My precious woman. Did she doubt how completely she owned my heart?
“Tell me what you need, and it will be done.”
Now, a week later, I stand at the front of our dining hall with my brothers at my side, watching my bride approach on a path scattered with rose petals. She explained that marriage isn’t a contract or deal—it’s a ceremony where partners make promises of love and loyalty to each other.
I didn’t understand the difference until I began preparing my vows. But now I do. This isn’t about possession or obligation. It’s about choice—choosing each other, every day, forever.
Hannah moves slowly to the music, her face hidden by delicate white lace. The beast in me wants to tear away every layer of fabric hiding her from me, but I’ve learned the beauty of anticipation. Tonight, I’ll unwrap my bride properly.
Thing stands before us as the officiant. Some might find it morbid having Death perform a wedding, but I trust him more than anyone. Besides, we monsters contain both darkness and light within us. I am Pestilence, yes, but I’m also Healing. My father forced me to embrace only destruction, but Hannah has shown me balance.
My brother looks magnificent in the suit Hannah sewed for him—six sleeves perfectly tailored, his massive frame dignified and calm. The transformation from the tortured beast he was to the gentle giant he’s become still amazes me.
Remus grins maniacally from the sidelines, but not even his chaos can diminish my joy today. He and Romulus protected Hannah during our separation, watching over her without her knowledge. I’m grateful to all my brothers for the men they’ve chosen to become.
Six months ago, I would have sworn change was impossible for creatures like us. But here we stand—a family built on love instead of fear, choosing tenderness over violence.
Though I should mention: anyone who threatens this family will discover I can still be merciless when it matters. My kindness is reserved for those I love. Everyone else will find meas dangerous as ever—perhaps more so, now that I have so much to protect.
Hannah’s hands tremble as she speaks her vows, her voice clear and strong despite her emotion.
“I, Hannah Elizabeth Levine, take you, Abaddon, to be my husband before God and these witnesses.” Her smile could outshine the sun. “I promise to be a faithful and true wife.”
When she slips the thick gold band over my claws, my chest tightens with overwhelming emotion. She’s binding herself to me by choice, not circumstance.
“In sickness and health, in poverty and wealth, I am yours. Forever.”
I have to swallow hard before I can speak my own vows. “I promise to protect you and our child, to keep you safe and cherished.” I press my ringed hand to her growing belly, and tears shimmer in her eyes.
“I promise to bring you joy instead of anguish, for as long as I draw breath.” I brush away her tears with gentle thumbs.
“With this ring, I thee wed.” I slide her delicate band onto her finger, completing the circle of our commitment. “I swear I will love you for eternity and beyond.”
Her answering smile is like a sunrise after the longest, darkest night of my existence.
Thing straightens with dignity, though I catch him wiping away a tear. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
I sweep Hannah into my arms, and as our lips meet, I taste forever. This fierce, beautiful woman chose me—not despite my darkness, but because she saw the light I could become.
Our kiss deepens as my brothers cheer behind us, and I know with absolute certainty: this is how love stories are supposed to end. Not with conquest or possession, but with two soulschoosing each other freely, building something beautiful from the ashes of who they used to be.
My wife.
My beloved.
My salvation.
And this is only the beginning.
EPILOGUE
6 Months Later
HANNAH
“I feel like a whale.”I toy with my food as we all sit around the dining room table.
“You are beautiful and round with kit,” Abaddon reassures, moving to stand behind me and massage my sore shoulders.
