by J. K. Jones
Will you marry me? Beaming, Ryu strides straight over to Micah, who stands in the middle of the room. Yes, god, yes. Micah wears a brightly colored black, yellow, and blue kimono. It holds the Silvercrest brassard coat of arms on the back. Trmon stands off the far left, grinning at them softly. The Shinto priest takes over, starting with the purification ritual that incorporates the exchange of sake between the couple before they’re married. Micah is the gentle river, the bridles that sing, the stars, the clouds, the heavens in the sky. Ryu grips his hand tightly, heart swelling with love and hope. Electricity sparks through their hands, and he feels it deep within his soul. Their passion brings solace to fire, a tender wave to temper a raging storm. The Silvercrest Howlers and the Filthy Claws blend, creating a permanent alliance between the two clans.
The priest announces the beginning of the san-san-ku-do ceremony: three cups of sake, poured three times, and swallowed in three sips. They blush when their eyes met and laugh when sake spills. Deryn curses because he forgot the rings, and Trmon stammers awkwardly over his half-assed speech. The food is dry and stale, since all their resources went to the Filthy Claws.
General Sato and then General Hasegawa interrupt them.
“Oh, shit. Are you guys getting married?” General Hasegawa asks. At least he has the decency to look apologetic about it. It’s all a fucking mess. But, Ryu’s sides nearly burst with laughter. It’s the light in the darkness, and it settles deep within him.
It drags. The priest drones on and on, talking more about the gods and constantly asking them to repeat their names. At long last does he say the words, causing his breath to hitch wildly. The priest grins, looking between them with pride. “You may now—”
Micah kisses him savagely, fusing their lips in a bruising kiss. Ryu trembles with joy and throws his arms around his neck in a loving embrace. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Happiness fills him to the brim. They kiss again and again, much to the chagrin of those around them, until they finally break. During the reception, the maiden hands out drinks and bows deeply to them. “Thank you all for coming,” Micah says loudly. “Even to those who weren’t invited.”
“Sorry, Alpha,” General Sato and General Hasegawa say in unison.
“And I would like to say thank you to Deryn.” Ryu turns to look at him. “Maybe someday soon, we’ll be at your wedding.” Ryu’s eyes glint mischievously.
Deryn sputters, nearly spitting out his drink. With frantic eyes, he looks at Trmon, then flushes. “Don’t thank me. I’m allergic.” Deryn raves. “Why are you all looking at me? Stop looking at me.”
“I’m looking at you because you’re looking at me,” Trmon spits back, just as flustered.
“Well, close your eyes.”
“You close your eyes.”
Micah chuckles, kissing Ryu on the cheek. And so their hands weave into one.
At long last, he dismantles the sun.
End Book II
What's new?
Weeps Indigo Series
Weeps Indigo
Cage the Night
Defend the Mirage
Standalones
Years of Silence
King of the Titans
Exiled
Claw of Exile
The Filthy Claws
Claw of Vengeance
Author’s Note
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. I know the journey for Ryu and Micah is just beginning. I’ll admit this book was fun to write. I loved every minute of this story. I wrote “The Filthy Claws” a few months ago. I never thought it would amount to much, just a nagging thought in my head. However, I knew I needed to get this story out. I’m a self-published author, which means that a lot of the work I’ve done on this book has been manual. I never claimed to be the best. But I'm glad you decided to stay with this story. The last book will come shortly. To the true fans of this story, I appreciate you. A year ago, I never thought I would be here, and it is because of you guys that I am. Thank you so much for purchasing this book. If you enjoyed it, please consider leaving a review or recommending it to a friend. Be sure to look out for book three.
Thank you again for your support.
Contact me:
Instagram: jkjones9
Website: www.jkjonesauthor.ca
