The Black Dagger Brotherhood_ An Insider's Guide - J. R. Ward [121]
Butch leaps up from the sofa. He looks around. Rushes forward to feel the air where she’d stood. He puts his head in his hands and decides he’s losing his mind. At that moment, Wrath and Beth appear in the doorway. Butch wheels around, stuttering. Beth smiles at him and steps forward, taking his hand. Butch, I’ve got some things to tell you, she says.
As the sun rises, Mr. X opens up the martial arts academy. He’s still not where he wants to be with the capturing of vampires. The one he caught last night died too fast. Mr. X signs on to the internet and there’s a posting for him. It’s from a Mr. C. Mr. X calls the other lesser, and when he hangs up the phone, he’s grinning. At that moment, Billy Riddle walks into his office. Billy tells him that he’s considered his offer and he wants to come on board. Mr. X gets up and puts his arm around the boy. Perfect timing, he says. I could use some help with a new job. Billy asks if they’ll go out tonight. Mr. X shakes his head. Tonight, we’re going to have to initiate you, son. Then you can go hunting.
That afternoon, Beth wakes up in Wrath’s arms to find him staring down at her with a grave face. What’s wrong, she asks. He kisses her softly. He tells her he loves her. He wants to be her protector. Her warrior. He wants to be with her for the rest of their lives. She wraps her arms around him and tells him that’s exactly what she has in mind. He grins and says that they will have the ceremony as soon as the sun falls. We’re getting married, she asks. He nods and tells her he’ll have Tohrment’s shellan Wellsie bring a dress for her. Beth tells him she loves him and they make love.
That night, the brothers assemble at the mansion. Beth meets Wellsie, a gorgeous red head, and likes her immediately. Marissa shows up and Beth is amused at how Hard Ass seems to have a bad case of love at first sight for the delicate blonde. Wrath decides to have the ceremony down in his chamber and the men work to clear the room of furniture. Beth and Wellsie help Fritz get the food ready and Beth marvels at how natural everything feels to her. She feels as though she belongs with these people, even if their ways are a little strange. She’s carrying a roast beef out to the dining room table when she sees Fritz pouring a big bag of Morton’s salt into a silver dish. She’s about to ask him what it’s for when Wellsie says it’s time to get changed. The men are ready downstairs.
Beth changes into a long white dress and follows Wellsie down the stairs into the earth. When she walks into the chamber, she sees Wrath dressed in a black satin robe and pants. The men are lined up in a row, wearing similar clothes with nasty looking daggers hanging off jeweled belts. Butch and Marissa are also there as is Fritz, the butler. Wrath smiles at her from behind his sunglasses. Tohrment approaches her. We’re going to do as much of this in English as we can so you’ll understand. She nods. He calls Wrath forward and addresses her. This male asks that you accept him as your hellren, Tohrment says. Would you have him as your own if he is worthy? Yes, she says, smiling at Wrath. Tohrment addresses Wrath. This female will consider you’re proposal. Will you prove yourself for her? I will, Wrath says. Will you sacrifice yourself for her? I will, Wrath repeats. Will you defend her against those who would hurt her? I will, Wrath repeats. Tohrment steps back, smiling. Wrath takes her into his arms and kisses her. Beth wraps her arms around him and feels as if she’s come home.
But then Wrath steps back. He undoes the sash of his robe and takes it off, revealing his bare torso. Wellsie comes up behind Beth and holds her hand. It’s going to be okay, Wellsie whispers. Just breathe with me and don’t worry. Beth looks around in alarm as Wrath removes