Chapter 38
CAESAR
For a moment, I believe I’m dreaming, but the heady, delicious smell of my mate only becomes stronger with each passing second. Just then, someone places a small hand on my back and the chanting in my brain picks up with a frenzy.
“Mate! Mate!!
I finally summon the courage to turn around and my heart nearly stops when I come face–to–face with Amaya. She’s staring at me with a look of confusion, but all that goes through my mind is that I’ve found my mate!
Amaya is my mate!
I never thought I’d see the day. It’s no secret that some werewolves remain unmated forever. I always thought I was one of those wolves who were doomed to end up married to a woman who wasn’t their mate.
Looking into her sharp green eyes, a fierce sense of protectiveness wells within me. This changes everything. Before, I married Amaya with the mindset of setting her free after two years, after the possible death of my daughter. But now, I’m never, ever letting her go. She’s mine.
I finally snap myself out of my daze, although my heart is still racing wildly, and turn to Solomon. The knowing lift of his brow tells me that he knows exactly what just happened… and I didn’t even have to say a word.
Solomon can probably tell that I’m overwhelmed because he steps forward and picks up the microphone to create a distraction.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for honouring our invitation. Now is the time for the groom to reveal the bride’s wedding present. If we’d all step outside, please…”
***
AMAYA
I’m married to Caesar Manchester. I’m married to Caesar Manchester!
It’s only supposed to be a marriage on paper, but Caesar intertwines his fingers with mine possessively as all the guests rise and file out of the hall, and my heart starts doing its signature backflips.
I try to pull my hand away but he shoots me a look beneath his long lashes. A look that screams; “stay!”
So I simply stop struggling.
I turn to Jayla to find her eyes already fixed on our joined hands her brows furrowed in confusion. She returns my gaze and it’s settled that we’re both equally confused.
I clear my throat as Caesar slowly leads me out of the hall, behind the guests.
“You didn’t have to get me anything. I’m actually okay with…“/
“You’re my wife now.” He cuts in, his voice a low, fierce growl that surprises me; “and it’s my responsibility to spend my money on you Expect more gifts of this nature going forward.”
Okay. I’m stunned to silence.
I tried my best to read the marriage contract properly, and no part of it said that Caesar was entitled to give me gifts. What the hell was going on?
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We finally arrive outside and Caesar still hasn’t released me. At this point, I’ve managed to convince myself that he’s just putting on a show for the guests.
It’s unusually quiet outside. After we’ve stood for about a minute, I’m about to ask him where the gift is when suddenly, I hear a loud, whirring sound from the distance.
Jayla steps forward and grabs my arm. She’s excited. I can feel it.
“Wait, is that what I think it is…?” She whispers in awe.
The whirring sound grows louder and louder, then suddenly, I look up and my eyes widen with awe. It’s a helicopter.
I can literally feel my insides churning with confusion as I watch the helicopter slowly land in the middle of the vast, open
space.
I can hear the oohs and aahs from the guests. Most of them are already recording with their phones while the press takes endless pictures.
The helicopter blades slowly quieten and two minutes later, a loud “ssshh” sound can be heard. It sounds like the doors of a warehouse are being opened.
Caesar takes my hand and quietly leads me to the back of the helicopter. I’m confused as hell. We arrive in time to watch the back doors slide open and my mouth falls open once again when I finally get a glimpse of what’s inside.
Jayla lets out a loud gasp on my behalf.
“Wait… Amaya, is that what I think it is?”
Yup, it sure as hell is. The gleaming, red exterior gives it all away
“Girl, that’s a freaking Maybach Exelero!!” Jayla squeals, almost jumping up and down.
The Maybach Exelero is the car of my dreams. And this one comes in my favourite colour – bright red, the colour of lipstick. My total dream car.
I still haven’t recovered from the shock that courses through my bloodstream as the car is gently let off the helicopter with the use of a ramp. Caesar dangles a sleek, single key before me and I just stare at him, stunned.
“How did you know?” I whisper as he drops the key into my free hand.
He shrugs, those dark eyes giving nothing away. “I know everything about you, Firefly.”
“Take a look at this baby!” Jayla squeals as she subjects the car to a very thorough perusal. “It even comes with personalized number plates!”
Surprised, I turn to the car to confirm her claims and sure enough, the nickname he created for me is boldly written on the number plates. Firefly.
I have no idea how to feel about this, but one thing is certain. I’m not taking it.
I subtly notice that the guests and members of the press are starting to notice my lack of enthusiasin, so I lean forward and wrap my free arm around Caesar’s waist, pressing my face into his neck in a fake show of appreciation. I use that opportunity to whisper;
“Why did you buy me an eight million dollar car?”
I feel him stiffen against me;
“I already told you. You’re my wife and…”
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“Please stop with your games, Caesar.” I mutter through gritted teeth. There’s absolutely no need for this level of show off. This marriage isn’t even real. I don’t want the car. You can take it back after the wedding.”
I lean back and look into his eyes with a fake smile, but my smile almost falters when I notice his hard, angry stare.
What the hell is wrong with him? Shouldn’t he be happy that I rejected the car?
He opens his mouth to say something but just then, a weirdly dressed lady covered from head to toe in an extravagant, red lace material suddenly steps forward, right beside the car.
The crowd quietens as everyone’s attention is suddenly fixed on her.
“Who is that?” Jayla asks, laying a hand on my arm protectively. I didn’t even notice that she’d retur
to my side.
The lady releases the scarf covering her face and I blink in shock as I take in that blonde hair and perfectly symmetrical face.
It’s Elle. And she has a knife.
