32. Chapter 30
Chapter 30
Evie
“ W ell fuck me! I told you some witchy shit was about to go down! I guess the whole car crash, curse, slash spell thing explains why I basically forgot you for over ten fucking years. Mama will know what to do.” Cami replies to my explaining of our entire situation.
“We have your back. We may not all be witches to help you, but we will help in any way we can. You are our family now too. We protect our own, always.” Savvy, who corrected me calling her Savannah, adds to Cami’s thoughts.
“I’m sorry we didn’t come to you and my brother sooner, but we honestly just needed to be sure you weren’t part of the trafficking. Or the ultimate threat to mine and Brix’s life. We had to be sure. Especially with what we knew of the other siblings. Plus, you are as much of a witch as we are. You’re a Bennett witch. They haven’t practiced in a long time, but we found linage back to the casket girls of Bennett witches.” I try to explain my reasoning, knowing now that it even seems foolish to me that these women would be on the wrong side of things.
“There is no way that you could have known. Especially in this life. Girl, my sister Charlotte, took most of her secrets to the grave, and we may never know who she truly was. She left a mess for me to clean up when I didn’t even know she existed. Now I have M.J.” Savvy looks to our niece, giving her the most loving smile.
“I’m sorry that we decided to do this during your wedding. I didn’t think about how it would affect you. I’m sorry.” I stumble on my words, looking at the beautiful bride.
“I met my Uncle Sin in front of the cathedral and basically told him I had his balls in a vice grip, while my mother figure had his wife locked away, with one of your other siblings literally holding her captive. This sounds like a piece of cake in comparison.” She lets out a laugh.
“Oh, yeah. I heard about what happened to you. I’m so sorry you had to go through that.” I reply hesitantly, not prepared for M.J.’s response, and skeptical of what to say.
“It all worked out, and I am much stronger for it. I cherish every day I get to spend with my family and the love of my life. I’m sorry that might get taken from you. What can we do?” Savvy eyes fill with unshed tears.
She takes a deep breath and looks up, taming her emotions.
“I didn’t mean to bring it up, I’m so sorry, please don’t cry.” I say softly putting my hand on hers.
“Cami said that you rarely ever touch anyone or let anyone touch you.” Savvy replies, looking down at our hands.
“Family doesn’t fall under anyone. Us witches have to stick together.” I wink at her.
“I think what Evie is trying to say is, we need witches. We think we might be able to appeal to the ancestors, with an offering of sorts. They are pissed and want their pound of flesh.” Emily explains.
“Tomorrow is a full moon, and we were planning to do a cleansing ritual of sorts. You all are welcome to join us.” Cami smiles wide.
The double doors to the side of the room open as Alec leads all of our men into the room. Brixon and my brother walk in side by side talking like old friends, while the other men are mingled together laughing.
We all would just look like one big happy family to anyone else looking in. When in reality we are a room full of assassins. Men and women alike, blood on all of our hands, well most.
The two men who are now my world come in front of Savvy and me, still sitting close as we all chat. I stand abruptly, waiting for what happens next.
“Genevieve.” He starts and I put my hand up.
“Hello brother! Laughingly I apologize, I’ve always wanted to say that. Please call me Evie. Once I learned that was our mothers middle name, I’ve decided I hate it.” I smile up at this beast of a man, covered in tattoos, with a man bun, which still makes me chuckle. It actually suits him.
He smirks, shaking his head, “It’s a beautiful name, that one person tarnished, don’t let it tarnish you sis. Make that name mean something.” he says softly, placing his palm on my cheek.
I feel his warmth as my vision fills with light. I watch his story flash so quickly. Love, loss, betrayal, love again, this time pure. I see him sitting at a bar that looks like a library, sipping amber liquid as he looks down at a picture he is holding of me.
His emotions are all over the place, just wishing he knew I was okay. I also see what he does to people who hurt the people he loves.
I’m pulled back to the present as strong arms embrace me. My brother smells of sandalwood, citrus, cedar, and smoke. A very nice combo.
I take in his scent again, trying to embed it in my memory, so deep that maybe, if I’m lucky, I’ll be able to take it with me when I’m gone.
I’ve been doing this a lot lately with the ones I love. Trying to appreciate every moment I get with the people that matter most.
I pull back from Christan’s arms and lean into Brixon’s side, taking in his one-of-a-kind mouthwatering scent as he wraps his arms around me, kissing my temple.
“Alright fam-bam, it’s time for the bride and groom to enter for their first dance. The rest of you file out in your couples behind them, showing unity. We want to send a message to whoever is fucking with our family.” Mia gets a mom voice going that is not only demanding, but absolutely downright vicious.
Fuck I thought she was just a sweet wedding planner. She is a beast.
“That includes you all. I get that you are king shits with the Saints, but I don’t give a fuck about titles at my weddings. I care about my family, that now includes all of you. Fall in line and show your support for Alec and M.J. You all know him taking this stand puts a mark on his back.” She lets us know she means business, and I am now even more excited to have her as my wedding planner, and as part of my family.
I honestly believed at one point that it would just always be me and Emily, getting old and having midnight margaritas and reading sprints with Lily to pass the time. Now my family just keeps growing by the minute.
