Corruption of the Heart (The Corruption Series Book 1)

by Jessica Manson

  “Lil?” Odin asked.

  “Yeah she says it’s my punishment for trying to kill her.”

  He laughed, “This is so weird.”

  “What is?”

  “That the two of you are friends now. And that you two can act like nothing ever happened.”

  “Come on we better get out there before she comes back. We have to stop by my house to get me some clothes. I can’t show up in this,” I said, as I pointed at his night pants that I was wearing.

  ****

  After changing my clothes, we all piled up in Latham’s jeep and headed for Stockton Springs. The car was cramped with nine people piled in the car. Latham drove while Calder took the passenger seat. I sat in Odin’s lap in the back seat with Tristian and Ambi beside us. Gunner, Dex, and Brant piled into the back. I tried to sleep on the way there but with a car full of guys that was really hard to do.

  “Dude would you please learn how to drive?” Cal scolded.

  “Please, I can drive way better than you,” Latham shot back.

  “You only wish you were as good as me.”

  “If you had just a sliver of my talent you would probably actually get laid.”

  “I get laid more than you.”

  “You can’t count your hand as actually having sex Cal.”

  “Man whatever.”

  The car was only silent for about ten minutes after Latham and Cal’s argument. “Gunner you cannot hog up all the room back here. You need to sit like the rest of us so we can all fit,” Brant said.

  “I can’t sit like that anymore. I’m getting cramped up,” Gunner said.

  “How do you think the rest of us feel? Do you think it is all sunshine and daisies back here in this little ass space for the rest of us?” Dex joined the argument.

  “Dude just quit your bitching and get over it,” Gunner said to the both of them. Lack of sleep and all of the guys whining was starting to make my mood sour. “Stop trying to push my legs.”

  “Then move,” Brant said.

  “I can’t!” Gunner shot back.

  “Damn it Gunn….”

  “That is enough. Latham pull this fucking car over now!” That was it. I was going to lose my shit on them if Latham didn’t stop the car. After watching the fight with Ambi I guess Latham learned not to get on my bad side because he didn’t hesitate to stop the car. Once the car was stopped I jumped out, “Ambi, Odin and the three of you out of the car,” I said, as I pointed to Gunner, Brant and Dex. “You three crybabies get in the back seat and we will take the fucking back. I have had only thirty minutes of sleep and I cannot listen to the three of you anymore.” No one questioned me, they just did as they were told. “Ambi let Odin in first and Odin sit long ways. I’ll sit between your legs and Ambi you sit long ways in the opposite direction so we all have room.”

  Once we were in Latham pulled off without saying a word. But Cal just couldn’t hold his tongue. “Damn y’all done pissed off the witch.”

  “Cal if you don’t shut up the witch will take your lips until we get to Stockton Springs,” I snapped at him. The rest of the car ride was silent. I looked over at Ambi and she was smiling at me in approval.

  Odin wrapped his arms around me pulling me up onto his lap. He whispered in my ear, “Is everything okay?”

  “Yes. They just argue like little kids and it is driving me nuts.”

  “You really didn’t sleep?”

  “No, I couldn’t. I had too much on my mind.”

  “Anything you want to talk about?”

  “Not right now. But thanks though.”

  “It’s what I’m here for.” He kissed me on my cheek, “You should nap baby. This is going to be a very eventful day.” I leaned into him and with the car so silent I was able to concentrate on Odin’s heartbeat until it lulled me to sleep.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  My nap made the ride seem short. It felt like as soon as I drifted off I was being woken back up. “Baby wake up. We are here,” Odin said with happiness in his voice.

  We all piled out of the car and were greeted by a guy and a girl that looked to be the same age as us, “Good morning. I am Daveh and I will be escorting the ladies to their suit today. And this is Razi, he will be the guys escort. We also will be available to you for any of your needs. We will make sure to be on the sidelines if you are to need us.”

  I stuck out my hand to greet them, “Thank you. I’m Lilith.”

  “We have heard so much about you and it is truly an honor to serve you today, Empress.”

  “Empress?” I asked confused.

