Page 22 of Legacy

Laya’s lips curved up on one side as she shook her head. “Then let’s get this going.”

Without any more delays or worries about how this would turn out, we filed out of the room and took our places in the procession.

I pushed back the thoughts of my parents and all the broken dreams and tucked my arm into Vik’s.

The music commenced as I carefully walked down the aisle of the ancient church. The streamers, flowers, and vases of candles created a soft glow. The intricate details of the decor around me blurred my focus on the altar where the tall groom stood watching me.

A tingle shot down my spine, and goosebumps prickled my skin.

Elias’s gaze locked on mine. He wore a well-cut and tailored tuxedo, accentuating his muscular body. His slicked-back salt-and-pepper hair accentuated his face’s sharp, lean lines. He held himself like a mighty Greek god, a dominant, unapologetic killer.

Vik kissed my cheek once we reached the altar. There was a second of hesitation before he placed my hand over Elias’s and stepped back.

A sweeping shift of emotions played through his eyes. Sadness. Pride. Love. Worry.

Vik gave me over to the enemy, but deep down, he believed in me.

He’d reminded me earlier in the morning to remember this was an act, only a sham, a necessary step in the plan.

No matter the game, Elias and I were entering a real marriage. He was the last lover I would ever take. I wasn’t a cheater, and hell would freeze over before I looked the other way while anyone stepped out on me. Nothing outside of death ended this.

His dark-brown gaze narrowed as if he heard my thoughts. The power staring at me shouldn’t appeal. He meant to taunt and intimidate. With others, it may work, but not with me.

I was a Vitalis.

I gave over my power to no one. Not to Elias and definitely not to his father.

The days of anyone lording over me were over.Cloe learned this at the end of my pistol, and soon, I’d show this side to others.

The energy between Elias and me crackled, charging the air with challenge and anticipation. The aching desire that smoldered in the pit of my stomach from our initial meeting ignited into a low burning need.

Damn this attraction. I refused to succumb to the nuisance of a handsome face or intense dark eyes. However, the throbbing between my legs and the flood of arousal coursing through me said otherwise.

I barely knew this man, and I definitely couldn’t trust him. But sure as fuck, my body responded to him and wanted him in the worst possible way.

“Are you ready to become the wolf’s dinner, Avra?” he asked in a deep, intoxicating tone.

The heat of his large hand seeped into mine as he guided me toward the priest.

As we knelt, I whispered, “Perhaps I’m the wolf, and you’re my dinner.”

“I’m counting on it.” He lifted my knuckles to his lips and brushed a kiss against them.

By all the saints, this man was potent. What had I gotten myself into?

The wedding commenced as if in a blur. The vows went in one ear and out the other. I simply followed along with the cues, making sure to play my role of the seemingly demure and patient bride.

My family knew it was an act, and Elias had apparently seen through the guise. However, the rest of the attendantsaccepted the ruse as I performed the steps of the old traditions until I left the one-hundred-year-old building as a married woman.

My composure nearly slipped during the ring exchange. I had told Vik to handle the details of selecting the band for Elias, thinking he wouldn’t care as long as it wasn’t gaudy.

Except when Elias slowly and delicately slipped my ring onto my finger, I could only stare at it in awe.

It was breathtaking and something I’d have chosen for myself under different circumstances. The artistry of the design made it unique, and the stones weren’t so big that it made me look as if he owned me, but large and prominent enough to state my unavailable status. I never expected a Xenos to pick a ring like this.

Again, he’d read my thoughts and responded, “We share blood but aren’t the same, little wolf.”

Before I realized it, the ceremony ended. “You may now kiss your bride.”

---