Page 63 of Tempest

Tempest’s hand found mine, squeezing tight. “What do you say, darlin’? Ready to be Mrs. Tempest in front of everyone?”

I snorted then giggled. “That’s not what my name will be. I’ll be Mrs. Brewer.”

“You know what I mean. You ready for this?”

My heart soared. This was everything I’d ever dreamed of, and more. “God, yes.”

Preacher’s voice cut through the excited murmurs, steady and solemn. “Brothers, family, and friends, we gather here to witness the union of two souls forged in fire.”

I stood before him, Tempest’s hand a lifeline in mine. My heart hammered against my ribs as Preacher’s words washed over us.

“Love in our world isn’t soft,” he intoned. “It’s as hard as the road beneath our wheels, as fierce as the wind in our faces. Tempest, Kasen -- you’ve chosen a path that demands loyalty above all else.”

Tempest’s grip tightened. I glanced up, catching the intensity burning in his eyes.

Preacher continued, “In this family, in this life, we stand together against all storms. Your love must be a shield, your bond unbreakable.”

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of every word. This wasn’t just a ceremony. It was a vow to the club, to our way of life. He’d never done a ceremony like this one before. Was it because I was the daughter of the ex-Sergeant-at-Arms and was now marrying the new one?

“Tempest.” Preacher’s gaze locked onto him. “Do you swear to protect Kasen, to cherish her, to stand by her side come hell or high water?”

Tempest’s voice was raw with emotion. “I swear it. On my life, on my patch.”

“Kasen.” Preacher turned to me. “Do you swear to support Tempest, to be his anchor, his home no matter how dark the road ahead?”

I looked up at Tempest, seeing our future in his eyes. “I do,” I said, my voice stronger than I expected. “Always.”

Tempest’s hand trembled in mine as we exchanged rings -- simple bands that felt heavier than the world. I didn’t know how they had gotten them, or how they’d known our sizes, but they fit perfectly.

“By the power vested in me,” Preacher’s voice rang out, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. May your love be as eternal as the brotherhood that binds us all.”

The room exploded. A deafening roar of cheers and whistles engulfed us as Tempest pulled me into a searing kiss. I melted against him, the world fading away for a heartbeat.

“Get it, brother!” someone hollered, followed by raucous laughter.

We broke apart, grinning like fools. Hands reached for us from all sides -- palms slapping Tempest’s back, gentler touches squeezing my shoulders. The air was thick with cigar smoke and the scent of leather.

“Welcome to the family, asshole,” Dad said, holding his hand out to Tempest. My husband shook it, just grinning like a fool. Then Dad gave me a bear hug, lifting me off my feet, before he walked off to join Mom and my sisters.

Tempest leaned in close, his breath hot on my ear. “You okay?”

I nodded, overwhelmed. “Never better.”

Someone cranked up the music, and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” blasted through the speakers. Bodies moved, a sea of leather and denim.

“Drinks!” Preacher bellowed. “Let’s give these two a proper send-off!”

I caught a glimpse of his face -- the stern officiant replaced by a grinning brother, already reaching for a bottle of whiskey.

Tempest’s arm snaked around my waist, anchoring me. “Ready to face the madness, Mrs. Brewer?”

A thrill shot through me at the name. I grinned up at him. “Bring it on.”

The music shifted, a slower melody threading through the air. Tempest’s grip on my waist tightened, his eyes shining as he pulled me close.

“Dance with me,” he said, more command than request.

We swayed together, an island of calm in the swirling chaos. Tempest’s body was a solid wall of heat against mine, his hands splayed possessively across my lower back. I breathed in his scent -- leather, motor oil, and something uniquely him.

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