Page 113 of Bound By Blood

Zack paced the floor for a few minutes, then moved one of the chairs nearer to the fireplace and sat down facing Drake. “Any chance Nadiya will just give up?”

“You are a gambler. What do you think?”

“I’d say the odds were about a thousand to one. So, what’s our next move?”

“I think the next move is up to her.”

“I was afraid you’d say that.”

“Nadiya, Nadiya, Nadiya,” Kaitlyn muttered as she reentered the room. “Can’t we talk about something else?”

“Sure, darlin’,” Zack said. “What would you like to talk about?”

Sitting on the arm of Zack’s chair, she said, “I’d like to see the church where we’re getting married.”

“Me, too,” Elena said.

“It’s all right with me,” Zack said. “I could use some exercise.”

“Let’s go,” Kaitlyn said.

The church was about a half mile from the hotel. Arm in arm, Zack and Kaitlyn walked ahead of Drake and Elena.

“Another night or two and you’ll be all mine,” Zack said, squeezing her hand.

“I’m already all yours. Did you arrange it so my father can marry us?”

“About that … The priest I talked to said it couldn’t be done.”

“Then we’ll just have to go somewhere else.”

“I couldn’t find a minister anywhere who was willing to let a complete stranger, someone who wasn’t even a member of the congregation, perform a wedding. So, since the only guests will be vampires, we’re just going to get married at midnight, when the church is locked up tight.”

“Of course,” Kaitlyn said. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

“‘Cause you’re the pretty one,” Zack said, trying hard not to laugh. “And I’m the smart one. Ouch!”

“Serves you right,” she said.

“This is it.” Zack paused in front of a white stone church topped by a tall golden cross. Large stained-glass windows flanked the entrance.

Holding Kaitlyn’s hand, he transported the two of them inside.

Drake and Elena followed moments later.

“Oh, it’s lovely,” Elena said, glancing around.

Kaitlyn nodded. “It’s even prettier than the one at home.” Rising on her tiptoes, she kissed Zack on the cheek. “This is perfect.”

Zack glanced at Drake and Elena. “Can your family be here by tomorrow night?”

“In a hurry, are you?” Drake asked.

“Probably no more than you were,” Elena said, punching her husband on the arm. “I’m sure they can be here by then.”

And they were.

The next night, Liliana and Stefan arrived at Harrah’s just after eleven P.M.

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