Page 106 of Wolf

Later, as I stand at the start of the aisle and avoid the hostile stares of Wolf’s brothers, I push aside thoughts of what it would be like to walk down this aisle toward him.

Although a sweet fantasy, his eyes wouldn’t go wide like Duke’s do when Miriam stops behind me. His mouth wouldn’t drop. He wouldn’t mouth I love you and I wouldn’t whisper, as Miriam does, “I love you, too.”

Miriam found a pretty gold dress in her closet. The thin straps give it some modesty while the hem falls a little longer on Mercy’s shorter frame. Still, as she walks down the aisle as though she was made for it, I see the womanly curves beginning to form in her body.

Soon, she‘ll be fighting off the boys and I shudder to think what Mama and Daddy will do when that time comes.

Miriam touches my shoulder, and I snap out of my daze. I’m next. I hate being the center of attention, especially knowing thatthese people hate me, but this is Miriam’s day and her moment, and I refuse to ruin it for her.

Once I’m at the front with Duke opposite me, I turn to Miriam. A song I’ve never heard before starts and she slowly makes her way down the aisle with eyes only for Duke.

Wolf stands behind Duke and I avoid looking at him when Miriam stops and faces her soon-to-be husband. The words of the preacher bring me back to the present and I glance up confused.

“Dearly badass brothers, ol’ ladies, and friends,” he begins. The man glances at me and winks before turning back to the bride and groom.

I guess I thought they would be married by an ordained someone, but it would seem, they've chosen to speak their vows in front of an MC brother.

With a smile, I bow my head and listen to the oddest wedding ceremony I’ve ever attended.

When my skin tingles, I look up, meeting Wolf’s stare. His eyes bore into mine before he looks away, his mouth curling into a frown.

Ignoring the tension and my bruised heart, I shift on my feet. I’m wearing a pair of Miriam’s heels and as usual, they kill my feet. But I’m also battling the mother of all heartburn, and I’d like to sit down.

“You may kiss your ol’ lady.”

Shouts erupt from the audience and Mercy squeals, clapping her hands. With a laugh, I wrap my arm around her shoulder, warmed through when she hugs me tight.

Miriam turns to me with shining eyes. I hand her the bouquet and Duke lifts her into his arms before carrying her back down the aisle.

Wolf steps up and our arms brush as we follow. Thankfully, Mercy is enough of a distraction that I manage the short walk.

Miriam insists on pictures, and I know our time is ending. I don’t want to leave. I want to celebrate this special day with her, but we can’t risk being late.

Wolf stands stiffly beside me during the pictures with Mercy to Miriam and Duke’s left. Subtly, I breathe in his scent and sigh.

Images dance over my vision. Wolf’s bright eyes as he promised to light the world on fire to keep me. The way his mouth curled in a snarl when he slid inside and took me to heaven for the first time.

My skin tingles and I shiver in the balmy air. I ache for a single touch but come away empty when the guy taking the photos waves us away and Wolf immediately heads for the bar.

“We have to go soon,” I say when Miriam approaches. Her smile fades but she nods, hugging me close.

“Thank you,” she says.

“I love you.”

Sniffling, she twirls Mercy in her arms, and I wish I had a camera to remember the moment. Although it would be dangerous evidence of our insurrection.

This is my last chance to speak to Wolf before we have to change and go. I make excuses about needing the bathroom and search through the crowd.

When that yields nothing, I step inside. It’s quieter here, which is why it’s not hard to spot Wolf in the corner, sitting in a chair with Melanie on his lap.

They’re clothed and she’s writhing around but I know this is a prelude to what’s coming. He knows I have to come through here to change. He’s not hiding a damn thing.

I must make a sound, however small, because he opens his eyes and glances my way. His lips tilt into a frown and his eyes, those icy eyes burn my soul.

The bile I’ve been pushing back for hours makes an appearance and I rush toward the kitchen before leaning over the sink.

Since I haven’t eaten all day, it’s mostly acid that burns a trail up my esophagus and leaves a nasty taste on my tongue.

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