She watched as Sandy came in through the same doors. Other girls, young girls, all broken, all hurt, but all alive.
Ava’s mom came rushing in an hour and a half later with Zack.
“She’s ok? My baby’s ok?” Ava’s mother looked as wretched as Zuri felt.
Zuri nodded and opened her arms to both mother and son. “They said she’ll be just fine. She’ll be scared and weak but she wasn’t touched.”
“Oh thank god,” Ava’s mother burst into tears and this time Zuri was the one to comfort them away.
Mother and son were both allowed back to see the patient. Zuri, not being a family member, still wasn’t allowed. She sat down heavily in one of the chairs.
Her eyes were growing heavy and her shoulders sagged.
“Zuri?” Chaz’s voice was like a soothing balm washing over her. She looked up, relieved to see him, happy that she didn’t have to try to be so strong on her own anymore.
“I missed you.” She reached her hand for him and he took it, sitting down next to her.
Chaz pulled her into the crook of his arm. Zuri breathed him in, lavishing in his masculine smell.
They spent the rest of the night sleeping in the waiting room chairs wrapped up in each other. Just after five in the morning Ava’s mother came out and tapped Zuri on the shoulder.
“Is everything ok?” Zuri sat up straight.
Ava’s mom nodded with smile, “Ava is asking for you and the doctor says you can come.”
Zuri stood with Chaz at her side. The hospital had found Ava a room and they took the elevator up to a quiet floor.
Inside the room Ava looked fully awake. There were dark circles under eyes and stress on her face but she was relatively alert and looked much more like herself.
“Zuri!” Ava’s eyes filled up with tears.
Zuri walked around the bed and took Ava’s hand in her own.
“How are you feeling?” Zuri asked, holding the slender carefully.
“Not great, but…you came for me. You…” Ava brushed at the tears with her free hand.
“Hey, I thought of a good one for you,” Zuri said with a sly smile. “Ambrosia.”
Ava laughed a little hiccupping laugh. “The food here is far from ambrosia but it will suffice.”
“Nice,” Zuri laughed too, happy to see a smile on Ava’s young face.
“Mom says I got a letter from Oregon State.” Ava smiled at Zuri.
Zuri looked to Ava’s mom, “I couldn’t help myself. I was so distraught…I wanted to be closer to my little girl.”
“She opened it,” Zack added with a laugh.
“I got in with a full ride.” Ava sat up a little straighter, a light pink flushed her face.
Zuri felt the same choke of tears well up in her.
“Don’t cry,” Ava said, her concern for Zuri overriding her own situation.
Zuri felt Chaz’s firm hand on her shoulder and she placed hers over it.
“I’m just so happy for you.” Zuri leaned forward and kissed Ava on the cheek. “Ok, we should let you rest.” Zuri stood.
“Thank you,” Ava’s mom looked to Zuri and then to Chaz. “You saved both our lives today. I could never have survived if Ava…thank you.”
Chaz nodded, obviously a little awkward with the outflow of gratitude.
Zuri and Chaz walked down the quiet corridor and took the elevator back to the ground floor.
“Kevin?” Zuri turned to Chaz.
“He’s alive, he has a pretty bad bump on the head, the Ukrainian’s didn’t honor their end of the bargain I guess.”
“What will you do to him?” Zuri stopped walking.
Chaz looked at her and took a breath. “Nothing. I think living with what he did will be punishment enough.”
Zuri nodded slowly. He was right.
“Let’s go home,” Zuri said looking up at Chaz. She didn’t correct herself and say your home, or your house. She meant it. Home for her was wherever Chaz would be. They walked out of the hospital and into the budding sunrise.
“There is one more thing Zuri Hayes,” Chaz said her name with a tenderness that made her stop walking.
“What?” She looked up at him, thinking she’d missed something, forgotten something.
“I should preface this by saying this isn’t a question,” Chaz’s voice was calm and steady.
Zuri raised her eyebrows. “Ok?”
