Chapter Eighteen: Knowing Vs Seeing

Sawyer

               Winnowing had never been that instinctual. I was surprised. I only wished I could take us far away. I was trying to calculate where we could go and how far I could carry her in the back of my mind. At most, if I could get us out of the hotel and into the truck, I stashed by the highway, but she’d have to take over. I don’t know how long I’d be out carrying her with me. It seems we both can do a little faerie magic, but it shouldn’t be possible. I dressed in the shadows as I stood in the entryway outside the girls’ new room. I was solid by the time my father and brother came walking by.

               Not even stopping to talk, father yelled, “Is it true?” before they marched into Aurora’s room.

               “Yes,” was all I had to say before complete delight overtook their features. I heard the discussion through the walls, and I held back my rage. I had to continue to play my role. I could do it for another half hour. They stormed out. Archer began making calls as the Alphas transmitted messages to their people.

               “Hurry up, Sawyer, the wedding will start as soon as the bride is dressed. We must usher the guests out as soon as the vows are made. You have better control, and I know you will not let any male come between your brother and his bride. You will carry out your duties.”

“And he can take Aurora back to the house when I’m finished with her. All this excitement has me needing to let my wolf out and roam.”

“That’s fine, Archer. Just take care of your duty first.”

“Not a problem, you saw her. She’ll be begging for it.” He grabbed his dick and laughed. “I’m a little disappointed she won’t put up a fight. But I think I’ll enjoy her being a good little slut instead.”

“Archer,” Mr. Crane called out my brother. His face was not too pleased. “I told you she would behave, she’s nothing like her deceitful whore of a mother, and you agreed to treat her as such. I’ve never had to raise a hand to her. She’s a good girl who does as she’s told. She’s frightened but still compliant. Don’t make me regret this. I could have matched her with anyone. I raised her to be a prize.”

“Don’t worry, old chum, we made this agreement long ago, and the conditions still stand. Archer knows the consequences. Plus, she will be under my roof, under my supervision. If she gets out of line, he knows how to handle her in private.”

“Very well. Let check on the priest and the paperwork.”

Hearing these vile creatures talk about this as a business arrangement continued to make me sick.  I had to nod and laugh as Archer told each despicable joke. Thinking that he was going to get his bride pregnant tonight brightened his mood. He was amused with himself and his current predicament. “Now, Mandy, she’s a woman and my favorite to play with. She can bend, twirl, opens wide to take me anywhere, and begs for every stroke of the heaviest cane. She is full of fire and lust. But my little wife. She’s a cold thing. I doubt she’ll say a word. I’ll have to pry her legs open and squeeze into her tight virgin cunt. I will enjoy the blood and her scream just from that. Father can’t fault me for the pain that comes from popping a cherry.” The sick fuck continued to smile. “Though from her heat, it might be a little easier. Better for her, but not as fun for me. Yet from what her father says about her obedience, she’ll probably thank me afterward, out of duty.”

If it weren’t for my Alpha’s command, my brother would be dead. I had never been so happy to be called away and do my father’s bidding. One of the guests managed to express displeasure at forcing a young girl to wed. I was to shoot him. Instead, I took him and his family to the truck loading area and told him to run. Never look back. He said he’d never forget my kindness. It didn’t feel kind, but I guess I needed to do something decent today, and he didn’t meet my code of someone worth killing.

***

               Knowing something is going to happen versus seeing it is shocking. As I watched my beautiful Aurora walk down a flower and candlelit path to my devil of a brother, it took all my strength not to grab her and run. My heart was beating fast. My blood pounded through my veins. Her face was veiled, but I could feel pain radiating off her body. When she sank her teeth into me, it felt like I’d been born again, and the look of ecstasy on her face would never leave me.  But the girl under the veil was in pain. And more than just the misery of being forced to marry on her birthday. Something was very wrong.

               As she walked down the aisle, males straightened and groaned. They could smell her undiluted lustful feminine scent and wanted her. Her father sent out a steady growl as he held onto her arm that seemed to stifle the hungry male population. Her friends were gathered at the front, waiting for her to stand next to her, as I was next to Archer. Though they were also surrounded by their fathers, who were sending out the same snarling message to stay back, of course, none of them had the flushed appearance or scent that Aurora did. When her father finished dragging her up to the dais and placed her hands in Archer’s, it began.

All the sacred words were said between them, even if a command forced them out of her mouth. I never took my off of my princess, but I could feel the discomfort and displeasure of the audience. When the old paid-off wolf priest said, “Speak now or forever hold your peace,” nothing but groans could be heard. It would appear the whole room would have liked to say something. Looking past my brother and never taking her eyes off me, Aurora stayed perfectly still. I think we had both imagined she had been saying every word to me, and when it came to Archer’s declaration, I silently said the words. It was over. The priest poked each of their fingers and had them sign their names in blood. Wolf and human law legally bound them as man and wife.

No one cheered as Oliver yelled, “Everyone go home. We will have a celebration week once the new couple has settled, and Aurora is over her current condition.”

Archer picked Aurora up and threw her over his shoulder like a barbarian with his conquest. “Come on, Sawyer, my little bride, needs her new husband. And duty demands a witness. Though I know you aren’t into watching, I’ll let you stand outside the door.” His dark chuckle made me hate him even more.    

She played her part and silently laid over his shoulder, looking at me with tears welling in her beautiful blue eyes. I prayed during the entire walk. As planned, the ceremony started late, and the clock was close to striking twelve as Archer dragged his bride into the honeymoon suite.