A DEADLY NUPTIAL

30.

"Well..he did confess to me that he loved me..."

"He what?!" she went to the other side of the bed to lean over me with big eyes.

"He said I love you..."

"Oh my gosh! Finally! Did you tell him you loved him back?!" she asked anxiously.

"I was shocked at first so it took me a while, but then when I was going to tell him, he took it the wrong way. That's why outside we made up. I didn't want him to be mad."

She crossed her arms across her chest shaking her head, "My brother's such a dumbass sometimes."

I laughed sitting up. She slapped her hand across her forehead.

"I'm so stupid I almost forgot!"

"What is it?"

"You will never guess what happened!"

"What?! Tell me!!" I turned around on the bed sitting in a criss cross postion with my legs. She held out her hand to flash a diamond ring. I felt my jaw drop. I stood up grabbing her hand. Was this really what I thought it was?!

"I'm getting married!!!!" she exclaimed as I didn't say anything.

"When did this happen?!" I asked after hugging her while we both jumped up and down frantically in excitement.

We both sat down across from each other. She fanned her face probably from all the excitement and jumping. "Well he took me out onto the balcony at exactly midnight and proposed. It was the most beautiful thing. I was bawling my eyes out before he even finished. This was the best Christmas present ever."

"This is great! When are you going to tell everyone?"

"Well, I was thinking tomorrow during breakfast since all the families are present. They're going to find out sooner or later, so I prefer they know now then later."

We spent the rest of the night talking about all the wedding plans before crashing into a deep sleep.

Dark's POV

Aron and I walked back to my room in silence. There was an awkward tension between us. We got to my room. I unlocked the door pushing it open. I heard the door close as I walked to my bed loosening my tie.

"Dark we need to talk," I heard from behind. I turned around to face my childhood best friend.

"What do we need to talk about?" I questioned sitting on my bed.

He sighed, "Dark we've been friends since kindergarten. We always overcome obstacles in our friendship I don't think we should let a stupid misunderstanding ruin our friendship. It's over. Nothing happened between me and Josephine, and it never will because..." he took a deep breath before finishing, "I'm marrying your sister."

It registered in my mind. My best friend was marrying my little sister. I stood up walking to stand in front of him. He must've thought I was going to punch him, but I surprised him and myself by giving him a bro hug and slapping him on the back.

"That's great man." I smiled.

"Thanks man, for a moment I thought you were going to punch me like last time."

I rubbed the back of my neck sheepishly, "I'm sorry about that. I don't know how I could think my best friend was sleeping with my wife."

"You must really love her."

"I do. I even confessed tonight, but she didn't respond."

He slapped my back gripping my shoulder reassuringly.

"I'm sorry Dark. She'll come around. Maybe she's just confused about her feelings."

"I don't know what to think..anyway how'd Alexa take the proposal?" I said trying to change the conversation.

"That moment was priceless. At first I thought she was going to reject me because she started crying before I even finished my speech, but then she practically attacked me saying yes like a hundred times."

"That's awesome, but why now? Don't you think it's a little early to get married?"

He gave me the really? look.

"What?"

"Are you really going to say that? Josephine's younger than Alexa and that didn't stop you from marrying her. You didn't even know her."

"Touche."

"Besides I've known you're sister forever, and I love her. She's the most beautiful woman I've ever met and---"

"Ok stop right there, you don't need to go into details."

"Ok ok," he said holding his hands up in a defensive way, "I just have one more thing to do."

"What?"

"Dark I want to ask you for your sister's hand before I ask your father, and I want you to be my best man."

I chuckled, " Scared of the big man?"

"You know it. I don't know what he'll think when I ask him."

"Well, I do know one thing."

"What?"

"You have my permission to marry my sister, and hell yeah I'll be your best man!" I gave him another bro hug.

"Thanks Dark, you don't know what this means to me."

"I know, I know, you just better take care of her or I'll kick your ass." I warned pushing him onto his bed playfully.

***The next morning***

The next day I woke up with Aron shaking me.

"Dude, wake up!"

"What is it?" I asked groggily, sitting up rubbing my eyes.

"Come on get up! Breakfast is almost going to be served!"

