Page 201 of Bride By Initiation

"You did?" I question.

She nods. "Sure. You two were always attached at the hip as kids. Then, when you got older, that magnetic pull was always still there."

I arch my eyebrows. "You could see that?"

"Of course. I'm your mother. Besides, you two were never good at hiding your flirting."

I chuckle, then pull her in for a hug. "I'm sorry I didn't do it right the first time."

She hugs me back. "I forgive you." She retreats and warns, "But don't pull a stunt like that ever again."

I chuckle again. "I won't."

Her face lights up more. "Good. Now that you're going to be a father, you have to remember your little guy will watch your every move."

More happiness fills me, mixed with a tiny bit of nerves. I can't wait to meet my son. Yet I won't lie and say I worry I won't be as good of a father as my dad or Dante. Dante stepped into a paternal role when I was in high school, and he kept the bar high. So I have a lot to aim for with my kid.

There's a knock on the door, and Dante booms, "They're ready for you."

My belly fills with butterflies, and I tell myself to calm down. I'm already married. Yet today feels even more important than our first marriage ceremony.

While we chose each other, neither of us would have considered ourselves ready for marriage. Today, the threat of death doesn't loom over us. No one is forcing us to say our vows. It's Zara and me recommitting to each other in front of everyone who matters to us.

Mom asks, "Are you ready?"

I puff my chest out. "I am."

The three of us leave the room and walk down the hall. Dante opens the door, and we step out onto the roof.

It's a new building complex the Ivanovs just finished developing. The stunning view showcases the best features of Chicago. Lake Michigan is on one side, and the bustling city is on the other.

When Zara and I were looking for a venue, Maksim told us to meet him here at sunset. One look at Zara gaping around, and I knew he was right. This was the perfect spot.

The Ivanovs graciously delayed the opening of the building foranother few weeks, and transformed the rooftop into an even more spectacular setting.

In a few minutes, the sun will set, creating a vibrant glow around the city. Bright stars will twinkle over Lake Michigan. Outdoor lights already illuminate the perimeter. The best DJ in Chicago will play the list of songs Zara and I spent hours creating. Appetizers and dinner from Adrian Ivanov's newest restaurant will be served. Wine and booze will flow all night, and I'll dance with the only woman I've ever loved.

I take my place next to Brax, and he says, "If you need to run, my getaway car is waiting downstairs."

I elbow him.

He chuckles. "Kidding."

The music starts, and Fiona appears, wearing a black minidress and carrying a bouquet of soft pink roses. She walks down the aisle.

I wink at her and she smirks in return, which makes me chuckle again.

I have to figure out how to sway the Omni to make Kirill marry someone else.

Don't think about this today. The only woman I'm allowed to think about is Zara—no Underworld stuff.

My wife steps into the doorway, and I push the ill feeling away, trying to catch my breath.

Like always, my pulse is beautiful, sexy, and glowing. Her baby bump is showing, which only makes me adore her more.

Some men look for other women when their wives get pregnant, but not me. If anything, Zara and I have both been even more insatiable during her pregnancy, and the vision of her in her white satin wedding dress isn't helping the fire in my veins.

Luca offers her his elbow, and she loops her arm through his. They walk toward me, and I've never seen the old man look so proud. His grin is contagious, and I'm relieved we're back on good terms. I know I stole the moment he was owed, so I'm happy to give it back to him.

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