We’ve made it all the way to the steps of the house when I realize Jackson has been following behind us the whole time.
He moves like a secret agent! I have to keep an eye on this guy—why does he have fucking ninja skills?
“Can I help you, Jackson?” I ask, letting go of Sara’s hand as I turn around.
“Oh, I’ve got to stick around,” he says. “To make sure you consummate.”
“Excuse me?” I ask, my voice low and dangerous.
“It’s tradition,” Jackson says, a cruel smile growing on his face as his eyes travel up to the porch to lock on to his daughter. “The marriage isn’t sealed until you…make it official.”
Fury simmers in my blood as I think of the many ways he could have ended that sentence. His mask is slipping, and I’m beginning to see the slimeball underneath.
“No,” I say firmly.
Jackson’s eyes snap back to me. “What?”
“I said no.”
“But you have to—it’s tradition!”
I take a slow step towards Jackson, feeling adrenaline flood my body. I keep myself under control, the full force of my rage only showing in my eyes.
“I’m prepared to honor your traditions,” I say softly. “So long as they don’t disagree with my moral code. This one does.I will consummate with my wife when I say, and not before. No one dictates what I do—and I am your alpha now, Jackson. Back the fuck off, right fucking now.”
Even though a glimmer of rage flickers in his slate blue eyes, Jackson takes a slow step back and nods.
“As you wish, Alpha,” he says, turning and walking away. I watch him go, making sure he leaves before I turn back to Sara.
She’s standing on the porch looking down on me, her big, dark brown eyes wide as she stares at me in surprise.
Chapter 6 - Sara
The morning was rough. My nerves were bad enough without having to deal with four strange women knocking on my door and dragging me out of bed. I know they meant well, but being suddenly woken up by strangers added an extra layer of anxiety to the day I definitely didn’t need.
Scarlett brought a nice gown for me, just in case I didn’t have one, and the gesture does touch me. I had been planning on wearing one of Jess’s dresses. Scarlett gasps with appreciation when she sticks her head into the closet.
“These were made by the old luna?” she asks, touching the fabric with true reverence.
“Yes,” I say. “Jess was an absolute master.”
“I wish I could have met her,” Scarlett says.
“So do I,” Alisha mutters in a hard tone. Tension sings in the air as the others fall silent, making me wonder what the undertone is.
I’m sure these women are nice enough, and in any other circumstances, I’d like to get to know them—but these people killed Talon, Jess, and our warriors. Do they really think I could just forget that?
“Was that her garden we went past?” Grace asks, lacing me into the white dress. “It looks like she had the magic touch with plants as well.”
“Yes,” I answer. “But Talon was good with growing things, too.”
I let the girls lift the mood a little, just letting myself get carried along by it without fully engaging. It is nice to have themdo my hair and makeup, making me feel pampered and special for the first time in my life.
It wouldn’t be so bad, living here and getting away from Father and Mel, if I didn’t have to marry a power-hungry killer!
“Hey,” Scarlett says, looking into my eyes as she brushes a lock of hair off my forehead. “It’s going to be okay, I promise. I’ve gotten to know Rex’s friends since we got married, and all of them are great guys. You couldn’t ask for a better husband.”
“Yeah,” I mumble.
