God of War: Epilogue 1

The hall erupts in loud applause as Jeremy kisses Cecily at the altar, or more like devours her face.

My eyes tear up as I hoot and applaud and do all the noises with Ari, Glyn, Anni, and Mia. We’re all dressed in pink bridesmaid dresses—yes, it was my idea.

But then again, Cecy basically left all the strategizing side of things to me, and I might have gone overboard and given the planners a headache.

Anyway, I’m the reason she picked the stunning Vera Wang dress that makes her look like a legit fairy- tale princess with her silver hair and elegant makeup. I’m so going to have a field day with all the photography ideas I have for later.

On Jeremy’s side, Nikolai, Kill, Gareth—Kill’s older brother—and some other guy I’ve never seen before hoot and bump fists.

Nikolai and Bran got married exactly two months ago in a stunning Tuscany destination wedding because Nikolai refused to get married after Jeremy. My guess is that he was just too eager to have Bran as his husband. I’ve never seen my friend so happy as when he was professing his undying love to Nikolai.

Not only that, but Kill and Glyn will get married next month. Lan and Mia in six months. Anni and Creigh set the date for in a year. Oh, and Ari will probably follow soon after if she has a say in it.

I have an abundance of weddings to attend, I tell you. My favorite type of party nowadays.

This New York wedding has been a smashing success. I can’t wait for more.

The girls and I throw flower petals as Jeremy takes Cecy by the hand and they walk out of the hall amid cheers.

I think I catch Uncle Xan wiping a tear as Aunt Kim strokes his shoulder. He asked Cecy to change her mind and break up with the ‘lizard,’ as he calls Jeremy, ten times over the past week, only to be refused.

On the bright side, he seems to get along better with Adrian—Jeremy and Anni’s dad—than Uncle Aiden does. There’s going to be drama during Creigh’s wedding. I can already tell.

I’ve been trying to ignore the security and the different stone-faced bodyguards roaming around the church. A Russian Orthodox church—as per the mafia’s rules.

Another thing that pissed Uncle Xan off. I think it has less to do with his Protestant heart and more to do with the fact that this means his daughter is marrying into the organization whether he likes it or not.

But then again, Cecy doesn’t seem to mind. She has the cutest relationship with her mother-in-law, and her father-in-law—who’s a scarier-looking version of Jeremy—dotes on her.

She’s been smiling non-stop today and glowing like a motherfucking queen.

“Gotta follow Cecy and make sure she gives me the flowers,” Ari says, then winks at Remi. “See? I’m working hard for our future.”

He tries to hide a smile but fails miserably. Ari grins back, kisses him on the cheek, and then rushes behind the newlyweds.

I catch a glimpse of Papa sighing like an old man with the world’s weight on his shoulders while Mama laughs.

Some things just never change.

“Are you done being a social butterfly for the month?” Warm breath tickles my ear as Eli slides to my side and wraps an arm around my middle.

I stare up at him and fall in love a bit deeper. My gaze is drawn to his breathtaking presence, drinking in every detail of his handsome form. The crisp lines of his tuxedo accentuate the sharp angles of his face, making him appear even more striking. His hair is styled to perfection, each strand falling into place with effortless grace. His piercing gray eyes, normally stormy and intense, soften as they meet mine.

Over the past few months, we’ve been traveling, staying on the island longer than necessary. We’ve been talking and getting to know each other better and on a more intimate level.

I’ve never felt so alive, so cherished and loved than when I’m with him.

I used to be plagued by cancerous dread and vicious loss of confidence whenever I saw him. I used to be injected with a shot of pain because the sight of him reminded me of my broken heart.

The pain expanded and transformed into bitterness the more I realized I couldn’t have him. He was like the sun, and I thought I was meant to orbit around him but never get close or else I’d burn.

But he proved with actions more than words how much I’m an integral part of his life; how, like me, he can barely function if I’m not there.

I’m not delusional about who my husband is. I know for a fact that Vance vanished the moment he landed in Melbourne and no one has a clue where he is.

It’s another case of disappearance that Eli orchestrated, but I have no interest in asking about it. Maybe I’m as morally broken as he is, because I would do the same if another woman came close to him.