I glanced at the clock at 8:05 am. I groaned, burying my face in the pillow. This was just like the old college days. Aron is always the one to get up early and try to get me up.

"Dark!" he starting shaking me again.

"Aron, it's just breakfast. Yes, but me and Alexa are going to tell everyone at breakfast. I already talked to your father!"

"Already?" this had my attention. I was sitting up fully alert. I hadn't heard a noise even with my vampire hearing.

"Yup," he said, smiling like a champ.

"Well what did he say?"

He smiled even broader, "What do you think he said?"

"No?"

"Dark if he had said no I wouldn't be smiling."

I flashed him a huge smile. Punching him playfully. "I know. I was just playing with you."

He rolled his eyes, "Well hurry up and get ready. I told Alexa we'd pick them up at their room for breakfast."

At the thought of Josephine I jumped up grabbing some clothes and heading for the bathroom.

Josephine's POV

I woke up to Alexa jumping on me like a little kid.

"Josephine! Wake up! It's time for the big day! I'm so excited! Come on, the guys will be here soon!"

I sat up exhausted as Alexa opened the curtains revealing the bright sun. I covered my eyes shielding them from the bright light. I yawned standing up. I headed to the bathroom as Alexa shoved an outfit into my arms pushing me into the bathroom.

I stepped out of the bathroom to find Alexa sprawled across her bed reading a magazine.

"Finally," she said exasperated, "took you long enough." She eyed my outfit nodding in approval. I glanced at the fully length mirror. She had chosen a light brown knee length dress. It formed a v neck and had long sleeves. She had paired it perfectly with cute ankle boots. I smiled at my reflection, but soon frowned at my messy hair. "Your hair is atrocious," she asked. I couldn't agree even more. It was starting to get all frizzy. Alexa led me to the vanity sitting me on the cushion chair. She brushed frantically finally considering braiding my hair into a side braid. As she finished tying the braid there was a knock at the door. It was probably the guys, but when Alexa opened the door it turned out to be a maid with a message. Alexa returned, handing me an envelope. How weird. I never received letters. I opened it easily recognizing the person's calligraphy.

Dear Josephine,

I hope everything is well. I miss you so much! Everything here is fine. I knew you would most likely be at the ball, so I couldn't help but write you a letter and hope you receive it. I just wanted to remind you of our senior prom. I know you already graduated, but you're still invited to attend the prom. Behind this letter is the invitation. Hopefully Dark will let you go. Maybe then I can see you. I'm going to ask Alexander to go with me. Hopefully he'll say yes, and you'll be able to see him there.

I had been so absorbed in my thoughts I hadn't realized Alexa had just opened the door revealing her fiancee and my husband. I crumbled the letter throwing it in the waste basket and shoving the invitation into my purse. I wasn't sure whether or not Dark had seen anything. I surely hoped not. I knew he wouldn't let me go to the prom let alone see my loved ones. It was just a dream that would never come true. A tear slipped out of the corner of my eye as I felt Dark's arms wrap around my waist. I turned in place to face him. Prying my eye open with my hand blinking as if something were in it.

"Good morning," I greeted trying to sound cheerful.

"What's wrong with your eye?"

"I don't know I seemed to have gotten something in it," I said blinking a couple times. "There it's gone." I smiled. He smiled back giving me a lingering kiss. We heard someone clear their throat.

"Come on you two!" Alexa impatiently tapped her foot. Dark held my arm as we traveled to the giant dining room that was outdoors. We walked behind Alexa and Aron who couldn't contain their excitement.

"So I'm guessing you heard the news?"Dark asked.

"Yup, I can't wait for them to be married. Alexa's going to be a beautiful bride."

"Not as beautiful as you," he whispered in my ear.

"I heard that!" Alexa exclaimed up ahead. We burst out laughing.

