Vengeance (The Captive #6)(7)
Hannah’s chocolate hair fell down her back, the train of her white dress trailed behind her as she walked. Interwoven into the train of the dress were golden strands that glistened in the light of the fading winter sun. In her hands, she clasped a blood red bouquet of roses. Her Uncle Abe walked by her side, his arm hooked through hers and a bright smile on his lined face. Lucas walked on the other side of her, his arm also wrapped through hers.
Glancing behind him, William watched as the sun dipped beyond the horizon, making it possible for Lucas to be outside right now. The red, orange and yellow colors spreading across the sky reflected in the surface of the serene lake. He turned back as Hannah arrived at the altar they had built at the edge of the lake. Somehow he’d managed to help build the altar without breaking a single board, one more sign he was bringing his abilities under better control. Abe and Lucas released Hannah’s arms. She gave each of them a kiss on the cheek before climbing the steps to join Jack.
William folded his hands before him as they recited the vows given to them by the male officiant at the front of the altar. The officiant turned toward Braith, who handed him two silver wedding bands. The man took the rings and handed one of them to Jack, who slid it onto Hannah’s finger.
“With this ring, we are one,” he murmured.
The man turned to Hannah and handed her the ring. She slid the ring onto his finger. “With this ring, we are one,” she recited.
The small audience burst into loud applause. They rose to their feet when Jack wrapped his arm around Hannah’s waist and dragged her against his chest. Hannah’s laughter trilled through the air when he lifted her up and kissed her. William smiled and clapped with the others, but a part of him felt completely detached.
He didn’t know what was wrong with him. Jack was his best friend; this was probably the happiest day of his life, and all he could think about was slipping away from here. He kept blaming his lack of caring and emotion on his desire to get to Kane and take out the revenge he so desperately sought, but what if it was something more? What if he’d come back wrong? What if the change had altered him forever, and from here on out all he would be capable of feeling was anger and apathy?
It would be a miserable, lonely life, but that was only if he survived the battle with Kane. He glanced back at the now shadowed lake and the mountains beyond. If he still felt this way after Kane was dead, he would deal with it then. For now, he only had one goal in mind, getting out of this town without his family or friends knowing.
Daniel rested his hand on his arm, drawing his attention away from the happy couple walking down the aisle. “Now it’s time for some celebrating!” Max declared.
Lucas stepped forward to offer Ellen his arm, Braith took hold of Aria’s, and Ashby claimed Melinda, but the rest of them walked past the rows of chairs and back toward the tavern on their own. William entered the tavern behind Daniel. Candles placed into stained glass lanterns reflected the colors of pink, orange, yellow, gold and green around the light oak of the newly rebuilt, open room. The timbers running across the white ceiling were the only dark wood remaining in the tavern.
Grabbing her flute, Ellen walked over to the stage and began to play a lively tune. Jack spun a laughing Hannah into the middle of the room for the first dance. The light from the lanterns played over her white dress as they twirled across the floor. The love radiating from the couple caused their skin to glow with warmth.
William walked over to the nearest table and slid onto the chair. His fingers tapped on the table, but no matter how much he would like to escape this town, he had to smile as he watched his best friend dance with the love of his life. His gaze slid to his sister and Braith, sitting in the chair beside him. They both grinned as they watched Jack and Hannah.
It still amazed him that his sister had settled into such a life; he’d never thought she’d be one to get married. Mainly because he’d never believed anyone would be capable of handling her unruly ways. He’d never pictured Jack settling down either, he’d always enjoyed being a bachelor, but they’d both proved him wrong.
He doubted he would ever find a love like theirs and the last thing he wanted was a woman in his life, slowing it down. He had far more important matters to focus on right now.
Lifting the tankard of ale Millie delivered to him, he took a sip of it as he watched the celebrants surrounding him.
***
William swung his leg over the saddle and spurred his horse out of the stable. Stars still blinked in the sky, the moon hung heavily on the horizon as he led Achilles down the empty street. He’d almost made it to the edge of town when a figure slipped from the woods into his path. He knew it was Aria before she pulled back her hood to reveal her features.
“You weren’t going to say goodbye?” Her voice was steady, but he heard the distress and exasperation in it.
“I knew you would argue with me and try to stop me.”
“You were right. You shouldn’t go alone. Kane’s stronger than you, faster…”
“And I’m smarter.”
Her mouth pursed; she folded her arms over her chest. “Daniel, Max and Timber would all go with you if you asked them.”
“I’m not taking the chance of getting anyone hurt, and they’re human. They’ll be far more vulnerable than me.”
“You were once human too.”
“And I was killed. Now I’m a vampire.”