Chapter 41

Jayce

Shay’s love has stripped the memory of all the others from my conscience.

Circe ran after the three men that Emjay banished from their labyrinth. Shay hasn’t brought it up, so I’m not sure if she noticed her chase them.

I thought planning a wedding in eleven weeks was too fast. Not that I know anything about wedding preparations. Yet here I stand with Anjal, waiting for our mates, one week after she announced our engagement.

Since Anjal proposed, they decided Priscilla would walk toward her groom first.

She looks lovely in her flowing lace dress. I bump shoulders with Anjal, whose smile reaches his ears.

My heart beats faster once Priscilla’s father hands her over to Anjal.

Never in my life would I have imagined standing as a groom waiting for my bride, yet I’m more excited than on the day of my first shift.

Shay turns the corner on her father’s arm. I don’t hold in my laughter over her choice of attire.

My heart swells with awe. She’s a vision of beauty and unexpected grace.

She remains true to her customary choice of shorts and crop tops. The stunning, pristine white shorts cling to her form with an air of effortless allure.

Atop her slender frame rests a lacy white crop top, delicate and beguiling. A teasing glimpse of skin reveals a new piece of jewelry, adorning her navel.

Each step she takes in her white heels showcases how her confidence commands the room.

A veil trails behind her like a whisper of tradition. It gently caresses the floor with each step she takes. The small tiara holding the veil in place glimmers with subtle elegance, crowning her as the queen of my heart.

After what feels like an eternity, her father places Shay’s arm on mine. He kisses her cheek and takes the seat next to his wife.

Anjal and Priscilla say their vows. Vows they wrote. I can’t take my eyes off my bride. My bride. A title I never pictured giving to anyone, but it feels so right.

Some human traditions have value in a way I never realized.

As a demigod, we find our mate and fall into each other’s arms. It’s rarely a conscious commitment. We’re raised knowing our other half is out there and she’ll never leave.

Hearing Shay’s grandpatér’s words to Helios opened my eyes to a possibility I never comprehended. Rejected mates. It never occurred to me that anyone would turn their back on what the Fates called perfect.

This marriage is a testimony that Shay chose me and wants the entire world to know.

Words have power. More power than most realize. It’s why I’ve put careful thought into my vows and have heard nothing that Anjal and Priscilla say to one another, because I’m practicing my commitment.

Willow agreed to officiate for the four of us. After my cousin and sister-in-law finish their vows, she turns to me.

“Jayce, you too have written your own vows.”

I clear my throat. I could have written my words on paper, but my pride demanded I memorize what I’d composed.

Shay’s delicate hands rest in mine. Love for me shines in her emerald eyes.

“I’ve been a fool for so long. I didn’t even know it until I saw you. Just one look and I knew I needed to see your face every day. Hear your voice. Smell your fragrance. While I knew you were mine from the beginning, I’m more yours. As long as the sun shines in the morning and the moon lights the night. I wanted you desperately, in a way that led me to fill the hole in my soul in ways I had no business filling it. When I found you, I knew I’d never let you go. You’re my home. Because of you, my heart is full. With you by my side, I’ll always know joy. I’ll love you until my last breath and longer. My Shay, my gift.”

Willow wipes a tear from her eye before motioning to Shay to share what she wrote for me.

“Jayce, the first time I saw your smile, it told me of your love for me. When I looked into your eyes, I had no doubt you’d cherish me forever. I doubted the Fates blessed me with perfection. You proved me wrong. You looked at me and I fell—fell in love so deeply I knew I’d never find satisfaction with another. Body and soul—you complete me. Until I met you—my heart slept. Now, I’m wide awake. You wouldn’t take no for an answer. I’ll never say no again. I’m yours forever—until my last breath.”

I resist leaning in to kiss her before Willow gives me permission.

“Anjal, do you take Priscilla to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do.”

“Priscilla, do you take Anjal to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

“I do.”

Willow turns to us.

“Jayce, do you take Shay to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do.”

And Sam does too. He forced a shift of our ear facing Willow to say his vows to Shay.

She smiles and tells him, I take you too, Sam. Always.

“Shay, do you take Jayce to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

“Yes, I do.”

Willow skips the rings. Maybe our guests will notice. Maybe they won’t. Any ring we’d wear wouldn’t last long with our shifts. Both women understand and felt Helios’ mark meant more than a man-made band.

“I am proud to pronounce these two couples—man and wife. Anjal—Jayce—you may now kiss your brides.”

As Willow’s words linger, a hushed anticipation envelops the room.

No one else exists as I lean in toward Shay.

I tenderly press my lips against hers. My bubble doesn’t last. The room erupts in applause led by Nikolaos and Damian. Their shouts and whistles drown out the crowd.

I’m already planning payback.