Scorch: A Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (The Tribe Series) by Terra Wolf, Ally Summers Page B

history.
    “What is it?” For once my brother had a serious look. The cocky smile was gone.
    We both stood silently staring at each other. A woman knocked on the door. “It’s time.” She peeked her head in the room. “Everyone’s downstairs and the bride is ready too.”
    Case nodded at me. “Ready for this?”
    “Yeah.”
    “We’ll talk after the ceremony,” he stated.
    “Sure.” I left my empty glass on the dresser and straightened my boutonnière one more time before walking downstairs.
    We didn’t have a lot of time to prepare and we didn’t have many guests, so the wedding was held at a bed and breakfast nestled in the top of the mountains. They had a large parlor they rented out for events, and it came with a bridal suite.
    Lucky for us, both were available.
    I walked to the fireplace and took my place. A couple of the guys were in gilded chairs, as well as a few girls who I assumed were from Francesca’s university.
    A violin started to play, and she entered the room from a sweeping staircase.
    My heart thudded, and my lungs stung with air. I’d never seen anyone more beautiful. More sexy. More mine.
    It was as if the room disappeared as I watched my mate float toward me in her white gown. I couldn’t describe it or say how it fit her, only that it made my mouth water and my hands on fire to touch her.
    Her hair was down and drifted around her shoulders. She smiled as she stood in front of me. The justice of the peace nodded at both of us as we took our places in front of the fireplace. There was a small flame flickering between the logs, and the mantle was glowing with candles.
    I said my vows on autopilot. Whatever the justice said, I repeated quickly. I didn’t even hear Francesca’s words. I couldn’t take my eyes off the glow of green coming from her eyes. I was buzzing with every sensation.
    At some point he told me I could kiss her, and with a little nudge from Josh, I pulled her into my arms and kissed the hell out of her until we were both gasping for air.
    I stood her up and steadied her. “This is still real?” she asked.
    “Oh yeah, darlin’, it’s completely real.” I held her hand against mine. We turned to face our guests. “You’re my wife now.”
    “I’d like to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Drew Maddox,” the justice announced.
    We started to walk down the mini-aisle when the front door opened and slammed abruptly.
    “Mom? Dad?” Francesca looked horrified, but not as much as the angry parents facing us.

20

Francesca
    “ M om ? Dad? What are you doing here?” The complete bliss I had from exchanging my vows with Drew was lingering between us, but it didn’t feel real with the angry glare of my parents trying to penetrate the happiness.
    “We’re too late, aren’t we?” My father’s voice roared over the violinist.
    “How did you even know?” I was in disbelief. Were they upset they weren’t invited or upset I was married? “Why are you here?”
    “Laney Sampson,” my mother explained.
    “Laney? But she’s a freshman.” I had no idea how she had heard I was getting married, but we were from the same town. Maybe some of the other students had somehow heard. I had sworn Alexa to total secrecy.
    They stormed toward us, and I felt Drew’s hand draw across my waist in a protective stance. He pushed me slightly behind him.
    “Does he know about you? Does he know what kind of monster you are?” My father hissed, pointing a finger at me.
    I shrank behind his words.
    “Mr. March. If you’d like to stay for the reception, we can take your coat and maybe talk over a glass of champagne.” Drew’s voice was low and forceful.
    My father staggered back. He had heard the growl from Drew’s chest. He reached for my mother’s hand. “You’re—you’re like her,” he accused my new husband.
    Drew stayed calm. I heard Case walk up behind us.
    “Is there a problem?” He looked from my father to my father.
    Drew turned. “Case, these are my new in-laws.