Forever (Descendants of Ra: Book 4.5)

by Tmonique Stephens

  “Why is everyone crying?” Ember said. “I thought this was a happy day.” She sniffled and Gypsy joined her with a whimper.

  The ladies broke apart, wiping their faces while flashing hundred watt smiles. “You are sooo right, honey.” Stella clapped. “Alrighty, let’s get you dressed.” She took Alexis’s hand and led her to a private dressing room nearly as big as the bedroom. Row after row of stunning white shelves full of everything a female could want: dresses, slacks, blouses, skirts, purses, and Lord Almighty, a wall of shoes! In the center, an island displayed a small fortune in jewelry. Roman had his own section of suits, ties, jeans, sweaters, and shirts. Forty percent male, sixty percent female, the room was not so evenly divided.

  “I think I want you to adopt me.” Alexis took a slow stroll around. She loved her grandmother’s house, but this was a dressing room any woman would die for.

  “I already asked her to adopt me, and she said no.” Emeline made herself comfortable on a red velvet chaise.

  The whizz of a zipper caught Alexis’s attention, and she turned toward the sound. Stella freed a dress from the garment bag. She shook the dress out and Alexis’s heart fluttered.

  My god! “It’s beautiful. I hadn’t even thought of what I would wear. Thank you so much.” Were all the words Alexis could muster.

  Stella shook her head. “Don’t thank me. Reign picked it out.”

  Stunned, Alexis’s mouth hung open as did Emeline’s and Ridley’s mouth. They were as dumbstruck at the tulle off-the-shoulder wedding gown with a fitted jeweled waist. “Reign...picked this out for me?”

  “Uhmm, yeah,” Stella answered. “EJ was adamant that Reign had nailed the dress. We didn’t believe him but, damn, he really nailed it.”

  Oh, he’d done so much more than ‘nail it’. Somehow, Reign had invaded her dreams and plucked the exact dress she’d envisioned wearing since childhood. That could be the only answer. “Reign actually entered a bridal shop and picked this out? This exquisite gown? I can’t wrap my head around this. This is really happening?” she said to herself.

  “You do like it, right?” Emeline said, absently rubbing her belly.

  She bit her lip to keep the yes inside, but nothing could stop the unbridled excitement causing her body to twitch. “I have to see it on.”

  Stella handed her a shopping bag and pointed to the bathroom. “You have time for a quick shower.”

  Alexis showered, shampooed, and conditioned in record time. She exited the bathroom, hair wrapped in a towel, body covered in a robe. Beneath the robe, she was dressed in a white bustier, thong, and garter. Stella had set up a hair and makeup station. She patted the seat and Alexis obeyed. It took an hour, and it was a joint effort with everyone, including Ember, to tame Alexis’s hair and do her makeup.

  Stella slid the dress off the hanger and unzipped the hidden side zipper. Ridley and Stella held it open as Alexis approached. First, she touched the material.

  “It’s so soft,” she commented and trailed her hand over the beaded waist. Then she shrugged off her robe and stepped into the dress. The material glided over her hips and breasts. She lifted her arms, and Ridley zipped her up. Perfect fit. Both ladies stepped back, and Emeline moved closer. Rather than go to the full-length mirror, Alexis studied their expressions.

  Stella had slapped her hand over her mouth. Emeline kept mouthing ‘wow’. Ridley had a hand on her hip and the biggest grin. “Well! Aren’t you gonna take a peek in the mirror?” Ridley circled her finger in the air for Alexis to spin.

  Alexis closed her eyes and couldn’t move. All of her muscles locked up in a sudden panic. Hands gripped her shoulders, got her moving. Someone adjusted the short train behind her. “Okay, open,” Emeline said, her voice a bit giddy. Ridley and Stella joined Emeline, chanting, “Open, open, open.”

  She squeezed her lids together and shook her head. “I don’t want to.”

  The room went silent. “Are you having second thoughts?”

  The blood pounding in her ears drowned out the identity of the speaker. She spun away from the mirror and opened her eyes only when she was on the other side of the room.

  Hands touched her bare shoulders. “Alexis, you don’t have to do this. I’ll get Reign so you two can—”Emeline headed for at the door.

