Chapter Thirty-Five: A Wedding from Hell

Evelyn:

Two different dresses hung in the bag, the black silk ball gown matching his simple black tuxedo with the scarlet dress shirt. The other one wouldn't do it at all, a sinking pit growing in my stomach. Pulling off my current outfit, his strong hands pulled the gown over my head. The silk felt soft against my skin, my fingers tracing the embroidered blood lilies all over the skirt. Zipping it up, he adjusted the sweetheart neckline gently. Cupping my face, his lips pressed against mine sweetly. Time stopped for a moment, his hand sliding down to my bump. Resting his forehead against mine, his finger traced my cheek. A knock on the door alerted us, a pink haired vampire scurried in with a black makeup case. Her red eyes glistened with adventure, her petite body bouncing around the room. Just what I needed, another bucket of sunshine in my life. Rolling my eyes, this whole popular thing was driving me nuts.

"I am Peony Bloodsworth, Sir. Bloodsworth's daughter." She introduced herself gleefully, her black lace dress bounced with each step towards me. "I fired your makeup artist so I could meet the cupid that made my father happy." Her long silky hair hung like a curtain around her face, her black gloved hand shoved the real makeup artist out of the room. Her painted lips spread into a wider grin, her nose sniffing my neck. A chill ran up my spine, her vibe giving me mixed signals. Unable to trust her, her next action only made my distrust a bit deeper. Playing with my white hair, my hand grabbed her wrist as Hudson backed off. No one touched me without my permission, especially some stranger.

"So curious." She continued haughtily, shoving Hudson's suit into his chest. "Go get dressed, you handsome hunk. If you weren't taken, I would take you right now. You are a white wolf. I have never met one in person. I can't wait to work with you once I become queen. I can smell the leader in you. It smells amazing, but the sadness poisons the scent." Sitting me on the bed, Hudson wandered cautiously into the bathroom. His eyes narrowed in his direction, his trembling fingers cracking his knuckles. Thank goodness for our matching thoughts. Smiling cruelly in his direction, my red eye twitched slightly. There was no death date, just a glitching infinity signal over her head. Saying nothing, she flicked her wrist to give me a smokey eye with a cat's eyes. Not one person before had an infinity symbol, a myriad of thoughts coursing through my mind.

"How come I didn't know about you?" I inquired oddly, not quite comfortable around her yet. "Are you a true immortal?" Setting the box down, the mattress creaked as she plopped down next to me. Pulling her knees to her chest, her insecurities began to show through the cracks of her wall. Seeing her broken like this, shattered my heart. No one deserved to feel this way, guilt dimming my eyes. A person really didn't have to tell a stranger a damn thing.

"My mother was an angel who died when I was born. So, yeah I am a true immortal." She sighed in a depressed tone, her wrists resting on her knees. "It can be so lonely. My only lover could only be an angel. I see why he likes you. You are like a warm hug, so don't let your icy past freeze your heart." Taking her hands, subtle surprise flashed in her eyes. Silent tears flooded from her eyes, her head bowed in shame. Wiping away her tears, her vibe matched that of a broken doll.

"I know that you will find your husband someday. I have done many things that I am ashamed of. I think you are beautiful." I commented sincerely, braiding her hair into a side braid. "See now we can all see your magical smile." Flying into my arms, her tears soaked my shoulder. The bathroom door swung open, Hudson stepping out. My breath hitched, the suit hugging his larger muscles. An exhale of disbelief left his lips, his eyes rolling. A tender blush rose to my cheeks, a nervous grin dancing across my lips.

"I leave for a minute and you have already become a therapist to someone else.' He joked tenderly, adjusting his black silk tie. "How typical of you?" Peony flipped him off, her wet eyes looking up at mine. Black eyeliner ran down her face, my shoulder covered in her makeup. Shaking my head, she wiped up her face. Horror widened my eyes at the sight of the scars covering her skin, some fresher than others. Looking away in shame, Hudson cleaned up my shoulder. Lifting up her chin with my finger, my hands cupped her face. Confusion dawned on her face, my lips pressing into a thin line. The bruises told a tale of bullying from her peers, her father probably never knowing.

