Chapter 15

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

SILVER

I wait in the hallway outside the Chapel for my cue. There are black rose petals covering the floor where I stand, and floating candles lighting the path. It’s beautiful in a dark, satanic way.

I can hear people murmuring through the closed wooden door, but I don’t know what they are saying. I wonder if I will even know anyone inside. I wish my family was here.

Closing my eyes, I say a quick prayer. I don’t know if I should really be praying to God in Hell, but just because I’m about to marry the Devil, it doesn’t mean I have lost my faith completely, and plus, Luke was an Angel at one time.

Kane comes rushing down the hall and takes my hand. “Love, you are the most exquisite sight,” he says, then presses a kiss onto my cheek.

“Thank you,” I mumble with a smile.

I'm surprised to see him. He'd mentioned having to guard the portal today.

“I'm glad you're here.” I tell him honestly. I don't know what's between us yet, but he has become someone to lean on. And today my nerves are shot.

Not to mention he is sexy as hell in a black on black outfit, with tight leather pants that fit him so well.

His eyes glow red and he groans, tasting the lust in the air.

“Behave, Silver. I am not permitted to have you until after the wedding night,” he grumbles, and I laugh. He has his lower lip stuck out in a pout, and I want to kiss it, but he’s right.

I'm about to walk down the aisle. I need to get my head back in the game and out of the lust-filled gaze of one sexy as hell Incubus.

Tonight is all about Luke and I. I give him a shy smile, and he sighs before waving his hand and making my dress glow. I gasp and he gives me a wink, then offers me his arm.

The doors open for us and I get my first look at my husband… Well, in a few minutes he will be.

Standing under an altar, wearing a blood-red suit with the jacket open, he looks like a demonic model. His chest is bare, and it looks like he’s carved some kind of symbols or sigils into his flesh.

The skin is raw, and I know this should freak me out or make me cringe, but I’m not. He gives me a smirk, and my knees go weak. The air all around us is hazy with smoke, and I can’t see who is sitting in the pews.

There are candles everywhere, and the ceiling is spelled to look like the night sky.

There is a clove, amber, and vanilla scent perfuming the space, and I find it calming as Kane guides me down a black carpet that is covered in more flower petals. I didn't want roses, so I'm glad Merida listened.

When we are halfway down the aisle, a sharp pain hits my chest, and I stumble. Luke gives me a look and takes a few steps toward me, but after a couple of seconds, and a rub of my chest with my fist, I’m fine.

Kane leans closer and whispers just for me. “Are you okay?”

I nod, and we continue walking. I wish I could see who was here, but maybe the fog will clear after our vows.

When I reach Luke, he takes my hand and pulls me into his arms. “You are breathtaking, Little Devil, and now you are all mine,” he says with a smirk, and I smile.

There is a man in front of us wearing a hooded robe, holding a large leather-bound book in his hands. I can’t see his face, but there is something familiar about him.

“Today we are here to bind these two together in life and death. Lucian Diavolo, do you swear to protect Silver Forest in all things, to destroy all her enemies, and take her fears as your own. To keep her beside you as your queen forevermore?”

“I will,” he replies, before a ring magically appears on my finger. It’s got a blood-red diamond with black stones in the design of a pentagram. It’s rather beautiful actually.

“Silver Forest, do you take Lucian Diavolo to be your king forevermore? To hold his soul in the palm of your hands and protect it. To keep him wise and strong in his times of weakness, and to bear his heirs, continuing the Diavolo line?”

I look at the man standing next to me and pause. Why are my vows so different from his? I knew they wouldn’t be traditional by any means, but those are just weird.

“I will,” I stutter, and Luke gives me a huge grin.

I can’t keep my eyes on his face for long. His exposed chest, and the drying blood, has my panties soaked. Tonight, I will finally get to have him in my bed, and I can’t wait.

I can only handle so much edging.

“Now that you have accepted each other, Luke would like to say a few words to his bride,” the man in the robe says, before backing away into the shadows once again. Luke turns to me and takes my hand.