  Alexis took Emeline’s hand. “I...” Words clogged her throat and a rush of love caused tears to run down her cheeks. The ladies gathered around her and suddenly they were all hugging. “I don’t think I realized how much I wanted this, until this moment.” Now they were all crying.

  A knock echoed on the door and Ridley sobbed, “Go away.”

  The door opened a crack. “Everybody decent?” EJ called.

  “Yes,” Ridley answered for all of them.

  EJ poked his head inside. “Are you crying?”

  “Yes, we are. Now, go away.” Ridley sniffled.

  And that caused him to storm into the room and jerk to a halt at all the teary faces. “Oh shit. What’s going on?” His gaze darted to each of them.

  Alexis laughed at the actual panic in his voice. “Nothing. We’re fine. Every now and then, we’re allowed to be girls.” Lord, dressed in a tuxedo, EJ was a fine specimen. Was Reign dressed the same? The mere thought left her giddy.

  “Oh,” a sly grin spread across EJ’s face. “Well, I like girls. Especially this one.” He dragged Ridley into his arms and ruined her lipstick with a sloppy kiss. “You and me, babe. We’re on deck next.” Then he slapped her ass and headed for the door. “Hurry up, ladies. I’m starving. The hors d'oeuvres aren’t putting a dent in my appetite. Wish I had some ribs to look forward to, but you guys killed that idea.” He glared at all the women.

  “We killed several stupid ideas,” Stella said.

  “Like beer,” Emeline added.

  “And hamburgers and a gaming station,” Ridley finished. “And don’t think any of that craziness will be at our wedding.”

  He glared at everyone in the room and then wisely retreated. Though not before he said, “The groom is starting to pace. And Alexis...you are beautiful.”

  Ember picked up her basket of rose petals and sighed. “Can we start already? I’m starving too.” She marched out of the room with EJ.

  The door closed and Stella grabbed Alexis. “Are you certain you don’t want to take a gander?”

  Alexis pulled her robe back on and belted it tight. “I want to see my reflection in his eyes first, because he makes me feel beautiful.”

  Ridley sniffed and latched onto Alexis. “That’s so romantic.”

  “Mascara! No more crying!” Stella shouted, dabbing her own eyes. Some rustling reached Alexis. “Okay, you can turn around.”

  Slowly, Alexis peeked over her shoulder. A blanket now covered the mirror.

  “Listen up, Ladies! Let’s repair our faces and get this show on the road.” Emeline ordered and covered the mirror at the makeup station. It took another twenty minutes for everyone to repair their faces. By the time concealer, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and mascara had been reapplied, they were well past the appointed time. Oh well. Fashionably late was acceptable for your own wedding. Four women sharing the master bathroom, it was a miracle they weren’t hours late.

  “Now, do you want the veil?” Ridley held up the gauzy silk tulle for Alexis’s inspection.

  She shook her head. “I’m not a blushing bride, and I need to see where I’m going in these heels.” Stilettos were not her usual footwear.

  “I’ll let everyone know you’re ready.” Emeline exited while Stella and Ridley fussed with Alexis’s hair.

  Stella brought over a handheld mirror for a final look. The smile that formed on Alexis’s face couldn’t be denied. She wanted this with a desperate edge that cut deep. “I’m ready, but I need to speak to Reign first.”

  The horror on Ridley’s face was comical. “It’s bad luck.”

  Stella waved her away. “I saw Roman before our ceremony and everything went off without a hitch. I’ll go get him and you two ca
n talk through the door or you can let him inside.” She shooed Ridley out and Alexis was alone. Just her fears for company.

  Tell him you’re sorry, and you love him. Tell him, you’re not your mother. Tell him—Her brain sputtered.

  “Oh God. I’ve really screwed this up.” What if he didn’t accept her apology? Don’t be stupid. He’s here. Of course, he’ll accept my apology. He’s better than she was because she couldn’t say she’d do the same if things were reversed.