"Don't be ashamed of your scars. You are still gorgeous to me." I complimented her in a motherly tone, my work not too shabby. "How does that look?" Showing her face in the manner, her cat eye with a candy red lip made her grin wickedly. Hugging the life out of me, Grappy popped his head in. Tears welled up in my eyes, the scarlet velvet tuxedo hugging his body. Fluffing his new hair, anxious laughter escaped his lips. Jumping into his arms, his aura felt especially warm today. Dusting off his black dress shirt, tears flooded from his eyes. Peony shouted goodbye as she brushed by my shoulders. Wiping away his tears, his arms embraced me like his life depended on it.

"Can you give me away?" He sobbed softly, my true smile melting his anxiety. "It would be an ho-" Spinning him around, I bowed in his direction. Hopping onto the chair behind me, a crooked grin curled on his lips. Scarlet burned his cheeks, his eyebrow beginning to twitch irritably.

"Would I like to give away the world's greatest guardian angel? It would be an honor." I proclaimed proudly, leaping into the air. Hudson rolled his eyes, his hearty laughter filling the room. Landing gracefully in front of him, my arm hooked around his elbow. Resting his head on my shoulder, his loving warmth only grew brighter. If only moments like this could last forever, the world would be a better place. Marching into the halls, Gabrielle chased after us. His hair flew behind him, his ocean blue eyes sparkling proudly. The white silk tuxedo glistened in the yellow lights of halls, the all white look a welcome change from his armor. His blade bounced off of his hip, his arms hooking around our shoulders. Popping his head in between us, the serene smile telling me that he was happy for his brother. A jovial secret rested in that smile of his, a tale ready to be told.

"I just met the most amazing pink haired vampire. She ran into me, and yelled at me." He blabbered incoherently, spinning around behind us. "Everyone always fears me. She didn't run away screaming and told me off. It turned me on so much." My eyebrow twitched with shock, the corner of my lips quivering. This was a new side to him, the happiness throwing me off. A dazed look came over his eyes, even Grappy proving to be confused by this side. Wondering if he was drunk or on drugs, a small plot of revenge spinning about in my head.

"Her name is Peony Bloodsworth, and she is a half angel." I informed him casually, glancing back at him with a wicked grin. "She happens to be single and waiting for an angel to steal her immortal heart. May the odds be in your favor." Leaving him with that, Gabrielle melted into a puddle, a goofy grin breaking his usually serious face. Marching forward with Grappy, Hudson laughed quietly behind us. So Gabrielle could be fun, Grappy whispering a hilarious joke in my ear, my eyes widening with my sudden burst of wild laughter. Chills ran up my spine, Gabrielle popping up behind me with a malicious grin on his lips. Perhaps I took this one a bit too far, sweat dripping off of my brow. His lips parted to chastise me, Peony grabbing him by the waist, spinning him underneath her. Spinning around to watch, all of us hovered in our spots. Her confidence soared through the roof, even my heart fluttered.

"I need someone to walk next to me. Would you like to be my groomsman?" She questioned lustfully, scarlet burning his cheeks. "Your angelic aura turns me on. How about you become my king? My father is handing me over our kingdom and I need a king." All of our jaws dropped to the ground, her forwardness throwing us off. Before anyone could speak, her fangs sank into his neck. Drinking away, Sir. Bloodsworth skidded in with a matching tuxedo. A furious snarl quivered on his lips, the look in his saying that he was ready to kill.

