When I reach the end of the aisle, I shake Brody’s hand, then put Violet’s hand in his. The minister asks the question that starts the ceremony.

“Who gives this woman to this man in marriage today?”

“She gives herself,” I say proudly, “and I, as her family, give my blessing.”

It’s what we’d agreed I’d say—the updated version of the ritual that Violet had insisted on using. I take my seat and watch her bind herself to the wolf she loves.

I know our mother would have been proud of her, had she lived to see this. I feel her with me as a tear falls during their vows.

There aren’t any incidents, despite the whispers. When the ceremony is over, I follow Violet and Brody as they kiss and head down the aisle. Brody leans into her as they walk, and I hear him whisper.

“What the fuck is going on?”

She whispers back, “I’ll tell you everything but right now we need to go. Fast.”

They get in the limo that’ll take them to the reception, and I slide in with them. The car pulls away, and Violet and I both let out huge sighs. I turn to Brody.

“Okay, here’s the deal—”

Chapter 15

HEATHER

I have no idea how long I’ve been sitting here. Trey came back, grabbed the bouquet, and told me to lock the door. I did that.

Why hadn’t we locked it before? Violet had mentioned something about the door sticking, and she didn’t want to deal with it, but I don’t really remember at this point.

All I know is that I’ve been discovered. Something else happened when it all went down. I felt a wave of power come over me.

It almost made me ill, but then it made me feel warm. I have no idea what it was, but it felt like it was connected to my wolf. The power made her sing out inside me.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and the sensation takes me out of my frozen state. It’s Violet, who I thought was getting married. Is the ceremony already over?

“Heather, you there?”

I realize I’ve answered the phone but haven’t said anything.

“Sorry, yeah, I’m here.”

“Okay, I’m sending someone to the suite to get you and bring you to the reception. Her name is Diane. Let her in and go with her. I promise she’s not going to hurt you.”

“What’s going on, Violet? I thought you were at your ceremony.”

“We did that. We’re on the way to the reception now. You need to meet us.”

There’s a knock on the door, and I jump, almost dropping my phone.

“That’s Diane. I promise you, Heather, you’re safe,” she says again.

I unlock the door and am greeted by a woman with jet-black hair in a pixie cut. She’s wearing one of the bridesmaid’s dresses and a delicate flower crown on her head.

“You’re the exile?”

Violet’s voice is on the phone again, “Seriously, she won’t hurt you.”

“You can leave your stuff here. Someone will come to collect it and meet us at the venue.”

I nod and end the call with Violet. No use continuing to be afraid. They know now. I have to trust that Trey and Violet have a plan. The ride over to the venue is silent, but I can practically feel the disgust emanating from Diane from the moment I follow her to the car to the moment I enter the ballroom.