I know what this means, I always have, but knowing the time is nearing settles heavily into my chest.
This means leaving Heaven behind, knowing I’ll never sit through another shared meal with my brothers, never trade insults over pizza and drinks, never let our banter stretch late into the night like it always does.
It means walking away from the pride in my father’s eyes and carrying the knowledge that my betrayal will settle into my mother’s chest like a quiet, permanent ache, something she’ll learn to live with but never forget. Knowing they’ll blame themselves.
And somehow, out of everything I’m abandoning, it’s Heaven, the thought of her spark slipping out of my life, that cuts the deepest as I turn back toward the ocean.
And this is why love is not for the damned.
A Late Night Visit
Heaven
The moment the dance is over, I scan the crowd searching for the infuriating blue-eyed man who has stolen my heart. Theo’s disappeared somewhere. He’s been super stubborn, but I’m ok with that. I can still feel his eyes on me often enough.
And I did hear something quite interesting at school. Apparently, I’m off limits. That amused me. After all, for someone who really wants to get over me, he’s going out of his way to make sure no one else looks at me or approaches me. Again, I’m ok with that.
Uncle Liam now smiles at me as I thank him for the dance before I slip away.
I see Sienna drinking another glass of iced water. She’s been experiencing hot flashes, and she will soon be in full-blown heat. Kataleya’s wedding has been perfect, and now the couple is about to cut the cake. I notice Leo is also missing.
Strange…
One more glance around shows all the other adults are here.
Hmm, where has he gone?
I turn back to Kataleya and Enrique as they feed each other some cake. They are a beautiful couple, and soon will be parents, too. I’m happy for them.
“Alright, girls, gather around,” Kataleya says. She’s about to throw her bouquet.
“I’m not going to get involved in that,” Allie states, crossing her arms, making a few people laugh.
“Well, I am. Come on, Heaven!” Sienna says, with an excited spark in her grey eyes. She’s been wearing her glamour for the most part since her return from the Gods’ Realm, and even today, she has it on. And with her heat approaching, it’s probably wise, since she already entices people with her demon form.
I allow her to pull me to the cluster of single women, even though I think we’re too young to consider marriage. But even the little girls, including Phoenix, are standing here, pushing to the front to make sure they have a good chance at catching the bouquet.
Phoenix’s expression makes me want to laugh. She has this death glare on her face as if she’s ready to go to war if she doesn’t get the bouquet.
Skyla is standing towards the back, finding it funny as Aunty Kiara pushes her forward, encouraging her to join.
Kataleya turns her back to us, her glittering dresscatching the light beautifully as she begins counting. “Three… two…” She turns her head, smiling slightly before she looks away again. “One!” She tosses the bouquet as everyone cheers.
Several of the girls jump forward, trying to grab it, only for it to go propelling right towards Skyla. She grabs it on reflex, blinking in surprise.
“See, Mama, happy?” Skyla says as she waves the bouquet, smirking as some of the other women pout.
“Royce, I think this is a sign.” Aunty Kiara winks at me, making him smile as he looks at his mate. And I’m sure they’re exchanging some words privately from the look on their faces.
“Alright, now on to my favourite part,” Jose, Enrique’s Beta, says. “The garter!”
Several of the men cheer, and I hear Grandpa Alejandro grumble. “I’m all for that tradition to be skipped.”
“We don’t skip it here, Alpha Alejandro. Enrique! Come on!” someone from their pack shouts.
Kataleya blushes as Enrique kneels on one knee beside her and slides up her dress. I can’t help but blush at the intimate display in front of us, as he cups her thigh, placing her foot on his thigh as he leans forward.
“Oh my Goddess,” Allie groans, covering her eyes, as many guests cheer and catcall. I watch as Enrique places a few kisses on his blushing bride’s thigh before taking the garter in his teeth.