The fog begins to lift, and I see a few people I once knew. I wonder if Jade is angry that I left too. I didn't have a choice, but I hope after our vows are done and I'm officially Queen of Hell, I can return to the Academy.

“Little Devil, you are my light in times of darkness. You are my dream within the nightmares. Without you, I would be a lonely monster in search of souls who need punishment. It was a desolate land before I found you. I swear to take your fears and demolish them. To always listen to your council, and take it into consideration. You are my queen, and I will always be your dutiful king.”

My eyes water, and I discreetly wipe a tear from my cheek. I never thought Luke would become this type of person. He was always so cold, collected, and cruel.

“Silver, is there something you would like to say?”

I never prepared anything… But, yeah, I think I would like to speak.

“Luke, you came into my life and changed things, but not for the better. You made me choose between you and my soul, and some of the most amazing men, but wait…” I put my hand up to silence him, because by the look in his eye, I know he’s about to argue with me.

Giving him a smile, I continue.

“Coming here and leaving everything behind wasn’t all bad. You have shown me a man that I can depend on and love. You are teaching me things that I have never even thought were possible. Magic, uncontrollable power… Though this won’t be an easy road, I am happy to be your wife,” I finish, and though they weren’t the most heartfelt of vows, it was the truth.

A rope magically appears and wraps around Luke’s and my hand, tying them together tightly. A golden glow shines through the twine, and then disappears into our skin, leaving a tattoo behind of the most beautiful flowers and pentagrams.

Luke pulls me closer and takes possession of my mouth and heart. I can feel him inside, his feelings of love for me, and I’ll admit, I’m overwhelmed. I feel as if something is missing.

I don’t know why they are flashing through my mind right at this moment, but… No, today is my wedding day. I shouldn’t be thinking about Wells, Jax, or Donnie. That time has passed.

Luke is my future, I can’t dwell on the past.

People clap and cheer, and the fog is finally gone. I find a pair of eyes in the crowd and wish I didn’t. They are haunted, and I know I’m the cause of it. Why is Jax here?

“Are you ready, Little Devil?” Luke asks and I nod, taking his hand as he creates a portal, stepping through, leading us to the ballroom.

It’s even more amazing than I pictured. Fire lilies are all along the tables as centerpieces, and floating candles line the space. There is a large table in the front of the room, covered in a delicate black lace and hundreds of roses.

I don't mind them actually, since someone spelled them to be a dark purple and black.

They are rather gorgeous.

Luke guides me over to the table and pulls a chair out for me. Kane comes up behind us and kisses my cheek, then thumps Luke on the back, making him lean forward.

“Welcome to the family, love,” he whispers to me, before moving to a smaller table a few feet away. Jade and Clara join him and I give them a smile. Luke is agitated about something, and I can feel it in my chest.

“Please, calm down, I still need to get used to feeling you within me,” I grumble, rubbing my chest.

“Sorry, Little Devil. I’ll try to contain myself, but Thimon is not supposed to be here right now. Please, excuse me.”

I glance over to where Thimon is, and my eyes widen. He’s wearing something similar to my gown. “What the hell?!” I mouth, then a sharp pain hits my chest again, and I know he’s close.

“Silver,” Jax Arrow says with a frown.

I move to give him a hug, but Luke returns and spins me around toward the dance floor. Music starts and we begin a slow waltz. I’m not the best dancer, but my husband doesn’t seem to care.

“If I could request something of you, just for today, please don’t talk to other men that have seen you naked,” Luke mumbles softly and I pause, stepping on his toes. He winces, then smirks.

Sighing, I nod. I do wish to talk to Jax, and Donnie and Wells, if they are here, but I can wait until I return to the Academy.

Shouldn’t be much longer now that we are married. He has to let me go… Right?

LUKE

I am officially a married man, and I couldn’t be happier. Silver is everything, and I hope in time she will see that she’s changing me. I meant every word of my vows.

I finish the dance with my bride, and Kane moves in to take my place. There are a few matters I need to attend to before we can sit and enjoy our meal.

“Little Devil, I will be back. Dance with Kane for now,” I say, then lean down and take her lips with mine. She tastes delightful, and I can’t wait to feast on her later. In private. I don’t care what tradition states.