I can’t get my hopes up that this will change my fate, but I can enjoy it while it lasts.
Mia places each couple where she wants us. When we are all situated appropriately, she takes her place next to Nick, taking his arm. I watch him lean down and kiss his wife sweetly on top of her head, then whispering something in her ear, making her laugh.
I watch Mia press the button on her earpiece, giving instructions for each event that takes place. The double doors opening just as the music starts, Taylor Swift strums her guitar, signaling everyone to start walking out into the ballroom. We follow, arm and arm. People gasp when they see the Deities with their chosen women on their arms, showing that we are now their family.
Alec and M.J. take the center of the dance floor, dancing their first dance as husband and wife to, “Today Was a Fairytale.” They look so in love, gazing into each other’s eyes as he spins her on the shiny light wood floor, dipping her, then planting a soft kiss on her lips as the song ends. Everyone cheers as Alec lifts M.J. back up, making her giggle.
The rest of the ball styled reception is absolutely perfect. We watch as they are sweet, feeding each other a small bite of cake without getting it on their faces, then encircling their arms to drink champagne.
Brix and I have a few drinks, dance, laugh, and enjoy everyone’s company throughout the night.
We are slow dancing to Ed Sheeran’s, “Perfect,” holding onto each other as the lyrics set in. Brix whispers the lyrics in my ear as he keeps our steps slow and steady. I love the way he knows what music means to me.
“I remember you singing this to me once.” I smile up at Brix, remembering such a special moment of our history.
“I will sing it to you over and over if that is what you want.” He kisses my forehead.
A song can tell an amazing story if you just listen to the lyrics, the tone of the artist’s voice, the emotion they put into their words. A song can be a beautiful love story, if you just listen to the words.
“This is the song I want for our first dance as husband and wife.” I tell him as he turns us into a circle, avoiding bumping us into anyone else.
“I love that. See, all the wedding things will come. You have been so worried about every little detail. Let’s take a break after today, let Mia do her job. She is obviously very good at it.” Brixon almost pleads, letting me know he is worried.
“Well, I already accepted an invite to my brothers tomorrow. We are all going to his place for lunch, then us girls are going to have some witchy time in the woods.” I explain, watching his eyes narrow.
“Fine, but after that, we need to make some time for just the two of us, before the wedding.” His words hit hard. He is worried that after that our time may be up. I see it in his eyes, and it breaks my heart.
“I promise.” I tell him, going up on my toes to give him a kiss as the song stops, needing to take a break.
Just when I think I’m going to get to sit down, they announce all unwed ladies to the center of the dance floor for the bouquet toss and Brix tries to take me back to the dance floor.
I stop in protest, holding up my ring finger, “Already taken, see.” I remind my fiancé.
“No, you are going to want to see who catches it.” He says sweetly, pointing out, to Emily, who is dragging lily out with her.
I watch as M.J. winks out to the crowd before turning and tossing the pretty pink and white bouquet behind her into the sea of girls, all with their hands up, wanting that trophy.
It comes down hard, hitting an unexpecting Lily, who isn’t even paying attention, in the face. She bats it away just after the flowers assault her, into Emily’s hands before placing a hand over her right eye and running in the direction of the bathrooms.
I watch Noah let out a sigh and go after her. I think I’ll let my little brother take care of this one. Emily and I make eye contact as she rushes to me with the pretty bouquet in her hands. Liam is fast approaching as well.
“Congrats girly! Did you see that, muscles for brains? It’s your move by the way.” I chastise Liam, knowing he is proposing soon, but can’t let that be known to my bestie.
“We are still taking things slow. Marriage isn’t even on our radar. Except for helping to plan yours. Lily and I told Mia that we would help her with anything she needs, only getting clarification on what we don’t already know. This is your time, Eves. Enjoy it and let us take care of everything.” Emily replies sweetly, hugging Liam’s waist while his arm holds her closer.
“Every one line up for Mr. & Mrs. Alec Landry to make their exit for their honeymoon.” Someone announces over the loudspeakers, cutting off Stevie Nicks, singing, “Crystal,” which irritates me a little. He could have waited till the song was over.
Everyone in the room moves to line up towards the doorway and outside. Sin and Savvy come up next to us, motioning us to come outside to say goodbye.
We follow them out to the white limousine waiting out front for the couple as everyone throws birdseed at them as they try to run.
M.J Stops in front of all of us, “Guess what Aunties?” She leans in close to the two of us.
“What sweetheart?” I ask, curious, smiling from ear to ear that she called me auntie.
“I finally get to have sex!” The young blue-eyed beauty jumps up and down like it’s the most exciting thing in the world.
Savvy bursts out laughing, “Go tell your uncle that, little girl.” She dares our niece.
“Oh fuck no. I love you.” She smiles with tears in her eyes as she hugs Savvy, “I’ll be back for your wedding, and I can’t wait to get to know you better, Evie. I already love you.” She says sweetly hugging me.
Brix wraps his arms around my waist from behind, kissing my neck, “Ready to go home, or would you like to stay a little longer?” he asks sweetly.
I turn in his arms as the limo pulls away, “I’m ready for my fiancé to take me home.” I say seductively, raising a brow, smirking when his breath hitches just a bit.