Page 41 of Secretly Married To My Monster Alien Boss
“Then trust me when I tell you that I know what I’m doing and I want to marry Rynar.” Only one of those things was a lie.
Finally, a hint of a smile twisted her brother’s lips. “The heart wants what it wants?”
“It does. And mine has apparently decided an argumentative alien with big ol’ horns is the way to go.” She shrugged. “What can you do?”
“I can walk you down the aisle or your future groom might hunt me down.”
He might. From what Lily had revealed about Zaryn and Deruzians–which was disappointingly little–their species was weirdly territorial. Alissia wasn’t sure that also applied to Rynar–secret arranged marriage and all–but why risk it?
So Damian extended his arm and Alissia gently grasped his elbow. Together, they walked outside the old building, between the kind of chiseled columns and the stained glass windows that they just didn’t make anymore.
The warm May breeze greeted them as they stepped out into the garden. This was an inherited estate owned by one of Rynar’s human associates that was used solely for grand events. Alissia loved it, from the old, imposing mansion, to the luxurious gardens that sprawled on different levels. There was a waterfall nestled next to the orchard, magnolia trees bursting with pink flowers, and rose bushes that just begged to be admired.
“You’ve always wanted to get married in May,” Damian whispered as they made their way down the pebbled pathway. Luckily, Alissia had enough experience walking and running in heels to keep up.
“Yes.” She sighed. “The weather’s perfect. Not too cold–”
“And not too warm,” Damian finished. “I remember you telling Mom.”
Alissia’s heart stuttered. She tried so hard not to think about her parents. She couldn’t take the longing. She missed them too much.
“Dad should have been walking you down the aisle,” Damian said in a small voice.
“You’re doing an excellent job.” Her throat constricted. “And you’re going to make me cry.”
“I think I might beat you to it.”
They exchanged a sad, watery smile. They had each other’s backs. Always had, always will.
With Alissia’s faith in her decision renewed, they stepped onto the path leading toward the twin rows of white chairs.
Gauzy fabric had been strewn in the flower trees, floating like clouds in the breeze. The path had been decorated with small white and red orchids on the sides.
Neither she nor Rynar wanted a big wedding, so they’d invited their closest friends. Among them, Lily and Zaryn stood hand in hand, right next to Nazyn, who whispered something into Darcy’s ear that made her blush. Maria, one of Alissia’s friends from college, stood next to Yakirian, trying to make small talk and failing; the Deruzian CEO was famed for his stoniness. Zinny was in the arms of Deryg, head of security. He’d brought Kiara, from the PR department, as his plus one.
“Both of them insist they’re just friends.Verygood friends,” Rynar had told her when they’d gone over the small guest list.
At the end of the aisle, there was a small stone platform, with a gorgeous statue of two lovers kissing behind it, nestled underneath an archway of purple wisteria, draped between two magnolia trees.
Underneath it stood the human priest, the Deruzian monk, and Rynar. He wore a dark human suit, with golden Deruziansymbols on his cuffs and lapels. The perfect blend to represent their union.
Alissia took a deep, centering breath before she found the courage to look into his eyes. And when she finally did, she froze right there on the aisle.
19
RYNAR
Two weeks ago, this wasn’t how Rynar would have pictured his Saturday.
He was getting married.
Married.
In front of a human priestandthe esteemed Zamolxy, one of the most respected Deruzian monks. He had insisted on blessing the union, the first official human-Deruzian one. Rynar hadn’t quite believed his super-hearing when he’d found out Zamolxy had just levitated through the portal two days ago, staff in one hand, smoking pipe in the other.
Monks were thought to bring peace and comfort on Deruzia. But Zamolxy being here meant trouble. His ancient, all-knowing eyes, so old they had almost gone white, would see through the plan he and Alissia had come up with.
Zamolxy would sense the lie.
