Repent (The Disciples 3)

Before it even computes, I say, “Yes. Axel is my best man.”

Axel’s blue eyes dart to mine, a shit-eating grin on his face. I’m closer to Blade and David, but for this… Axel is the right choice.

“You sure? You won’t offend me if you want Blade, man.”

“No. You’re my best man.”

He looks at me, then the justice of the peace. “I guess I’m the best man. Let’s get this drama over.” He swings open the door and holds out his hands for us to pass as if he owns the place.

“This is it, man. Edge and Dolly forever.” He rubs my shoulders, his excitement making me pause and turn to him.

“Do you believe in soul mates?” As soon as it’s out of my mouth, I regret it. I’m not talking to David. This is Axel. He’s never been with a woman longer than a week and that might be pushing it.

“Just take it easy. Do you need some water? How about some of my latest blend. Trust me, it will calm you right down.”

“I’m fine.” I shrug until he removes his hands from my shoulder.

We turn the corner and enter the large room. He walks past me and finally answers, “For you… yes. I do.” My head swings toward him and I almost question if he actually said that. But he’s already walking toward David and Charlie and the chance is gone.

I take a breath, somewhat surprised that I’m having any of these nerves. Maybe it’s because this is really happening. All day, I’ve been getting shit done: flowers, rings, finding Paul, and arranging a spot.

And now… now’s our moment.

I scan the room. The sound system is playing some crappy elevator music. The owner walks by looking like a scared puppy that someone kicked.

“Hey listen, can you get this shit off?” I say to the owner. “Like is this what’s gonna be playing?” I point to the speakers surrounding us in the corners of the ceiling.

He wipes his brow with the sleeve of his suit. “Um… do you have something in mind? This is a lot of… people.” His eyes dart around at all the Disciples filing in. Chairs scrape against the floor and everyone sits, their wallet chains banging on the chairs.

Only Axel, David, Blade, and I are in suits. Well I’m in a suit; they all wear starched white shirts and black suit pants but still have on our black leather Disciples cuts. All the other brothers look the same as always except their hair is wet and beards are combed.

Blade walks up with Eve. She clings to his arm as the poor owner turns bright red looking at her.

“Everything okay?” Blade’s eyes bore into the man. It’s good that the owner is looking at everything other than the exquisite creature standing in front of him. I don’t want to have to postpone the ceremony simply because Blade is Blade.

“Yeah, I’m trying to change the music.”

“Good.” Eve smiles and the poor owner shifts back a tad. “It needs to be romantic, Edge. Wait until you see her.” She puts her hand on her chest causing the owner to excuse himself rather than have to stare at Eve anymore.

Maybe he’s not as dumb as I thought.

“How about AC/DC’s ‘Hells Bells’?” She blinks at me as if I’ve grown horns. Blade throws back his head to laugh.

“I take that as a no. Why don’t you help poor Edge out, Angel, and pick something appropriate.”

“Um, yes.” She shoots me one last glare as she shimmies against Blade and whispers in his ear.

He pulls back and I feel like I should excuse myself, but there’s nowhere for me to go. So, I look up at the ceiling allowing them to do their thing.

“Okay.” Doug claps, causing all of us to look at him. He’s dressed like a fucking fashion model or some shit. “She’s ready.”

“Have you lost your mind?” Blade snarls at him, taking in his outfit.

“No, I’m not part of the club, remember?” Doug winks at him. Blade stares for a moment and turns back to Eve.

“What are you wearing?” I look at him.

“A tuxedo.” His eyes scan my body. I roll my neck not giving him the satisfaction of knowing that I’m worried I should have rented a tux rather than an Armani suit.

“Christ,” I mumble.

Eve pats my arm. “You look so handsome, Edge.” She cocks her head making her long blond hair cascade over her shoulders. “I want you to know that I’m happy for you. And at the end of the day, things that seem impossible somehow work out if they’re meant to be.” Her blue eyes get teary as she nods at me.

“She loves you.” She reaches to squeeze my hand. Blade rubs her back, his hand sliding down to pat her ass.

“Angel, how much have you had to drink?” His voice is warm, almost growly, and again a pang hits my chest. I have never been one to want things that I have thought unobtainable. It’s black or white for me. Either it’s in the cards or not. So, watching Blade with Eve, even David with Charlie has been a rude awakening that things can change. People can change and it’s okay.