Page 121 of Claim the Twilight
“Your friend Nyx did it.”
She shrugs. “I like things the way they are. Marriage is okay for some, but me and the guys, we’re content like this.” She crosses to the window where the sun is beginning to set. “What did your parents think about a nighttime wedding?”
“They understand. Dad’s still a little freaked out about the whole vampire king thing, but it’s hard to resist Ezekiel when he puts on the charm.”
She laughs. “Isn’t it just.” She heads to the door. “You ready?”
My stomach trembles. “Yes. I’m ready.”
EDWIN
Padma walks toward me, a vision in red and gold, and I forget how to breathe. The world fades away and it’s just us. I take her hand and breathe her in, my senses coming alive at her proximity.
I’m about to marry this woman.
I’m about to be bound to her forever and my heart is too full.
Lanterns flicker around us, cocooning us in a circle of blessed light as we prepare to say our vows.
When she speaks, her words etch themselves into my soul.
“Edwin, from the first time I met you, there was a spark. An awareness that I didn’t stop to examine. I was afraid.” She shrugs a slender shoulder. “Afraid to stop and think too hard on what was growing between us, and before I knew it, you were my best friend. Then…before I knew it, you had my heart. I’m sorryit took me so long to realize, to stop and see, but I’m here now. I’m here, and I’m yours. Forever.”
My stupid eyes blur and I blink back tears. I take a breath and exhale. “Padma, being with you makes everything brighter, and sweeter, and…Fuck.” My throat pinches. She squeezes my hands, her gaze soft and filled with love. “There are no words to describe how much I love you. You’re the missing piece of my soul. I’ll cherish you forever.”
She steps close and tips her face up to mine. “Then let’s seal it with a kiss.”
I claim her luscious lips, softly, reverently, sealing our pact of forever.
One MonthLater
ORINA
“This one!” Padma held up an ivory slip dress that looked way too short.
I shook my head. “No white, cream, or ivory, remember?”
“Shit, yes, just in case you…” She held two fingers to her mouth, imitating fangs.
I rolled my eyes. “It’s a bitch to get out of clothes.” Ezekiel was hosting a dinner for all the vampire houses to discuss the way forward. More and more vampires wanted to live outside of Dracul territory, but the territory laws were still in place, and it was up to Ezekiel to enforce them. The white wings were gone. The Order was gone, and the Mageri had their own shit to deal with.
So we’d host, play nice, and offer small favors and boons to soothe ruffled feathers.
Padma’s gaze tracked over my shoulder and out the window of the wedding dress boutique.
“What?”
She frowned and shook her head. “The guy across the street. I’ve seen him three times now.”
I glanced out the window, across the street at the man blatantly watching the store. Tall and broad, his golden hair glinted in the sunlight, his stunning blue eyes fixed on us as if he was looking right at us.
Right at me.
Padma headed for the door. “I’m going to speak with?—”
“Wait. He’s crossing the road.”
She frowned and moved closer to me in a protective gesture.
