Pariah (The New Covenant Series)

by Bond, Casey L.

  “Are you sure, Lara? I don’t want to make you uncomfortable,” he said, looking at me with his brows raised.

  “I’m sure.” I patted the bed next to me and flipped down the edge of the blankets for him. As he slid into bed, looked toward the ocean, took a sip of water, and blew out the candles on my table. He blew his out as well, and I tried to drift off to sleep. It was impossible—at least for a while. But finally, sleep found me, and I drifted into pleasantly, unmemorable dreams.

  I cracked open one of my eyes to see sunlight pouring in from outside. The breeze was still light and warm and sensually danced the delicate curtains. I realized that I was on the wrong side of the bed. I was on Riven’s side. How did I get here?

  Riven lay on his side, facing me, and I was laying in the crook of his arm, my head on his chest. My dress was pushed way up, and our bare legs intertwined under the soft white covers. I tried to sit up, but his other arm just pulled me further into him. He mumbled something completely incoherent, and I stifled a giggle.

  My door flew open and in popped Lil. She clasped her hand over her mouth and stared at me with wide eyes. “Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry!” she squealed. She covered her eyes and said, “I swear, I didn’t see anything. Never mind me. Oh gosh. Bye!” And with that, she slammed the door shut behind her. Riven opened his eyes sleepily, and then looked at me and I laughed. He laughed too and then untangled himself from me. “Sorry,” he said with a sleepy deep voice.

  “It’s fine. I don’t even know how I got over here.” I sat up and looked down at him.

  You wiggle a lot, and you rooted me out of the bed, so I had to go around and climb in over here.” How embarrassing! I didn’t know I rooted in my sleep. I dragged my hands down my face and then peeked out. “Sorry.”

  He just laughed and threw back the covers, stood and stretched and headed to the basin room. His short hair was crushed on one side, and his eyes were still heavy. He was handsome first thing in the morning. I raked my fingers through my hair, praying a bird hadn’t taken up residency last night. Most of the tangles came out, thankfully. I stood and threw the covers back to cover the mattress and then stepped over toward the outer door. I opened it and stepped out onto the patio. A servant entered. She was short with fiery orange hair and the most enormous breasts I’d ever seen.

  I felt a twinge of jealousy though I didn’t want to be that big. Just a bit bigger would be great. Anyway, she left bread, fruits, and a selection of jams and juices for us before exiting. Riven emerged in a fresh pair of dark brown pants. He wore the same white button up shirt from last night but left it unbuttoned. The fabric fluttered playfully against his hard chest.

  I motioned to the breakfast that had been set up on the patio and made my way to the basin room. I had chosen a taupe sleeveless sundress that landed just below my knee after flaring from its cinched waist but remained barefoot. I couldn’t wait to feel the sand in between my toes. I brushed my hair, chewed some mint leaves, and washed my face before returning to the patio.

  Lil and Matthias had joined us, bringing their food over to share with ours. As I sat down, Faric and Rebekah entered our room hand in hand and made their way to the patio with some food tied in a cloth as well. We laughed, talked, and had a beautiful breakfast in the morning sunlight. Hope flooded the air around us as we prepared for the wedding of our friend and his returned love.

  Rebekah was quiet and reserved but seemed nice enough. She’s always whispering to Faric and running her fingers through his hair. She would smile sweetly and listen to the rest of our stories and conversations but rarely interjected. She seemed content to have Faric beside her. She never let her fingers stray far from him. It was as if she thought she was dreaming, and if she let him go, she would wake up, and he would be gone again. My heart broke for her a little bit. It broke for him, too. The storm was gone from his eyes. He smiled and laughed and held Rebekah’s hand and waist and always whispered explanations of the outside conversations going on around them.

  We decided to rest on the beach and swim for a while before we had to get ready for the wedding banquet. Everyone retreated to their rooms to change into swim attire, and Riven and I took turns doing the same. I met him on the patio, off of which a small trail led through the sea grass down toward the shore. He gulped and tried not to look at me. I thought it was sweet.

  “You can look at your wife, Riven,” I teased, smiling at his discomfort.

