A Call of Vampires (A Shade of Vampire #51)

I stifled a chuckle, as did most of us in the front rows. I heard Heron’s utter failure to hold his in from the back and pressed my lips even tighter, watching Jovi blink several times, clearly surprised by how Anjani had chosen to begin her wedding vow.

“I thought you were reckless, somewhat delusional, and arrogant,” she continued with a smirk. “I thought… Why does he look at me that way? Why do I feel my soul unravel whenever I look into his eyes? What would I ever do with a wolf-boy who dislikes thinking before he speaks? Why would he ever find me as essential to his existence as he is to mine? Because you see, Jovi… I didn’t like you, but not because of your quirks and faults. I have plenty of my own. I didn’t like you because I had a feeling, from the moment you saved my life, that I might end up loving you. I didn’t like you because I was afraid you would never fall in love with me the way I might fall for you.

“But then, day after day, my body and my heart got the better of me. You wiggled your way through, past my defenses. You stomped through my soul with your muddy boots and made it yours. I loved every minute of it. I love you, Jovi, just the way you are. Your passion, your glee, your jovial nature, and your strength. Your patience, your ability to see the best in others, your selflessness, and your devotion. Your kindness, your silliness, your vibrant energy, and your sweet, sweet nature. I love it all. I love you. And I thank you for loving me, Jovi. I thank you for making me the happiest creature in the world. And yes, as you’re making your promise to me now, I’m making mine. I love you, and I swear by all the stars and suns and moons in this universe and beyond, that I will continue to love you, to honor and cherish you, to defend and encourage you, to be your lover and best friend, to be one with you, until the end of time…”

She exhaled sharply and put the wedding ring on his finger. Their hands were trembling and their souls raw, open and colorful for me to read like the most wonderful, timeless love story.

Even Derek could hardly hold it in anymore, clearing his husky throat as he brought his hands together, while Safira’s violet eyes glowed even brighter.

“That being said,” he declared, “I believe it is both my and Safira’s pleasure to now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride, Jovi. Congratulations to you both!”

Jovi and Anjani kissed, and we all erupted into cheers, feverishly clapping, with wet eyes and beaming smiles. Alma and Almandine threw orchid petals in the air. Safira raised her hands and, with a flick of her wrists, ignited dozens of enormous fireworks above the terrace.

They boomed through the sky in breathtaking explosions of pink, violet, and red, spreading out and further popping into smaller white, green, and golden sparks. We were all standing up at that point, Jovi’s parents hugging them both, along with Hansa. The groomsmen and bridesmaids quickly huddled around them, followed by the rest of our family.

Happiness overflowed from the newlywed couple as they thanked everyone for their wishes and their support. Field wrapped an arm around Jovi’s shoulders, pulling him closer and grinning.

“That’s it, buddy!” Field said. “You are officially screwed! Well done!”

“Oh, now you tell me!” Jovi smirked, then lovingly looked at Anjani, who had yet to remove herself from his embrace. “Did you hear that, baby? He thinks I’m the one who’s screwed, when you’re the one who’s stuck with me…”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Anjani replied gently, and kissed him deeply.

One by one, we all got to hug and congratulate them, after which more petals and fireworks were thrown to further celebrate their union. Inon and Zur, the two Dearghs settled on the added stairs on both sides of the platform, clapped once and instantly ignited, turning into blazing fire giants.

We all gasped and cheered and clapped some more. They normally did that when they were angry or in combat mode, but in this case, it was to amplify the celebratory moment with more flashing pyrotechnics. I mean, who wouldn’t want a Deargh to put on a show like that at their wedding?

I would’ve liked a relationship like theirs. But I just hadn’t found it yet. It seemed like a distant achievement, too, as I’d always been focused on my GASP career and my desire to help others, to set better examples across the species and inspire future generations to do more for peace and tolerance.

Nevertheless, I held my hope. After all, Jovi had found a soulmate in Anjani, a warrior succubus who had been raised to trust no one, to act first and ask questions later and to kill anyone and anything that stood to threaten her family and her friends. To her, Jovi was perfect.

All I had to do was find someone who’d be as perfect to me. Or, perhaps even better, stop looking altogether and let him find me. Why rush? Anjani had found Jovi while running from a crazed shape-shifter. It wasn’t exactly a typical “meet cute”.





Scarlett





(Daughter of Jeramiah & Pippa)





The banquet hall wasn’t stunning just because of its intricate and fabulous décor, but also because of its size. It covered most of the entire floor of the castle, with access to a wide hallway and hundreds of small terraces overlooking the rolling hills around Luceria.

Clad in smooth white marble, the hall stretched tall and wide, with dozens of thick columns dressed in silver and wild orchids, broad organza ribbons, and twinkling lights. The ceiling was domed and covered in beautiful paintings and silver molding details. Large round tables bordered the main dancefloor, with pristine white tablecloths, sumptuous floral arrangements, fine crystal, and porcelain dinnerware. The chairs were also dressed in white, the backs tied with silvery organza ribbons, the bows adorned with shimmering pearls and wild orchids.

Enormous crystal chandeliers with silver stems hung from the ceiling, casting a pale amber light that added warmth to the overall cool white. A live band performed a lighthearted mixture of tribal and orchestral songs, combining both Earthly and Eritopian cultures in a pleasant mélange that beckoned wedding guests to dance and celebrate the day’s events.