unleashed down Lakota’s back yesterday. It was like a scene from The Exorcist .”

“That I don’t doubt. He’s always swinging her in circles like a human roller coaster.”

When Virgil steered his gaze out the window, the bright morning light lit up his turquoise eyes.

I couldn’t stop thinking about how it could have ended that night. Violet would have been okay, but what about Atticus? Would he have stayed in the pack? I couldn’t imagine him separating my daughter from them, knowing how important packs were to us. The thought of not being able to see my baby grow was the worst.

“What’s wrong, sugarplum?”

“I was just thinking about that night. I almost died.”

“No, you didn’t.”

I gave him a quizzical stare. “Yes, I did. I remember standing outside my body.”

He uncrossed his legs and waved his hand as he spoke. “Believe me, I know what a dead person looks like. Sometimes the spirit jumps out of the body in shock, but it doesn’t mean you’re dead.”

“My heart stopped beating.”

He stood up and stretched dramatically. “Technicality. Dead people see a light or something and get beamed up. Some go, some don’t. But if you didn’t see the light, you weren’t actually dead. I didn’t hear you mention a light.”

Archer swaggered into the room, and when he reached us, he knelt and pinched the baby’s bootie. “I’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news is you and Atticus need to move out of the heat house. Cici’s going into heat soon.”

Virgil snorted. “What’s the good news?”

Archer looked up at him and waggled his eyebrows. “Cici’s going into heat soon.”

“You better be careful,” Virgil sang. “That’s where babies come from.”

Archer’s lips pressed into a thin line as he stood. Unlike Virgil’s playful attempt of dressing up, Archer’s beige turtleneck and slacks were new. He’d even let Melody take up the empty sleeve to give it a snug fit. He snapped his attention to the window. “She’s here.” Then he looked over his shoulder and shouted, “She’s here!”

With that burst of noise, Violet’s face scrunched up and she wailed.

Atticus entered the room and gave Archer an admonishing look before scooping the crying baby into his arms. “When I’m around, you merely have to whisper.”

Archer scratched his head. “Sorry, I keep forgetting.”

The instant Atticus held Violet to his chest, she stopped crying. “There, there, precious one. Papa has you.”

I admired his outfit; the gold watch, the white suit, the vest beneath his jacket. Every detail showed how much effort he’d put into this day—the day of our mating ceremony.

“You could walk a runway in that outfit,” I said to him. “I like seeing you all dressed up.”

Some of the pack drifted into the room, and when a knock sounded at the door, Tak answered.

“Come in,” he said.

Eden Thompson stepped in while clutching her long tan suede coat. Champagne-colored fingernail polish glittered as she patted her beautiful dark hair. “Please tell me we’re not doing this outside.” Her high heels tapped against the floor as she bustled toward the fireplace. “I’m so sorry I’m late. We had a new prisoner I had to process at the last minute.” She fixed one of her loose curls. “Have mercy. It’s windy out there today.”

Tak pointed toward the back. “We’re having the ceremony in the dining room. Warm up while we get ready.” When he passed Lucian, he clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Since you want to stand there like a coatrack, why don’t you take the woman’s coat?”

Atticus kissed Violet on the forehead, his face beaming. I loved the way he looked at her, and I was certain that no matter how much I loved Atticus, I would never be with him if he didn’t dote on her as a father should.

Lucian crossed the living room toward the fireplace, and when he came up behind Eden, I could’ve sworn I saw him dip his nose in her hair. He held the lapels of her coat and slowly pulled it off her shoulders.

Eden turned and studied his dark-blue dress shirt. “Ah. So you do own color in your wardrobe. I was beginning to think you and Krys shared clothes.”

He scoffed. “I don’t wear leather.”

“And what’s wrong with leather?”

“It itches when it gets hot. You should see how much he scratches his ass in the summer.”

Eden laughed and touched his arm. “You are messy.” Her eyes settled on his scalp. “I bet you’d have a nice head of hair if you grew it out.” When her gaze swung over to Atticus and Violet, she joined us. “Oh my. I heard about your new addition. May I?” Instead of holding the baby, she simply got close and stroked her cheek. “Congratulations, Joy. She’s a real looker, just like her mama. What’s her name?”

“Violet.”

“Violet Lockwood. You’re a little doll.”

“Not Lockwood,” Atticus said.

Eden’s brows quirked for a moment, but she made a quick recovery. “I didn’t realize she would be taking her new daddy’s name. That’s a pretty name. Do you want a long or quick ceremony? It’s up to you.”

Atticus and I had already exchanged promises in private, and this was just a formality of paperwork we had to sign so the local Council recognized our union.

“Short is fine,” Atticus replied.