  He laughed and shook his head. I took his hand, surprising him and led him toward the ocean. The others were spreading blankets in close proximity to one another but far enough to give some space. I helped Riven spread a large blanket in the powdery white sand and then peeled off my skimpy cotton cover-up. I wore the midnight blue bikini that Ruth gave me. I could feel Riven’s eyes on me, but when I looked at him, he quickly jerked his head toward the ocean. I laughed and grabbed his hand again, running toward the ocean. We have to make this thing look believable, right?

  We played in the water in rough waves. Lil bowed out quickly. She wasn’t much of a swimmer, and the tumultuous current scared her. She ran back to her blanket, claiming she’d had a near-drowning experience. In reality, she’d just gotten some water in her mouth and coughed a few times. But if she wasn’t comfortable, I understood. Matthias joined her, which was sweet. They were getting very comfortable with one another. They made quite a sweet pair. I hoped there was more than a friendship forming there. Lil deserved happiness, and Matthias seemed like a great guy.

  Rebekah and Faric walked down the beach hand in hand until their silhouettes were so tiny they’d almost disappeared.

  That left Riven and me to play in the waves. The current was very strong, and I had trouble walking against it when standing only knee deep. The wind picked up as well, and it, combined with the current, sent the whitecaps sideways. I was walking back toward the area of beach where our blankets were after having been swept fairly far down the shoreline. The water swelled to my waist and then to my knees upon receding. All of a sudden, a large powerful wave came upon me.

  I struggled to stay upright, but then a searing hot pain caught the top front of my thigh. A normal non-demonic scream flew from my lips. The wind picked up and thrashed my wet hair around my face in a fury, pieces of it sticking to my neck and cheeks. I tried to trudge toward the shore, but the current was so strong. I was moving at a snail’s pace. I finally collapsed in the sand and took in the still-burning thigh. A winding bumpy red streak began to appear on my thigh. It wound to my outer upper thigh, across and to my inner upper thigh, ending just below the inside of my left knee. It burned like hellfire. I remembered the whip the dark angel had struck me with. Okay, okay, maybe not as bad as the hellfire whip, but it stung, and it really burned and sucked anyway.

  I gritted my teeth together and hissed. Riven ran to me. “What happened, Lara?” he yelled, kneeling in front of me. I nodded to my leg, and he said, “Oh no. Jellyfish sting. Burns huh?” I nodded and winced at the fiery whelps that clawed over my pale skin. Lil and Matthias reached us, and Riven asked Matthias to run and get some rags and vinegar. He took off toward the palace. I called it a palace anyway in its magnificent, white, open-air glory.

  Riven and Lil acted as my crutches and helped me limp back to the blankets. Matthias returned, and Riven quickly soaked a rag with vinegar and draped it gingerly over the stings. He held his hand over the rag, applying gentle pressure. Then I realized it.

  He had his hands on my upper thigh. This was a bit too intimate for me. I tried to back away. “No,” he said. “I know, Solara. But you’ll feel better if you just let me help you. I’ve seen plenty of these and have even been stung myself a few times.” I nodded and was thankful for his help. The stinging and burning eased after fifteen minutes or so, and I told him as much so that he could let me go.

  Our time at the beach was cut short after my clash with nature when we were summoned back to be readied for the wedding ceremony. Faric and Rebekah had already gone in to be prepared. R
iven carried our blanket and the extra rags and vinegar into our room for us where we met the servants who would prepare us for the evening. There was a small door open just off the table in our room that I wasn’t even aware was there. It housed a tub and small fireplace. A tub had been filled, and I was ushered into the room first.

  I bathed in cool water in an effort not to aggravate the still stinging flesh on my leg. As I dried myself and wrapped my body in a soft towel, the servant entered and began to rub a delicious smelling oil into my shoulders and back. Her hand stopped as she touched the mark, and she avoided it after that. I wondered if it had felt strange to her, maybe shocked or burned her. It was just a thought but a neat one anyway. Maybe it would burn Martus if he touched me. I shuddered at the thought. I was definitely not looking forward to holding up my end of the bargain but would keep my word and hoped that he indeed could decipher the strange markings that made up the cross on my spine. I was led to the basin room where a vanity had been set up.