Silver and I will be alone in our chambers tonight.

Leaving the ballroom, I say hello to a few guests as I make my way along the halls, heading toward my office.

“What is going on?!” A high-pitched screech greets me, and a sinister smirk hits my lips. I have been waiting for the day I can finally dispose of the Blackwell bloodline. They are all useless worms. Greedy and incompetent.

I open my office door and have to bite my bottom lip to hold in my laugh. Kane has Winnie trussed up like a Christmas ham. Or, I guess you could say she’s hogtied.

But, for some reason, he left her mouth alone.

“Master, why are we here? Please, let me go!” Winnie sobs, and I roll my eyes, walking all the way into the room and shutting the door. With a wave of my hand, I place a silencing spell around us.

I don’t plan for things to get bloody… yet, but I don’t need interruptions either. Blackwell is sedated in a chair, and still hasn’t woken up. Taking a seat in my chair, I ignore Winnie’s pleas and pull out a leather-bound book.

Flipping to the Blackwell name, I take a pen, then stand and move over to her. Slicing a cut against her shoulder, I dip the pen into the wound, then move back to my desk and cross out their name.

The page glows and sparks, then all of their information disappears. A grunt from the corner shows Blackwell waking up.

“Master, what’s going on?” he grumbles, and I take the seat beside him.

It’s time we had a little chat.

“Blackwell, so happy you could join me on this momentous day, but it seems it’s going to be your last. You thought you could go behind my back and try to make a deal with the Hunters, and I wouldn’t find out…” I tsk, watching as his Adam's apple bobs.

“Please, Master, you must under—” I cut him off.

“NO, you must listen!” I shout, letting my power flow throughout the room. His hair stands on end and his daughter whimpers.

“You planned to have my bride kidnapped and brainwashed to become the perfect weapon against me. You fucked up, plain and simple, and I’ve already replaced you. So sit back and enjoy your last few moments of life.”

I stand, pat his cheek condescendingly and leave my office. Kane will be portaling them to the coven meeting, but first, I’m going to enjoy my wedding reception with my Little Devil.

Kane is still spinning her all around the dancefloor. She has a huge smile on her face, and her cheeks are flushed in a delicious way.

Striding across the floor, people move out of my way, bowing. Nodding a few times, I reach them and Kane shoots me a wink, spinning Silver around, straight into my waiting arms.

“Hi.” She gasps as I grip her around the waist and pull her tight to me.

“Having fun?”

Nodding, she giggles. “I am. Kane is a wonderful dancer. He’s offered to teach me a few things, so the next big party, I won’t stumble and step on your toes,” she says, right as she does exactly that.

“I don’t usually host balls, but if that is something you would like, I would be open to discussing it,” I mumble, then lean down as she lifts up onto her tip-toes for me to kiss her.

I will never tire of her lips. The way she melts into me. I can’t wait until tonight.

A bell rings, and the band stops playing. I look up, and Thimon is stomping across the room. His purple hair is a mess, and his cheeks are red. Kane intercepts, but I know I am going to have to put him in his place once and for all.

His crush has been amusing, but lately, I fear he may try to hurt my Little Devil, and that is not acceptable. Kane leads him from the ballroom, and I take Silver’s hand, guiding her back to our table.

Dinner will be served promptly at eleven, and the coven meeting will begin at midnight.

Pulling out her chair for her without using magic has some people around us commenting, but I want to do right by my bride. She wasn’t raised around witches and warlocks. We have been easing her into our world, but I don’t mind doing things the mundane way at times.

Leaning down, I press a kiss onto her bare shoulder and she trembles, a gasp leaving her painted lips. I miss her blood-red hair, but the black is growing on me. She’s still a gorgeous woman. I’m a lucky man.

I take my seat and Merida comes rushing out of the side door, a host of servers following with trays full of delicious smelling foods.

“So what did you choose for the menu tonight?” I ask, placing a linen cloth over my lap. Silver reaches for a goblet of wine and takes a healthy sip before setting it back down and answering me.