  In need of fresh air, she darted to the French doors and went onto the balcony. Good thing the bedroom faced a private courtyard because Tirrika lay on the makeup table. She gulped in a lungful of air and nearly choked at the sight of Quin and Simona LaRochelle lip locked by the rosebushes. He had her in his arms, dipped at an angle she couldn’t easily escape. Though Alexis didn’t think escaping was on Simona’s mind when her arms were wrapped around Quin’s neck, fingers in his hair. Holy Shit! She was—is—engaged to be married to Makus, a Descendant of Bastet, and an ally. What the hell!

  The bedroom door opened and the heavy thud of footsteps echoed on the carpet. “Alexis?”

  “I’m on the balcony, but don’t come out here. You can’t see me. It’s bad luck.” She flattened herself against the back of the French door while below, Quin and Simona jerked apart. She fled as if chased by the hounds of hell. Quin spared Alexis a quick grin and sauntered away with a lazy gait.

  “You requested my presence. Now, you don’t want to see me.” Reign’s deep voice caressed every part of her.

  “We don’t need to see each other to have a conversation.”

  Silence from the other side, then a wary, “As you wish.”

  And now her throat was a sand pit and her tongue a leather slab.

  “Alexis.” His hand extended through the opening and reached for her. A lifeline, she grabbed hold and unbound strength poured into her. “Whatever you have to say, I am prepared to hear it.”

  Still, she couldn’t speak.

  “Shall I leave? If that is your desire, you will never see me again. If it is not, I will stay by your side until breath leaves my body or the stars fall from the sky. Whichever occurs first.”

  How could any woman resist? “I’m not sure I can make you happy.”

  “That is not possible. From the second I touched you, you have made me happy. Nothing will ever change that. You are in my heart forevermore. An eternity couldn’t erase what I feel for you. Do you feel the same? Tell me now and end my torment.”

  The weight in her soul shifted. She took his hand in both of hers. Caressed the calluses, felt his unbound strength seep through her skin and merge with her DNA, where he would remain forever.

  “I said no all those times because I didn’t want to make your life hell. I thought I was becoming my mother. I thought leaving you would save you from that horror. Mrs. Kelly pointed out that my actions were a self-fulfilling prophecy. My father called me a coward, told me to make my own history. They’re both right. I can’t give you up, not when you are the reason I breathe—You’re in my heart. Nothing, no one, including myself, will ever change that. I would be honored to be your wife.” She kissed the center of his hand and rubbed her cheek into his callused palm. “Tell my father I’m ready and send him to me.”

  His thumb stroked her jaw and trailed down her neck. “I will be waiting for you.” Then he was gone.

  I’m getting married. The reality floored her and made her giddy. She’d never let herself embrace the fantasy, lose herself in the emotional build-up. Now, she couldn’t breathe. I’m getting married.

  “You are so lovely, baby,” her father said behind her. She hadn’t heard him enter. “Let’s go get you married.”

  Alexis inhaled a deep, cleansing lungful of air, and wrapped her arm around his. Together, they glided from the room and traveled down the hallway. The plush runner muffled their footsteps to the living room. Ember and the ladies had gathered at the closed French doors. Ember bounced on her toes, her dress fisted in her hands. Stella straightened her sister’s dress, whispered in her ear, and then opened the French doors.

  Ember grabbed a fistful of petals and stepped into the living room. Emeline waited a beat and followed. Another beat and Ridley followed Emeline. Stella gave Alexis a thumbs up and then she also entered the living room.

  “No music?” Her father paused at the threshold of the living room.

  She shook her head and shrugged. Who needed music when the only song she needed was in her heart.

  “Ready?” He asked.

  Her answer was to tug her father to get him moving. Together, they stepped into the living room. Candles flickered on tall pedestals. Her gaze brushed over all of the gathered family. Quin and Simona had made it in time from the courtyard and stood on opposite sides of the room. Face neutral, lipstick perfect, Simona showed no evidence of the passionate encounter. Alexis spotted Clarice and a few other members of the Order next to Mrs. Kelly who rivaled Queen Elizabeth in a silver coatdress and matching pillbox hat. She threw Alexis a kiss.

  Alexis would have returned the gesture, but Reign waited for her in front of the fireplace. She absorbed his tamed hair, slicked back from his chiseled features, his trimmed beard, and the cut of his midnight blue tuxedo. Then, caught in the heated deep blue eyes of the man she was about to marry, her heart stopped.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Reign stood beside his twin. Time stretched. Even though he’d left her minutes ago, the wait for the door to open and Alexis to step through was torture.