  Riven was led to the bath, and then his servant left him to help assist with the mess that was my hair. They massaged coconut oil into my scalp and hair, and it smelled divine. It was definitely my weakness. Everyone said I smelled like lavender, and while the lavender I have smelled was very nice, I couldn’t detect the scent on my skin as others had claimed. I wished I naturally smelled like coconut. Mmmmm.

  They brushed and untangled my hair and again twisted and braided it and pinned its curls on my head in an intricate updo. It was beautiful. They even placed tiny sparkly seashells throughout my hair. My eyes were dramatically outlined with charcoal and brushed shimmering powder over my face. My lips were painted the color of pomegranate. Another woman entered the room, and Riven’s servant went to gather his wedding attire.

  The ladies laced me in a tight corset with stiff boning running up its length. It was also cut as low in the back as the one I’d worn for the reveal. The girl asked that I raise my arms so that they could pull the dress over my head gently, avoiding my hair. The pair went to work, lacing a beautiful full-length black ball gown.

  The skirt was covered in billowing ruffles. The top was sculpted in a sweetheart neckline and plunged low in the back, revealing the entire mark. It was decorated with black beads that reflected the light, creating a sparkling effect along the delicate lines of the bodice. They placed delicate black satin kitten-heeled shoes on my feet.

  My obsidian ring stood out sharply on my pale hand, shining along with my beautiful black gown. The pair threaded black, beaded earrings through the holes in my ears, so long they brushed the tops of my shoulders. A black ribbon with another piece of obsidian, cut into the shape of a teardrop, was tied around my neck. Once I met their approval, I met Riven back in the bedroom. He was handsome, dressed in a crisp white shirt, black coat, and pants with black shining loafers. His hair was styled perfectly, and his smile glistened as he looked me over. I smiled back and took his offered arm. We walked toward the ballroom together. He leaned in and said, “You look beautiful.”

  “Thanks. You look handsome as well.” I smiled.

  “Remember, we have to make it look real?” As if I needed reminding. I stopped us and leaned up, placing a kiss on his cheek.

  Then I whispered, “I know.” He blushed and laughed, and we started forward again.

  Lil and Matthias met us inside. Lil also wore a black ball gown that had only one strap on the shoulder. Black rosettes crossed the bodice, and her gown flowed straight to the floor. It wasn’t full like mine, but she looked hot. Divine, actually. Matthias was dressed like Riven, and his ebony skin and light brown eyes danced while he stole glances at my best friend. I caught him looking, and he smiled and cleared his throat. I smiled back and was so glad he seemed interested. I wondered if she felt the same. I’d corner her about it as soon as possible.

  An older gentleman ushered us to the front of a set of seats placed in rows, and we seated ourselves as couples. Others filled the chairs behind us. A white-bearded bald man in thick flowing white robes entered the hallway and stood in front of us and the crowd. Martus stepped forward adorned in a completely white suit with matching stark-white shirt and tie. His bronzed skin and dark hair sharply contrasted the color of purity. He glanced at us and then back at the robed man. Faric entered the room in a black suit with white shirt, in much the same fashion as Riven and Matthias but with tails on his jacket. He smiled at Riven and glanced at the rest of us. He looked so happy and anxious to begin this chapter of his life with Rebekah. I was happy that his father was keeping his end of the deal.

  Faric nodded his head toward me. I nodded back slightly and smiled. Rebekah entered in a beautiful full white ball gown with a lace overlay on the skirt and bodice and unlined lace sleeves, revealing her ivory skin underneath. Her hair was long and curled, and a glistening diamond tiara graced her brow. She beamed her cherry smile at Faric, and they clasped hands. They repeated their vows after the priest and in front of God and His witnesses, promising to love one another for an eternity.

  Smiles and tears flowed freely, and Faric bent her backward and kissed her passionately after she was declared his own. It was beautiful. Martus’s smirking face caught my eye, and he stared at me unabashedly. I felt as though I’d been caught in the web of a very poisonous spider and was thrashing to free myself from the sticky silk.

