“Then, as her betrothed, you will be king,” Dathan told Zack, then refocused on the crowd. “Who gives away this woman?”
“I-I do,” my dad stuttered, looking dazed.
“We’re getting married now?” My pulse jumped. “We can’t. We still have to repair the building and gather up nearby werewolves so they don’t scatter. What if they call others and attack?”
Renzo approached, surveying the room before setting down his sword. “Actually, the perimeter is secure. Anyone not here in this room is locked in the dungeon. The women are under guard as well. Nothing urgent to be immediately addressed.”
Though I appreciated Renzo solving the problem, he was no help at all in derailing Dathan trying to rush Zack’s and my marriage. I wanted to marry Zack more than anything in the world, but I had planned on a real wedding with a white dress, and all the details meticulously carried out. “I’m sure everyone has other priorities than to take part in a rush wedding.”
You don’t have a choice, Dathan told me.
“Is there a reason for us to delay?” Zack asked me, a guarded frown creasing his forehead. Are you having second thoughts?
Knowing Zack was totally okay with proceeding completely blew away any reason I might’ve had to delay. I beamed at him. “No. None.”
Zack’s eyes lit up. “Me neither.”
“Family and friends, gather around,” Dathan ordered, motioning them to approach.
Renzo waved over Favianne. Natasha stepped forward, then hesitated, glancing at my dad before turning to me with a questioning gaze.
Hi, Aunt Isabella, I told her silently so she would see I already knew.
Her face lit up. Aunt Natasha to you.
Aunt Natasha it is. I beamed, then I redirected my attention to the four witches closing in.
“We are here to witness the joining of this man and this woman in matrimony.” Dathan waited a beat. “But we’re going to skip all that and get to the vows.” Are you both positive you’re ready for this? Dathan asked us telepathically.
Zack flashed me a wide smile. Hell, yes.
All this—my family, peace between species, and a life with Zack—is what I’d scratched and clawed for all these months. Marrying Zack had always been the end game for me. No point in putting it off. I’m more than ready. “Are you able to marry us though, like a minister?”
Dathan’s mouth curved up. “I’m a king. My word alone is law. And you’re the werewolf queen now, which means your word is also law. A piece of paper isn’t what validates marriage. What binds you is your commitment and the agreement of others.”
I shot a quick glance at Zack who grinned, then joined my hands with his.
Dathan’s arms spread, encompassing everyone in the room. “Werewolves love ferociously and mate for life. For thousands of years, they’ve bound themselves to one another with a mere promise. I have witnessed the deep and fierce affection between Zack and Autumn and I know their unity shall be no different than others before them that stood through time.”
Dathan faced us again. “Zack, do you promise to stay absolutely loyal to Autumn, always be faithful and worthy of her trust, support her in all her whims, do everything in your power to encourage, assist and protect her, and if necessary, give up your life for her?”
“Easiest promise I ever made.” Zack pivoted to see me. “I do.”
“Autumn, do you promise to lead and protect Zack, to love and honor him, until death do you part?”
Something was up with those vows because mine were very different from Zack’s. No way was I going to let Dathan get away with that. “I also promise to be faithful and worthy of his trust, to support and encourage him, protect him and if necessary, give up my life for him. I do.”
Dathan’s mouth twitched. “I now pronounce you husband and wife, until death do you part.” He covered our joined hands with his, then lifted them high.
Our friends and family cheered, and the rest of the crowd clapped politely. I studied the faces of the strangers, wondering if they would truly be loyal to us.
Dathan aimed a look at Zack. Mortimer is dead, which means these people are no longer under his power. They are yours to command and you must do whatever necessary to ensure their loyalty. As each one swears allegiance, you will glamour them into meaning it. We need the bible.
“Bible?” I didn’t think werewolves would be religious or that a bible would mean anything.
Dathan leaned over Mortimer’s body and yanked off a ring. He sauntered back and shoved it at Zack. “Your ring, Your Majesty.”
Zack surveyed the mass of werewolves. “Cesar, find a bible.”
