“Do you Marco Enrique Brazil take Lillian Nadine Hawker to be your wife?” He asked and my breath caught in my throat.
He smiled, “I do.”
A tremble swept through me as the preacher turned his attention to me, “Do you Lillian Nadine Hawker take Marco Enrique Brazil to be your husband?”
I took a deep breath and then, nodded, “I do,” I said, a little above a whisper.
Marco gave me a crooked grin as the preacher asked, “Marco, do you have the ring?”
He nodded as Andre stepped forward and gave him the ring he had chosen for me. My eyes widened as I saw it. It was a large diamond encased in delicate golden lilies. I looked up at him as tears filled my eyes. It was obvious that he had designed the ring. My heart melted as he slowly, placed it on my hand and said his vows, “I, Marco Enrique Brazil, take you, Lillian Nadine Hawker, to be my wife, to love, honor, protect and cherish, for richer or for poorer, through sickness and in health, in happiness and in sadness for as long as we both shall live.”
I swallowed because the way he said every word, sounded as if he meant them. My heart had clenched and for a moment, I could forget that we had only vowed friendship and that we were participating in an arranged marriage. I could almost believe he loved me. Only the preacher’s voice broke through my fantasy.
“Lillian, the ring,” he said.
I turned to Aurora who brought the ring. My eyes widened as I saw it. The ring was a band of golden lilies with their stems intertwined. I turned to him and he looked at me shyly.
“They’re beautiful,” I whispered and he sighed in relief.
“Lillian, repeat after me,” the preacher said.
I placed the ring on Marco’s finger as I met his eyes and said the words which would bind us together forever. He smiled as I said the last few words, “as long as we both shall live.”
The preacher clapped his hands together and nodded his head at Marco, giving him a large smile, “Marco, you may kiss your bride.
“Gladly,” Marco said and a moment later he had pulled me to him as his lips found mine. I leaned into his kiss, feeling my stomach flip pleasantly as applause sounded throughout the church. I blushed as he pulled away from me and we turned toward the crowd. I saw Ion with tears flowing down his cheeks.
The preacher’s voice rang throughout the church as he said, “I would like to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Brazil.”
I took a deep breath as I began my life as Marco‘s wife.
Chapter Eleven
Sealed in Blood
Marco helped me into the limousine which was parked outside of the church. It was strange to be alone with him after our nuptials. I was shy and I didn’t know what to say. He tilted his head as he turned to me. The silence stretched as my stomach continued to flip.
I was shocked when he took my hand in his. He was still studying my face, taking in every aspect of it, “You are absolutely beautiful,” he said almost as if in awe. He reached up and caressed my cheek with his free hand.
I blushed as the warmth of his approval sank into my soul, lighting it from within, “I’m glad you think so.”
He grinned, “I’ve always thought so,” he said with a raised brow.
I smiled as a grin lit my face, “Is this how you treat all of the girls?”
He frowned and then, shook his head. Still, his eyes remained on me, “This is how I treat my wife,” he said as he leaned forward and whispered, “Besides, there hasn’t been another girl for a long time.”
I smiled, pleased that he confirmed what Aurora had told me, “I know.”
He narrowed his eyes, “You do?” He asked and then, laughed, “Have you been asking questions about me?”
I pursed my lips, blushing, “Of course,” I said and then, raised my chin, “I had to make sure I wasn’t marrying a psycho.”
He laughed, “Are you convinced that I’m not.”
“Fairly,” I said, laughing, “I haven’t gotten a list of people you’ve murdered. I’d say that’s a good sign.”
He laughed again, “You know, you’re funny,” he said, amused.
“Sometimes, I guess,” I said with a grin.
His eye narrowed again, “Now, why is it that you didn’t ask me?”
I shrugged, “I don’t know,” I said and then, sighed, “I only wondered after Aurora told me that Andre had a crazy ex.”
He winced and then, nodded, “Katie,” he said, narrowing his eyes, “She lives with your father’s people now.”