  “Well yes…” Odin cleared his throat cutting her off.

  “Time is passing. Shall we?” he asked.

  “Oh but of course. Ladies if you will follow me?” she said. She led us to our suit. The grounds were absolutely beautiful. The snow was finally melted away and the green of the grass was starting to return. Everything looked so elegant. The property overlooked the Atlantic Ocean and the view was breathtaking.

  When we arrived in our room there were people waiting to do our hair and makeup. They didn’t even wait for introductions before they pulled us into chairs and started working their magic. After two hours and three hairstyles later, it was finally time to put my dress on and the nerves kicked in. I was anxious to see the dress. They wouldn’t let me look at it until it was on me. I literally had to stand there and let strangers dress me with my eyes closed.

  “Oh my Gosh Lil,” Ambi said.

  “What? Can I please open my eyes now?”

  “Yes,” one of the staff said.

  I opened my eyes and walked over to the floor length mirror. I didn’t recognize the girl standing in front of me. My make-up was natural but elegant. The hairstylist fixed my hair into a braid on the left side of my head leading into a low side bun on the right side with a ringlet hanging on either side from my temples. There was a diamond headpiece sitting elegantly on top of the bun.

  My dress was perfect. It was a white gown that had long sleeves which I was thankful for. It hid my scars. The dress fit at the bodice and flowed out to the ground. It had a V-neck neckline. The dress was made out of a delicate needlepoint lace with a daisy floral pattern outlined with corded detail. The only thing holding my dress up was my sleeves. It was a deep cut backless gown that vied into my lower back. Daveh walked over and placed a diamond bracelet on my wrist. She then placed a beautiful tear-drop diamond necklace around my neck and handed me a pair of matching earrings. Once the jewelry was on the outfit was complete.

  While I was admiring myself Ambi had gotten her bridesmaid gown on. She wore a black silk dress that fit at the breast then flowed the rest of the way to the floor. It had a slight train in the back. It was beautiful. She was beautiful. The sides of her hair were pulled back into long flowing curls. She had smokey makeup to match the dress. “You look absolutely beautiful Ambi,” I said.

  “Thank you. But you Lil, are stunning. I can’t wait to watch Odin’s face as you walk down the aisle.”

  Daveh walked over and handed me a full bouquet of daisies with the stems wrapped in black silk ribbon. She then handed Ambi a bouquet of three daisies with a smaller silk ribbon tied into a bow. I couldn’t help but wonder how they knew daisies were my favorite flower or how they knew black would have been the exact color I would have chosen for my wedding. “Lilith it is time. Odin is already at the altar and Ambi Calder is waiting to walk you down the aisle.”

  Ambi smiled at me and started walking out the door, “Wait!” I shouted. “Daveh I’m not ready yet. Can you get Tristian please?”

  “Of course. I’ll be right back.”

  As she ran out of the room Ambi turned to me, “Is everything okay?”

  “Yes. I need to ask him something real quick.”

  “Seriously? It’s time to walk down the aisle and you need to ask him a question?”

  “Yes. It will be quick.” In a matter of minutes Daveh walked back
in the room with Tristian in tow.

  “Is everything o…” he trailed off when his eyes landed on me. Lilith you are absolutely breathtaking.”

  “Thank you. I need a favor.”

  “Is everything okay?” he asked with deep concern in his voice.

  “Yes.”

  “Then what is it?”

  “I need someone to give me away. Will you do me the honor of walking me down the aisle?”

  “It would be my pleasure,” he said smiling up at me.

  “Well if you are walking her down the aisle you will need to change,” Daveh said, holding out a suit for him. “Luckily we had a suit for just this reason.” Tristian grabbed the suit and hurried into the bathroom. He was back in just a few short seconds wearing a black tux with a crisp white dress shirt followed by a silk black bow tie and cummerbund. The hairstylist quickly gelled his hair and combed it back, making him look elegant.

  I gasped at the sight of him. “Very dashing Tristian,” I said, as Daveh walked over and pinned a single daisy to his jacket.