“No. Not just any bible,” Dathan told Cesar. “The werewolf bible, the master copy of all werewolf laws.”
That made more sense.
“Cesar, do you know where that is?” When he nodded, Zack said, “Bring it to me.”
As we waited for Cesar, we had a moment of downtime. I stared at Dathan, marveling at how well he handled everything. As if he’d been privy to the outcome since we’d met him—or planned it all.
All my breath left my body and Zack watched me, alert. I’m fine. Just realized something.
From the very beginning, we were led to this. Dathan had figured out who I was and what I could be. He knew about my parents and my aunt, and that Zack was a hybrid. He had steered, manipulated and guided all of us, like he was Fate itself. But why? To what end?
Did his motives even matter? He’d helped me get what I’d wanted most, freedom from oppression and a chance at a real life with Zack. Dathan, you’re kind of amazing.
Yes, I am. His smile faded when his gaze shifted to my aunt. I’m hoping you’re not the only one who agrees with me on that.
I arched one brow. My aunt?
Dathan ignored me when Cesar returned and offered the werewolf bible to Zack. It was dirty brown with yellowing, tattered pages and probably twelve inches tall by about ten inches wide. And it was almost as thick as it was wide. Like centuries of laws had been added.
Zack blinked. We’ll have to go through those laws and probably cancel most of them.
Because we won’t have enough to do transitioning and cleaning up our kingdom.
Our. Zack’s mouth curved up. I like the sound of that.
You guys have time to flirt later. Dathan took the old book and held it out for Cesar. “You first. Place your right hand on the bible and repeat after me.”
Cesar’s eye narrowed. “And what if I don’t?”
“You will,” Zack told him and I knew he was glamouring him into submission.
I didn’t love taking away anyone’s ability to think freely, but if Zack had to mind-control every werewolf in the world to keep them from being vile animals, I could live with it.
Cesar’s hand slapped onto the bible in a hurry. “I pledge my undying loyalty to Queen Autumn and King Zack. I promise to put their needs before my own, execute their orders and do everything in my power to keep them safe.”
My stomach growled and my broken arm ached.
“Who here is the best cook?” Dathan asked, obviously tired of listening to my stomach. When a woman came forward, she pledged on the bible, with Zack ensuring her loyalty, then Dathan sent her off to cook for Zack and me. This is a lot to cram into one day, but all of it must be done to make sure you live through the night. You understand?
I nodded, too hungry to argue with him.
Autumn, you must order all werewolves from around the globe to come and pledge their loyalty to you. Zack, you must glamour them all into meaning it. You can’t leave the smallest opening for anyone to betray you. The welfare of all supernaturals and humans around the world depends on the peace that you two will bring.
I’d never considered humans in the equation. Zack and I didn’t have a choice but to compel every werewolf we encountered. Controlling them, for now, was the only way. Maybe someday, after they acclimated and the newer werewolves were created in peace, we wouldn’t have to glamour them anymore. I could hope.
Zack and Dathan called on the next werewolf and then the next. After about twenty were sworn in, Zack held up a palm for Dathan to pause, then directed all his mental powers to the ones who had pledged. “Gather the werewolves from town. Women too. Any shape-shifters still in captivity should be brought as well.”
Once the food was ready, Zack and I ate while Dathan and the others waited. A little awkward but Dathan pushed me, reminding me that our show of strength was crucial. A whirring sounded above. Must have been the vampires returning in the helicopter with our belongings.
Dathan’s gaze flitted to the ceiling. “It’s Kayla, Tony and Joseph with our luggage.”
“I have no idea where to put it.” I scrunched up my nose. “All I know is I don’t want to stay in Mortimer’s room.”
“Your Majesties, I can have the rooms redone for you,” Colin said, his gaze lowering. “We’ll have to begin repairs on the garage and any other areas affected by the explosion anyway. May as well do it all at once.”
“That would be great, Colin. In the meantime, please have all the luggage put in the dungeon.” Zack lifted his fork for another bite of food.
