Page 361 of Rage

“Good evening, Wren, and congratulations.”

“Congratulations? What are you talking about? Help me!”

He can see I’m in a cage. Why isn’t he helping me?

Father O’Malley ignores me and turns to Gideon. “Mr. Rossi, it’s a pleasure to serve you tonight. I’m sure somewhere, both of your parents are smiling down at you.”

Gideon snorts. “Doubtful, but thank you for the words, Father.”

“Where shall I stand?”

“Wherever you’d like,” Gideon says as he comes to a stop next to the cage.

Two more men enter the room, closing the door behind them. I recognize one as the man who shoved the syringe in my neck. I glare at the man, and he lifts a shoulder in a shrug. What a jerk!

Father O’Malley turns, so he’s facing us. “We are gathered here today to witness the marriage between Gideon Rossi and Wren Copeland.”

A loud buzzing fills my ears, and everything around me spins. I hold on to the bars, trying to steady myself.

“This is where you say, ‘I do,’” Gideon says, though it sounds like he’s far away.

“No.”

“I wasn’t asking.” His voice is closer. “If you don’t do this, your father dies.”

“Please don’t make me do this.”

“Say it, Wren. Say you’re willing to be my wife.”

Blinking, everything comes into focus. “I do.”

“Such a good little bird.”

Father O’Malley says, “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride, Mr. Rossi.”

Gideon smirks. “I think we’ll skip that step, Father. Did you bring the paperwork?”

“I did.”

He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a document. Gideon takes it, signing his name. He hands it to the two men, and they sign, too.

When he turns to me, I shake my head. “You can’t make me.”

“Father, have a look out that window over there.”

Father O’Malley does as he’s told without questioning Gideon.

Gideon turns to me. “You’re going to learn that my word is law. I understand that this is new, but when I tell you to do something, I’m not asking, and the longer you stall, the worse your punishments will be.”

“Punishments?”

“Yes, my little bird, all pets must be trained. Tamed, even.” He reaches into the cage, tucking a piece of brown hair behind my ear. “It’s up to you how painful that training will be.”

“Why are you doing this, Gideon?”

“Sign the paper, Wren. Make things easier on yourself.”

My gaze searches his icy blue one. “Will you tell me why you’re doing this if I sign?”

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