“You are going to marry me. I want our bond to be on paper, in front of our friends, in front of the world.”
Zuri sucked at her teeth.
“Aren’t you going to say anything?” he asked.
“You didn’t ask me a question,” she said with false defensiveness. Chaz pushed his lips together in thought. “But if you had,” she continued, “I would definitely say yes.”
Epilogue
Zuri had considered asking Tiana, Big Joe, or even Zack to walk her down the aisle. But ultimately she’d decided to do it alone. She was meeting her eternal partner at the end of the aisle and that was perfect for her.
She walked out of the small ramshackle building she’d set up in. Her dress cascaded down her body, hugging her round curves, trailing behind her as she walked barefoot down the pier.
When they’d tried to think of location to get married nothing had sounded right to Zuri. Finally an idea had struck. She’d taken all the Magus members and some additional members of the community down to Devil’s Head and they’d begun a cleanup project. It had taken a full week and three dumpsters but they’d managed to turn Devil’s Head into a gorgeous old port.
Now as she walked down the wooden boards she let the sea breeze ripple through her hair and around her lacy white dress. She looked at the group of people seated along the pier facing out toward the water.
Mia was her flower girl in a puffy white and pink dress. Zuri saw Mia take the cue and Mia began up the aisle throwing clumps of flowers in rather random patterns.
Zuri smiled. Jeremiah had become so attached to his new spaceship that he carried it around like a baby doll and refused to leave it at home, even for the wedding.
Tiana and her husband were seated near the front of the guests. Mrs. Perez, who could barely walk anymore, was seated on one of the corners, looking out at the ocean. Zuri wasn’t sure that the old woman even really knew where she was, but she looked happy and Zuri had wanted everyone in her life and community around her on this special day.
Zuri came up to the backs of the chairs and heads began to turn. Everyone began to stand and Sandy turned and winked at Zuri. Kevin had left town and ultimately Sandy was the one who couldn’t forgive him for what he’d done. Chaz had been right, he was getting his punishment without any help from Magus.
Big Joe stood up and unleashed a fiddle from a neighboring chair and brought it to his chin. A slow melodic tune began to ease out and Zuri felt her face grow hot at the sound.
It certainly wouldn’t have been Big Joe’s normal choice of music and the sentiment of it touched Zuri’s heart.
Zuri started her walk down the aisle her eyes looking around her at the people who had come out to love and support her. Then her eyes landed on Chaz.
Chaz was staring at Zuri with such intense love and solidity that Zuri felt a ceremony was redundant. She didn’t need vows to know that this man would be by her side for the rest of her life.
She walked the rest of the way down the aisle without the aid of a father or family member. She walked captured in the tight embrace of those eyes.
Later that night, after too much wine, lots of dancing, and delicious food, Zuri sat sidesaddle on Chaz’s motorcycle and drove off into the night. They arrived at the house and Zuri slid off her seat.
“I thought you might fall off sitting like that.” Chaz looked at the dress and his bride.
“Is that why you were driving so slowly? I was wondering.” She smiled at her new husband. She had no idea that he could look so handsome in a suit. It really was a day of discoveries.
“Wa
it,” Chaz stopped her. He walked over to Zuri and swung her up into his arms. “I believe this is the traditional ‘over the threshold’ wedding night routine.”
He walked to the door of the house and Zuri laughed.
Zuri took the key from his breast pocket and unlocked the door before Chaz pushed it open with his foot.
He walked into the house and Zuri gasped.
She felt her feet hit the floor and Zuri paused, staring around her for a long moment, before moving into the house. Everything was completely redone. The once acetic house now felt like a home. Color and light flooded the room. The walls were painted a soft blue. There was a new plush sofa and a cozy looking side chair.
“Throw pillows? Who helped you with this?” Zuri turned to him.
“You think I don’t know what a throw pillow is?” He feigned a bruised ego. “I had a good bit of help from some really great people. I think the throw pillows were Tiana’s idea.”
