Bitter Vows (Crimson Falls 1)

“I love you,” Scarlett says suddenly, causing my heart to still in my chest for a second before thumping wildly against my ribs. “I didn’t think it was possible.” She smiles, shaking her head slowly. “But somehow, you’ve battered down my walls.”

Cupping her face, I run my thumbs along the apples of her cheeks, and I can’t stop the grin that cracks along my face. “I love you too, little red,” I admit honestly. “I really do. Fuck the arrangement with your father. This” — I pull her closer — “this is real.”

Scarlett giggles playfully, and she kisses me as the priest sighs that we’ve completely fucked his ceremony. “I now pronounce you husband and wife,” he says as I pull my wife into my arms. Even though our wedding will still go ahead for the guests, today is for us.

32

Scarlett

My grandmother looks over at us, watching from afar, but peering in so closely she may as well be standing beside us. I’ve enjoyed my time in New York while learning more about Lycan’s world, the dark and twisted cravings of a man whose beast lies in wait for when I kneel for him.

I didn’t think I would.

But the wolf who appears when Lycan hungers for me is nothing like I’ve ever experienced. He’s like a bomb waiting to explode, and I want nothing more than to be right beside the destruction he leaves in his wake.

Time has passed, making me more aware of how easily I’ve fallen into a life with him. Fallen in love with a man who bought me. It sounds like the makings of a romance novel. But it’s my real life. And I couldn’t be happier.

The buildings we’ve visited in the hopes of me finding one for my company have given me pause. When I was first taken to the Shaw mansion in Crimson Falls, I was convinced I would be free of him within the week. But now, I find myself more enthralled with him.

The wedding is fast approaching, and with more plans being confirmed—venue, food, guests—I’m no longer nervous. I don’t necessarily want to walk down the aisle so soon, but I no longer hate the man who’s currently speaking to Kahn while pacing the living room carpet.

We head back to Crimson Falls tomorrow to finalize the last details for the big day, but something has been bothering Lycan for a couple of days. And I have a feeling it’s because of whatever Kahn is currently telling him.

And I’m sure it has something to do with his brother.

I approach my grandmother, wanting to talk to her without Lycan listening. By the time I reach her, she’s finished her wine and asking for another. I’m not sure why she came when she doesn’t seem happy about the engagement.

Even though this party was meant to celebrate our union, Lycan and I are aware of her animosity toward the upcoming nuptials.

“I thought you’d be happy,” I say when I step beside my grandmother. I can’t tell her I’m already married to him, so I play along as if nothing has changed since she last saw us.

She doesn’t answer for a beat, but then says, “Nothing about a Shaw and Bardot together should bring about happiness.”

“Is that because your heart was broken by a Shaw?” I challenge, because she knows that I know about her and Conall. Perhaps I shouldn’t goad her, but I need to know about the curse that has been whispered about.

“The past needs to stay buried, but your man keeps dredging it up,” she whispers, nudging her chin toward where Lycan is now talking to a couple of guests, his call ended, and I wonder what the outcome was.

“I don’t understand what the problem is about learning something that happened to our families.” I don’t look at her this time. Instead, my focus is on the way Lycan’s fake smile is plastered on as he watches us. He’s not listening to what the man beside him is saying.

“There are some secrets that should never be brought to light. I made mistakes, I admit that, but when I walked away from my past, from Conall, I promised him to never allow our families to unite. It’s wrong.”

This time, I spin on my heel to regard her. “What’s wrong about it?”

Her gaze glints on mine. “Do you love him?” she asks, a challenge in her words.

Do I?

Yes. I do.

Am I attracted to him?

Do I lust after him?

Yes, and yes.

There’s no doubt in my mind Lycan is my other half, a match I didn’t expect. Love wasn’t something I expected to feel, but it’s there now, and I’m not letting it pass me by. I didn’t expect him to say it, to tell me those three words, but he did. At least, he didn’t seem anywhere near emotions that strong. But his heart is beating for me now, and I’ve got a grasp on it.