Page 23 of Darkness Falls

It's finally here, the day I've waited six and a half years for. I will secure my place as Callie's husband and my future within Rogue’s leadership. She will never rule. I will ensure that. I was worried she would pull some stunt in front of the community and embarrass me, but she has been curiously passive. It's suspicious.

The music starts to play, and everyone turns their attention to the main doors. I stand at the end of the aisle, waiting impatiently to get this over with. The sooner she has my last name, the better. Every step she takes toward me is one step closer to my success. Another step. Power. Another step. Dominion. Another step. Authority. Gabriel takes the final step and places his daughter's hand in mine.

"Who gives this woman to this man?"

"I do, her father," he says to the pastor with the biggest smile I've ever seen. He is a fool. This is the beginning of his downfall, only he's too stupid to see it.

"Please be seated," Pastor John says as everyone in the room takes their seats.

My eyes instantly scan over the crowd to ensure nothing is out of order. If there was a time for someone to strike and ruin my day, it would be now when I am so close to having everything I was promised.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of the entirety of Rogue's community to celebrate this joyous day. The joining of Callie Ashford and Damien Michaels. If anyone in this room objects to this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace."

I see panic all over Callie’s face. She’s hoping someone will speak up on her behalf to stop this from happening—over my dead body. I didn't work so hard to get to this point for it all to blow up in my face. I had Gabriel double the presence of the guard outside the church. They didn’t care much about missing the ceremony because they were promised an open bar afterward.

Pastor John gives everyone a moment. I squeeze Callie's hand, bringing her attention back to me. I can't have the community seeing the longing in her eyes. She better keep her fucking eyes on me, or she will pay for it later tonight. I won't allow her to let me look weak anymore.

Pastor John continues with the ceremony, and I watch as a tear slides down her cheek. It makes my cock stir. I feel the corner of my mouth tip up and watch as her eyes connect with the gesture. Good, you should know your tears are making this that much more enjoyable for me.

"Do you, Damien Michaels, take Callie Ashford to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

"I do," I say with a devious smile. It’s happening, and I couldn't be happier.

"Do you, Callie Ashford, take Damien Michaels to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

She hesitates. She fucking hesitates, so I grip her hand tighter, my nails digging into her skin.

"I do," she says regretfully.

I can't believe she actually said the words. The rest of the evening doesn't even matter at this point. She said I do. I will rule Rogue. It's all going to be mine.

“Damien, please place the ring on Callie’s finger and repeat after me.”

I slide the ring on her finger, repeating his words. “This ring is a symbol of binding. To death do us part.” I smile over the words because death is indeed the only way we will part.

“Callie, please place the ring on Damien’s finger and repeat the same words.”

She eyes me like she’s going to do something stupid, so I squeeze her hand. I catch the slight wince as her mouth flinches, but she concedes.

“This ring is a symbol of binding. To death do us part,” her hushed tone’s barely audible.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss your bride," Pastor John says.

I grab her waist and pull her into me. She tries to pull back, but I dig my fingers in further to punish her resistance. When I press my lips against hers, I can feel her recoil. She is going to spoil the whole day over a kiss when she kissed me thousands of times before with no issue. I was her sweet Julian for so long. I'm not sure why she can't pull inspiration from that. My fingers push further into her side, causing her mouth to pop open in a silent response to the pain. I take this opportunity to deepen the kiss and shove my tongue into her mouth.

The crowd around us claps and cheers just like they should be. I pull away and raise her hand up into the air with mine before leaning down and whispering in her ear. "You're mine now."

I feel the trembling of her hand in mine, and fuck, it makes me want to drag her into the other room and sink my cock into her. I waited two months to fuck her because father dearest forbade it. Now, she belongs to me.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Damien and Callie Michaels."

I pull her down the aisle, as people slap their hands on my back and congratulate us. We make our way outside, and I drag her toward her father's house. I want to get out of sight so I can finally claim what's mine. My wife will be first, and then my society.

Shetries to fight my hold, but it's no use. We burst through the front door of her childhood home, and I kick it closed before turning us and slamming her against it. My hands roam all over her body, and she just stands there silently, letting it all happen. It pisses me off. I want her to fight. I reach out and grip her breast through the dress, squeezing hard enough to make her wince.

"This body belongs to me now, and I intend to make full use of it tonight."

My hand slips down further.

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