Page 68 of Bride By Initiation

A lump forms in my throat. I try to swallow it down, but it seems impossible.

He softens his tone, but it reeks of desperation. "Sean, they took everything away from your father. I've suffered through it and waited for decades for this moment. You have to take his place."

My voice cracks when I go to speak. I clear my throat and try again. "What happens if I don't?"

"Like I said, someone else will take his seat, and we can't have that."

"Why? What will happen?"

He closes his eyes and shakes his head. The wrinkles around his eyes deepen. "We can't have that, Sean."

The blood in my veins turns cold. None of this makes sense, but there's one thing tying me to it.

My father.

Byrne adds, "Choose your bride carefully."

I grunt. "You're speaking ridiculous things."

"I'm not. There'll be twelve to choose from. There's a redhead. She's the one you need to pick," he instructs.

"So just go in and tell the redhead we're getting hitched? Yeah, okay," I scoff.

He slaps my cheek.

A sting rises where he struck me, and I clench my fist, but the glow in his eyes stops me from striking him back. He barks, "Don't take this lightly! There are thirteen men. Do whatever it takes, but convince the redhead to accept your bid. One man will be out. If you listen to anything I say tonight, listen to me now. You do not want to be the man without a bride. Understand?"

"Yeah," I answer, still pissed off he slapped me.

In a threatening tone, he asks, "Do you think this is funny, Sean?"

I curl my fist tighter. I like Byrne, but I wonder if I should trust him. Was he best friends with my father, or is it another lie?

"Time's up. Our ride is waiting," he announces, opening the door.

Headlights flash in the alley, and I put my hand over my eyes.

Byrne opens the back door of the car and motions for me to get inside.

I hesitate.

"Everything you've ever wanted to know lies in front of you," he taunts.

It's the final push I need. No matter what he says, I'm not marrying anyone tonight. I'll learn more about this Underworld and what my fatherwas involved in, but that's it. Somehow, I'll figure out how to change my initiation to something else. If, and only if, I decide I truly want to step into this secret world.

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12

Zara

It feels like we're in the air forever. Sylvia told me to sleep, but I couldn't shut off my mind. She's been beside me with a mask over her eyes, peacefully sleeping for hours.

The shades over the windows are locked, so I can't lift them to know if it's nighttime or daytime.

Destiny, the flight attendant, approaches with a smile. She softly shakes Sylvia, cooing, "Time to wake up," as if they're longtime friends, and she's used to being her alarm clock.

Sylvia stirs, then removes her mask, blinking a few times.

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