Page 34 of Welcome to Carnage

She shakes her head. “No, I do not want to be there when that bomb goes off.”

I laugh. “Thanks for the support.”

“Sorry, I’ve got a few errands to run anyway. I’ll catch up with you later.”

Nyx is just leaving the shop, and I nod in reply, walking over to meet him. “Get this on your finger, little hellion,” he orders as Luna walks away.

I let him slip it on my finger and smile. “This is kind of insane, but it feels right, doesn’t it?”

He smirks. “Of course it does. You’re meant for me.” His dark gaze finds Luna in the crowd. “What did she say?”

“She was supportive once I confirmed it’s what I want.”

His jaw clenches.

I lower my voice. “I assume this goes without saying, but you can’t hurt my friends or brother, right?”

There’s a flash in his eyes. “As long as they stay out of my way.”

I shake my head. “No. It doesn’t matter what they do. You won’t touch them.”

He smirks and yanks me against them. “Or what, Avina?”

“Or I won’t love you anymore.”

A flash of something hot and possessive flares in his eyes. “Are you telling me you love me?”

I nod and kiss him softly. “Yes, I’ve loved you since I set eyes on you.”

He presses his forehead against mine. “I’ve loved you too, my little hellion.”

I feel so happy as we leave the mall, the cool metal of the ring on my finger a constant reminder of what has transpired between us. The ride back to town, the engine’s hum beneath us, and Nyx’s warm presence all feel incredibly right.

But an ominous cloud of uncertainty looms over us. How is Pierce going to take his best friend and sister getting married? Something tells me he will be harder to convince than Luna. All I can hope is that we all walk away alive and breathing.

NYX

Ipark my bike outside of Avina’s house. She’s clutching a takeout bag from Pierce’s favorite burger joint in town. I bring in the bag of groceries she picked up. He’s going to be angry.

Avina’s grip tightens around mine as we approach the front door, a sign of her nervousness. I give her hand a reassuring squeeze, reminding her I’m beside her. And then I let go. “You’ve got this, baby,” I say.

She swallows hard. “I’m not sure I have.”

“I’ll be right here beside you the entire time.”

As she pushes open the door, I hang back. The air is tense, and my mind is a chaotic whirlwind. I have to play a part here for Avina. Act like a doting partner when I’d murder anyone who tries to come between us. And I know Pierce will want that. He’ll want to tear us apart.

She’s worth it. I inhale deeply. I’m ready. Let the show begin.

I step in after her, the familiar smell of her home wrapping around us. It’s comforting and unsettling at the same time.

“Hey, Pierce,” Avina says as I follow toward the living room to find him sitting on the sofa. “I got you food.” She passes him the Harley’s takeout bag.

“Thank fuck, I’m practically dying here.”

She laughs. “Don’t be so dramatic.”

He hasn’t noticed me yet, but as he glances over, his brow furrows. “Hey, Nyx. What are you doing here?”

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