Page 92 of Stripped

Chapter 39

Alex and Gabriel were waiting for them when they entered the office. Alex stood up from behind his desk, motioning to two chairs set up in front of it. Wraith gave the colonel a brief nod. Apparently, this was not to be a casual meeting on the couch. Alex meant business. He gave Pim's hand a squeeze, hoping to calm her nerves before pulling her chair out for her and seeing her seated. He sat down, keeping his hand on her back. She would be feeling tender, not only physically, but emotionally, and he was responsible for that, making him extremely protective of her. The thought of Sokolov touching her turned his stomach, but he was glad he already knew so he could mask his face when she retold it to Alex.

"Shall we begin?" Alex asked. Gabriel stood off to the side. "It goes without saying, Miss McNeil, that you put my whole organization at risk with your actions last night."

"I've already handled that situation," Wraith said. "I don't think Primrose will be taking things into her own hands again." He looked over at her as her face turned a deep red.

"I am sorry," she said.

"Very well, since Wraith's taken care of it." Alex looked between the two of them. "We still have the problem of Sokolov. I'll need to know everything."

Wraith took her hand as Pim retold her story.

"Jesus Christ," Gabriel said, crossing himself. "He's a monster."

"Aye," Wraith said.

"With Sokolov on the loose, we find ourselves in unprecedented territory." Alex sat back in his chair.

"I agree, and actually, before we go there, I have something to say." Wraith sat up straight.

"Go ahead."

"I would like to marry Primrose. I know it goes against The Watch, but we brought her into this, and now we must protect her. As long as Sokolov is out there, she's at risk."

"I won't lie, I thought of the same idea last night," Alex agreed. "Marriage would handle a few of our problems and she's still our only link to Sokolov."

Pim started to protest, but Wraith stopped her, giving her shoulder a squeeze. "I'll take full responsibility for her protection, and in return, as my wife and through my oath, she will give her allegiance of silence to The Watch."

"I'm not killing anyone."

Alex laughed. "One, that's not the only thing we do. And two, no one would expect you to. We would ask only for your silence. As you have learned, our organization only works because of trust and loyalty."

She looked at Wraith. "I said I would think about marriage. I haven't agreed yet."

Wraith ignored her. "Gabriel, would you perform the ceremony?"

"I can't," the priest said. "When I gave up the priesthood, I lost the ability to perform holy orders."

"I can," Alex said. "I'm an authorized celebrant. The sooner, the better. I'll gather the men. Wraith, you'll take your oath tonight, and then you two will be married."

Pim stood up. "I haven't agreed to anything. You can't make decisions for me."

It was Gabriel who went to her. Wraith stood back, listening. "Pim, I know you love Wraith. I've known it from the first time I met you. Give this a chance."

"Why? You were the person who warned me it would never work."

"That was before I saw a way. It was when I thought it was impossible. Marry Wraith. Become a part of our family."

She looked at all three men. "I'll agree, but I have one request."

* * *

Alex stood in the Great Hall of the Tower House. Hundreds of candles illuminated the dark room, casting shadows on the ceremony and gracing it with an air of mystery. The smell of incense, deep and woody, purified the hallowed space, evoking a feeling of rightness. He looked around at his men as they stood before him, kilted in their dark blue and green tartan, ready to avow their allegiance. Agents of truth, shattering illusions and exposing often painful and shocking realities. There were twelve of them in total, counting himself and Gabriel. Always twelve, no more, no less. Raising his hands, the nine who were present took a knee. "Come forward, Wraith."

The young man stood and stepped forward, kneeling again. Alex saw himself in the lad. Idealistic and duty-bound, he'd fought the process longer than most. Only now, was he ready to pledge his allegiance.

"Entry into The Watch demands absolute obedience. Are you ready to take your oath?"

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