Page 100 of Bride By Initiation

Kirill turns to Zara and asks, "Are you ready to fully commit to The Underworld?"

The color drains from her cheeks. She glances at the hot metal brand and then at me.

Goose bumps race across my skin. I push her slightly behind me, and interject, "The branded skull is only for men."

Amusement fills Kirill's expression. "Where did you get that idea?"

I clench my jaw, pushing Zara farther behind me.

Kirill looks over my shoulder, then calls for Valentina.

I turn, moving Zara to the side so we're not behind Kirill, not fully trusting him not to hold Zara down and burn her.

Valentina steps in front of us.

"Turn," Kirill orders her.

She obeys.

"Lift your hair," he demands.

She reaches for her long, dark curls, gathers them in her hands, and twists them above her neck.

I inhale sharply.

Zara gasps loudly.

I clutch my wife tighter as I stare at Valentina's neck. She has the same brand as the men, but the roses are red instead of pink.

"Women are just as much a part of The Underworld as men. The importance of their role sometimes outweighs ours. Did you think otherwise?" Kirill questions.

Valentina lowers her hair.

I step back with Zara so we can see everyone. I answer, "I didn't suggest they weren't important."

His eyes narrow. "Yet you assumed they weren't worthy of wearing the skull?"

My chest tightens.

"Answer me," Kirill demands.

I blurt out, "Not that they are unworthy. But they're women."

"And?"

"I don't want my wife to go through the pain of being branded," I admit.

Valentina turns to Zara. She puts her hand on her cheek and softens her tone. "Have I gotten the wrong impression? You are not brave enough to finish initiation?"

I tug Zara back, not trusting Valentina or any of these people not to hurt her. I insist, "Of course she's brave."

Valentina snaps her glare to me. "Then why do you deem her unworthy of wearing the skull?"

I stay quiet, unable to think of a good answer, and clutch my wife to my body.

Zara turns to me. "Sean."

I break out in a sweat as I meet her eyes.

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