  “Okay ladies let’s take your places,” Daveh demanded.

  Ambi headed out before me so she could meet with Cal. Tristian walked over and held out his arm for me to take. “Are you ready Ms. Carson?”

  I smiled at him, “Born ready?”

  He laughed at the joke, “Good one.”

  We stepped out of the room as Ambi and Cal started their walk down the aisle. Daveh turned to us. “When they reach the gazebo, your music will start to play. Do not walk until I give you the que.” I kept my head down and eyes closed trying to calm my nerves. When the music started playing I recognized the song. It wasn’t the normal ‘Here Comes the Bride’ tune, it was one of my favorite songs. It was number one on my iPod. It was Brian Crain’s version of Canon in D. It was perfect, and I couldn’t help but smile. “Go. Now.” She rushed us.

  When we stepped through the door I was hit with fresh ocean air. The aisle led toward a gazebo that was beautifully decorated. Black silk fabric wrapped around the beams and were tied off with white daisy garland. Where we were to stand was draped with the same fabric and daisies. Daisies formed a pattern of our initials down the aisle. It was so beautiful I almost didn’t want to walk over them messing them up. The ocean was in the background adding to the beauty of the gazebo.

  After taking in the decorations I noticed there were a lot of guest in attendance. At least two hundred people that I didn’t know. Brant, Dex, Latham and Gunner were seated on the front row next to Parker, Bristol and Tuls. Besides Kira, theirs were the only faces I knew. “Who are all these people?” I whispered to Tristian.

  “The Coven.”

  I finally reached Odin. Him and Cal were dressed the same as Tristian, but Odin looked absolutely sexy and beautiful at the same time. My heart fluttered, and my breath caught at the sight of him. Tristian placed my hands in Odin’s before leaning in to kiss me on the cheek. When he walked away Odin whispered, “You look so beautiful Lamia Mea.”

  “Not so bad yourself.” Before the priest started the ceremony one of the members of the Luminaries stood up to speak.

  “It has been many centuries since we have had a Sacrament of this magnitude. Lilith is a very powerful and unique vampire and we are very honored to have her as the new empress,” There was that word again. Why did they keep calling me that? “And I am truly honored to accept her as my daughter-in-law today.” He then started speaking in a language I didn’t understand. “Carissime de Coven membra non receperint vos, hic homo hodie in occursum nobis novissima nostra Coven Lamia Carson princeps vester.” When he was done speaking the guest cheered.

  I asked Odin what he said, “He was welcoming the guest to welcome you into our coven.”

  When the guy sat down the priest started the ceremony and before I knew it he was at the vows. “It has been expressed to me that the couple will be sighting their own vows. Odin.”

  “What?” I whispered shocked.

  “Wing it,” he said then he began his vows. “Lamia Mea on this day I cannot give you my heart because it already belongs to you. But I promise to walk with you hand in hand wherever this journey leads us. You are my lover and my teacher, my model and my accomplice. You are my true counterpart. I will love you, hold you and honor you. I will respect you, encourage you and cherish you. You are the love of my life and you make me happier than I could ever imagine and more loved than I ever thought possible. So, I am truly blessed to be a part of your life, which as of today becomes our life together.” Tears filled my eyes and threatened to run over. I fought hard to hold them back.

  “Odin, I’m not perfect. I will annoy you, piss you off and say stupid things, then take it all back. But I love you unconditionally. You are someone who sees what a mess I can be, how moody I can get and how hard I am to handle but you still want me. And I want you. All of you. Your flaws. Your mistakes. Your imperfections. I want you and only you. I wish I could turn back time, so I can find you sooner and love you longer. And You never fail to amaze me. Everyday there is something new that makes me love you even more than the day before. Thinking of you keeps me awake. Dreaming of you keeps me asleep. But being with you keeps me alive. So, my promise to you is that I will love you without restriction, trust you without fear, want you without demand and accept you for who you are.” By the time I was done speaking tears were flowing down my face and I watched as a few tears fell from Odin’s eyes.

