33. Chocolate Cake, Happiness, and Suspicions

CHAPTER 33

Chocolate Cake, Happiness, and Suspicions

B rynleigh should've known that her new husband's kiss would blow her mind. After all, everything else about the fae had thrown her world off its axis, so why not this, too?

And this was far more than she'd ever expected.

Ryker's mouth fused to hers. It wasn't just a kiss. It was a claiming. A declaration to the entire world that he had Chosen her, and now, she belonged to him.

Brynleigh always thought something like that would bother her. After all, she wasn't a possession but a person. It turned out it didn't bother her at all. There was something about Ryker that had made her feel safe and loved, even as he asserted that she was his.

She let him kiss her like he owned her because maybe he did.

Her heart was his.

Tomorrow, she would finally tell Ryker she loved him. The time was right.

Gods, it felt good to be married to this man. He was intelligent, kindhearted, and protective in a way that she hadn't known she wanted in a partner. Yesterday at the winery, Ryker was attentive but not overbearing while she and Hallie chatted like schoolgirls about their upcoming nuptials. It was sweet, the way he kept checking on her, and Brynleigh couldn't believe she'd gotten so lucky.

Ryker's tongue probed her lips, and she opened her mouth. He tasted her. With each powerful sweep of his tongue against hers, she melted more into him. She gripped his suit jacket, holding on as they passionately embraced. Heat flooded her core, and she lost herself in him.

This was the only thing that mattered.

Over the past week, Brynleigh had perfected her acting skills. In front of Jelisette and Zanri, she'd worn a mask of indifference as they finalized their plans to murder Ryker. She hadn't revealed River's confession, even though it pained her to hide things from Zanri. He was her handler, and she'd come to realize over the last week, her friend. But Brynleigh couldn't risk him telling Jelisette that she'd changed her mind. She'd gone through all the actions, pretending that tonight, after the reception, she still planned on killing the captain.

But that's all it was.

An act.

This kiss, though? Isvana help her, Brynleigh was not acting now. This embrace was real. The emotions coursing through her were real. The vows she'd spoken were real. Their relationship was real.

Well… as real as something could be when it was built on a foundation of lies.

But she and Ryker could get past their rocky beginnings. They had to. Brynleigh wouldn't accept any other alternative.

Brynleigh would fight for this relationship because she was meant to be with Ryker. She knew it in the depths of her soul. Even though she'd entered the Choosing with dishonorable intentions, she still wanted Ryker to be hers.

His tongue flicked against her fangs, and she moaned his name. His hardness pressed against her, sending a surge of want through her.

Brynleigh couldn't wait until Ryker saw the surprise she had waiting for him under her dress.

Someone coughed in the audience, and Brynleigh's eyes snapped open.

Oh, gods .

She had completely forgotten they weren't alone. Judging by the sheepish look in Ryker's eyes, so had he. They split apart, their mouths plump and cheeks flushed, but he kept hold of her hand.

Priestess Plyana looked amused as she studied the newly married couple. Her cheeks were flushed, and her fangs were fully displayed and she smiled warmly. "Well, I suppose we have additional proof the Choosing works."

A smattering of laughter rolled through the crowd, and even Ryker chuckled. Brynleigh's chest warmed, but before she could crack a smile, the hairs on her neck stood on end. She turned her head ever so slightly, and sure enough, Jelisette's black eyes drilled into her.

Worry churned in Brynleigh's stomach. Had she gone too far? Did her Maker know she felt more for Ryker than she'd been letting on? What if?—

Actually, fuck that. It didn't matter.

When the sun crested the horizon tomorrow and Ryker still breathed, Jelisette would know Brynleigh had broken all the rules. She would have to deal with it.

Brynleigh was an adult, not a puppet that her Maker could boss around and make do whatever she wanted. She had married this fae, and he was hers. They'd vowed to be with each other, for better or for worse. They were bound together beneath the eyes of the law. They'd Chosen each other, and no one, not even Jelisette, could break them apart.

Plyana rested a black cloth across Brynleigh and Ryker's joined hands. The ceremony was almost over. "In the name of Isvana, the goddess of the moon, it is my greatest honor to declare you husband and wife. May your union be Blessed from this day until your last."

She lifted the cloth, and the crowd roared their approval.

It was done. They were married.

Brynleigh thought she'd be nervous or frightened, but instead, a warm, fuzzy feeling filled her stomach. When she entered the Choosing, she'd never expected to feel like this on her wedding day.

She was happy.