“Truth be told, the shorter ones are better. Do you plan on having a party?”

I stood and straightened out my white skirt. “Bear cooked a delicious lunch, but he won’t tell us what it is.”

“That sounds lovely. You two should enjoy your day together and put away work and chores.”

“You’re more than welcome to stay,” Hope offered.

Eden glanced at her watch. “I’d love to, but I have an appointment with a Mage about some property this morning, so my hands are tied. Mr. Cross!”

Lucian froze in the hallway and looked over his shoulder as if he’d been scolded.

“There’s a book in my coat. Can you hand that to me? No, check the inside lining.”

When he pulled it out, he started to open it.

Eden rushed toward him and snatched it from his hands. “You’re not supposed to see what’s in there.” She popped him on the behind with it.

He arched an eyebrow. “And what’s in there?”

Eden strutted toward the dining room and called out, “Family recipes!”

Salem waltzed in, hands in his pockets. “Mind if we talk? It’ll be quick.”

Atticus waved Violet’s hand at me. “We’ll be waiting in the other room.”

After everyone cleared out, Salem closed the distance between us. “You look pretty.”

“Thank you, good sir. And you look handsome.”

He smiled down at his grey cable-knit cardigan. “I don’t own a suit. Maybe I should get one with all the mating ceremonies going on lately.”

“It’s not a formal affair. Atticus and I are only dressing up to make it special, but you just be you.” I reached over and tucked in a loose thread from a button on his shirt.

“I have news,” he announced.

“You’re not leaving, are you?” I clutched his arm. “Tell me you’re not leaving.”

“I’m not leaving.”

“Don’t scare me like that. If it weren’t for you, I would have never joined this pack or met Atticus.”

He stroked his beard, and though I was tempted to tuck away a lock of hair that had come loose from his topknot, I left it alone. Those gestures I had once done to suggest we were a couple now had no place in our relationship.

Salem put his hands in his pants pockets. “One of the local packs hired me as their permanent healer.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful!”

“It’ll bring in a decent income. I’ll still handle calls as they come in, but this assignment is steady money—something we can count on.”

“I bet Tak was thrilled.”

His eyebrows rose. “I haven’t told him yet.”

“And why not?”

He shrugged. “I didn’t want to steal your thunder. I just found out last night. It would be better if everyone spent time talking about your special day, don’t you think?”

“If you don’t say something at lunch, I will. How exciting!”

“I just felt like telling you first.” Salem touched his lower lip as if deep in thought. “I’m glad you’re happy. Krys shared details about what happened in Arkansas with the lab, and Atticus seems like a packmate we can depend on. I was wrong about him.”

I had asked everyone to keep those details from me. Thinking about their trip gave me anxiety, and I didn’t need to know anything more than the fact Atticus and Krys were home alive.

Salem drew in a deep breath and sighed. “I’m sorry about everything.”

“You mean saving my life?” I cupped his face in my hands. “Salem, you’re an angel. Maybe a fallen one, but we’ve all made mistakes in life.” After straightening his sweater, I smiled up at him. “We’ve come a long way since that first night.”

“That we have.” He flashed a tight smile—a familiar one he’d given me on a number of occasions where he didn’t know what to say.

I took his arm in mine. “Will you escort me?”

“It would be my honor.”

He shepherded me to the dining room, and a wistful feeling came over me when I remembered how we were once a team who’d depended on each other and kept secrets. Salem still remained a mystery to me. He didn’t open up about himself or his feelings, and perhaps that was part of it.

Atticus was the opposite. While he came across as superficial to some, he was one of the deepest thinkers I’d ever met. He expressed his emotions. He loved making others happy, and his club was an extension of that.

I hugged Salem’s arm tighter. “You’re my brother now.”

As we crossed through the kitchen, I noticed Virgil leaning against the dining room wall up ahead. Before we entered, he began singing “At Last.” It put goose bumps all over my arms.

My heart lurched when I entered the dining room. The pack, who was gathered by the windows ahead, watched expectantly. They had kept me out of there all morning, but I thought they were just moving the tables around and setting them up for lunch.

Sheer white curtains bordered the window edges, and twinkle lights were strung across the high wooden ceiling. The small square tables had been moved out, and one of the long tables was pushed against the wall to serve as a buffet table. There were silver warming trays, food, and drinks. I stood frozen, taking it all in.

The faux trees around the room were decorated with tiny white lights. They were the ones from the living room, and I hadn’t even noticed they were missing this morning.

White linen, gold-trimmed plates, candles, and crystal glasses adorned the main table. The vases were filled with different-colored roses. It was a fairy tale come to life.

“You’re going to make me cry,” I said, tears already spilling down my cheeks.