Zuri turned and walked to three full-length bookshelves filled top to bottom with books. Zuri ran her hands over the book spines. She pulled one out and flipped through its pages before returning it to its new home.
“This is amazing,” she said as she walked back to the kitchen. New appliances were installed, a teapot on the stove, resurfaced countertops, a thick wooden cutting board and new knives. She walked back across the living room to the bedroom.
When the door swung open Zuri caught her breath.
Rose petals were sprinkled across the floor and bed and lit candles lined every shiny surface.
Chaz came up close behind her. His breath was hot on her neck. The overwhelming sense of love she felt for this man was incomprehensible.
Chaz’s fingers began slowly unbuttoning Zuri’s wedding dress. She felt the small buttons open one by one and she loved the anticipation…a good twenty buttons worth of anticipation.
He pressed his fingers into the opening at the back of her dress and moved the sleeves down exposing her bare back. He gently moved the dress over her ample hips and it fell softly to the floor.
“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” he whispered into the crease of her neck.
Zuri turned to face him. She walked backward into the room, pulling him toward her by his tie.
She undressed him slowly, memorizing the muscle and bone of his body. She touched every freckle, every mark, floated her fingers into his chest hair. She kissed him.
His mouth found hers and he pulled her close to him. She wanted every inch of her skin to be covered with him. She pulled her legs up around him and pulled him in close.
“So all of this is mine now,” she gestured to the house.
“Every last thing,” he agreed.
“And all of this is mine now,” she ran a hand over his body.
“Every last inch.” He dipped his head and kissed her deeply, passionately.
Zuri felt his large member growing hard and she guided him in. He moved on top of her, holding her gaze. His eyes touched her in a way his body never could. They touched her down to her soul. Zuri lifted her hips and swung herself over him, straddling him on top.
“I like the view from down here,” he smiled. She rocked and rolled on top of him, finding her sweet spot and letting Chaz fill her up. The night was cold but Zuri was hot. Her body sizzled with each movement.
Chaz reached a hand down and ran a finger across her most sensitive spot. She opened her mouth to moan but she bit down on her lip instead, humming out her pleasure.
She lifted her hips and pushed them down again. She loved that feeling. The feeling of fullness. He hit something in her that could be expressed only in the building of internal fire. She moved again and again, reveling in the sensation.
Chaz’s muscles were hard underneath her, his power and strength gave her power and strength. She fed off of his energy. Using it to climb toward her ultimate destination. Chaz placed both of his hands on her hips and guided her. He moved just as she wanted. He knew her desires before she even knew them herself.
Zuri tilted her head back and released a long-held breath. Her body was growing with heightened sensation, every particle of her being focused on the man who now fulfilled her, completed her.
They moved in sync, climbing together.
Zuri looked at Chaz and she knew that he knew.
She threw her head back and howled with the pleasure of full release.
They lay in bed panting, sweat dripping over them, both slippery and content.
“Happy wedding night, husband,” Zuri said as she turned her head languidly to look at him.
“I have one more wedding night surprise, dear wife.” He swiveled his head to look at her. His eyes were shining and she was struck again with the abundance of love she felt for him.
“Again? So soon?” she asked coquettishly
“Yes, but there’s something else too.” He rolled over and peered at her.
Zuri felt happiness beam through her, “Ok. I’m listening.”
Chaz licked his lips.
“You know how you were saying that there should be some sort of after school program for the kids in town? A place for them to learn and be safe so they can all go on to do the sorts of things Ava is doing?” He looked a bit red in the cheeks and Zuri thought he might actually be nervous.
“Yes,” she responded, waiting to see what was coming next.
“Greg is selling the bar, no one wants to go there after he got all chummy with wolves that almost sold their girls into slavery. The Smoke Stack wasn’t really a thriving bar anyway…so…” he drifted off.
Zuri tried to grasp his meaning but failed. “So…what?”
