A Call of Vampires (A Shade of Vampire #51)(18)

I looked up at Derek and failed to produce any words. All I could do was nod my thanks and continue staring at the rings. Mom had told me not to worry about the rings, that the family would take care of that, but I had no idea they’d turn out so beautiful.

“I’m honestly amazed to be at this stage in my life,” I muttered. “Looking forward to a future with my incredibly hot succubus warrior wife. I mean, three months ago I was giving my last breath, and Anjani was stubbornly pulling me out of the claws of death itself. It’s incredible. Thank you all for helping make today possible. I mean it. Thank you.”

“The world wouldn’t be the same without you,” Draven replied. “I’m glad Anjani was there to bring you back to us.”

“Speaking of things not being the same again…” I decided to change the subject, as tears were beginning to work their way into my eyes. “Does anyone have any useful advice to impart to this young and inexperienced groom? As you all know, I’m the proud owner of a foot-in-mouth syndrome who’s marrying a silvery goddess with the wrath of a volcano. How do I keep myself alive?”

They all laughed, but Derek, Lucas, and Grandpa Xavier were the first to offer advice.

“Be honest with her, no matter what,” Xavier said. “She will love you more for it than for you trying to spare her feelings. Sure, you might get a shoe thrown at your head once in a while, but in the long run, it’s worth it. It keeps the relationship happy.”

“Yeah, knowing Anjani, she wouldn’t throw shoes, though. Axes and swords, sure, but not shoes,” I mumbled, generating another round of laughs.

“It’s okay to bring her flowers for no special reason. Just because it’s Wednesday,” Lucas added. “It’s the little things, the attention, the pleasure of a gift. Don’t ever stop treating her like she’s the most important creature in your life. She is.”

“I can do that,” I replied, scratching my chin. “I can totally do that. Thank you!”

“Be patient, Jovi,” Derek said. “Whatever you two share, it lasts longer than anger, frustration, jealousy, or anything else that’s dark and nasty and might try to wiggle its way into your marriage over the years. Be patient. It’s the only piece of advice I can give you. It’s the only one that counts, at least.”

I nodded my appreciation.

“Thank you, Uncle Derek. It’s… It’s good advice to give,” I replied. “What about when she says she’s right and I know she’s wrong? Come on, guys, give me the juicy stuff, the man’s guide to survival through marriage!”

“If she says she’s right, chances are she actually is and you’re deluding yourself into thinking otherwise because your ego is clouding your judgment,” Dad said with a grin.

“Fair enough. But what if I fact-check her and find out that she’s wrong?” I sighed.

“You are marrying a very intelligent succubus, Jovi,” Bijarki replied. “She can take the truth, always.”

I nodded again, internalizing everything. Truth, patience, attention. The three ingredients I needed to add to my love for Anjani to make sure our life would be beautiful, healthy, and damn near perfect.

“Besides, should she ever prove herself to be… difficult, you can always buy her chocolate. You can never go wrong with chocolate.” Field smiled.

“Is that how you keep Aida from kicking your ass every other day?” I smirked, beaming at my brother-in-law.

“Pretty much. That and… you know…”

“Oh, no,” I shot back with faux horror. “Oh, the mental image! That’s my sister, you perv!”

“And my wife,” Field chuckled, prompting Ibrahim to double over from the laughter along with the rest of the room.

A knock on the door startled me.

“Yes?” I called out.

Alma’s curly head popped in, her eyes widening when she noticed all the males in the room.

“Hey, Alma.” I gave her a friendly smile.

The teen succubus nodded, tucking one of her black curls behind her ears.

“Hey, Jovi. So… they’re ready to start the wedding,” she said, trying hard to mask her excitement.

“Perfect, we’ll be out shortly,” Derek replied, then nodded at me with an encouraging smile. “Come on, Jovi. Let’s get you and Anjani hitched!”

Alma smiled then vanished behind the door. I gave myself another look in the mirror.

Eritopia had been brutal, but it had also been kind to me. In the middle of adversity, I’d glanced into Anjani’s emerald-gold eyes and I’d found the meaning to my life. I’d found a purpose. I’d found love.

Today, I was going to stand in front of Anjani, and I was going to give myself to her, body and soul, for the rest of my life. It was still a new and scary concept to me, but every time I looked at her, any trace of anxiety went away, my heart swelling with love and my soul eager to touch hers.

I was a lucky wolf-boy, indeed.





Harper





(Daughter of Hazel & Tejus)





This wasn’t the first wedding I’d attended. It wasn’t even my first in Eritopia. But still, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of the event.