God of War: Chapter 37

I can’t do this.

The opulent grand hall buzzes with muted confusion and whispered excitement, but my vision is blurry to all the attendees.

To my family and friends who think they’re sharing my happiness because I told them so.

Because I insisted on marrying Eli despite my father’s opposition and everyone else’s bemusement.

All these months, I’ve busied myself with preparing for the wedding, so I didn’t think about what the hell I’ve gotten myself into. I went mental for my perfect dress, the perfect venue, and the perfect shade of flowers, but it wasn’t because I cared so much. Low-key, I wished to ruin it with any method available.

I nearly trip on the hem of my dress as I reach the altar. Papa holds me upright and I stare at his stone face through the veil. My nose still tingles from how hard I cried into his chest when he said he’d be the one to walk me down the aisle.

All the frustration, fear, and anger I felt through the previous couple of months exploded in one go and I cried like a baby. However, that didn’t change the outcome or my mind, despite Papa’s pleas for me to think about this decision.

He categorically hates this outcome and would rather I end up on the cover of gossip magazines as a runaway bride instead of tying my fate to Eli King.

I happen to think the same.

But fear has rendered me a coward.

That night my fiancé killed Oliver, I had a panic attack and kept seeing blood on my hands. It was because of Eli, but he was also the one who got me out of it.

And now, I have no way out.

So I fake a smile and he reluctantly releases my arm. I can feel Eli looming before us like a pending hurricane, but I focus on the safety Papa represents. The sentiment that everything will be fine as long as he’s in my life.

A bigger hand envelops mine and a rush of apprehension tightens my stomach. Papa glares at Eli, and the man I’m being forced to marry grins back.

It’s sinister and threatening, like everything about him.

For a moment, I consider telling Papa everything. He’d help me and have Eli locked up for his crimes.

But then I recall his fight with Mama. How they seem to fall out whenever I’m the topic of discussion. Eli is right. I need to get out of their lives or else I’ll be the constant cause of their misery.

He’s already my guardian now, so he has power over me no matter which way I spin it.

“You hurt my daughter and no one will find your corpse, King.” Dad delivers the threat in low words.

“I look forward to officially being your son-in-law, Uncle Cole.”

Papa’s fists ball, but before he can punch him, Eli tugs me toward him so that we’re standing facing one another. Through my veil, he looks tall, taller than usual. His height takes up all the space and sends a lick of dread through me. His face is stone-cold despite the fake smile he has plastered on his features.

I can’t marry him. And it’s not because he killed a man in cold blood.

It’s because I’m genuinely scared he might do the same to me one day.

His reason for marrying me is to keep an eye on me. He’ll make my life hell.

He’ll torment me.

He’ll kill the last remnants of my sanity.

And the most tragic part is that my feelings for him that never truly died could resurface and worsen the circumstances.

I’ve always dreamed about marrying him, but I foolishly thought that would be done out of love.

It’s wrong to get married because of blackmail. This is the most ominous start to a marriage and I can’t do it.

I have to run.

Now.

Before it’s too late.

Eli leans in and I stop breathing, my heart beating so loud, I’m sure everyone can hear it.

His hot breath skims my ear through the veil. “Don’t even think about running off on me, Ava.”

My fingers shake around the gorgeous bouquet of flowers. How does he know I plan to run? Still, I whisper, “I c-can’t do this.”

“You seem to believe you have a choice, but you don’t. Either you stay still and go through with the wedding, or you leave. If you choose the second option, I’ll find you and I’ll kidnap you to a place no one can find you. I’ll lock you the fuck up and you’ll never see your parents or friends ever again. And if you prove to be a hassle, I’ll slice your fucking throat and end your life as effortlessly as I did Oliver’s.”

I tremble as he steps back, still wearing the same sinister smile.

I’ve never been so terrified.

Yes, Eli has always been devious, but I never thought he could kill someone. But then I saw him punch a man to death, so I wouldn’t put anything past him.

So I believe him when he says he’ll kidnap, then kill me.

My legs are frozen in place as we go through fake vows with very real consequences.

No.

The part where we say, ‘Till death do us part’ doesn’t seem fake at all.

The priest announces us husband and wife and I realize with depressing finality that I’m truly trapped with Eli for life.

He lifts my veil and wraps an arm around my waist, then tugs me toward him. I gasp when his lips seal against mine in a savage claim. He shoves his tongue inside and then bites on mine. A metallic tang explodes in my mouth as he ravages me so savagely, pain and intense pleasure mix into one.

I remain limp in his arms as he kisses me with fortified ruthlessness and blind possessiveness.

As if he’s making a point of staking a claim in public.

The cheers, claps, and music fade into nothingness as my ears fill with a loud buzz. I was completely taken in by this man from the beginning and now, I can no longer stop it.

He releases my mouth and whispers in a rough word, “Mine.”