I frowned as I wondered how that had happened. I would have to ask Aurora about her. Marco caressed my cheek again and I met his eyes.
“I know there’s a lot that you don’t know,” he said and then, smiled, “But I would like if you would ask me. I won’t lie to you. I promise.”
I nodded, “Okay,” I whispered.
He leaned forward and kissed me gently on my lips before leaning back. The limousine had stopped and Marco grinned wickedly at me, “I hope you know how to dance.”
I frowned, “No,” I said, alarmed.
He opened the door, “Well, you are about to learn.”
My eyes widened as he pulled me out of the limousine laughing.
************
I was dizzy as we stopped dancing. A grin of pure happiness lit my face. I sighed as I walked to the table with my sister while Marco talked with Andre. Aurora hugged me tightly as I finally sat down. She handed me a flute of champagne and smiled. Already, I felt more than a little tipsy from the champagne but still, I drained the glass.
I could feel the heat in my cheeks from the mixture of alcohol and exercise. However, I was pretty sure that joy was also a contributor. I fanned myself with a napkin and grinned.
“You look tired but happy,” Aurora said, grinning.
I nodded, “I’m also hot. I think I’ll go to the restroom and splash my face with a little water.”
She nodded, “Be careful of the make-up,” she said, grinning.
“I wouldn’t want to ruin this work of art,” I said, laughing as I rose, “I’ll be right back.”
She nodded and waved at me as she sat in a chair and rubbed her bulging belly. I walked out of the room and down the hallway of the community center which Sophia had booked for the reception.
I was half-way down the hallway when the lights above me went out. I shivered as fear slid down my spine, causing me to stop walking. I narrowed my eyes in the dark and inhaled. Instantly, the smell of a wolf hit me. I inhaled again and I knew this was not one from my family.
I backed away toward the door where my family was. I swallowed as I narrowed my eyes trying to see down the hallway. I froze as my eyes adjusted. In the shadows, I saw the red orbs of werewolf nearing transition. I trembled as the knowledge of who watched me entered my mind.
“Eli,” I whispered as my body quaked uncontrollably.
I took a couple more steps backwards and then, I turned to run, screaming as I did. Tears burned my eyes as I prayed that I would reach the door. I was three steps from it when Eli hit me from behind and turned me over. He still hadn’t transitioned but his eyes were bright red. I tried to move but couldn’t.
“Stay still, “he growled, moving so quickly that I did not see the knife until it was too late. There was no way to fight as he slammed it into my stomach.
I screamed again as the smell of blood saturated the air. Pain radiated through every part of my body as I watched him cut himself. Complete horror washed over me as I realized what he intended to do. He was going to create the blood bond whether I wanted it or not. He leaned up and panic gave me enough energy to kick him with all of my might, connecting with his stomach. The air burst from his lungs as he fell backwards.
I scrambled to my feet, holding my stomach and opened the door, stumbling through as I did. Darkness blinked in front of me as I took a few steps. Aurora’s scream pierced the air.
Pain slammed through me again and again as I sank to the floor, “Who did this?” I heard Andre ask as my heari
ng began to fade. Someone slapped my cheek gently, reviving me just enough to speak.
I opened my mouth and pushed his name from my between my lips, “Eli.”
Then, all was dark and I slipped into a painless abyss.
**********
Pain is what woke me. It pulsed through every part of my body. Tears ran down my cheeks. I could hear Sophia above me.
“She’s going to die,” she said as she caressed my cheek, “You know what you have to do.”
I heard Marco gasp, “She’ll be bound to me,” he said, “I’m not sure she wants that. I’m not sure I want that.”
“You promised to protect her,” she said, and I could tell she was angry.
I felt Marco caress my cheek. His hand trembled as it brushed across my skin, “She’ll hate me.”
“No,” Sophia said, “She won’t. I promise.”
A few seconds ticked by and then, I heard him sigh so heavily that his breath moved across me.
“Get me a knife,” he said, stiffly.