  EJ stood next to Reign, grinning like an idiot. Reign fought the urge to wipe the smile off EJ’s face with a fist, just to relieve the tension winding through his body.

  The double doors opened. Tossing flowers everywhere, Ember pranced down the center aisle lined with candles interspersed between Thane, Brayden, Quin, Jackson, Avery, Thomas, Mrs. Kelly, and a few members of the Order, and Miss Simona LaRochelle. He had no idea she was invited. Her presence boded well for the alliance between the descendants of Nu and Bastet. Emeline, Ridley, and Stella followed and lined up to the right of Reign.

  His heart stopped at the first sight of her. Hair gathered high on her head, riotous curls cascaded to her shoulders. The style accentuated the alabaster of her bare shoulders, the elegance of her neck and strong jawline. His gaze dropped to the dress gracing her lush body. His dress he’d picked for her.

  Something primal filtered through his blood. Modern men were supposed to be above wanting to claim ownership of a woman, wanting to possess every part of her. Neanderthal, she called it. Called him, with a smile instead of a sneer.

  He wanted to be that modern man she deserved—but right now, it took all he had not to grab her to him and never let her go.

  Calm down. She’s yours.

  The words came from his twin through the link they shared. Only then did he notice his curled fist and his rapid breathing, and the frown on Alexis’s face.

  Smile moron! You should be smiling at the love of your life. Not looking like you’re about to eat her alive—and not in a good way.

  Her worried gaze snapped the tension he’d unsuccessfully caged. She was here. Not to tell him they were through. She was here to give voice to what he recognized the moment he saw her on her grandmother’s porch. On a surge of pure love, he reached for her.

  And she reached for him. Fingers touched. Entwined.

  Then they were together.

  “You are so beautiful it hurts.” He stared into her upturned face.

  “You’re so handsome. I’m going to make you wear a suit from now on.” She laughed.

  “Anything you want.” He cupped her cheeks and brought her closer.

  Someone cleared his throat. “Excuse me.”

  They pulled apart to find her father scowling in front of them.

  “Since there isn’t a minister, I would like to preside over this important event in my daughter’s life.”

  Surprise showed on Alexis’s face, though she quickly ma
sked it and moved aside. “Of course, Daddy.”

  Martin Lever stepped between them and faced the audience. He pulled a small sheet of paper out of his pocket. He cleared his throat and gave a sheepish glance around the room. “Reign and I have had an enlightening conversation, and I come here today to see my daughter married. Reign and Alexis, you have my blessing. This isn’t the journey I had in mind for my daughter, but I will always be proud of you. You are a gift I’ve had the honor of watching bloom into the most amazing women. I thank God you are my daughter.”

  Alexis sobbed and hugged her father. Sniffles echoed from every corner of the room. Reign caught EJ blinking rapidly.

  “No more tears on your wedding day,” her father said. He dabbed at her wet cheeks with a handkerchief and then signaled to Reign. Martin took Alexis’s hand and placed it in Reign’s open palm. “I give my daughter into your keeping. Cherish her more than I have.”

  “Thank you, Daddy.” She kissed her father and then passed her flowers to Stella. Alexis took Reign’s hands and gazed deep into his eyes. Now, it was her turn to clear her throat and glance around the room. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. The only sound in the room was Gypsy’s padded feet as she scurried about.

  Her head dipped and she mumbled, “The most important day of my life and I’m crashing and burning.”

  Reign squeezed her shaking fingers. “We crash and burn together.”

  A brilliant smile split her face, competing with her twinkling eyes.

  “I, Alexis Diane Lever, bind myself to the man I love, free of any doubt, for richer or poorer, in jubilation and in despair, in sickness and in health. Despite our flaws, I will share my life with you. With love, I will always tell you the truth. I will always respect and honor you. I will rejoice in your joys and weep in your sorrows and love you without pause forever.” Stella handed her a ring. “With this ring, you have my devotion.” Alexis slipped the ring onto his finger.

  Reign stared at the heavy gold band and everything in his world clicked into place. He took a deep breath and embraced the future.