Page 8 of Theirs to Possess: The Marriage Claim

“I’ll sign the marriage certificate.”

There will be legal things to sort out since Margaux’s name is on the document. But I’ll handle the formalities. “Be very clear that I’m serious about theobeypart of the vows.”

She squeezes her eyes shut. “I was afraid of that.” Then, looking at me, she goes on, her voice surprisingly calm. “And if you think it will be easy, I’m afraid you don’t know me all that well.”

“Is that a challenge, wife?”

“Take it as you will, Mr. Vale.”

Her intentional formality pisses me off, and I scowl. That expression has made grown men cower. But to her credit, she doesn’t look away.

“Shall we get this farce over with?”

“Marriage, you mean.”

“If you say so.”

More of a spitfire than I might have imagined. And loyal to her family, who doesn’t deserve it. More and more, I’m discovering what a cocksucker Davenport is.

And if he wasn’t, this situation would never have happened.

I turn and lead her back to the altar with unhurried steps. The crowd’s whispers die away, replaced by a tension that’s thick and expectant.

“We’ll be continuing,” I inform the minister, whose eyes dart nervously between us before he nods.

“Turn on the mic,” Brennan instructs the man.

Once he does, he clears his throat. “You may now kiss the bride.”

When I take her mouth, I make sure she—and everyone watching—knows exactly what this is. Not a fairytale kiss, not a gentle promise. My fingers dig into her waist, and I feel her startled gasp against my lips. Let them see. Let them understand. This isn’t about love—it’s about power, possession, and consequences.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m honored to present Mr. and Mrs. Dorian Vale!”

My grip on my new wife firm, I turn us to face our audience, keeping one hand clamped around her waist.

Applause erupts, brittle and uncertain at first, then gaining strength as the social training of Houston’s elite kicks in. Isla’s fingers tremble in mine, her breath uneven, her pulse a frantic rhythm against my skin.

She thinks this deception is the worst of her problems. She has no idea what’s coming.

Next to us, Brennan’s face remains impassive, but I catch the slight lift of his eyebrow. This wedding changes everything—our carefully laid plans, the delicate balance of power in elite political circles. Now that I have a wife descended from Texas royalty, I’m unstoppable. Children will seal the deal.

As I feel Isla’s slight frame tense against my side, I think this change isn’t entirely unwelcome. Margaux would have been a perfect political wife, trained since birth for the role. But Isla… Isla might prove to be something far more interesting.

A weapon, if I wield her correctly.

And wield her, I will…

“Smile for the cameras, wife.” Taking her hand, I lead her back down the aisle.

But instead of staying in the foyer as the wedding planner is directing us, I continue down the hallway.

“Where are we going?” Isla demands as she struggles to keep pace with my long strides.

“Someplace we can be alone.” Then I flash her a glance. “Where I can give you a taste of what to expect now that you belong to me…”

CHAPTER THREE

Isla