Page 91 of Bride By Initiation

I'm marrying Zara Marino.

Jesus, help me.

Kirill instructs, "Zara, repeat after me. I, Zara Marino, take you, Sean O'Malley Jr., to be my husband for eternity, in The Underworld and all societies."

She clears her throat. "I, Zara Marino, take you, Sean O'Malley Jr., to be my husband for eternity in The Underworld and all societies."

Kirill continues, "I'll obey my husband and devote my life to The Underworld."

She repeats it.

He orders, "You may give him your ring."

She beams, holding the ring, teasing, "It's better than Kinsley and Kian's pipe cleaners, isn't it?"

I grunt, asking, "What made you think of that?"

She shrugs and slides the metal over my finger.

My pulse pounds harder between my ears. I stare at the metal band, wondering if this is some delusion in my mind.

Am I really standing here marrying Zara?

Kirill asks, "Sean, do you need me to repeat the vows?"

I stand taller and shake my head. "No."

Zara bites her lip, and her long lashes flutter a few times.

The ache in my veins grows stronger and hotter. I glance down at the barely-there lace at the bottom of her dress. I inhale deeply, refocus on her blues, and state, "I, Sean O'Malley Jr., take you, Zara Marino, to be my wife for eternity in The Underworld and all societies."

I look at Kirill, waiting for the next part.

"You have to obey me, Sean," Zara whispers.

I arch my eyebrows at her. "No way. O'Malleys don't obey. My father wouldn't have written that into a man's vows."

She scoffs. "Don't be sexist."

I ask, "What's my next line, Kirill?"

He answers, "I'll persuade, provide, and protect my wife while devoting my life to The Underworld."

"Persuade?" Zara questions.

Kirill nods at me.

I repeat, "I'll persuade, provide, and protect my wife while devoting my life to The Underworld."

Anger flares in her eyes. She turns to Kirill. "Seriously?"

"Do not question your vows. Not now or ever. Understood?" he warns.

"Don't take that tone with my wife," I snap.

He glares at me, threatening, "Then keep your wife in line. Now and in the future."

"It's not the Middle Ages." Zara huffs, but I put my hand over her veil-covered her mouth.

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