"Peony!" He barked sharply, all of us stiffening with fear. "You will stop drinking that nice angel's blood this very instance! You can only drink your mate's blood." His dad glare met business, a refreshed sigh escaping her lips. Taking a second to realize what he had just said, Peony was already kissing a stunned Gabrielle, his arms spinning her around. Melting into his arms, his lips smashing into hers. A peony appeared on his neck, Bloodsworth dragging the two of them off by their collars. A shouting match ensued, the guests piling into the ornate golden ballroom. Standing around awkwardly, Grappy shrugged his shoulders. Choosing to watch his guests stream in, the pit in my stomach only screamed louder. Settling into the plush scarlet velvet seats, a simple black altar rested underneath an arch of blood lilies. The three of them emerged a couple minutes later, Gabrielle trembling behind the father and daughter duo. A fresh bruise shined on the corner of his jaw, Peony hooking her elbow in his. A triumphant grin danced across her defiant face, the expression matching mine after one of many battles. The two of them motioned for us to stay, Peony rolling her eyes as the sharp whispers passed with each step closer to the altar. Standing next to him, her hands crossed. So I was correct, they did hate her because she was different. People needed to grow up, a quiet rage simmering in my eyes.

"I have an announcement to make!" His deep voice thundered, a strong force dragging Gabrielle in. Stumbling onto the stage, his body trembled next to them. Public appearances seemed to be his weak point, a gentle chuckle escaping my lips. Shocked gasps echoed in the crowd, Theros and Diamond staring back at us. A questioning look flickered in his eyes, our shoulders shrugging nonchalantly. At least they were cool with her being queen, another quiet giggle bursting from my lips.

"My daughter Peony will now be your queen, and this is her mate." He continued politely with a sad smile. "I am stepping down today. Respect them, or I will rip out your throats. Queen Peony, will you marry Grappy and me as your first official task." Bowing in her direction, he took the crystal blood lily off of his tuxedo. Silent tears streamed down his cheeks as he pinned the lily to her dress. Wiping away his tears, Gabrielle stood paralyzed next to them, his hands quaking violently. Poor guy, I thought to myself while noticing several vampires reach underneath their seats. Why must nobles be so snooty? Didn't they realize that she had feelings as well!

"Yes, your majesty." She promised sweetly, wiping away his tears. "I promise to lead you with all of my grace. So let's make sure we honor my father's legacy." Winking in the crowd's direction, cheers erupted in the crowd with the exception of the sour looking nobles scattered in the crowd. Motioning towards the string quartet, the sad melody of an original composition sang its beautiful notes. Hudson crept into the back of the room. Something ate at him, his tense posture causing bigger concern to flash in my eyes. Shaking it off, he didn't need to know. Turning towards Grappy, clammy sweat drenched his skin.

"You could be your older brother right now. You have this." I assured him gently, his head resting against my shoulder. "Let's go get you hitched, my dear prince!" Marching down the aisle with him, red eyes shot daggers in my direction. Ignoring their disgusted looks, Grappy's eyes never left Bloodsworth's. Relief washed over me, choosing to hold my head up high. Tears swam in his eyes, the love shining like a diamond in his eyes. Stopping at the bottom step, a death glare shut down the naysayers in the crowd. Peony skipped in front of me, offering her hand to Grappy. Her welcoming aura won him over, his anxiety fading by the second.

"Madame Evelyn, do you wish to give up Grappy to Sir. Bloodsworth?" She inquired with her trademark wicked grin, the chairs creaking behind me. Embracing him one last time, my hands guided him to Bloodsworth. Something still felt off, Hudson sneaking out of the ceremony. Placing his hands in his, I bowed towards Peony. Respect, she deserved respect. If her people weren't going to give her respect, then I would. It only takes one person to start a chain reaction, my inner wolf telling me to figure out what was wrong.

"I do. However, you are still my guardian angel." I wept softly, Grappy winking at me. Peony spun me onto the stage, forcing me to stand behind Grappy. Her energy devoured a bit of mine, her aura changing to a dull gray. Another alarm rang in my head, the silent shame only visible to me. A tiny groan escaped her lips, Gabrielle hand grabbing my sleeve. Stepping back closer to him, a strange intensity burned in his eyes. Peony began to read the opening ceremony, his next words causing goosebumps to pop up on my skin.

