Bitter Vows (Crimson Falls 1)

“If you don’t love him, tell him. Stop this farce of a wedding,” my grandmother says softly, but the urgency of her tone is clear. She doesn’t want this wedding to go ahead.

I grin because I know what she’s trying to do. Mom said she did this at their wedding as well. When my mother and father were to wed, Gran thought she could stop it, or control it. Instead of answering, I challenge, “And if I don’t?”

This time she looks directly at me, her gaze lingering on my face as if she’s taking in every inch of me to memory. “Nothing good will come of it.” She swallows back her drink before making her way for the door, and I watch as my grandmother disappears without looking back.

A cold shiver races down my spine.

Awareness that her warning will come with dire consequences.

The dress is stunning, just like I knew it would be. I wanted today to be perfect. Over the weeks of getting to know Lycan, seeing his pain about how his father died and how his brother didn’t believe a word of what had happened, I understand why he is so closed off.

But he did open up to me.

He gave me parts of himself I’m certain not many people were privy to. And it means a lot to me to have moved forward, to have overcome what I believed about him before. He’s not a monster at all. Perhaps a beast, yes, but he’s all man.

I didn’t think I could ever find it in myself to love him like I should—as a husband. But I do. And I would like to try to find my path alongside him, to walk forward today down the aisle and know that my future is safe. To know the man I’m saying “I do” to is someone capable of love. Deep down, I know Lycan is.

There’s no longer any doubt in my mind.

The sleek, white dress hugs my curves, and the lace train lays behind me along the carpet. As the two maids Lycan hired to dress me fix the tiara to my head along with the veil, I glance at myself in the mirror, taking in the elegance.

My bedroom door swoops open, and Aelin rushes in. “Oh my god,” she gushes when she sees me. “You look incredible.” Her voice bounces off the walls as she stops in front of me, her hands on my shoulders as she holds me at arm’s length.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” I tell her honestly. When I asked Lycan if she could be my maid of honor, he agreed. When his humanity shines through the cold exterior, I can’t help but smile because as much as he tries to hide it, I know he cares deeply for me.

“I cannot believe you’re getting married.”

Once the women are done with my hair, they leave us, and I settle onto the stool provided, so I don’t crease my dress. Even though I’m not yet in my heels, I need to sit because my knees are shaking. I don’t want to admit how nervous I am, so I paste on a smile and look at my one and only friend.

“Trust me, if you had asked me a month ago if I would be here, getting ready to walk down the aisle, I would’ve told you you’re crazy,” I admit easily.

“This man must be all that because the Scarlett I know would never allow a man to dictate anything about her life,” she says. “Or is it because he has a big dick?” Her teasing has me laughing, and for a moment, I enjoy the lighthearted banter between us. It’s been so long since I’ve seen her, going from talking to someone every day to not seeing them for weeks is strange.

“I am not talking about his dick,” I throw back, knowing my best friend will be asking more about Lycan, as well as any dirty details about our sex life. Aelin was more provocative than I was, even when we came of age, she would go out to parties, meet boys when I would be the wallflower. I couldn’t find the courage to tell her about my tastes. Not the ones I hid in the dark for so long.

Those same fantasies Lycan brought to life.

I should’ve spoken to her more. Over the past few weeks of me being here, I should have reached out. Even though Lycan didn’t forbid me from calling, I didn’t. Perhaps it was because I couldn’t really explain my situation. My father put me here, he forced my hand without my permission, and as much as I wanted to hate him, I’m thankful he showed me his true colors.

“Are you okay?” Aelin asks then, her hands holding mine, pulling them close as she regards me with earnest curiosity.