A pleasant lightheadedness floated around in Brynleigh's head as she nursed her glass of Faerie Wine. She'd already had two servings of blood while Ryker and the other non-vampiric guests had their appetizers, and she'd moved on to the pink wine while the guests enjoyed their dinner.

The grand reception hall reminded her of an elegant, five-star restaurant. Low-hanging chandeliers cast a light over the space. Off-white tablecloths covered round tables. Classical music trilled from hidden speakers. Servers dressed in black delivered copious amounts of food and beverages. The windows were bare, and the moonlight provided a romantic ambiance for their joyous occasion.

Brynleigh and Ryker sat together at a high table, just the two of them. Their family and friends, along with guests and several undercover guards, were scattered throughout the hall.

Jelisette stood at the back of the reception space, talking to a man cast in shadows, but Brynleigh had yet to see Zanri. It was strange since she'd ensured her friend was issued an invitation. After all, it wasn't like she had any family to invite to the wedding. It stung that he wasn't here.

What could be more important than this?

A warm hand landed on Brynleigh's thigh, drawing her attention to Ryker. His eyes crinkled at the corners, and he brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. "Are you alright, sweetheart?"

Gods, this man was so considerate. She loved that he was checking in on her.

"Yes," she replied honestly as she sipped her wine.

It bothered her that Zanri wasn't here, but she wouldn't let his absence ruin her night. This wonderful man beside her was her husband, and she would enjoy every second of their wedding.

"More than alright." Brynleigh giggled, which was wholly unlike her. It was, quite frankly, disconcerting. "I'm very happy. Delighted, even."

Clamping her mouth shut, Brynleigh eyed the glass she clutched. Maybe she'd had enough to drink. Everyone knew Faerie Wine loosened the tongues of even the most tight-lipped vampires.

A deep, warming chuckle ran through her husband. "Me too."

A familiar pair of white wings caught Brynleigh's attention. Hallie hurried towards their table. She wore a beautiful ruby cocktail dress, reminiscent of the Choosing's theme, and matching heels. Therian followed behind, his hands in his pockets as he trailed his fiancée. The much larger dragon shifter dwarfed his partner, but they fit together perfectly. Just like Brynleigh and Ryker. Matches made in the heavens.

Brynleigh stood, wobbling slightly thanks to the Faerie Wine, and hugged Hallie. "I'm so glad you could make it. It's nice to have a friend here."

The Fortune Elf smiled. "Your wedding was beautiful."

"Are you excited for yours?" It would take place three days from now. Brynleigh looked forward to attending before she and Ryker went on their honeymoon.

A brilliant grin lit up Hallie's face. "Yes, I am." She glanced behind her at Therian. "We can't wait to get married, right?"

Therian bent and kissed Hallie's cheek. "Right, love." He looked up and smiled. "The wedding was very well done."

"Thank you," said Brynleigh. Even though she and Ryker didn't have a lot to do with the actual planning, the wedding planner supplied by the Chancellor had listened to their suggestions. Brynleigh would forever remember this day.

"Of course." Therian glanced at Ryker. "Captain, can we talk?"

Ryker stood and glanced at Brynleigh, an unspoken question in his eyes. Do you mind?

"It's fine," she assured him.

He slanted his mouth over hers, stealing a kiss. "I'll be right back." He trailed a finger down her collarbone, sending sparks running through her. "Wait for me?"

A smile danced on her lips. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be."

Ryker returned her smile as he and Therian moved away from the table. He whispered, "What's going on?"

Therian rubbed his neck. "I got a message from my squad. There's news about the rebels. They've…"

His voice dipped into a low whisper, too quiet even for Brynleigh to hear. Not that she tried. She'd ask Ryker about the conversation later. She was certain he'd tell her what he could .

She turned back to her friend. "I'm so glad you were able to come, Hallie."

Unlike Zanri. She tried not to think about her friend's absence because it was making her angry.

"You make a beautiful bride." Hallie ran a hand down Brynleigh's gown appreciatively. "This is absolutely stunning."

It was. The moment Brynleigh had seen the dress on the rack, she'd known it was hers.

"Thank you." Brynleigh moved her hips, the gown swishing around her. Yes, the wine was definitely getting to her head. "Isvana Blessed my Choice. Sometimes, I feel like this is a dream, you know?"

She never would've predicted this outcome.

Hallie's head bobbed, and she shifted from one foot to the other. "I know exactly what you mean. Looking at Therian, I can't believe we're getting married. It's insane how well we work. Does that make sense?"