A moment later, I could hear him inhale through his teeth. I frowned as I felt his skin on my mouth. Then, metallic liquid began to flow down my throat. I inhaled sharply as I realized that Marco had cut himself and was blood bonding with me. I swallowed, unable to help myself as the liquid hit my tongue. Shame pierced me. I knew he didn’t want this. He was only doing this because of his vows.
Still, I couldn’t stop sucking the blood from his wrist as the strength returned to me and I healed. My eyes burst open as the sounds around me slammed through me. Lights became brighter and brighter until I had to close my eyes. I screamed and screamed and screamed.
Then, everything settled and I could only hear two heartbeats beating in the same rhythm. The pain was gone to be replaced with only the sound of those heartbeats.
Slowly, I realized that Marco had pulled away and I opened my eyes. Sophia leaned over me, caressing my face. Tears were falling down her cheeks. Slowly, I sat up and looked down where Eli had stabbed me. The bodice of my dress was ruined and stained but there was no puncture. I was healed. I was alive. I was…bonded.
I looked around, finally finding Marco. He had sunk into a chair. His face was buried in his hands but slowly, he lifted his head to look into my eyes. I shivered as I saw the coldness that rested in them. My heart sank. Somehow, I didn’t think we were friends anymore. I swallowed as I realized that my marriage was doomed before it had started.
Chapter Twelve
Side affects
We were quiet in the limousine on the way home. Tears burned my eyes. I could feel his anger as he sat beside me rigid and cool. There was no mistaking the hate he harbored. I could feel it. I could feel it all.
My heart clenched because I knew he blamed me. It was my fault because I wasn’t careful and it had cost us both our freedom. I swallowed over the bitter disappointment. In a few hours, every dream I had died. I had known better than to hope.
“Are you still hurting?” He asked, causing me to jump. I hadn’t expected him to speak to me.
I looked at him and he frowned, “No, I’m not hurting,” I whispered as another tear fell down my cheek.
“Don’t cry,” he said, finally taking my hand. I could see the pain and guilt in his eyes as he looked at me, “I’m so sorry.”
I frowned, confused, “About what?”
His face fell, “I should have been there,” he said, swallowing hard, “I should have been able to protect you.”
I blinked as I took in his words. Maybe I had misunderstood his anger. Maybe it wasn’t directed at me. Maybe it was directed at himself.
“This isn’t your fault,” I said as my heart clenched. Anger slammed into me, “This is my father’s fault and Eli’s fault but it’s not yours.”
He shook his head as I spoke, “I shouldn’t have left you alone.”
“You can’t be with me all of the time,” I said as I reached forward and caressed his face. He placed his hand over mine and kissed it.
“I promise you won’t be hurt again,” he said, pulling me close to him, “I’ll know when you are hurt now. That‘s the good thing about the bond.”
I bit my bottom lip as I peered up at him, “Thank you for saving me.”
“You’re not mad?” He asked, sounding tortured.
“No,” I whispered and sighed, “I wish we would have been able to choose the bond ourselves but I’m not mad. I understand why you did it.”
He sighed heavily as he looked at me. His eyes darkened, “Do you realize what it means?”
I shook my head, “Only that we’ll know each others feelings,” I said, frowning, “We will also die if we are separated from each other or if one of us dies, the other will too.”
He looked at me pained as he shifted. His eyes darkened further, “That’s not all,” he said, swallowing.
I frowned, “What else does the blood bond mean?”
He shifted, uncomfortable, “It means that it will be very hard for us not to want to….mate.”
My mouth dropped open and I blushed, “Oh.”
I blinked as I tried to take in everything that he said. I forced myself to breath and then, raised my eyes to meet his. He pressed his lips together as worry clouded his features.
“I swear I won’t force you to do anything,” he said, swallowing, “But it will be very hard for you to resist it too.”
I looked up at him with my eyes wide, “I’ll try my best,” I whispered as I remembered all of the times my father called for me and I tried to resist but failed, “Just don’t hate me if I can’t.”
