bright smiles, and scales gleamed under the light of crystal chandeliers. Slate and I grinned through sexy and sometimes silly dance moves until we were both sweating and breathing heavily.
My other men, including Verin, were seated at a round table just in front of the rectangular one reserved for the wedding party. On the way to our seats, we stopped by to see how they were. I was especially worried about Verin, who didn't have the connection to the RS to ease his jealousy. I know I couldn't have sat through his wedding to another woman, and I had told him as much when I handed him his invitation months ago. I'd also told him that I'd understand if he didn't want to attend. Verin had informed me that he had never been a man to turn his back on the truth just because it was uncomfortable. He knew what he had signed up for and he intended to face it down it until it was comfortable for him. Still...
“How are you?” I whispered in Verin's ear as I leaned over his shoulder.
Verin turned to kiss my cheek. “I'm fine, Elaria. Enjoy your party; don't worry about me. I'm actually having a good time.”
“He's funny.” Cerberus waved a hand at Verin as I straightened. “Who knew?”
“I did,” I said smugly. “With Verin, it's about investing the time to listen until he stops grunting and starts speaking actual words.”
“You seemed to enjoy my grunting the other night,” Verin said smoothly.
Cerberus chortled. “You see?” He waved at Verin. “Unbelievable.”
“Quite,” I said in a chiding tone to Verin.
“If you wouldn't mind refraining from sex talk about my wife on our wedding day, I'd appreciate it,” Slate said dryly.
“My apologies.” Verin held up a placating hand and then held it out. “Congratulations, Slate.”
Slate looked a bit surprised as he shook Verin's hand. “Thank you, Verin.”
Verin nodded, grunted, and looked back at me. We shared a bittersweet look. Even if we stayed together forever, we would never have this. His people wouldn't allow him to marry a woman who he had to share with six other men. I suddenly felt horrible again about what I'd said to him the other day, about how he didn't have as many rights where I was concerned as the others did. What a bitchy thing to say. Why had I said that?
“Can I speak with you privately?” I asked Verin.
Everyone else at the table went still. Even Cerberus watched us warily.
“Is there something wrong?” Slate asked me.
“No, honey, I just need a few minutes with Verin. Is that okay?”
“Sure.” Slate kissed my cheek as Verin stood. “I'll be here.” He slid into Verin's vacated chair.
“Thank you,” I said to Slate as I took Verin's hand and led him to a corner behind the wedding party's table.
“What is it?” Verin asked in concern.
“I'm so sorry,” I whispered.
“For what?” he asked in bafflement.
“I shouldn't have said that you don't have the same rights as them. That was horrible of me and just plain mean. I feel awful. I love you; that love gives you the same rights that they have. Whether you marry me or not.”
“No, sweetheart, it doesn't,” he said gently. “And I understand that now. I...” he let out a long breath. “I can't give you what they can, and we've had to compromise because of it. This is the price.”
“No, it isn't,” I insisted. “Yes, you're a little on the outside now but once you join the RS, you will be a part of us, entitled to the same rights that they have.”
“I remember the feeling of being bound to all of you,” he whispered with a soft smile. “It's the reason why I can be here today without feeling abandoned. I know that when I'm accepted into your family, that it will feel... empowering. Beautiful, even. I'm looking forward to it. And to the rights I'll have once I'm a contributing member.” He grinned.
“Membership has its benefits.” I grinned back.
“Are we good now?” he asked softly.
I grunted at him and he laughed.
“Let's get you back to your groom; it's his night after all.” Verin offered me his arm.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For understanding and for loving me enough to make the effort.”
“The latter I have no choice in, and the former I do because of it.” He kissed my cheek. “You don't have to thank me for wanting you and doing all I can to have you, Elaria.”
“There's nothing wrong with being grateful. Especially about the things that matter