“Oh, sweetheart, don’t fake your modesty now,” Juniper laughed. “You know just how powerful your hunk of a husband is.”
“Okay, fine. But Santa and Cupid at my wedding? How cool is this?”
“Incredibly,” her dad said as he led her mother into the back hallway. “You look stunning, sweetheart. I’m so happy we get to walk you down the aisle this time.”
“Me too.” She hugged her parents as they settled on either side of her.
“One thing before we go out there,” Rowena said. “Gabriel called me… don’t worry, nothing is wrong.”
Gabriel had been living as a monk in Europe for the past year, and while they didn’t hear from him often because of the vampire sect’s remote location, Vlad had recently received reports that his son was finally making progress.
“He’s trying to make amends,” Rowena continued. “He loves his father in his own way and wants to support him. He wishes to watch the ceremony via video chat if you’ll allow it. We have the connection ready to go, but it’s up to you.”
“What did Vlad say?” Belladonna asked.
“That it was your decision. He would like his son to be a part of today, but you have the final say.”
“It’s okay.” Belladonna inhaled a deep breath. “It’s Vlad’s wedding too. His son should be here.”
Her mother nodded, kissing her on the cheek, and with a flourish of her fingers, she cast a spell to start the video connection and another to start the music. “Are you ready?”
“More than you know,” Belladonna laughed. “You may have to stop me from running down the aisle.”
“We’ll walk fast,” her father promised, and together, they stepped into the church.
The room fell into silent awe as she walked toward her groom. Her dress was simple but undeniably gorgeous, yet it was her expression when she saw Vlad that captivated the guests. Her eyes were only for her husband, and a tear trailed down her soft cheek the moment their gazes met. He was so beautiful it made her heart ache, and when she reached the altar, it took all her self-control not to throw herself into his arms.
“You are perfection, little witch,” Vlad said as he captured her hands.
“I missed you so much,” she whispered so her voice wouldn’t interrupt the priest’s ceremony. “Let’s never do this again. I can’t live without you.”
“I haven’t slept a wink.” Vlad pulled her closer, forgoing the traditional hand holding to wrap his arms around her waist, and Belladonna shoved her black flowers at Hazel so she could mimic his embrace until they were standing chest to chest.
Neither of them heard the officiant as they stared into each other’s eyes, the magic of their bond so palpable it danced through the air. They held each other close, saying“I do”with reverence, and when the ceremony came to an end, not a single dry eye remained in the church.
“Do you have rings to exchange?” the priest asked.
“No,” Vlad answered. “She’s already wearing my seal, and that ring is never coming off that finger. Promise me, little witch.”
“You know I’ll never remove it,” she swore. “But what about you? You refused to let me buy you a ring, but I feel bad now. I should have ignored you and bought one.”
“I told you not to buy me a ring,” Vlad said, releasing her. “But I never said I didn’t want one.” He pulled his left hand from behind her back and offered it to her as if it were pure gold, and his reason was instantly obvious. She’d memorized every tattoo inked on his skin, tracing them with her fingers, her lips, her tongue, her magic. The man never slept with clothes on, and when he made love to her, she watched those beautiful tattoos dance on his glorious body in the mirror before their bed. But this addition was brand new. It hadn’t been there a week ago, and she captured his fingers with a gasp.
“Vlad!” She peered up at him through her tears.
“I love you, wife,” he said. “I want everyone to know I belong to you.”
Belladonna glanced back down at his ring finger; the tattooed wedding band unmistakable. It was expertly designed, the black ink embedded with skill, but it was her name that made her heart burst, the letters delicately woven into the inked ring. Her name was etched into his skin… forever.
“Do you like it?” Vlad asked.
“Father, if you please?” Belladonna ignored him and stared at the priest, who smirked at her meaning.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” he said with a pointed look at the bride. “You may kiss your groom.”
“Thank god.” Belladonna jumped into her husband’s arms, kissing him so fiercely the entire room blushed. “I love it,” she whispered into his mouth. “Out of all the gifts you’ve given me, this is my favorite.”
“I mean it, little witch.” Vlad deepened the kiss, not caringthat they were embarrassing their audience. “You are mine, as I am yours. I need everyone to know that.”
“I love you.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, nearly choking him.
“You are my mate,” Vlad said. “What I feel for you is greater than love. I wish I had the words to tell you.”
“Don’t tell me… Take me home right now and show me.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he teased, scooping her up bridal style and racing for the shaded car park where his vehicle waited. “We’ll see all of you at the mansion tonight for trick-or-treating and the reception!” he shouted as he ran down the aisle. “And I do mean tonight.” He turned and gave the guests a wicked grin. “Don’t any of you dare show up early.”
“Vlad!” Belladonna squealed. “My mother is here.”
“I don’t care.” He silenced her laugh with a kiss. “I love my wife, and I want the entire world to know it.”
