“You’re not wrong,” I agreed, fighting the mental image that tries to take shape. “That’s why I’ve put out feelers for someone to handle his torture. I have several men who are capable, but I don’t want to risk Grigoryan expiring before he gets the full experience.” I say the last part mostly for Vanessa and Magnum, since Hawk knows that we have men in-house who can handle most torture sessions.
“Good.” Vanessa nods. “He deserves it. Any word about Julian’s possible involvement?”
“Not yet, darling.” I give her a bite of eggs and stretch over to grab her horrendous soda. “But I won’t forget about him. If he was involved, I’ll offer him up to you wrapped in a pretty bow.”
“Suck-up.” Magnum fake coughs. “The bow is totally overkill.”
I roll my eyes, bringing Vanessa’s soda to her lips. “Now, we need to talk about wedding preparations.”
My beautiful wife spits Dr Pepper over the table, and I smile, shaking my head.
Life sure is going to be interesting with her by my side.
And I suppose I’ll even learn to accept Magnum and Hawk, but only because I know it’s necessary to keep her happy.
Chapter Forty
Magnum
Is it trite to hold a wedding on Valentine’s Day? Especially when Vanessa and Moretti are already married?
I kinda feel like it is. I always heard you should avoid holidays as your wedding day, but maybe that’s outdated information.
I shouldn’t be a hater.
She deserves to have a special day just for her, and I have no doubt she’s going to be breathtaking in whatever dress she ended up choosing.
She wouldn’t let the three of us anywhere near the dress shop—which is kinda cute and equally ridiculous, considering we’re already bonded and living together.
Ziggy, Anson, and Mario were in charge of her security that day, and no matter how much Moretti threatened them, not a single one caved. They must really like Vanessa because Emory got a little psycho at the end of that round of questioning.
If the bond is anything to go by, Hawk is currently thinking about taking our packmate apart piece by piece. While I was pissed as fuck about this not being a pack marriage at first, I realized I kinda dig when Moretti calls me her boyfriend. Like,yeah, she’s got a husband, but she’s still fucking me on the regular, and I get to take her out on dates.
Hawk, however, is more sentimental about the whole marriage thing.
Moretti has been getting ready in front of the mirror, and he strides over, frowning at my tie. “Were you raised by wolves?”
“Nah, even worse.” I laugh. “Bikers.”
Hawk snorts, and it lightens the moodjusta little.
“I know the two of you are displeased with me, and I get it,” Moretti says, working on my tie. “But I’m asking you to understand there are always reasons for the things I do. The balance has been thrown off. As a result, relations between the families are tumultuous, and they will be until we find out who comes out on top to take over Grigoryan’s empire. Alliances are always shifting. Until Vanessa and I produce an heir, our marriage will remain between us. Once we have a child of our own to pass my family on to, I will allow the union to be converted into a pack marriage, if it still matters to the two of you.”
Hawk scoffs, shaking his head. “You’ve been thinking up justifications for days. I’d respect you more if you just came out and said you didn’t want us to marry her.”
Moretti growls, dropping my tie and turning to face Hawk. “I’ve already explained my reasoning. Be grateful I share my wife with the two of you at all.”
I laugh, shaking my head.
He might think he has it all figured out, but Vanessa is one step ahead, at least this time.
The wedding is outdoors on the back lawn.
Moretti had an entire gazebo constructed for the occasion, and there are large patio heaters set up to keep us and the guests warm.
Charlotte, Angel, and Lacey came to help Vanessa get ready, and they’re all seated in the audience.
My goddamn knees go weak as I watch Vanessa make her way down the aisle. She picked a knee-length dress that’s short and flirty, despite the frigid temperature. Somehow I knew she’d be in something exactly like it.
