Consumed by Wrath: An FBI/Romance Thriller (An FBI/Romance Thriller ~ Book 8)

by Kelley, Morgan

  “I love it, Christopher.”

  “Now, open it.”

  When she did, a tiny little piece of paper fell out. She unfolded it and read the words. When Cyra didn't get it, she stared at him. “It’s our anniversary?”

  “If you’ll elope with me, right now, it will be. I have a judge, the paperwork, and witnesses all ready. Today can be Valentine’s Day, or the day we celebrate our wedding anniversary, until the day we die.”

  Her heart fluttered. She didn't have to think twice, especially since she had prayed for this moment all day. “I would love to marry you, Christopher. Let’s go.”

  The worry lifted off his shoulders. Why he expected anything less than her willingness, he didn't know. “Let me pay the bill, and we’re out of here.”

  “Hurry. I want to marry the most amazing man in the world, and start my life with him.”

  His Goddess was finally within reach.

  Chris signaled the waiter. If that’s what Cyra wanted, who was he to argue with that?

  * * *

  Pulling up to the courthouse, Cyra stared out the window. Standing there waiting were the Blackhawks, Callen Whitefox and Tony Magnus. Apparently, they were all in on this, and that explained Elizabeth giving her some girly downtime.

  “They all knew, huh?”

  He started laughing. “Yeah, well what’s a wedding without your family at your side?”

  Chris was absolutely right. Cyra couldn’t think of any other people who she would want there with her. While their own blood relatives made their lives difficult, as they planned to tie the knot, these people didn't bat an eyelash as they were invited to join them for their special night.

  Hopping out, Chris raced to help his fiancée out and up the stairs. As they walked towards the four individuals, everyone was smiling.

  “I take it she said yes,” Ethan stated.

  The look on the man’s face was reminiscent of that of a small child on Christmas morning. “Hell yeah she did! We’re getting hitched!”

  Cyra squeezed his hand and addressed their friends, “Thank you for being here. It means a great deal to us.”

  Chris couldn’t agree more. “I didn't want to this night without you four,” he began, looking over at his lab mate. “You make the day fun, even when we’re knee deep in things that would make other people weep. Ethan and Callen, you’re both here because I watch the way you two treat your wife, and it gives me a roadmap to do the same. My dad died young, and although we’re the same age, I look up to you both as I plan to model my behavior on yours.”

  Ethan and Callen patted him on the back.

  “It’s our pleasure,” Blackhawk said.

  “When you find the right woman, you want to make her happy,” Whitefox added. “I think you’re right on track.”

  Chris knew he absolutely was indeed. “Elizabeth, where do I even begin?”

  She smiled gently at him. “You don’t need to say anything, Chris. I’ve known you long enough to know what you’re feeling.”

  He shook his head. “No, I think I need to say this. I grew up with a mother, and she tried her best. I didn't know what it meant to feel. The minute I met you, I began to experience things that no one showed me before. You took me to batting cages, always included me in revelry after a case was over, and made sure I was safe out in the field. When I asked you out, you had the fortitude to say no, but never break my heart. You’ve been part of me for the last twelve years, and I will never, ever, for as long as I live, forget what you’ve given me. I don’t think you were born to be a Fed. I think you were born to be a mother. Your soul is absolutely beautiful and so full of love.”

  That choked her up.

  “You are part of my family and always have a place in our life.”

  She hugged her ME, as the water works were turned on. “I’m happy for you both, because I see the same thing in you both that I see in us,” she replied, pointing at the men in her life. “You and Cyra were made for each other. I’m glad that you two are beginning this journey in love.”

  Chris was too. “How about we go get married? I have a wedding night to begin.”

  Callen grinned and stopped when Elizabeth pointed at him. “What?”

  “Zip it or else.”

  Whitefox shook his head. “See what you have to look forward to, Chris?”

  When Elizabeth crossed her arms, Ethan started laughing. Apparently, his brother had forgotten the last couple of hours. “I’m staying out of this.”

  Chris was too. Quickly, he pulled Cyra towards the building. Once inside, it didn't take long to sign the paperwork and get it witnessed by Elizabeth and Ethan. When that was done, the judge started the proceedings.

  “Tonight, we come together on Valentine’s Day, to bring two people into the sacred commitment of matrimony. This is not something that you should take lightly. Being one’s partner is a very big responsibility. When you pledge to marry someone, you then vow to take the good and bad that comes along with it.”

  Chris stared into Cyra’s eyes. He only saw perfection.

  “Since you’re eloping, I’ll keep it brief. Cyra Jade Austin, you stand before me willing to sign a declaration of love, honor and promise. Would you like to say anything to the man you’re committing your life to?”

  She took his hand in hers and felt so much love in her heart. “Christopher, we may not have had years to get to know each other, but I feel like I’ve always known you. From the minute I saw you attack your boss in the morgue, my heart has never been the same. I trust you with my complete self, and know that no matter what we do, or where we go, I can believe that you will do what you feel is best for us. You’re an honorable man, and I am blessed that you’ve chosen me to be the one you make this journey with in life. I love you, and I will never be whole without you. You’re my soul mate and my other half. Thank you for loving me and finding me.”

