Breathe. Swallow. Fuckin’ rinse. Repeat. Rinse. Repeat…

My hands curled, stiff by my sides. I snarled, anger seeping into my mind and voice.

“Y-you f-f-find h-her. Y-you k-k-keep h-her s-safe. Br-bring h-her back to m-me.”

Brothers howled. Bothers slammed their fists over their chests, signing me their support. I exhaled; my talking was done. The python wrapped itself back in its place. But I’d said my piece. I actually said my f**kin’ piece…

A rough hand slapped my shoulder. Ky.

“Fuck, Styx,” he said in a tight voice. “Shit, brother…” He trailed off, unable to finish his sentence.

I pulled him into my chest by his hand, slapping his back. “W-we get her b-back,” I said only to him.

He drew back and smiled that f**kin’ cheesy Hollywood smile. “You know it.”

I made my way down the steps toward my Harley at the front, Ky following behind. Every brother slapped me on my shoulder in support. They all had my back.

Swinging a leg over my Harley, I took a deep breath. I held up my hand and pointed forward, signaling it was time to burn up road…

…A pair of wolf eyes spurring me on.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Mae

“The guard will be right outside. Do not even think of leaving this room. Am I clear, Salome?” Sister Eve glared at me, her milky eyes stern with reprimand.

I nodded meekly. She left the room, seeming quite impressed at my show of compliance.

I stood in front of the mirror and stared at my reflection.

Déjà vu.

A floor-length sleeveless white dress. Hair down in soft curls, sections along the top of my crown pinned back by a flower garland. The smell of vanilla oil on my completely-waxed skin—but did they make a happy bride-to-be? Not at all. What I wanted to do was cry.

The padding of feet sounded outside the door and, as I turned the handle, Lilah and Maddie were already sneaking inside.

“Be quick,” I whispered, checking the hallway was clear of guards. My sisters ran inside and I shut the door as quietly as I could.

“Oh, Mae. You look beautiful,” Lilah whispered, as I ushered them onto my bed. Water began to fill my eyes.

“Mae, do not cry,” Maddie begged, reaching for my hand.

“I cannot marry him. I have not even spoken to him. He is old and decrepit.” My hand flew to my mouth as I choked on a sob. “They will force me to join with him. I… I cannot do it. I love Styx. I will not betray him! What am I to do?”

My sisters were sympathetic to my plight.

“There is nothing to do, Mae,” Lilah said apologetically. “You are back now. They will never let you go. You must do as they command.”

Something within me shattered with the realization. A part of me died.

I looked up and stared out of the tiny window at the setting sun. “How long do I have?” I questioned.

“Ten minutes,” Maddie whispered.

I nodded numbly. “Will you be taking me to the altar?”

“No,” Lilah answered.

I faced my sisters. “Why not?” I asked, confused.

Maddie shrugged. “We were told by Sister Eve to wait here until they come for you. We were told we will not be attending the ceremony, that we are still shunned. Banned from public events.”

I sucked in a breath through pursed lips. My Lord, I will have to go through with this hellish act alone.

Nothing was said for the full ten minutes. What was there to say?

The three of us sat in complete silence as I awaited my fate. For the full ten minutes, I thought of nothing but Styx. I wondered what he was doing right now. I wondered what they had done to him when I had been drugged. My Lord… what if they had—no! I could not think of such a thing. I focused on remembering his ruggedly handsome face, his unshaven cheeks, rough under my touch, his deep dimples that shone when he smiled, his full lips so soft when caressing me and his large hazel eyes the color of Fall.

I will see him again one day.

I felt it in my heart.

I reached forward, taking Lilah’s and Maddie’s hands. “I love you, my sisters, no matter what happens, okay?”

They both frowned and Maddie flinched. “What do you mean?”

I resolved not to stay married to Prophet David. I could not join with him, under any circumstance. I also knew what would await me if I refused. I was prepared to face any consequences.

I pulled Maddie in for an embrace. “Be strong, sister. Keep strong,” I pleaded.

“Mae—”

Lilah was interrupted as my bedroom door opened… Gabriel. Gabriel in his white ceremonial garments.