to sit because my knees are shaking. I don’t want to admit how nervous I am, so I paste on a smile and look at my one and only friend.
“Trust me, if you had asked me a month ago if I would be here, getting ready to walk down the aisle, I would’ve told you you’re crazy,” I admit easily.
“This man must be all that because the Scarlett I know would never allow a man to dictate anything about her life,” she says. “Or is it because he has a big dick?” Her teasing has me laughing, and for a moment, I enjoy the lighthearted banter between us. It’s been so long since I’ve seen her, going from talking to someone every day to not seeing them for weeks is strange.
“I am not talking about his dick,” I throw back, knowing my best friend will be asking more about Lycan, as well as any dirty details about our sex life. Aelin was more provocative than I was, even when we came of age, she would go out to parties, meet boys when I would be the wallflower. I couldn’t find the courage to tell her about my tastes. Not the ones I hid in the dark for so long.
Those same fantasies Lycan brought to life.
I should’ve spoken to her more. Over the past few weeks of me being here, I should have reached out. Even though Lycan didn’t forbid me from calling, I didn’t. Perhaps it was because I couldn’t really explain my situation. My father put me here, he forced my hand without my permission, and as much as I wanted to hate him, I’m thankful he showed me his true colors.
“Are you okay?” Aelin asks then, her hands holding mine, pulling them close as she regards me with earnest curiosity.
“Yes, I am.” It’s the truth. If she had asked me when I first arrived here, I would’ve said no. But I truly am okay. “It’s been eye-opening.”
“Oh, I’m sure it has.” She wiggles her eyebrows, amusement brightening her face as she takes me in. I can feel the heat on my cheeks. But she doesn’t press me for more information. Thankfully. “So, where’s my dress?”
“Over in the garment bag hanging on the back of the door,” I tell her, pointing to where she came in. Now that we’re shut in, she can see the item. Aelin rushes to it, unzipping it quickly to find the dark crimson dress that reminds me of a rich, red wine.
I didn’t want pinks or blues, or any pastel color, and the red just fit so perfectly with what I had envisioned when we decided to have the wedding at the house. With vast gardens, and the beautiful scenery that overlooks the woods, I envisioned a fairytale wedding.
“This is epic,” Aelin remarks as she strips down to her underwear and slowly slides the satin over her frame. It fits perfectly, like I knew it would. And when the straps are draped over her shoulders, I can’t help but grin.
“I knew you’d pull that off,” I tell her quickly as I push to my feet and rush to her side. Her long, blonde hair hangs to the middle of her back in waves of silk. “This is perfect. I wanted something different.”
“I must say, the color scheme is totally you,” she tells me with a giggle. “But I love it. I just want this day to be perfect for you.” Once again, she takes my hands in hers, and emotion pricks at my eyes. I was so convinced I would walk away from Lycan before I got to this day. I wanted to escape, but right now, all I want to do is walk down the aisle.
“It’s perfect because you’re here, and you get to share it with me,” I tell her honestly. “But don’t make me cry. They spent hours on my makeup,” I tease, offering a smile as I try to keep the tears at bay.
“Well, let’s not keep your future husband waiting.”
“I’ll be there in a moment.” I watch her go after a quick hug. Once alone, I take a few deep breaths before I pick up my phone. There’s one person I need to talk to before I do this, one person I need to ask one simple question before I say, “I do.”
33
Darius
For years I’ve waited. Needed proof before I walked into my brother’s home and told him the truth about our family. About our father. As much as