Epilogue
Ashley
It has been three weeks since James’s house burned to the ground and we disappeared from the world map.
The Pact is still trying to find its footing.
Aiden’s playing his own game of chess, and a war we can’t yet see is looming over us—but it will come.
Despite all that, Ryker has said one thing: before the world tries to tear us apart again, he wants me on his side. Officially. Forever.
I stand in front of Ryker in a red dress that falls to the floor, and he stands proudly upright in a black tuxedo. I look into his piercing eyes and can’t believe he was right.
Right now, it’s just us, Ryker’s brothers, and my sister. We don’t need anyone else.
Well, maybe except for the priest.
With peace in my soul and love in my heart, I recite my wedding vows, word by word. And when Ryker does the same, I feel my heart melt before him.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” says the priest. “You may kiss the bride.”
A smile spreads across Ryker’s face, and his eyes sparkle. He leans in, and his hot lips land on mine. The kiss is so passionate that my toes curl.
Someone in the crowd grunts and clears their throat.
My husband pulls away, looks deep into my eyes, and says, “I told you one day that you’d be my wife.”
And he was right.
Then my gaze accidentally catches sight of Eli.
He’s standing off to the side, in the shadows.
Watching us in silence.
And I don’t know yet that he… will be the first to change everything.