Bitter Vows (Crimson Falls 1)

“Good morning,” I greet as I make my way toward her.

“Hi,” she says. “Where were you?”

I lean in to press a kiss to her forehead. “I needed to do some business. I have something I need to talk to you about.” When I settle on the mattress, I can read the fear in her expression.

“What’s wrong?”

Sighing, I take her hand with the ring on her third finger in mine and meet her questioning stare. Better to rip the Band-Aid off quickly. “I want us to get married today.”

“What? Why?”

“Our wedding on Saturday will go ahead, but I want you to have my name and protection before that day comes.” I keep my gaze on hers. “I just want you to be safe if anything were to happen.”

She watches me for a long while before saying, “You’re worried about your brother.” I nod, and she continues. “Do you think he’ll do something at the wedding? I mean, there’ll be guests, and your team will be there.”

“I don’t put anything past my brother.” It’s true. I don’t trust him. And I most certainly wouldn’t trust him not to hurt Scarlett, and I find fear choking me at the thought of something happening to her.

I look into those pretty eyes and find affection. Love. My lungs struggle to pull in air when I realize those emotions are reciprocated. All the fights, debates, and arguments have brought us both here.

It was about revenge.

It was about her father.

But right now, it’s no longer about those things.

“This is us,” I tell her. “Bitter vows aside,” I tease with a grin. “I want you, little red. I crave and hunger for you constantly. You’re mine, and you always will be. I just… I need you to know that before we walk down the aisle. And the only way I can do that is to say my vows today.”

A small smile graces her pretty face. “Okay. Then we’ll get married today.”

Seeing Scarlett walk out of the bedroom in a bright red dress that hugs every curve of her frame has me coughing into my hand to keep the growl from escaping my lips. She looks like pure seduction, a beautiful vixen walking to her death as she takes my hand.

“Are you ready?” I ask before pressing a kiss to her knuckles.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” She notices the men standing to the side waiting for us. Kahn, Simon, and the priest I had Kahn find last minute. I woke up this morning with the thought of marrying her today, and I needed to make it happen.

“Shall I start?” the priest asks, who I recall is named Arthur.

“Yes.” I nod, taking both Scarlett’s hands in mine.

With a nod, he begins. “We have gathered here today to lawfully bind Scarlett Bardot and Lycan Shaw in holy matrimony. Since they will be saying their own vows, I’ll ask Scarlett to speak first.”

My girl inhales a deep breath before smiling up at me. Her light shines through her expression, her eyes are shimmering with emotion, and I ache to steal every moment of this day and commit it to memory. I’m not sure what’s going to happen tomorrow, but for today, I’m basking in happiness I never thought I would feel.

“For weeks, I was convinced when I finally said my vows they’d be filled with bitterness and rage,” Scarlett says with a soft smile. “But I no longer find those emotions in my words.” She holds my hands as if I were a lifeline. “This isn’t how we were going to do this, but I, Scarlett Bardot, take you Lycan Shaw in happiness and sadness. I’ll walk through heaven and hell beside you, as long as you’re the one ruling over the kingdoms. Our path ahead may not be paved with ease, but I cannot wait to see what lies before us.”

My chest tightens considerably, and I realize for the first time in my life, I’m falling. I’ve fallen. I’ve never expected to find happiness with someone, not with a woman who is filled with so much innocence and light.

But here she is.

“The darkness inside me has eased because of you,” I tell her. “We may not be standing before hundreds of people, and you aren’t wearing a pretty white dress, but even as we do this in my club, I know our future will be filled with happiness. I vow, bitter or not, to keep you, hold you, cherish you, and ensure you’re forever smiling.”

A tear escapes her lashes, trickling down her cheek, but I don’t steal it because I love to see how those pretty eyes glisten with emotion just for me.

“I’m not the prince, I’m the wolf, but I’ll forever keep you safe from the hunter who aims to steal you from me.” I lean in, my lips brushing along her. “From today and forever more.”