Absolutely. Brynleigh couldn't imagine her life without Ryker now.

"It's like you're two halves of the same whole."

"Yes," Hallie breathed. "Exactly. I tried to explain it to my parents, but they looked at me like I was crazy. But they weren't in the Choosing. They don't understand the connections that we made."

Brynleigh glanced over her shoulder to where her new husband clapped Therian on the back.

"I completely understand." She took Hallie's hand in hers and stepped towards her friend. "It's like you were missing something, but you didn't know what it was until they were right before you."

"Yes, that's it!" Hallie beamed, and her wings fluttered.

The pair chatted for a few more minutes, the air between them light, before a server stopped by and slid an enormous slice of chocolate cake on the table next to them.

Brynleigh stared at it. Of all the foods she missed from her human days—and there were many—cake was the biggest one. She loved cake in all forms, but chocolate was her favorite.

Maybe it had been a mistake to ask for it because this one looked delicious. The lush, dark chocolate sponge was covered in thick swirls of brown icing, and it was the most inviting food she'd seen in years.

Her mouth watered at the sight. Logically, she knew that if she took a bite, it would taste like ash, but it looked so good. If only she'd requested the recipe from the chef who'd made the scrumptious blood-laced food she'd enjoyed on her date with Ryker.

Ryker slid his hand around Brynleigh's waist and held her to his side. "I'm back," he murmured.

Immediately, she relaxed and leaned against him. It was insane that she felt so comfortable in his presence, considering that she had been planning to kill him for the majority of their relationship, but his soul called to hers.

"Is everything okay?" she asked.

"Yes." He kissed her forehead. "It's nothing to worry about. I promise, I'm yours for the rest of the night."

Those words delighted her in a way that nothing else ever did. He delighted her. How could she have ever thought he was a monster?

Therian took Hallie's hand. "Dance with me?"

The Fortune Elf grinned. "I'd love to." Hallie looked back at the newly married couple, a knowing twinkle in her eye. "Enjoy your evening."

Brynleigh winked at her friend. "Oh, we will."

To say that Brynleigh was eager to leave this reception and be alone with her husband would be a vast understatement.

Like a gentleman, Ryker pulled out Brynleigh's seat for her. She sat and picked up her glass of blood wine. "What was that about?" she whispered.

Drawing over the plate, Ryker speared a piece of cake. "The rebels are on the move again," he murmured. "I might get called into work early."

Brynleigh had suspected that might be the case. She hadn't anticipated the resulting pang of disappointment that twisted in her stomach. It was a strange emotion she hadn't felt since before her Making. "Oh. Okay. I understand. You'll be careful, right?"

Ryker's job was dangerous, but he was powerful. Surely nothing would happen to him.

His hand curled around hers. "Look at me, sweetheart." He waited until her eyes were on him. "I'll be safe. I always am. My soldiers are the best because my squad is a family. No one is ever unguarded. I have their backs, and they have mine."

Logically, she knew that. The reason she entered the Choosing in the first place was to catch Ryker alone. Illogically, she didn't want him to go because they wouldn't be together.

That was ridiculous.

What was wrong with her? Brynleigh didn't need to be by her husband's side every minute of every day. That was actually impossible. They weren't Tethered together, and besides, she enjoyed her privacy.

It must be the Faerie Wine. She pushed the glass away, determined not to have another sip. It was making her delusional.

A knife tapped against a glass in the reception hall. "Kiss!" a woman shouted.

A distraction from all these nonsensical emotions. Thank Isvana.

Brynleigh's lips twitched as more people picked up the chant, calling for them to embrace. She'd never enjoyed wedding traditions much in the past, but she had to admit this particular one was no hardship.

Ryker turned to Brynleigh, his eyes sparkling as he squeezed her hand. His gaze caught on her lips, and a heady scent of desire flooded from them both. Sometimes, being a vampire with heightened senses was nice since she knew without a doubt that he wanted her as much as she wanted him.

He asked, "Do you want to?"

She wanted to do so much more than that, but she'd settle for this… for now. "I mean, the crowd is demanding it, Ry. We don't want to let them down."

He smirked, "Then I suppose we must."

His mouth lowered to hers. Their kiss wasn't soft or gentle, but little about her new husband was. It was filled with lips and tongues and teeth. His mouth worked hers as if he'd spent years researching how to kiss her in the most effective and passionate manner possible.

It was the small moments like these that made it seem impossible that she and Ryker had only known each other for a couple of months. They fit together so well; it was like they were always meant to be this way.

