Page 42 of These Violent Delights

The officiant, Ozzy’s grandmother, pronounced them husband and wife to the cheers and applause of the assembled guests.The celebration that followed was filled with music, dancing, and feasting.

As night fell, the skies lit up with a dazzling display of fireworks, casting colorful reflections on the castle walls and illuminating the faces of the revelers.Ozzy and Zelda, standing hand in hand, watched the spectacle with smiles, enjoying the moment before they quietly slipped away.

Yarbo was one of the guests, but not a happy one.He brooded as he watched until the wedding finally concluded.She would never be his.

“Good evening, Chief Yarbo,” Olathe said boldly.She’d also lost her first pick for a mate, but unlike him, she was practical.She had approved when he took over the weakling’s tribe (the one he’d punched at the meeting for disrespecting Zelda).The fool had gotten himself killed in battle, though Yarbo had been thinking of challenging him before that.After all, a man needed something to do, and running a tribe suited him.

Olathe waved a hand, inviting him to walk with her.He decided to oblige.

They walked a little ways away from the crowd.“You rarely lose.That’s admirable.”

He slanted her a look.If she started speculating on his feelings, he would leave her talking to air.

“You don’t love me, but you admire me,” she observed.

That surprised him.It was true, of course.She was an amazing woman, both beautiful and lethal.She’d been incredible in battle.

“I think I would make you a good wife, and I want you.”She looked him over boldly.“My tribe would back you.”

He frowned.He didn’t care about her tribe’s opinion.He didn’t need their support.

She shrugged.“It’s easier for me if I don’t have to fight my brothers off.”

He smirked.He’d like to see that.She could do it, too.

“There’s no hurry.I would enjoy finding out if...”she trailed off.

He raised a brow.“If?Don’t stop now.You were doing so well.”

She looked aside, embarrassed for the first time.“I’m terrible at tactfulness and games.”She sounded truly disgusted.

He liked that feminine blush.It was intriguing.“You think you could handle me?I’m not an easy man.”It was the truth.He was blunt and inflexible.

Her eyes flashed.“I’m not so easy myself.”She walked off.

Yarbo studied her retreating form and smiled.This could be interesting.

He didn’t glance back as he left the party.It never paid to look back.After all, he wasn’t going that way.

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