Zack had taken to the king role with ease, masterfully ordering others around. I guessed his comfort level in getting them to do his bidding came from compelling so many werewolves over the last few hours. I hoped I could get used to ruling as quickly as he had.
After we finished our meal, the pledges continued as more and more werewolves were brought in.
The last werewolf to pledge was a woman—until the next round arrived. Her entire body, except for her hands and eyes, were covered. I reached across and undid the hook above her ear and the fabric fell away from her face. She was of Hispanic decent and quite beautiful. “You’re no longer required to hide. You are free.”
Her gaze ping-ponged between Zack and me, and I realized she’d probably never known any other life than being imprisoned and used. After she placed her hand on the bible and recited the words, I thanked her. I expected her to back away and leave, but she hesitated.
“Do you need something else?” I asked.
Her lids lowered, her shoulders slouching. “I’m not sure what to do. My husband was killed in the battle and I have no clue what’s expected of me now. All I’ve ever done is serve my husband.”
My heart wept for her and how much living she’d missed out on. “When things are settled, we can assign you a duty here if you want.”
“If it pleases Your Majesty, I would consider it a great honor to serve you.”
My own personal servant? Weird. “Perhaps you could assist Colin in preparing our accommodations. What is your name?”
“Paola Fuentes, Your Majesty. I’ll get on your room immediately.” She curtsied, then backed out of the room.
“Hang on, Paola,” Dathan told her. “Everyone gather around for Queen Autumn’s coronation.” He stood straight, shoulders back and chin up, as if daring me to rebel.
Oh, I dared. “Seriously, Dathan?”
Informal for now. Pomp and circumstance later after werewolves arrive from all over the world. Dathan looked like he was about to laugh. It’ll be short today, I promise. But you must make your reign official. You mustn’t risk anyone challenging you.
Because that could mean my death. I really hate you.
Dathan winked. Ditto.
True to his promise, he kept the ceremony brief. “Autumn Lily Rossi, daughter of Eli and Hannah Wortham, and Zackary Matteo De Luca, son of Renzo and Favianne De Luca, rightfully ascend to the throne, she by slaying her predecessor, he through marriage, and for all eternity shall be ruler of all werewolf kind near and far, across the world and all continents. They will lead their people to freedom and prosperity. Everyone, please welcome, Queen Autumn and King Zack.” Standing between us, he raised both our hands, like he had when he’d married us.
God, I wanted this to be the end of the ceremonial crap.
The glamoured crowd welcomed us, cheering and stomping. When the roar died down, Dathan called up four members of the royal council—my parents Hannah and Eli, Renzo and Favianne. For an instant, I wondered why Dathan hadn’t included Natasha. Then I remembered she had her own kingdom to rule.
“Long live Queen Autumn! Long live King Zack!” The werewolves broke into another thunderous round of applause, repeating the words and dropping to their knees. Even both my parents, Zack’s parents and Natasha bowed.
Zack, me, and our parents lined up to receive those who had pledged their loyalty. Each of them kneeled, kissed our knuckles and followed it with the same words, “I am at your service, Your Majesty.”
My head reeled and honestly, I just wished the ceremonies would be over. Finally, the end of the line was in sight. My arm was practically healed now and I could wait for sustenance, but I was hungry again. “Are we done or do you have any more surprises?”
Dathan held up an index finger. “One more thing I need to do.”
My chest squeezed, anticipating what else he had in store for us.
Chapter SEVENTEEN
Autumn
Pins and needles. How else could Dathan torture us? And when could I finally be alone with Zack? Just when I thought Dathan wasn’t ever going to get on with the next thing and wrap this up, he suddenly stepped away to stand in front of my aunt, his head bowed and humble. “Natasha.”
She blinked, then glanced around, spotting Cedric and the other vampires arriving. Damn, just when I thought Dathan might make a move on my aunt, the vampires had to hijack my hopes.
Cedric made a beeline for Zack and me. “Well done, you two. Quite an accomplishment, taking down a thousand-year-old empire.”