  His heart overflowed with love. In that moment, he knew that the old part of his life was falling away, and something brand new was beginning.

  This was rebirth.

  “You may go next, Christopher Orion Leonard.”

  There was a snicker from everyone in the room, and the judge gave them a dirty look.

  “Cyra my sweet, there will never be words that can ever match what I feel for you. When I first saw you, I couldn’t breathe. You became my every waking thought and chased me through my dreams. When you accepted me, for the man I am, I knew that I couldn’t let you slip from my grasp. Your compassion, enjoyment of life, and overall sweetness make me want to wrap you around me and never let you go. When I see you, I see us. Not just now, but twenty, thirty and forty years from now. In this moment, I am so blessed, and I never thought I would ever feel this. You’re my happiness, my joy and the reason I live.”

  Cyra could feel the first tear slip effortlessly down her cheek.

  “I promise that I will never love anyone else but you. How can I? Today, I give you my heart, my life and my soul.”

  Ethan and Callen each wrapped an arm around Elizabeth’s waist. They knew she was filled with emotion, and it had nothing to do with the baby hormones. Here stood a man whom she had taken a personal investment in, and made part of her life. Now, he was beginning a journey that would change his life forever.

  “I welcome you both into this contract,” said the judge, signing his name. “Christopher Leonard, may I introduce you to Cyra Leonard, your wife.”

  Everyone in the room clapped, as Chris kissed his wife. The emotions filled the people witnessing this moment. With that simple meeting of lips, everything had changed.

  Two paths became one.

  Two hearts were joined forever.

  Life was never going to be the same again.

  Chris slowly pulled away, as his heart was thumping in his chest. This woman was now officially his, and he could begin to celebrate.

  He had gotten the babe, finally!

  As they walked out to the cars, there was joy surrounding all of them.
For those who were able to witness the true meaning of love on Valentine’s Day, it was indeed sweet.

  When they reached the vehicles, Ethan handed Chris an envelope. “This is from us.”

  The man looked confused.

  “Just open it,” he said, grinning.

  Chris slipped it open and pulled out the paper. Inside sat the name and address of an inn.

  “I don’t understand.”

  Blackhawk explained, “Tonight is your wedding night, and we wanted to give you something to always remember it. Staying at Hotel Blackhawk will always remind you that we were chasing death. Tonight, we want you to chase life. Go, celebrate, and start your lives together where only love lives.”

  He was touched and hugged his friend. “When we get home, we’re celebrating at my house,” he said, grateful that he had friends who would think about his happiness and always have his back.

  “We love you all,” he said, taking Cyra’s hand.

  “Oh, Chris?” Elizabeth called, getting his attention.

  When they both turned, she shouted, “NOW!”

  The newly married couple was pelted with handfuls of rice. As they laughed, they hurried up and hopped into the Denali. The four left remaining, waved as they drove away.

  “Man, I’m going to miss having a bachelor buddy,” Tony said.

  “Yeah, well you better be careful, Tony. I hear Cupid looks for the most eligible bachelor when she has no one left to point her arrows at,” stated Blackhawk.

  Tony Magnus looked around. “Hey! I like being a bachelor!”

  Elizabeth started laughing, as the men escorted her to the Navigator. “You know what they say, Tony. All good things must come to an end.”

  Once more, he looked around and hoped that she was kidding.

  Seriously, she had to be yanking his chain…

  * * *

  Tomorrow began the Spring Fling. In Salem, it was a time of celebration and life, but that wouldn’t be true for everyone. For some, it would mean nothing but death.

  The addiction was growing, and he was helpless to rally against it. There was this hunger brewing deep in his belly, and he had no way to stop it, even if he was so inclined. All day long, as he worked, he tried to not think about it, but it was so hard.

  He had a taste for the flesh and it was a spiritual and beautiful thing. It was something so masterful and perfect that it deserved to be respected.

  Not mocked.

  She had made fun of it with her crazy foods and her make believe facts about eating flesh being bad for you.

  Look at him.

  He was healthy and a virile male. Flirting with the taboo hadn’t made him weak, but instead it made him strong and a warrior.

  This was the right path to be on, and he wouldn’t want to have it any other way.

  It was love at first bite.

  In a sense, that was true. Falling in love with the flesh was quite the experience. In fact, it was better than anything in the world. There was a rush that came only with consuming the forbidden fruit.

  He couldn’t live without it.

  Now, if he could only rid the world of people like her, he would. She made food a mockery, and he needed to put a stop to it. Every day, when he was faced with her idiocy, he became more and more angry.

  Then, it occurred to him.

  He could end it.

  Since she was expected to be pushing her tasteless slop at the Spring Fling, why not make her booth the most popular? Why not go all out? He could easily switch it when she disappeared. It would be poetic justice. She was so worried about killing creatures for food, and now she would take their place.

  His belly grumbled, and he took it as a sign.

  Yeah, he was going to have a surplus of meat now, and he was doing Salem a favor.

  He was eradicating the idiots who had no clue.

