Chapter 43: Ritual

The man dropped Rosie’s body to the floor where she curled onto her side, hands scrabbling to put pressure on her neck. Marco lowered his and Arabella’s clasped hands into the basin. She stared at him, eyes wide as Rosie’s blood started seeping into the long sleeves of her dress. The fabric clung to her wrists as Marco drew his hands back. He reached forward, using the sticky gore to draw a line across her mouth with his thumb. Shakily, Arabella raised her own hand to Marco’s face, mirroring his actions.

With a sudden motion, Marco pulled Arabella toward him and kissed her. She rested her hands on his shoulders, trying to push him away and end the kiss. Mr. Brogan rose from his seat and Isaac followed suit. Isaac took Arabella by the arm and she yelled something at him, her words drowned out by the applause from the Brogan family. He held onto her tightly, the blood spreading from her arm to the sleeve of his suit. Mr. Brogan lifted the basin from the top of the podium, carrying it with him. Staying a step behind Marco and his father, Isaac walked Arabella out the back doors.

Lavinia started to stand, but Sonia kept her in her seat while the officiant made his closing remarks. She could not take her eyes off of Rosie’s now still body. The room around her started to clear, the guests dispersing back into the hall behind them. The officiant stepped over Rosie, carefully getting down from the dais.

He approached Sonia. “Pretty soon it will be you up there,” he said.

Sonia forced a smile. “This was the first ceremony I’d ever seen.”

“Really?” he asked. “Haven’t you attended your cousins’?”

She shook her head. “I was never able to go. I’ve always been so curious.”

“You know,” said the officiant quietly. “Seeing as that young lady was escorted by her brother, I see no reason why you shouldn’t be able to see part of the ritual.”

Sonia’s eyes flashed and she smiled sweetly. “I would love that.”

Lavinia looked between the two of them. She could not tell what type of exchange this was. Sonia had so easily secured a way into the private ritual, but was it with the intent to help or to hurt? Lavinia knew she couldn’t let Sonia go alone. If she was about to betray them her presence would leave Isaac and Arabella outnumbered and alone.

When Sonia stood Lavinia copied her.

“I’m afraid this is a family affair,” said the officiant.

“I am an aid to the Astors,” Lavinia said quickly. “Arabella requested that I assist her today.”

“I cannot let you back there. Outsiders are not permitted. It was enough of a stretch to allow that bloodsucker to escort Marco’s mate.”

“But not an issue for Marco to marry one?” Asked Sonia.

“Mates are mates,” the officiant said.

Lavinia squared her shoulders. “I see no reason for only werewolf customs to be recognized. It is traditional, in Arabella’s culture, that the bride gets her way.”

“This is a ceremony of mates, not a wedding.”

Sonia cocked her head. “I thought they had agreed to blending traditions. Hence the white dress.” Sonia sighed. “Now that Arabella is practically a member of our family, I think ignoring one of her requests would be a mistake.”

The officiant hesitated. He looked around the nearly empty room, then back to Lavinia. “Very well. But if there is any complaint from Mr. Brogan you will be removed.”

“Fine,” said Lavinia. “Lead the way.”

Together, Sonia and Lavinia followed the officiant out the doors in the back. Lavinia felt Sonia try to look over at her, but she refused to make eye contact. The hall they passed into was dark; The only illumination came from the still open doors. Before they swung shut Lavinia was able to make out an archway at the end of the hall through which she could be a flickering fire. The double doors closed behind them with a resounding thud.

The officiant moved quickly and Lavinia had to rush to keep up with him. She followed him through the arc and froze. Illuminated in the light of the fire were Marco and Arabella, kneeling on opposite sides of it. The basin of blood had been poured over both of them, drenching their hair and faces. Their eyes were locked on the fire as if entranced. In the corner, Isaac had his arms locked around Mr. Brogan’s neck while the man frantically clawed at him.

“What is going on in here?” yelled the officiant. “Let go of him.”

“Gladly,” Isaac threw Mr. Brogan to the ground. The older man’s head bounced off the stone and he lay still.

“You bastard,” the officiant drew his ornamental dagger and charged at Isaac, who blocked his blow with his forearm. Isaac jerked his arm back and the knife stayed lodged in it. He raised his leg and kicked the officiant hard in the chest. The force sent him stumbling back into the fire, scattering the ashes across the floor.

At once, Arabella and Marco shook their heads, coming out of their daze. Marco looked around the room, seeing Isaac locked in combat with the officiant and Sonia and Lavinia in the doorway. He glared at Lavinia, wiping blood out of his eyes. He let out a low growl as his body began to transform, reading himself to pounce at her.