  Riven’s hand clasped mine, and I tore my gaze from Martus and sought solace in Riven’s tranquil teal pools. The couple was led to the dance floor where a band sat to the side and asked to perform a first dance as a married couple. They twirled gracefully with happily lit faces. Soon, Martus stood up and dinged his fork against his crystal goblet. “May I have your attention please,” he shouted over the noise in the room. “It has come to my attention that my son, Riven has married the beautiful Solara. And while I did not attend, I would like to ask them to join the newlyweds for a dance before we open the floor for all.” He clapped his hands, and the crowd erupted in applause.

  “Show time,” Riven whispered as he reached for my hand.

  Riven grasped my waist, grazing his thumb over the skin of my back. Man, this dress was low cut in the back. He clasped one hand in his, and my other hand rested against his chest. He smiled down at me, and the music started. He led me in circles in a beautiful waltz. His eyes and smile never left my own. The music slowed and then stopped. I pulled him closer and wrapped my hands around his neck. Both of his hands were on my back now, one drawing slow circles on my skin. I shivered but not because I was cold.

  He bent down and whispered. His breath was hot and moist against my ear. “I’ve waited on this moment since the reveal. I wanted to be yours then.” He looked at me, determination and hunger in his eyes.

  “Thank you, Riven,” I said and laid my head on his shoulder. He nuzzled his chin into the crook of my neck. We danced laced together intimately until the wedding banquet dinner commenced. After the amazing and rich dinner, offering delicacies of every form of sea life imaginable, grilled vegetables, and succulent fruits, and after the wedding cake was distributed and enjoyed,

  Riven led me back to the dance floor. We enjoyed a few more songs. Lil and Matthias seemed very cozy on the floor as well. I winked and smiled at her, giving her my “I know you are enjoying Matthias the hottie, and he is as well. You go girl” look. She laughed and faked a scoff and twirled away.

  A large, cold hand landed on my shoulder. Martus cleared his throat, and Riven stepped away from me but only slightly. “Excuse me, son. May I dance with your new wife?” The last word laced with disdain. Riven placed my hand into his father’s and said, “Of course, you are after all, her father-in-law now.” Riven smiled and winked at me. I missed the warm roughness of Riven’s hand immediately. Martus had cool, dry hands that sent shivers up my spin when he touched the skin of my exposed my lower back. Expertly, he led us around the floor amongst the other dancing couples.

  “You are truly stunning, Solara. Black suits you,” he said, looking down the bodice of my
dress. Gross. I hope his view is obstructed. “Your mark is quite unique, and nothing that I expected. I cannot wait to dissect the markings on your delicate skin.” His hand slowly ran up my back.

  I gulped, trying to swallow some courage. “Well, you’ve upheld your end of the deal, so I uphold mine. You have my word.”

  “Hmmm. Your word. Does it mean much, Solara?”

  “Of course it does. Why would you question my integrity, Martus?” I asked, furrowing my brows in disapproval.

  “Well, you seem to be going along with this little story my son appears to have concocted. You aren’t really married to him, are you?” He smirked. Shoot. Busted. Okay, now what?

  “We are married. Perhaps it didn’t take place in a church, and it wasn’t performed by a priest, but we made promises to one another before God, and our friends and both consider such promises as binding.” I stared at him, daring him to question me again.

  “I see.” He laughed. “Okay, Okay. It’s just that I was hoping you weren’t truly married. I found it difficult to believe that you married again and so quickly after your first husband was slain.” He knew where to gauge me. Darn him. I had to lie. Sorry, God.

  “I was ordered to marry my first husband, sir. We only spent part of the evening of the reveal together before I fled the kingdom, so I didn’t know him well and certainly wasn’t in love with him at that point.” Okay so that was semi-true. I just left out the part that I had agreed for Wes to apply for my hand and for him to pull strings to make our union happen, that we spent an intimate wedding evening together before we were rudely interrupted, and though I wasn’t passionately in love with him yet, I felt we were headed in that direction.

  Martus nodded. “Anyway, I’m not sure why it would matter to you whether or not I am married unless you deem me unfit for your son.”

  “No, Solara. I find you suitable. So suitable, in fact, that if you weren’t married to my son, I should like to take you as my own.”