Page 15 of Forced Pregnant Mate

A few seconds later, I give myself one last look in the mirror, then head out the door. We’re at a small shack on the Decker Pack’s territory, far from town. There is an abandoned church made of stone not far from it, a product of the fervent hope of early settlers who inevitably succumbed to the elements or gave up on their missionary pursuit—probably both.

The shack is overflowing with women from both packs cooking food and getting to know each other. I see Mom making one of her famous cob loaf dips and chatting happily with Belle. This day has definitely brought the packs together. I can’t deny that.

I follow Bae out the back door, hearing the women getting organized inside so that they can follow us up to the church. After I take my place, Lena shouldn’t be far behind.

Lena. I’m marrying Lena.

No matter how many times I tell myself, I still can’t believe it. I pushed all these memories away, buried them under tons of regret and shame and anger, but now they are alive again, bright, shining and dancing in my mind.

Like the first time I saw her…

I was waiting out the back of Gladys’s diner, with Bae, waiting for a meeting. Lena walked past with a couple of other girls. The way she turned and smiled at me made my heart pound. I couldn’t forget her.

From then on, she always seemed to be near the diner when it was time for a peace talk. I looked forward to seeing her every time we went.

Until I went looking for her and ran into her father instead.

I clench my fists a little, letting the emotions flow through me. I pause at the front of the church, admiring the modest brick design and wreaths of seasonal flowers that have been hung across the door.

By the time I got back to Bae after the fight, he’d already heard about the situation. He ordered me to stay away from the whole family. When we held the big party, I thought it might be a chance for me to truly be alone with her. To maybe figure out a solution to the problem.

What a shock, to find out how innocent she was. A virgin. She didn’t need to know about my conflict with her father or the issues with the pack. The only thing I could do to protect her was stay away.

And now, here we are…

I head up to the podium where Carson is waiting. Behind me, other members of both packs take their seats. The little church is full of people coming to witness our union.

So far, I have not seen Peter, and it’s a good thing. I don’t want to punch out my father-in-law before I even say my vows.

How about just after?

Bae takes his place by my side, and music starts to play. I’m startled by a shadow at the door, and I realize this is it. She’s actually here, and this wedding is going to happen.

For a moment, she’s just a dark shadow against the bright white of the doorway. Her gown flutters in the breeze, gathering up some of the sun’s glow so it looks like she brings an aura of pure light with her.

She steps forward into the church, her head held high. I try to take a breath, but I can’t. I feel like I’m drowning, and I don’t know if this intensity is passion or fear.

I watch her get closer, the beautiful, shimmering lace gown swirling around her long legs. It’s an old fashioned dress, with cup sleeves sitting just off her shoulders and folds of white silk flowing down into a V shaped neckline. The bodice is loose, but clings to her slender waist and hips before sweeping into long pleated folds that whisper across the floor with her every step.

When she reaches the podium, she looks up at me, her clear green eyes cool and impassive. Her strawberry blond hair has been strung with small white flowers and pearls, framing her pretty face with petals, gems, and russet strands.

When she takes my hand, I’m surprised by how sweaty her palms are. She’s trembling, just a little. I’m amazed that she can look so cool and confident when she’s this anxious.

I don’t blame her one bit.

Carson speaks the ritual words, asking us to repeat the vows. At an event like this, we couldn’t write our own—we wouldn’t have the slightest idea what to say.

Dearly beloved, I’m here marrying this asshole because I have to—

I shove that thought away, looking into Lena’s face to find some reassurance that this thought isn’t true. In her impassive gaze, I don’t find any confirmation, so it does little to comfort me.

Bae hands me the rings, and I slip the cool gold band onto Lena’s finger. Even with all my anxiety and shame, I feel a moment of pure, contented joy.

She is mine! For better or worse, she is mine!

I let my gaze linger on her face as she slips the ring on my finger. I never forgot her—how could I? Those long months keeping myself away from her only made her more fascinating to me.

She is the sweet, luscious forbidden fruit, and she’s right here in my hands, waiting to be devoured.

---