  The priest finished the ceremony with “Odin, you may now kiss your bride.” Odin’s lips were on mine before he could finish speaking the words. This was the kiss of all kisses. This kiss sealed our vows and our love for one another. Odin kissed me deeper than he ever had before sending sparks to my soul. We were now bound to each other for eternity.

  ****

  All of the guest headed to the bar for cocktail hour while Odin, Ambi, Tristian, Cal and I had our pictures taken. Once those were done Daveh walked me over to the ball room, so I could see the decorations before the guest entered. Above the dance floor hung hundreds of black and white balloons. The tables were covered in black table cloths as were the chair, but they had large white bows tied to the back of them. The china was white and stood out against the black. There were large black vases filled with white daisies surrounded by four candles on each table. It was beautiful and perfect. “Right before the guest arrive we will light the candles,” she said. “Would you like to see your cake?”

  “Definitely.” The cake was a five-tier square white cake. The design on it was in black and looked like lace with the same patterns as my dress. It had a large silver ‘E’ at the top for our last name.

  “What do you think?” she asked.

  “It is absolutely gorgeous. Everything is perfect.” As the guest started arriving she ushered us out a side door, so we could come back to be announced once everyone was inside.

  When Daveh gave us the go ahead we walked into the reception hand in hand. The DJ announced us as Emperor Odin and Empress Lilith Edgerson instead of mister and misses. I would have to ask Odin about that later. Our introduction was followed by our first dance. Someone chose All of Me by John Legend and they could not have picked a better song. Every line in this song had some type of connection to our lives. It was as if this song was written just for Odin and me. We swayed to the music wrapped in each other’s arms.

  When the song ended the DJ picked up the beat and a lot of the guest joined us on the dance floor. I took my turn dancing with Dex, Tristian, Gunner, Cal, Latham, and Brant until we were all in a group dancing together. It was the most relaxed fun I have ever had, and I loved being with the people I loved. They were my family and there was nowhere in the world I would rather be at this moment.

  After about an hour of dancing it was time to take our seats for dinner. Before we were served Cal and Ambi had to give their speeches. Cal went first.

  “My speech today will be like a mini-skirt. Long enough to cover the essentials but short
enough to hold your attention. Loyal, caring, sincere, honest, a great man…but that’s enough about me. I’m here to give a speech about Odin. I want to congratulate the happy couple on their beautiful nuptials. Lilith you look absolutely beautiful out there today. I do have to say though Odin, just how lucky you are. You will leave here today with a wife who is warm, loving, and caring. And Lilith, how lucky you are as well. You leave here today having gained a lovely dress and a wonderful bouquet of flowers. Lilith, you are an amazing woman who deserves a wonderful husband. And I promise you I won’t rest until I get to the bottom of what’s gone wrong here.” With laughter from the guest he held up his champagne glass, “To the happy couple.”

  Ambi grabbed the mic from Cal. “Since Calder kept things light and funny I will make this short and sweet. Love isn’t perfect. It isn’t a fairytale, or a storybook romance and it doesn’t always come easy. Love is overcoming obstacles, facing challenges, fighting to be together, holding on and never letting go. It is a short word, easy to spell, difficult to define, and impossible to live without. Love is work, but most of all, love is realizing that every hour, every minute, every second of it was worth it because you did it together. Congratulation Lilith and Odin.”

  There speeches were perfect just like everything else today. Whoever put all of this together knew exactly what I liked. They knew me so well. It is mind boggling that they could have known what I liked or wanted for my wedding. I am thankful that I didn’t have to deal with all of the stresses that come with planning it. Today has not only made me feel joyful, blissful, blessed but also, peaceful, content, whole. Marrying Odin has completed my whole world.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  I wasn’t expecting a honeymoon, so I was shocked when Odin said we would be going on one. He wouldn’t tell me where we were going though. He said he wanted it to be a surprise. I don’t know how he could have planned a honeymoon this fast. My nerves started getting the best of me. It was all becoming real. In a few hours I would be alone with him. I have never been on a private jet before and it too was making me nervous, so I tried to make small talk with Odin for a distraction. “So, you’re not going to tell me where we are going?”