“I bought the Smoke Stack, for you. It’s close to the school, Magus can fund it so the kids won’t have to pay anything, and…you can help every kid that comes in the same way you helped Ava.” Chaz looked at her expectantly.
It took a moment for Zuri to process what Chaz was saying. The Smoke Stack would be hers to turn into an after school space? Magus would fund it and pay her salary so she wouldn’t have to charge kids anything to come?
“You—you bought the Smoke Stack?” Zuri asked, wanting to make sure she understood correctly.
“Yesterday. I got it for a steal.” He laughed a little nervously. “If you don’t want it I can always resell it…I just thought…”
“I want it,” Zuri almost yelled the words. She sat up in bed and draped her torso across Chaz so her face was peering straight into his.
“You do?” He lifted his face closer to hers.
Zuri felt so overwhelmed she could barely string words together.
“I mean it was just an idea, I never thought there would be a way that we could actually do it. But I want to do it,” she said emphatically, “more than anything. I…I can’t believe you thought of it. I can’t believe you bought the Smoke Stack.” Enthusiasm poured out of her and her mind began reeling down a list of things that could be done.
“Whew, for a moment there I thought I had made a big mistake,” he laughed up at the ceiling.
Zuri smiled. She didn’t want to laugh and cover her favorite sound in the whole world.
“Good. Then it’s yours. You can do anything you want. I just…I want you to be happy.” Chaz’s face became serious as he said the words.
Zuri placed both of her hands on the sides of his face.
“I am happy. I would be happy if we lived in shipping container together. Tonight, by marrying me, you have made me the happiest woman in the world.” She brought her lips to his and held his kiss for a long time.
“Well, there’s no need to live in a shipping container, but it’s good to know.” He swept her hair out of her face with her hands.
“Now,” she pulled her leg around him. “About that other wedding present.”
“So soon?” He teased her.
Zuri bent down and pulled at Chaz’s lower lip with her teeth. He reached up and lifted her into his arms as he sat up, lifting his face to hers. Zuri
gave him a little love bite as they moved.
“You should be careful,” Chaz whispered to her, “or you’ll bring out the animal in me.”
*****
THE END
About Jasmine Wylder
Jasmine Wylder is a Real Estate Agent by day and an emerging Paranormal Romance Author & Adventurer by night. Hailing from California, her passion for sultry stories, steamy scenes, and all-things romance began early on and it has stayed with her ever since.
When she isn’t creating captivating storylines, Jasmine loves spending time in the great outdoors, practicing yoga, painting, and treating herself to fine cuisine. She is also an avid animal lover (dogs in particular) and is the proud owner of a Husky named Luna and a Yorkie named Anya.
Whether it’s out-of-this-world love (literally), dragon shifters setting your heart ablaze, or unquenchable vampiric desire, Jasmine has you covered!
Currently, Jasmine is in the midst of crafting paranormal romances and tries to escape to the countryside every so often to get the full writer’s experience.
Want more of Jasmine Wylder?
Check out her Author Page or follow her on Facebook.
Jasmine’s Other Books
Alpha’s Desire
(Rocky Mountain Shifters Series, Book 1)
Description
He swore he’d never do it. She vowed to work alone. But circumstances have changed, and sacrifices must be made.
Sienna Blaine is not your typical lone wolf. Cast out of her pack by 17 vindictive Alphas, she vowed to make her own rules and stay one step ahead of the game – no matter the price. Skilled at discerning fact from fiction, she’s fully capable of keeping potential threats at bay. But for all her strengths, she has a weakness – one that compromises her ability to trust.
Alpha wolf Brody McAllister earned the nickname “Broody Brody” for a reason. His stone-faced, take-no-prisoners attitude separates him from the rest, but when one of his pack members goes missing, his less-than-animated personality is put to the ultimate test. Anger turns to desperation as he struggles to maintain control and unravel the mystery behind the young woman’s disappearance.
The Dragon's Secret Prize Page 43
