The Sun God Diaries

Finally, the day of the twilight wedding (Ryker the Reckless had insisted that we’d get married at sunset; “It’s romantic,” he’d told me on the previous night) had arrived and I was feeling all sorts of emotions as almost all of the rogues and loners stopped by to finalize the preparations and send me looks of condolences. “This shit right here,” I mumbled, picking at a few lints on the freshly-washed quilt on the bed. “I bet Dad never felt this anxious about being forced to marry some lovelorn rogue Alpha twit.”

Be at peace, My grandchild, I heard the voice of the Moon Goddess intone softly. Though you must head down the aisle, the ceremony will not be fulfilled or consummated. Keep your mind light and free and your conscience cleansed from fear. Your chariots of rescue will soon arrive.

I took a deep breath to quell my throbbing head and pounding heartbeat.

That’s it, She whispered. Remember to breathe and trust in my plan. Trust yourself, Malachi. And know that your family back at the palace and your mates will be ready to take you back home. As for Ryker, he will face the ultimate judgment for his sins.

I sighed, exhaling another deep breath. “Thank you,” I murmured.

You’re welcome, She replied, Her voice fading as I saw another rogue bring in my tuxedo. Remember to trust in my plan and know that you will be home before dark. Trust yourself, Malachi.

I sat up straight in the bed, crossing my legs and preparing to mediate just as I saw Iris walk in with my final tray of lunch. “Oh, I didn’t know that you were meditating,” she said. “I can come back.”

“It’s okay,” I replied, accepting the lunch tray that held a sandwich and chips. “So tonight is the night, huh?”

Iris nodded. “The cake is being frosted, the small menu- which is really some roasted chicken and potatoes- is being set up; Ryker’s getting some clothes for the two of you that’ll be packed for your exodus from Colorado before driving into a no-man’s-land territory where two private planes will take you and all of us to Denmark,” she said. “I got a feeling that this will not be pretty.”

“You and me both,” I replied. “But I believe that this wedding will be when Ryker will finally get his.”

She smiled. “Well, let’s just get through this afternoon, Malachi. And since I’ll be the one to help you get ready for the wedding, you know that I’ll make sure that you’ll look and feel like you’re ready to work the runway.”

“I appreciate it,” I replied, pausing to bite into my sandwich and eating. “The moment this is all over, you’ll be one of the new workers. I’ll talk to my family about finding some jobs for you and everyone.”

Her eyes sparkled with the threat of tears. “Thank you,” she said. “Now, you finish your lunch. You’ll need your strength for what’s to come. And you’ll need to feed your children.”

**************

Later that evening, Iris kept her word and I was now dressed in a simple all-black tuxedo that the glum seamstress (who was known as Candace) had crafted with her bare hands; it was lined with small crystals at the collars and pockets on the jacket and I also had a lily on the breast. It was the perfect fit, one that had made me feel like I was getting coronated.

Iris had finished working on my hair, which was cut low and I was sported waves. My skin was glowing thanks to the bubble bath and anointed with homemade lotion with my lips plump and moisturized thanks to some lip venom and lip balm. “You look like a prince in a fairytale,” Iris sighed dreamily, taking stock of her work. “I can see why you’re the beauty, Malachi.”

I smiled softly, knowing that it had also helped that I was Salgiel for the moment. “Thank you, ma’am,” I said in my Southeastern accent and turned to her. “You’re not too bad yourself.”

She looked down at her dark-red groomsmaid gown that was strapless. “Please,” she sniffed, playing with her curls that were in an updo. “All eyes will be on you, for the most part, Malachi. And Ryker’s going to definitely want to restrain himself from jumping your bones.”

I made a face. “Please don’t ruin my mind with that image,” I whined, which made us both laugh.

There was a knock at the door, the happy rogue Alpha stepping in. “You look amazing,” he breathed, walking over and kissing my cheek. To Iris, “Leave us.”

She sent me a sad glance before stepping outside.

I turned to him, a pointed look on my face. “You do realize that it’s bad luck to see the groom before the ceremony, right?” I reminded him.

“Yeah, but I couldn’t help it,” he replied smugly. “I’ve been on pins and needles waiting for this day. And nothing and no one will ruin this for the two of us. And I hate to be a bad guy, but I want you to be fully submissive to me during the ceremony. Only say the vows that I planned for you. Remain silent. And always smile. One false move...and I’ll be ripping those children from the womb and replace them with my own.”

I nodded, steeling away the urge to slap him. “Of course,” I promised him. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”

“Good,” he purred, his eyes flashing red briefly. “Today is going to be unforgettable, my love. I’m sure of it.”

He kissed me on the lips gently before he left the room. “Two minutes until showtime,” he said before he shut the door.

I suppressed the urge to vomit, my mouth needing to be cleansed of him smelling like blood and day-old tuna. Tonight was going to be unforgettable, all right. The Moon Goddess- my Great-Grandmother- will be sure of that.

One minute passed. And then, a tall and beefy rogue hunter came in dressed in a tuxedo. “Ready for this?” he asked me as I walked up to him and took his hand.

I took one deep breath. “Let’s get this show on the road,” I huffed. “And are you ready to bolt?”

“You know it,” he said gruffly as he led me out of the bedroom and out of the small cabin that was already cleaned and packed up.

And as I stepped outside and noticed the small clearing that was decorated with wildflowers and candlelight with Ryker waiting by the altar with another hunter that was performing the service, I imagined that I was getting married to my TRUE mates with the people that I loved.

I turned to see the other guests- all rogues who were forced to watch this ceremony and wanted to rat the other groom out and seek clemency- and said a silent prayer for their souls to be delivered. I would make sure that they would find new chapters after being under this man’s rule.

“No going back now,” I muttered to myself as I arrived at Ryker’s side. Showtime.