\[Denali’s POV\]
My heart races, and fear trickles through me as my future husband’s gaze stays locked on me like a hawk. It is clear from the disgust on his face that he isn’t pleased with me being the one chosen for him, but why? What did I do so wrong to make someone I didn’t even know hate me so much?
“Move it.” He growls, snapping me out of my head as all the eyes of those present come to rest on me. “I don’t have all day.”
Snickers fill the surrounding area, making my cheeks flush and my panic build.
Deep breaths, Denali. I think inwardly, trying to remain calm. I didn’t need to have another incident like previously.
Keeping my head held high, I ignore the snickers and whispers that drift toward me, and when I reach my new husband, I take my place across from him.
Not speaking, I make myself meet his dark gaze as he takes me in with boredom. If only he wasn’t already showing himself to be an asshole, I would be a little attracted to him; after all, he was gorgeous.
With his dark complexion and dark eyes, with specks of gold scattered about them, he had a godly heir to him. Add in his six-foot-something height and strong build, which are noticeable beneath the suit that he is wearing, and he’s a top-class hottie that any woman would want despite his arrogant demeanor.
“Can we get on with it?” He huffs, tearing his gaze from mine and fixing it on the priest. “I have a flight to catch.”
“A flight?” I repeat, shock rushing through me. “You’re leaving after this?”
“What?” He asks, smirking. “Were you expecting me to take you on a honeymoon or something? Sorry, but this marriage is nothing more than a contract to benefit both of our packs. It would be best that you remember that.”
Eyes widening, I try to ignore the sting that shoots through me from his words, but I don’t speak. I don’t have the right to speak. He was right. This was nothing more than a business marriage, and I need to remember that.
“Not at all.” I say slowly, keeping my voice calm.
“Right.” He chuckles, turning his attention to the priest. “Please, begin.”
Nodding, the old man dressed in a simple white robe pulls out The Book Of The Goddess and begins going through the motions of speaking the same chagrin that is spoken at every marriage ceremony. When he finishes, he pulls out a small box that possesses two simple golden bands, and before he can even announce what to do with them, my new husband grabs them and shoves mine painfully onto my finger before putting his own in his pocket.
For a moment, the priest doesn’t speak as he looks from my future husband to me and back.
“With the exchanging of the rings, all that is left is repeating your wedding vows, and then…” The priest starts but stops as my future husband holds up a hand.
“I, Rosco Torres, take thee, Denali as my wife.” My future husband, or rather, Rosco, announces. “Is that good enough?”
“Yes.” The priest responds before turning his gaze to mine. “And you?” He continues, giving me a look.
“I, Denali Ozera, take thee, Rosco as my husband.”
“Great!” Rosco claps, turning and beginning to move. “I’ve already signed my portion of the marriage agreement, so I will leave the rest to my new wife.”
Remaining silent, I watch as Rosco makes his way down the aisle and toward the chapel exit. As he moves, the audience watches on in amusement at my being left halfway through my own wedding ceremony.
After that day, my husband didn’t return. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and before I know it, six months have passed. Six long months of being alone, waiting for the day that my suffering under a man I didn’t love would begin. It was hell wondering exactly when he would come back, and by the time I received the announcement of his return, I almost wished he would stay gone forever.
However, he wouldn't, and keeping my distance wasn’t an option. Instead, I was forced to dress in some slutty lingerie while I waited in the bridal chamber for him to finally come and claim me.
“You must be excited.” My personal maid, Nadine, murmurs, brushing my hair out so that it flows around my shoulders and back. “You’re finally going to consummate your marriage.”
Excited. That certainly wasn’t the word that I would use. Instead, scared, terrified, and worried were the words I would use with being alone with Rosco after how harsh he was with me during our wedding.
“Look,” Nadine cooes as my body shivers. “You’re so excited, you can hardly stand it.”
Giggling, she grabs my hair and pushes it over my shoulders so that my bulging breasts are fully exposed.
“The master won’t be able to keep his hands off of you when he sees you.” She beams, stepping back.
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” I mumble.
“What was that?”
“Nothing.” I respond, forcing a smile. “Thank you for this.”
Nodding, Nadine gives me one last look before heading out of the room, so I’m left alone.
Sighing, I let the smile that I’m still wearing fall as I turn to take in the area around me. Everything is set for the main event that would take place in here, from the bed, which is covered in rose petals and blood red linens to hide the blood that I would certainly shed because of my innocence being taken, to the candles that have been lit to give the room an otherworldly glow.
“This is it.” I whisper, feeling my body beginning to turn cold. “This is where the little bit of freedom I have been granted ends.”
Standing, I prepare to move, but stop as the sound of the knob turning reaches me. Instantly, I go on alert, waiting while the door opens, and when Rosco appears, I feel my blood turn to ice.
“What’s that look for?” He chuckles, entering the room and heading toward me. “Haven’t you been waiting for me?”
Opening my mouth, I prepare to respond, but stop as he slams the door shut and pulls at the tie, which is still tightly wrapped around his neck.
“Are you just going to stand there?” He asks, causing my heart to skip a beat. “Come and help your husband undress.”