He gave me a sad smile, “I won’t,” he said, “As long as you promise not to hate me either.”
I nodded, “I promise.”
The limousine stopped in front of a brand new motor home. I looked out of the window and sighed. This would be my home for the rest of my life. Suddenly, something I had looked forward to seemed dark and dismal. Marco opened the door and helped me out of the limousine.
We stood in front of our home as he finally gave a genuine smile, “I hope you like it,” he said as we walked to the door. He took a key and unlocked the door before stepping back down to stand beside me.
“Are you ready to go inside?” He asked and I nodded. In one quick move, he picked me up, causing me to squeal in surprise.
“What are you doing?” I asked, looking into his smiling face.
“I’m not letting Eli or your father ruin everything,” he said, kissing my temple, “I’m carrying you across the threshold.”
A moment later, he stepped up the little metal steps and over the threshold of our home.
**********
I gasped as I looked around the home in awe. We stood inside the living room which was bright with a beige couch lining the wall and chairs of the same color to either side. The passenger and driver’s seat were turned toward the living area to give extra seating. There was a shelf with a flat screened television upon it positioned on the opposite wall from the couch.
I looked to the left and found the dining room table with cushioned seats place around it. To the left of that was the kitchen made of shining Steele and light colored wood. There was a new dishwasher, stove and refrigerator. Beside the kitchen was an open cupboard which held a stackable washer and dryer.
“What do you think?” Marco asked and I turned to find that he was studying me. He bit his bottom lip nervously as he waited for my answer.
“It’s beautiful,” I said in awe, “Did you choose it?”
He smiled suddenly proud, “The day after you arrived,” he said and then, shifted meeting my eyes, “Would you like to see the rest?”
I grinned suddenly relaxed, “Yes,” I said, smiling widely.
He grabbed my hand and pulled me through a door into a room where bunk beds were housed. The small room held a dresser which sat across from the beds. There was a door beside it and another one between the beds and the dresser. He went to the door beside the dresser and opened it. He turned on the li
ght illuminating a bathroom with a large shower, sink and toilet. Towels were rolled and placed in a wicker basket beside the shower.
“Everything is ready when you want to get washed up,” he said, staring at my blood soaked bodice. I blinked as I tried not to think of my ruined wedding dress.
“Thank you,” I said, forcing a smile.
“There’s only one more room,” he said, going to the other door. He opened it and pushed a button, turning on the light. The bedroom held a King size bed covered in light blue silk. Pillows of white and blue decorated the bed. Mirrored doors led to a small closet. There were bedside tables on either side of the bed and a dresser of light wood on the far wall.
“All of your clothes are here,” he said, opening the closet before pointing at the dresser, “My mom brought them over and put them away.”
I nodded as I stood near the bed, trembling, “Remind me to thank her,” I said, in almost a whisper.
I could feel him step behind me, “I told you I wouldn’t force anything on you,” he whispered, “If you don’t want to take the chance of either of us giving into the bond, I can sleep on one of the bunk beds.”
I shook my head, “No,” I said, taking a deep breath, “You can sleep in here. I won’t spend our married life sleeping in separate beds.”
He gently turned me around to face him. His eyes were dark and pleading, “Are you sure?” He asked as he searched my face.
“I am,” I said, straightening my spine.
“Okay,” he said before caressing my cheek and kissing me briefly.
“I’ll let you get a shower and get dressed for bed then,” he said, stiffly and turned.
I winced as I thought of the corset ties, “I can’t undo the ties on my dress by myself,” I said, seeing his face darken even more.
He nodded as I turned around, holding the bodice of my dress steady. He loosened the ties slowly. His fingers barely touched my skin but suddenly my heart began to beat faster and faster. I could feel his breath fan across my bare skin as my stomach flipped pleasantly. I closed my eyes trying to push away the need that was rushing through me. I could feel his breath getting closer and closer to my skin and then, his lips were on my neck, tasting the tender skin there.
Summoned (The Brazil Werewolf Series) Page 8
