Page 20 of Forced Knocked-Up Mate

Kyle has returned with more glasses and hands them out to everyone. Lucy takes a shot, gulping it straight down. She’s watching me nervously, her eyes wide.

“Okay, y’all,” Jen announces, going to the front of the room. “Now that we’ve all had a little liquid courage, I think we should start the ceremony.”

“I agree.” Carson goes up to stand beside her. “The words of the elders are binding to wolves and most magical creatures, so that’s all we’ll need. We have plenty of witnesses, including friends, pack alphas, and blood relatives. All the elements are here.”

Lucy shakes her head. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am,” Jen says firmly, her eyes giving that mischievous glint. “If you two want to just keep on doing fuck-all about the situation, then by all means, do. Otherwise, get over here, and let’s get this done.”

The tone of her voice has an effect on me. I’m compelled to obey her, and drawn towards her like a magnet. Lucy stands in front of them with her head bowed, and I join her while the others form a little ring around us.

Fiona rubs Lucy’s arm, trying to comfort her. Lucy just stares at the floor, tears gathering at the edges of her eyes.

It’s hard to admit, but now I really do feel sorry for her. I don’t like seeing her this miserable. Even if she did literally enchant me, her tears still hurt me.

I reach out and take her hand. She jumps a little, looking up at me in shock. We look into each other’s eyes for a moment, and I feel that strange sense of intimacy again.

Lucy tightens her hand on mine a little and turns back to Jen. The older woman smiles, reaching out to touch our joined hands.

“By witness of earth and sky, I bind thee, Peter and Lucy, wolf and witch. May the mountains always welcome you, and the old spirits protect you. This bond now joins you, and in doing so, grants you the freedom you most desire. From this momenton, you are no longer two but one, united in the sacred rite of marriage.”

As Jen speaks, tears flow freely down Lucy’s cheeks. She doesn’t look at anyone, just keeps her eyes focused on the floor. I feel a strange tingling sensation rush through me, from my skin right through to my bones.

“We added a few extra words,” Carson says. “Love frees the heart from fear. That’s how this is supposed to work.”

“Did it break the spell?” Fiona asks.

“I’ll check,” I answer, hurrying out the back door. I jog for quite a while, feeling excited as the air doesn’t thicken against me. After a minute, I start to feel uncomfortable. Anxious, even. When my heart starts pounding like crazy and cold sweat trickles down my sides, I decide to turn back.

The forced teleport is fucking uncomfortable at best. Better not push it.

I jog back to the bar to find a ring of hopeful faces checking me out.

“Didn’t work,” I say, shaking my head. “I got a bit further than usual, but still tethered.”

Lucy’s face falls, and she covers her mouth with her hands. Fiona hugs her, stroking her back.

“We should celebrate!” Jen announces.

Lucy moans softly, shaking her head.

“Not really in the mood to celebrate,” I mutter bitterly.

“Me neither,” Lucy mutters.

“Though I wouldn’t mind hanging out with you for a bit,” Rider says to me, glancing over at Lucy, “maybe you two should just go home.”

“What?” I bark. “What do you mean, home?”

Rider shrugs. “You’ll have to stay at her place, obviously. Where else can you go?”

Lucy wipes her tears, clearing her throat. “I have to get out of here,” she says, her voice wavering. “At least if we go home, I can have some privacy in my room. I have spare bedrooms—Caleb’s old room, and Fiona’s. Peter can pick one of those to stay in. The house is fairly big.”

“Okay,” Fiona says, hugging her again. “Just get some rest, okay? We’ll figure this out, I promise.”

“That sounds like a great idea,” Jen says. “You two go home and spend some time together.”

Rider groans. “You aren’t helping, Jen.”

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