  It was time to bring back the pleasure of food.

  Once and for all…

  * * *

  When they arrived at the bed and breakfast, Chris was pretty excited. It wasn’t because he was going to be able to crawl all over his new wife, but because they were going to be able to relax and stop stressing all the things in their life that were making them nuts.

  The wedding.

  Their families.

  The jobs that they loved.

  Tonight, they were going to be a couple and not stress the outside world.

  That in itself was the most amazing gift of all.

  As they checked into the B&B, Chris enjoyed being able to say the word wife to anyone who would listen to him. No other word in his vocabulary had ever slipped from his lips with such glee. No longer was he alone. Now, there was a partner through the journey. As the woman handed them their keys and pointed to the stairs, they were impressed with the surroundings.

  “This place is really nice,” Cyra offered.

  “Yeah, if anything, Ethan Blackhawk is a classy kind of guy. He always looks at the fine details.”

  She agreed. “I’m glad that you have them in your life. I can see they matter.”

  “Oh, they do, but not as much as my wife.”

  “You’re having fun with that word, aren’t you?”

  “Yes I am, wife.”

  She began laughing. “Are you going to say it over and over?” Cyra questioned.

  “Wife. Wife. Wife.”

  That was her answer.

  Before they reached the door, he stopped in the hallway. “I’m going to ask Elizabeth if I can work out of the office and not take as many traveling assignments.”

  She stared at him. “Why?”

  He ran his fingers across her cheek. “I don’t want to be away from my wife.”

  She grinned. “I’d like that, Christopher.”

  Yeah, so would he. “Here we are,” he stated, pointing at the door. “Are you ready?” he said, sweeping her off her feet.

  Cyra giggled and left kisses across his cheek. “Yeah, I am, husband.”

  That was music to his ears.

  While he leaned over, she opened the door with the key. Using the toe of his dress shoe, he pushed open the door. Inside, it was a pretty romantic place.

  “Wow!” exclaimed Cyra. “This is some post wedding love nest.”

  Chris had to agree, as he carried her in. Placing her on her feet, he walked towards the table in the center of the room. On it was a giant basket. As they pulled off the cellophane, Chris knew who it was from before even looking at the card. The things in the basket were a dead giveaway.

  “This is definitely from Elizabeth.”

  She stared at it and wondered how he knew.

  Reaching in, he pulled out a box of edible undies. On them, was a note.

  Tasty britches aren’t just for tormenting

  your co-workers.

  Have fun!

  xo

  Cyra took them from him and started laughing. “Are you going to explain this, Christopher?”

  He grinned wickedly. “How about I show you and we go from there?”

  “This is my kind of show and tell.”

  Yeah, didn't he know it?

  * * *

  Two Hours Later

  It didn't take long to prep her and take what he wanted. Unfortunately, she was a little fattier than he liked. So, he ended up losing a lot of the good meat. Taking women was leaving a bad taste in his mouth, and his belly. He was seriously contemplating only taking men.

  Oh well, his point was made, and that was all that mattered.

  No more shitty vegan food for them.

  Yeah, her reign of food terror was finished. By the time the chili cook off was over, everyone would be singing of the praises of her chili.

  True, it would be his recipe.

  While he wanted them to all know the truth, he knew that wasn’t a possibility. Instead, he would have to revel in being the only one who knew what they had really eaten.

  His delicious food.

  Sitting down, next to the piles of bones, he took a mom
ent to scribble out a quick recipe.

  Onions.

  Garlic.

  Chili powder.

  A dash of cocoa powder for richness.

  One dead Vegan.

  And a whole lot of love.

  Now, that was one meal he could serve up with pride. Once the citizens of Salem tasted his delicious concoction, they would be hooked. Maybe, he could take over her business and really dazzle the town.

  Oh well, he could dream.

  Getting back to work, he shoveled the bones and the scraps into a sack as he cleaned up his area. First, he would take care of business and get rid of the evidence, and then he would start cooking. Time was of the essence, since his chili needed time to absorb the flavors.

  It was going to be one hell of a Spring Fling after all.

  Well, if he had anything to say about it.

  * * *

  Sunday Morning

  It was a long night, and definitely not in a bad way. When Elizabeth, Ethan and Callen arrived at home, they were feeling a little bit frisky.

  Okay, make that a lot.

  The men in her life had wanted to give her a little something for her spectacular fantasy gift earlier. So, they made sure to take their time, worshiping every inch of her to give her more pleasure than she ever believed that she could handle.

  Yeah, it was pretty freaking amazing.

  What woman didn't want two outrageously sexy men making love to her?

  It was well worth being a little tired and sore in the morning. In fact, she’d take the stiffness any day, for some sexy Native debauchery.

  Grabbing the first shirt on the bedroom floor, she shrugged into it and headed downstairs. If the men were up, that meant that they had taken care of the coffee situation.

  Nothing said love more than someone else making your first cup of hot coffee, especially while you were growing them a child.

  Once in the great room, she could see them in the kitchen, and it appeared that they were both working. As she approached, Ethan handed her a cup of coffee and patted her on the ass as she walked past him.