Page 162 of Forsaking All Others

Lynx, acting the part of my best man until Falcon arrives, offers to help, but I shake my head.

“Another drink, perhaps?” He smirks.

“No, brother,” I snap. “No amount of drink will make today any better. This infernal piece of fabric is trying to strangle me!”

My eyes meet Falcon’s in the mirror as he enters the room, his countenance worried. He has the responsibility of delivering a special wedding gift to my wife-to-be today.

I don’t see anything in his hands, though.

“I expected you to be jumping around like a court jester at what’s about to unfold,” I snarl, attempting again to straighten my tie. “Did you get what I asked?”

“I have news,” he says without preamble. “It’s bad.”

I turn slowly and narrow my eyes at him. After all, what could be worse than marrying someone I don’t love in order to protect someone I shouldn’t love?

“What is it?”

“The woman you’ve chosen to marry is not who she says she is.”

“Elaborate.”

“Her last name is Lazio. She comes from Fondi. Need I say more?”

I grit my teeth and stare at him as if he’s gone mad.

“There’s no way the selectors would do something like that.”

“I don’t know how it happened,” he sighs, running his hands through his hair in agitation, “but it has. My sources are impeccable. She somehow assumed another’s identity and got onto the show. The people trying to get her back are not the mafia.”

My fangs run out as I try to contain my rage.

‘She lied about her identity. Moreover, she’s brought an absolute shitstorm to my house if what he’s saying is true.’

“Jag,” Falcon growls. “She’s Fondi.”

“I heard you the first fucking time!”

“You can’t marry her — it’s forbidden. She’s Forbidden.”

I tear off my tie and brush past him.

“Where are you going?”

“I have to talk to my intended,” I snarl.

Wolf, just entering the room, steps aside as I move to stride past him.

“Hello. It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding,” he chortles.

“You can’t marry her!” Falcon shouts to my retreating back.

123

I sit at the window, staring down at the crowds lining up to enter the cathedral.

I’ve been dressed for hours and I’ve had nothing to do but study the strangers coming to witness my union. My heart has been in my mouth as I scrutinised the features of those alighting from their limousines, fearing that my enemies might still, even at this late hour, stop my wedding. But security is tight. Jag had assured me no one from my past would get within ten blocks of this area, let alone make it through the masses of vampire security accompanying guests, both royal and non-royal — all hand-selected to attend by the queens. Queens heavily invested in ensuring these Games continue to provide wives worthy of continuing the royal bloodlines.

A ceremony like this is like no other on earth, and mine, if anyone knew the truth about my history, is even more unique. But I’ve been careful to ensure no one does know that. I’d insisted that nobody attend me for this wedding. No friends, no family, no retainers. I would have liked Thorun, but she’s been sent somewhere called Yin’s Island with her grandmother; somewhere Jag says is safe. So, no one accompanies me down the aisle, no one I know witnesses the event. No one sits with me in my final hours.