122
I stand before the mirror in my tuxedo and try to straighten a tie that feels more like a boa constrictor around my throat.
Lynx, acting the part of my best man until Falcon arrives, offers to help, but I shake my head.
“Another drink, perhaps?” He smirks.
“No, brother,” I snap. “No amount of drink will make today any better. This infernal piece of fabric is trying to strangle me!”
My eyes meet Falcon’s in the mirror as he enters the room, his countenance worried. He has the responsibility of delivering a special wedding gift to my wife-to-be today.
I don’t see anything in his hands, though.
“I expected you to be jumping around like a court jester at what’s about to unfold,” I snarl, attempting again to straighten my tie. “Did you get what I asked?”
“I have news,” he says without preamble. “It’s bad.”
I turn slowly and narrow my eyes at him. After all, what could be worse than marrying someone I don’t love in order to protect someone I shouldn’t love?
“What is it?”
“The woman you’ve chosen to marry is not who she says she is.”
“Elaborate.”
“Her last name is Lazio. She comes from Fondi. Need I say more?”
I grit my teeth and stare at him as if he’s gone mad.
“There’s no way the selectors would do something like that.”
“I don’t know how it happened,” he sighs, running his hands through his hair in agitation, “but it has. My sources are impeccable. She somehow assumed another’s identity and got onto the show. The people trying to get her back are not the mafia.”
My fangs run out as I try to contain my rage.
‘She lied about her identity. Moreover, she’s brought an absolute shitstorm to my house if what he’s saying is true.’
“Jag,” Falcon growls. “She’s Fondi.”
“I heard you the first fucking time!”
“You can’t marry her — it’s forbidden. She’s Forbidden.”
I tear off my tie and brush past him.
“Where are you going?”
“I have to talk to my intended,” I snarl.
Wolf, just entering the room, steps aside as I move to stride past him.
“Hello. It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding,” he chortles.
“You can’t marry her!” Falcon shouts to my retreating back.