Atticus handed the baby to Robyn, who was closest to him. Montana wasn’t wearing his hat today, and almost everyone was dressed up. Even Krys had pulled back his long hair and wore a black blazer over his T-shirt.

Virgil found a stopping point in the song and cleared his throat. “That was the groom’s song choice.”

“That’s because you were going to sing ‘Bootylicious,’” Lakota said quietly.

Virgil crossed his arms. “ No , I was going to sing ‘I Want It That Way,’ and I had a whole dance routine.”

Melody snorted. “From Magic Mike ?”

When we reached Atticus and Eden, Salem gently patted my back before taking a spot by the Packmaster.

Eden clutched her small book. “Atticus and Joy wanted me to make this mating ceremony brief. The abbreviated version is a promise and a signature, but I’d like to add my own thoughts if you don’t mind.”

Atticus put his arm around my waist and nodded.

The Councilwoman flashed a warm smile at us. “Love is full of surprises. I’ve officiated a number of these, as some of you here already know. Some are elaborate ceremonies, and others have been a private union between the couple alone. Each one is special for different reasons, but when two people from different worlds find love in all this chaos and choose to build a life together despite the challenges they’ll face, they’re an inspiration to us all.” She stared down at the book for a moment. “Some of us will never experience that kind of devotion and love, so we should always take a moment to recognize the blessings others receive.”

Violet burped, and everyone collectively stirred with laughter.

Eden rocked on her heels. “On that note, do you two have anything you want to say to each other?”

Atticus faced me and held my hands. “You once told me you’d spent your adult life alone—no friends, no family, no one by your side. From this day forward, I’ll be your protector, your friend, your biggest supporter, your lover, and a role model for our child. You’ve given me not only the greatest gift of love but also of fatherhood. I’ve waited a hundred lifetimes to find you, and I would have waited a hundred more, beloved wife.”

My cheeks flushed. “Gosh, I didn’t plan on a speech.” I nervously shifted my stance. “When I was a little girl, I used to dream about growing up and falling in love. We would live in a perfect little house and have a perfect little family. Then I grew up and worked in a profession that would give me a perfect life. I don’t think I ever had any idea what perfect really meant. It’s someone loving you unconditionally. It’s not feeling like an outcast in your own home. It’s about realizing we’re flawed and messy, but we still deserve happiness. Atticus, you make me so happy, and every day I wake up, I can’t wait to spend it with you. I can’t wait to travel and play our first game of charades, and I can’t wait to see what life has in store for us.” I gripped his hands tighter to keep from crying all my makeup off. “My beloved husband.”

“I couldn’t have said it better.” Eden smiled. “You may kiss each other or sign the book. Or both!”

We did both to an uproarious applause.

“I need to get my drums out of storage,” Tak said to Lakota while patting him on the back. “You can join me in a ceremonial song after dinner tonight.”

After Eden left, Bear presented a feast of appetizers: bacon-wrapped treats, bruschetta bites, shrimp, and so much more. Dark clouds rolled in and made the candlelit tables even more enchanting. We feasted on gourmet salads, shish kebabs, fruit cups, and a good Southern dinner with fried chicken, loaded mashed potatoes, and grilled corn. They had even bought a frozen margarita machine for those who drank, and Bear made punch for those who didn’t. The food kept rolling out, including more desserts than I’d ever seen.

Once Violet ate and went down for a nap, we also celebrated Salem’s news with his new assignment. Even though I’d felt like this was my home before, it felt even more so with Tak accepting Atticus into the tribe. I had my own family now with a man who understood me.

We talked and played games all afternoon. The men even had an axe-throwing competition in the yard until it started raining again. Everyone took turns watching the baby, but the pack remained together instead of going off to their rooms. Bear had cooked a feast for dinner, and shortly after, Tak and Lakota sang outside to the beat of his ceremonial drum.

I never wanted the night to end.

Virgil cruised into the game room with a margarita glass in his hand. He had changed out of his clothes and into one of his long silk kimonos and slippers.

Atticus twirled me as we continued to dance. “If you’re trying to seduce my mate, you’re in for some stiff competition.”

Virgil chortled while setting his glass on a stack of record albums. “If Virgil Nightingale wanted to seduce your woman, he would be wearing his sleep clothes.”

By his quizzical brow, Atticus didn’t connect the dots.

“He sleeps in the nude,” I whispered.

“And how do you know this?”

A laugh bubbled out. “Because everyone knows it. And you will too if you ever bump into him at the wrong hour.”

Virgil browsed through his extensive collection. “Let me know when you’re done slow dancing so I can play the party music. The night is young.”

Atticus stopped and glanced at the entryway. “Violet’s awake.”

I put my arms around his neck. “I want to dance with my new husband a little longer.”