“The typical steak, chicken, or fish, but a little more elevated,” she says, then hums as a man in a black waistcoat sets her platter in front of her.

“Sounds delicious, Little Devil, but I can’t wait for dessert,” I whisper, moving closer to her ear, nibbling on the soft flesh while breathing in her scent.

“Luke,” she gasps, looking around to see who is watching, but I don’t care if anyone is. She’s mine, and tonight I’m going to give her my heir.

Dinner was a momentous affair, but now it’s time for the meeting. Silver is talking with Clara and Jade as Kane appears through a portal with Winnie and her father.

Everyone quietens, and a few people gasp.

Tobias Blake scoffs, and Alara Bell steps forward to intervene. The fire rages high, and I notice that Jax Arrow leaves.

He’s been drinking all night, asking around about Donovan.

I should order him to stay, but it’s fine. I don’t need him here. This is Silver’s time to shine, so to speak.

“Let the coronation begin!” I shout and a few loyal supporters cheer. “You may be wondering why I have the Blackwells here, and I’d be happy to tell you. Little Devil, come here,” I say, then offer Silver my hand.

Although she’s hesitant she comes as instructed. I don’t blame her for being cautious.

“Luke, what’s going on?” she whispers, and I press a quick kiss to her temple.

“It seems we have traitors in our midst. Blackwell here has been conversing with the Hunters.” I pause for dramatic effect.

“No,” Alara gasps, looking over at Winnie and her father. Blackwell has his head lowered in shame, and Winnie is trying to speak through her gag.

“Yes, they had plans to drug and kidnap your queen. So you may not understand, but you will respect my decision to wipe the Blackwell name from the grimoire.” I allow my beast to shine through my eyes, turning them blood red as smoke flares from my nostrils.

Silver moves closer to me, rubbing her hand along my back, calming me. She’s so fucking adorable at times. I love that she’s not scared of my darkness, when the others are cowering and lowering their eyes to the ground in an act of submission.

“Little Devil, now is the time to complete your transformation, and give yourself wholly to me, to become the Queen of Hell. You wouldn’t sacrifice your love, and for that, I commend you, but you will eliminate these traitors.”

Silver gasps as Kane hands her the sacrificial blade used for these types of coven meetings.

Usually, we just sacrifice a goat, but not tonight. No, tonight we are going to turn my Little Devil into the true queen she’s meant to be. One that is beautiful, strong, and willing to go to any lengths for her family and coven.

Turning to Winnie, Silver removes the gag from between her chapped lips.

“Why?” Silver asks her, and I watch as Winnie goes from a sobbing mess to the evil vindictive woman she’s always been.

“Why would you want to hurt me? I left. You could have had Donovan and been happy together,” she continues, and Winnie snorts.

“Donovan! You ruined my life! You not only stole my future, my own father turned against me. Well, until he decided you were too much trouble. I was the one contacting the Hunters. My father only went along with it after the solstice, when you were awakened and showed how dangerous and powerful you really are!”

“I never knew I was a witch, Winnie! You think I wanted to knock all of you out?” Silver shouts, then shakes her head. “You brought this upon yourself. It never had to come to this,” she mutters, then takes the blade and slashes it across Winnie’s throat, slicing deep.

Gurgles and blood escape Winnie’s lips. Silver looks down at the blood covering her, and I’m waiting for her to panic… or something, but instead, she surprises me. With a smirk on her lips, she keeps slashing and stabbing, until finally tossing the blade aside and digging her red painted nails into her flesh, shredding her skin.

“She’s beautiful,” Kane comments, and I come back to what’s going on. I was in a trance watching my queen. Blackwell is sobbing and begging for his life, but I’ve heard enough.

Breathing in the metallic scent of his daughter’s blood, I let my beast shine through as my hand elongates as well as my nails. With a swipe of my hand, I decapitate him, and his head rolls over toward Blake and Alara.

Maybe that will teach them not to cross me. They have become too comfortable for my liking. I may need to appoint someone else as the Star Coven leader. Maybe Clara and Jade would be a better fit.