“In all fairness, a lot of that was Dathan,” I said. Zack and I shouldn’t take all the credit. We did a lot, this was true, but Dathan had been the mastermind.
Cedric raised one brow at me. “We both know this wouldn’t have been possible with anyone but you two.”
“He’s right,” Natasha said, her attention fixed on Zack. “My kind can never repay you for your generosity and courage.”
Zack nodded, visibly cringing at the accolades. “I guess my intentions should have been more noble, but I didn’t risk my life for all supernaturals. I did it for Autumn.”
“I was there in the dungeon with you.” Natasha cupped Zack’s cheek. “You don’t fool me.”
Zack coughed and shifted. Autumn, can you get me out of this?
I laughed and pulled Zack away. “He’s shy and he’s probably had enough attention for one day.” I spared Cedric and the vampires one last glance before telling them, You interrupted Dathan. Put on your seatbelts. I think this is going to be good. “Dathan, weren’t you about to say something to Natasha?”
Dathan studied the audience, then shrugged and refocused on her. “I wanted to say...”
“Yes?” she asked cautiously.
Dathan gently took her hand, then lowered to one knee. “Long ago, I was given a gift. I behaved wretchedly and squandered it.” He paused, as if gathering strength. “I spent decades trying to figure out how to right that wrong. Finally, realizing the task was impossible, I gave up and went into slumber, deciding I didn’t deserve that gift after all. And so, I slept. Because it was better than imagining you would never want me again.”
The room grew so silent I could hear my aunt’s heartbeat. Her eyes shone with hope, but she held her shoulders stiff with skepticism.
Natasha was in love with Dathan. And he was desperately in love with her. I knew it!
“Your point?” she asked, tugging her hand from his.
Dathan took a long deep breath and stood. “We pretend as though what we had was nothing. But to me, our time together was everything. From the second you left, I wanted us to be something again. What could I do to win back your trust? Very likely nothing.” He waved to encompass the room. “But I could help you get your family, freedom for you and your people, and maybe one day you’d trust me enough to give me another chance.”
>
Natasha’s mouth parted. “All this for me?”
“Well...” He shrugged. “If we’re being honest, I was hoping to benefit from my efforts, that you would be my prize.”
She swallowed and licked her lips. “You mad, mad fool. You did all this, reunited me with my family, practically created world peace among supernaturals, because you wanted me to love you again?”
I’d always suspected Dathan had ulterior motives, often wondered what his end game could be. And this was it—all he had wanted was Natasha. I choked on a sob.
“We both know you’re too good for me,” Dathan whispered. “I can’t guarantee I won’t make mistakes and disappoint you. But I’ll spend every minute of my life trying to make you proud.”
“You crazy son of a bitch.” She lunged at Dathan, wrapping herself around him. After a few seconds ticked by, I got the idea they’d forgotten the rest of us existed.
I command you two to get a room, I joked telepathically.
They separated, but slowly, like they were reluctant to take their eyes off each other.
One thing nagged at me. Either of my parents, or even Renzo or Zack, could have cut off Mortimer’s head. But Dathan had known that whoever killed the king would be the new ruler. Yet he had ordered me to do it anyway. Dathan, of all people, why make me queen?
He draped his arm around Natasha’s waist and flashed me a smug smile. With you as queen, I’m assured peace between werewolves and shape-shifters, which keeps the woman I love safe.
I rolled my eyes. You could have accomplished that goal with my parents.
Yes, but with Zack as king, we’ll have peace between werewolves and vampires, which keeps my people safe.
Dathan could have achieved both those goals any number of ways, but I conceded that Zack and I were the perfect package to accomplish everything Dathan wanted. And we were stronger than the others. I wasn’t thrilled with being ruler of all werewolves, but I understood why he’d orchestrated it. He sensed what was in my heart, saw how I cared about others, and that’s the kind of person he wanted in power. I got the raw end of the deal for sure, since I didn’t want this job at all. But I couldn’t blame Dathan for putting me there.
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