“Mmm, husband . I like that word. I thought you would be calling me your mate forever.”

“It’s the same thing, so maybe I’ll use both.”

When his lips touched mine, a flame ignited between my legs.

“Enjoy the heat house while you can,” Virgil said, pulling a record from a sleeve. “I caught a whiff of Cici’s pheromones, and her ovaries are about to have a fiesta. Nobody wants to smell that.” He glanced over his shoulder at me. “When you go into heat, get as far away from here as possible. It never bothered me before, but now you guys are like my sisters, and getting a hard-on because of your scent is creepy as hell.”

Atticus turned. “May Joy and I have a private moment?”

Virgil scratched the record when he changed it. The next song that came on was a love song. His robe floated behind him as he waltzed out of the room.

After a second of listening, Atticus resumed dancing. “I have good news.”

“Oh?”

“I got in touch with your former accountant. You’ll get all your money back that you saved from your career.”

I stared at him in shock. “You did that?”

“You can leave your life behind, but you shouldn’t leave your future with it. Perhaps you couldn’t access your money before, but your situation has changed. I already sent a trusted messenger to retrieve the money, and you can do with it what you wish. Buy anything you want. Go anywhere.”

I put my arms around his waist and held on tight. “I want to give it to Hope and Melody.”

“Why?”

I stepped back and met his eyes. “I’ll keep some for myself, but now that money is more than I need. Before, I was alone. Now I have a pack, and we take care of each other. They’ve talked about opening a second store location, and maybe if I offer them the finances, it’ll encourage them to do it. Being in a pack isn’t about me anymore; it’s about taking care of my family and our future.”

He cradled my neck in his hands. “You have a generous heart.”

We continued slow dancing, and he dipped me.

I giggled when he raised me up. “You’re a wonderful dancer.”

“I’ve had plenty of practice.”

“Have you now? Are you trying to make me jealous?”

He lifted me off my feet and twirled me around the room. “They were all just practice for the real thing.” Atticus suddenly set me down and looked at the entryway. “Violet’s fussy. They’re trying to burp her, but I know that cry. She’s fighting sleep. Did you give them her bunny?”

I couldn’t hear any crying since Hope was keeping the baby in her room to give us privacy. “I love how you worry for her.” With my arms around his neck, I wondered if he had given our future much thought.

“Atticus, I won’t be young forever. I might live for a thousand more years, but you’ll still be young and handsome, whereas I’ll?—”

“Be my beautiful bride. When I promised to love you forever, I meant it. Besides, there’s no guarantee I’ll outlive you.”

“Don’t say such things.”

He tenderly caressed my cheek. Warm light reflected in his eyes, and my pack’s laughter echoed from a distant room. “My life is yours. For as long as I live, I’ll devote myself to you and our family. When my time comes, I’ll find you in the next life even if I have to wait a thousand years.”

“Who would have thought a Vampire could be so romantic?”

Surrounded by candles and music, I gazed up at my beloved and knew that his vow would stretch longer than my life. If he outlived me, he would watch my child age and her children grow. He would always be their protector, their grandfather—a mentor who would watch over them long after I left this world. And knowing that filled me with unspeakable joy.

If the fates had brought us together once, they would do it again. I would find him in every life.

I smiled up at him. “What should we do on our wedding night?”

His arms encircled my waist. “Is your wolf up for a chase? I may or may not have set up our cave.”

“Mr. Rain, are you trying to seduce me?”

A shriek pealed out when he picked me up and carried me out of the room.

“This is a mating ceremony,” he declared while striding to the back of the house. “We had the ceremony. Now comes the mating.”

I hugged his neck. “It gives a whole new meaning to here comes the bride .”

Atticus belted out a laugh so forcefully that he nearly dropped me.

When a small yelp sounded from the back hall, we looked toward Hope’s door. Violet’s little wolf scuttled out of the room, her tiny paws slipping on the wood as she fled. Hope called after her while the white wolf ran clumsily toward us, stumbled, then slid across the floor. She still had the pacifier in her mouth.

Atticus set me down.

I lifted her into my arms, and the pacifier tumbled to the floor when she began licking my face and neck. “Why aren’t you with Auntie Hope?”

“Sorry, she got away from me,” Hope said from the far end of the hallway.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m not certain Violet’s to blame. Gypsy probably wants out and doesn’t know when to wait for a decent hour. Do you, little girl?” I faced Atticus, who wrapped his arms around me.

Violet’s wolf licked his neck and barked before licking mine again.

“Looks like she just wanted her mother,” Atticus remarked.

“I’ll put her to sleep. Can you wait?”

“We’ll chase another night.” He kissed my cheek and cuddled Violet in his arms. “Let’s go start our lives together.”