Page 25 of Bound to the One-Night Stand

Granted, it’s not as if I have a choice. I’ve never investigatedwhat the punishments were for saying no to the Governing Body. And it’s not like I have friends who have refused. So I’m going in blind. I have no clue what they’ll do to me. Fines? Jail?

Before, I didn’t even think about saying no. Now, I’m wondering which prison will be worse. At least with this Alpha, I’ll get to experience pleasure instead of only suffering. That has to be worth something, right?

My fingers tremble as I reach out and take his hand. It feels so warm and strong in my grasp. Secure. Just like last night, he seems confident, as if he knows what he’s doing. That makes one of us.

“Oh just get up there, already,” Kessily barks out, dispelling the gathering tension.

Everyone chuckles as I turn and shoot her a glare. Of course, she’s happy about this pairing. It’s her best friend and some Alphahole she knows from the club. What’s not to be happy about?

Though she’s never said anything mean about Alec, she sure didn’t seem as enthusiastic as she does now. Perhaps I should take a cue from her and actually give this a try? My heart shatters, sending agonizing shards through my chest as I allow my new husband, or is it Master, to help me up the stairs so I can join him.

Looking out into the crowd, I note Kessily’s enormous grin. Handing off her bouquet to one of my other bridesmaids, she gives me a thumbs up, all while flashing her signature wide smile. On the other side of the aisle, I see a few men standing there, all as strong, silent, and sure as Devin.

Are they Dominants from the club, too? Perhaps I’ll ask when we’re done. So many thoughts continue to pound inmy brain, nonsensical musings that no one in their right mind would care about. I’m so caught up that I almost miss the officiant telling everyone to sit.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together to watch as I join this Alpha and omega together in holy matrimony. Remember, though this is only for six months, it is a legally binding marriage.”

I almost snort as he says this. Right. Because that’s something I’ll easily forget. Once that ring is on my finger, we have to make it work, come hell or high, kinky water.

Turning to me, the officiant smiles, his grin not quite going up to his eyes. “Allow me to present to you, Devin Adler. What his friends want you to know is-”

“That he’s a kinky sumbitch,” Kessily cries out as the men on the other side turn red as they try to hold back their laughter.

“Please,” Devin barks out, sliding a glare over to her. “Leave my mother out of it.”

“May we have decorum, please?” The poor officiant wipes his face as he looks at everyone in the audience in turn. “This is an official proceeding and will be treated as such.”

“Sorry, boss,” Kessily laughs. “Just trying to help you out.”

“Try less.” Shaking his head, he clears his throat and turns back to me. “What hisotherfriends and family wish for you to know is that he is a good, kind-hearted, strong, and dependable Alpha. He will never think twice before helping someone out. To have him for a husband means you’ll have the most loyal man you can ever hope to marry.”

My heart pounds in my chest as Devin looks down at me, his expression earnest. Maybe I could have done worse for a husband? But then, there is all this messy kinky business we’ll have to talk about.

The officiant turns to Devin. “May I present to you, Jessica Langley.” Pausing, he gives Kessily a glare.

Instead of saying a word, she shrugs and pretends to zip her lips before grabbing her bouquet back.

“What Jessica’s friends and family would like you to know about her is that she can be a little bit of a workaholic. It’s an escape for her at times that she’ll use to get out of certain family obligations.”

My mouth drops open as I process what was said. That’s what they have to say about me? Devin gets all these praises and accolades, and I get workaholic?

“I object!” Kessily cries out, her lips turned down into a frown.

This time, the officiant’s face turns so red, I’m a tad worried about his health. “Madam, I will eject you from these proceedings if you cannot be quiet.”

“No. I don’t know who you interviewed, but it wasn’t any of us. Let me guess. It was her mother?”

“I’m not at liberty-”

“Oh, you don’t have to say,” she growls, handing her bouquet off again as she storms up to the stairs. “I know exactly how that woman feels about Jess.”

Ignoring the officiant, she stands next to me and crosses her arms. “Let me tell you what she’s really like. She is sweet. Kindhearted to a fault. She’s always putting others’ needs before her own.” With a frown, she turns her gaze to me. “Often to her detriment. She’s willing and eager to please.”

“Not like that,” I cry out, trying to cut her off.

“Exactly like that,” Kessily counters. “Treat her right, and she will make you the happiest Alpha on the planet. I love this girl like my own flesh and blood. Don’t you dare fuck this up.”

Devin crosses his arms and looks down at her. “Is that all?”

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