I fix his bowtie, letting my nails trace along his skin. “The day is just starting. We still have the reception and photos.”

“How many photos?”

“Lots. As many as possible.”

“Don’t you have enough photo albums? Both digital and physical?”

“There’re never enough memories. You’ll all look back at my achievements and thank me for freezing all these moments.”

“Not if I have to sacrifice you for these moments.” He tightens his grip on my waist. “I’ve been suffering marital neglect, Your Honor.”

I laugh and then murmur, “You literally fucked me first thing this morning, Eli. When I was barely awake. How is that neglect?”

“Mmm. But you didn’t let me eat your cunt for breakfast as usual. I’m starving.”

“Eli!” I whisper-yell, searching our surroundings that are thankfully empty. “We’re in a church.”

“And we’re married. I’m positive the church approves of the holy union.”

“Not if your words are unholy.”

“Is that a yes on a late breakfast?” He raises a brow.

“Later, okay?”

“You know I can’t function properly without my habits.”

I laugh, the sound echoing around us like a symphony of joy. Honestly, he can get extremely insistent on his morning routine. It doesn’t matter if I try to wake him up with my lips around his cock or if he fucks me or not. He always needs to eat me out before he starts his day.

Not that I’m complaining or anything.

“This isn’t funny,” he grumbles. “I can’t wait for this wedding to be over and to take you back home. I’ll devour you everywhere, Mrs. King.”

“Not the kitchen counter or Sam will throw a fit.”

“Then Sam will be sacked.”

“You can’t sack my friend. I won’t allow it.”

He scoffs. “No idea how you made the lonely, antisocial club consisting of Henderson and Sam your friends, and even maintain it.”

“Probably the same way I made you fall in love with me. I’m irresistible.”

“That you are.” He kisses the tip of my nose and I feel like I’m melting.

God. Why does he have the ability to reduce me to a puddle of emotions with the merest touch?

“Hey, Eli?”

“Yes?”

“Have I been sleepwalking lately?”

He pauses. “Why are you asking?”

“I don’t think I have, but the more I’m certain of something, the more it’s not true. Give it to me straight. Don’t sugarcoat it or attempt to hide the truth for my benefit, please.”

“It happened once a month ago, but as Dr. Blaine said it was due to the stress of your rehearsals for the competition. It was brief and normal. Nothing was alarming.”

“Are you sure that’s the only one?”

“Positive.”

“Maybe it’s the only one you’re aware of.”

“Impossible, considering I never let you out of my sight, beautiful.”

I release a breath.

“What are you worried about?” He strokes my cheek, my hair, my pulse point, which I learned is how he can gauge my state of mind. “Do you believe the pills’ effects are waning? Do you feel something’s off?”

God. I love his caring, protective side and how easily it comes out at the hint of my discomfort.

“No and no, which is why I’m worried.” I release another breath. “I’m so happy, sometimes, I believe this is a simulation and I’ll wake up to my harsh reality one day.”

“You’re real.” He brushes his lips against mine and glues our foreheads together. “We are real, baby.”

I smile and stroke his nose against my cheek. “I know, but I want more.”

“Anything. If you ask for the moon, I’ll lay it at your feet.”

“Nothing that excessive.” I hesitate. “I…want children. Our children.”

“Then you will have them. All three of them.”

“R-really?”

“You thought I’d say no?”

“Yeah, well. You weren’t as open to the idea when we last talked about it.”

“That was under different circumstances. You’re better now. Stronger. Livelier. If you want children, I’ll impregnate you with as many of them as you wish.”

“B-but what about you? Is this only for me?”

“No. It’s for me as well.” He rubs his erection against my stomach. “See? The idea of filling you with my baby makes me hard.”

“You’re awful.” I laugh.

He smiles. “That aside. I only want children if you’re their mother.”

“I’d have no other father for them.” I steal a kiss. “Now, let’s join the others.”

“Not so fast.” He lifts me in his arms. “We have to start trying to get you pregnant, Mrs. King.”

My laugh fills the air as he takes me to a side room and does just that.

I fought against myself for this man, but that only made me love him deeper. Now that I’m no longer fighting, it’s easier to love him more every day.

This man owns my heart and soul.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.