When they finally broke apart, Ryker's mouth went to her ear. His warm breath brushed her skin, and he whispered, "Soon."

One word. A promise of what was coming. And gods, Brynleigh couldn't wait. Before she could reply—or yank her new husband with her through the Void in haste to get to their hotel room—a swarm of black shadows pooled on the ground beside her.

That was all the warning Brynleigh had before her Maker appeared beside her. Jelisette's black dress clung to her frame, a deathly dichotomy to Brynleigh's bridal gown.

Jelisette met her progeny's gaze and raised her brow in silent question.

Brynleigh dipped her head, the movement subtle enough that only the most perceptive vampire would notice it. She had anticipated this moment, and yet her stomach still tied itself up in knots.

Leaning over, Brynleigh brushed her lips over Ryker's cheek and whispered, "I'll be back soon."

She had to pretend one last time. For both their sakes.

Ryker's thumb brushed the back of her hand. "I'll miss you."

Bubbles rose in her stomach that had nothing to do with the Faerie Wine.

A week ago, Brynleigh would've shoved those emotions down, but no longer. Now, she simply let the truth in those words wash over her. He would miss her, and she would miss him.

Tomorrow, when the sun rose and she'd officially failed at her task, she would unpack this emotion and give it a name.

Taking one last fortifying sip of good, old-fashioned blood wine—it was more of a gulp, if she was being honest—Brynleigh stood.

She glided on steady legs away from the head table to a shadowy alcove near the back of the reception hall. Jelisette's heels clicked as she strode alongside her.

Neither woman spoke.

When they were alone, Jelisette twisted her hand. Shadows slipped from her palms, and the familiar crawl of her Maker's magic swept over Brynleigh as the older vampire erected a privacy ward around them. Others could see them, but they would be unable to hear their words.

Brynleigh had been inside countless wards with Jelisette, but for the first time, she felt a tingle of unease twisting in her stomach at being in such a confined space with her Maker. She always knew Jelisette was dangerous, but ever since she learned the truth about the storm, she wondered what else her Maker was hiding.

But this wasn't the time for questions. This was the final test before Brynleigh could leave with her husband and spend the night in peace.

She had to pass with flying colors. Jelisette was a dangerous, ancient vampire, and if she knew what her progeny was planning…

Well, she couldn't know.

Brynleigh had decided to keep her husband alive, and she would deal with the consequences tomorrow. Maybe Zanri could help her develop a good story as repayment for missing her wedding.

"Are you ready?" Jelisette's icy tone matched the frozen, dark expression on her face.

Inside, Brynleigh screamed that she would never be ready. She asked a dozen questions, wondering why Jelisette was insistent about this course of action. Why was she pushing for Brynleigh to kill Ryker when River had been the one to destroy Chavin? What did Jelisette know that Brynleigh didn't?

Outside, Brynleigh wore a blank mask. She nodded briskly. "Yes, ma'am. I am."

The cousin of a smile, although it was bereft of all kindness, spread across Jelisette's face. "Does he suspect anything?"

Brynleigh dared to glance back at Ryker. Atlas was in her seat, and the two men were chatting amicably. The water fae must have felt Brynleigh's gaze on him because he looked over his shoulder. He caught her eye and waved. She smiled back.

"Not a thing. I've played my role perfectly."

Jelisette studied Brynleigh like the younger vampire was an interesting insect, and she was deciding whether or not to squash her. Brynleigh held her breath and remained statue-still, unwilling to give her Maker any reason to suspect she was lying. Steadying her breath, she stared straight ahead and kept her face impassive as she waited.

It felt like hours passed as Jelisette's steely gaze ran over every inch of Brynleigh before the older vampire nodded curtly. "I see. "

Brynleigh exhaled, and her shoulders relaxed. She'd done it. She'd fooled her Maker. "Everything is in order."

"Good." Jelisette's red lips curled, showing a glimpse of a fang. "Make it painful."

That was, apparently, her goodbye. Jelisette twisted her fingers again and drew the shadows back into herself. A heartbeat later, she disappeared into a plume of shadows. She left so fast that Brynleigh didn't have a chance to ask about Zanri. Maybe the shifter was ill.

Brynleigh had half a mind to find her phone and call her friend before she decided it could wait until tomorrow. After all, tonight was for her and her husband. She was certain they could find plenty of ways to occupy themselves until the morning.

And then, Brynleigh would deal with the aftermath of her actions… or lack thereof. But she wouldn't worry about that right now.

Why borrow tomorrow's problems today?