"There are traitors in the audience." He whispered darkly, scanning the crowd. "How the hell am I supposed to be a king?" Shrugging my shoulders, Grappy dragged me to right behind him. Shaking my head, I had to pay attention. Crossing my hands, Gabrielle passed me a crumpled piece of paper. Tucking it into my cleavage discreetly, Peony death glare told me to pay attention. Clearing my throat, I straightened up. The dark cloud over her told me that she wanted us all on our best behavior, embarrassment burning my cheeks. The dark cloud worried me, her aura switching between a dark and light energy. Her inner struggle showed in the black bags hollowing out her eyes, a tension brewing in the room.

"Gaposo, please speak your vows." She asserted firmly, but kindly. "We would love to hear your magical vows." Cocking her head to the right, her smile hid her underlying chronic grumpiness, or whatever was haunting her. Clearing his throat, a sweet smile softening his face. Taking out the paper, terror widening my eyes. The words help was scrawled in an urgent manner, the brief message only adding fresh questions.

"Bloodsworth, you crashed into my life. You melted the ice in my heart with your wild ways." He wept softly, Bloodsworth wiping away his tears. "Your love knows no bounds, my heart is forever connected to yours. The funny thing is that we are both old men doomed to look young forever. There is no one I would rather spend an eternity with. Take my heart and never let it go. I love you Bloodsworth." Clutching Grappy close to his chest, he spun him underneath him. His hair hung like a curtain around his face, his charm matching his daughter's. I guess the apple really doesn't fall too far from the tree, a quiet chuckle escaping my lips once more.

"Graposo, you entered my life like a comet. Blazing hot and fast, I had no clue what hit me." He growled huskily, his finger tracing Grappy's cheek. "Before I was an ancient old monster waiting for my true love to come. You are my prince charming. Sweep me away into your arms for the rest of my life. Take this bite as a mark of love." Hudson fought a vampire outside of the ballroom. Mouthing a silent spell, an invisible ball of energy hit the vampire in the back of the head. The fanghead collapsed to the floor, several more approaching the ceremony. Gabrielle's lips were moving a mile a minute, several vampires shifting shadily. Peony rolled her eyes, her hand closing the worn black book. Hovering over the two of them, a pink curved blade covered in thorns hung over her shoulders.

"You may now bite your husbands!" She announced jovially, gearing up to fight. "I now pronounce you guys husband and husband." Biting each other's neck, sleek black bands appeared on their ring fingers. Short gasps of pleasure escaped each other's lips with each gulp, satisfied sighs pouring from their lips as they released each other. A silver blade whizzed past them, body smashing into them. Knocking them to the ground, half of the vampires rose to their feet with a wide range of weapons to the ground. Bloodsworth and Grappy's magic levels seemed low, the two of them panicking. Shrill screams shattered the peaceful atmosphere, Gabrielle raising his blade in the attack position. Always ready to defend the little guys, his golden heart honored the true value of an angel.

"Get your people to safety, and get Theros and his family out of here. Grappy, could you wipe out the traitors in the hall for me?" I asked cautiously, dreading the fact that his day was ruined. "I will make it up to you two at home." Leaping to their feet, they charged out of the ceremony space. Fishing around for a piece of chalk, the loyal guests left the room. There was no chalk in my boot, the only other option was turning into a wolf. A dark energy slammed the door shut behind them, leaving the three of us to deal with the situation. Hiding behind the altar, my trembling hands peeled off my dress and underwear. Setting it aside gently, my bones cracked, my muscles shifting into a white wolf. Launching out from my hiding spot, a flurry of blood lily petals covered my attack path. Sniffing the ground for the leader, my red eye twitched wildly. A trail of blood twisted through many pairs of dress shoes to a raven haired vampire. Her ruby eyes caught mine, hatred brewed between us. Her soul was dead, her fingers snapping. Blood and guts painted my fur red, the inky black sludge flowed into her mouth. My tail tucked into my legs, Gabrielle and Peony lay unconscious on the stage, blood pouring from my red eye. Groaning to myself, my blade was too far away from me. Hudson and Grappy burst through the door, black sludge dripping off of their clothes. Dropping to the floor, sweet slumber swept me away.