We reached the grand dining room that was situated in the terrace that was connected to the house. The dining table was grand. Seating most of the 7 mafia families. Everyone greeted each other looking exhausted from the ball. Josepha and Louis had even accompanied their family with the presence of baby Louis. Each family was seated close to each other along the table. Throughout breakfast I would steal glances towards Alexa and Aron wondering when they were going to announce the big news. After everyone finished eating, Alexa and Aron stood up together, gaining everyone's attention. I couldn't help but squirm in my seat. Dark held my hand running his thumb in circular motions soothing my nervousness and excitement. Dark's hand on mine distracted me from what was going on for everyone erupted into applause. I must have missed the news. Everyone congratulated Alexa and Aron. Soon everyone was packed and ready to go. We said our farewells and got into our limo once again. I curled up against Dark's shoulders feeling all the exhaustion. I drifted into a deep slumber.

Dark's POV

I watched Josephine's eyes droop and soon close. I kissed her forehead leaning my head on top of her's. A white envelope in her purse caught my eye. Was it the same one she had hidden earlier before when we had entered the room? Whatever it was had clearly affected her. I didn't believe one bit of her excuse about her eye. I knew something was up, and I needed to find out. I opened the envelope and realized it was an invitation to Josephine's high school prom. Why would she keep this a secret? Many thoughts were swimming in my mind that I barely noticed Josephine beginning to wake up. She opened her eyes, sitting up straight to stretch out her arms.

"Have a nice nap?" I asked.

"Yes, I really needed that."

I cleared my throat, "So was there anything you wanted to do for New Years?"

She took a while before answering, "No, nothing in particular. Whatever we do is fine."

"Don't you want to go to your high school prom?"

Her face was instantly alarmed," How did you know-" her eyes zeroed in on the envelope that was still in my hands.

"Where did you get that?" she rummaged through her purse. "Dark you took it from my purse!" she snatched it from me.

"When doare you going to tell me about it?"

"You invaded my privacy! How could you go through my stuff?!"

"It caught my eye," I shrugged.

"It caught your eye?! How would you like me to go through stuff without asking?!"

"You never answered my question."

She crossed her arms across her chest scooting away from me. Her chest was heaving up and down. She pursed her lips not answering my question. I looked at her irritated. Was she really going to throw a fit? I sighed. If this was how was going to be then fine. Two can play at this game.

The rest of the ride home was quiet and tense. She didn't bother to spare me a glance and neither did I. We arrived home at 4 o'clock. It was still sunny, but our home was covered in fresh snow. I paid the limo driver after he helped put the luggage into the house. Josephine angrily strutted up stairs. Not bothering to take her suit case. Yusi came out of the kitchen with a worried look on her face.

"What's wrong with Josephine?"

I rolled my eyes, "She's being over dramatic." I left her probably even more confused. I took our suitcases to my room where I found Josephine taking all her clothes from the drawers and putting them in a bag.

"What are you doing?" She didn't answer. "So now you're going to ignore me." I stated. She grabbed her bag and suitcase walking out the door. I followed wanting to make sure she wasn't leaving the house. "Josephine you're being immature," I said. She stopped and turned around. We were at the top of the stairs.

"I'm being immature? Is that what you think of me? I don't see how."

"You like throwing fits over things of no importance."

She scoffed, "No importance, well I think my privacy is very important to me. Why can't you understand?" her angry watery eyes pleaded with me. "I wasn't going to tell you about the prom because there was no point. I hardly leave this house to go where I want to go, and Lorenz will be there. I'm prohibited to see any loved ones, so why bother? I'm a prisoner in this house." She stormed off to her old room.

Josephine's POV

I briskly walked to my old room. I felt hurt and angry. Dark was being such a jerk. How could he not understand what I was feeling? I threw my bag onto the floor and left the suitcase at my door. I was physically and emotionally drained from all this. I just needed to close my eyes and forget about all of this. After what seemed like only seconds that I had closed my eyes there was a knock at the door. The sun was beginning to set so clearly I had slept longer than a couple seconds. Not bothering to look at my appearance I went to open the door. I wasn't at all surprised to find Dark at my door step.

"What do you want?" I said crossing my arms.

"I want to talk."

"Talk? I don't think that's how you roll Dark. You're more of the snooping kind of person to get information."

His jaw clenched. "I know I shouldn't have done it, but I'm you're husband. I can look through your stuff if I want."

"Wow, you really don't know when to stop." I said stepping outside my room. I walked away, but was soon followed. I had no clue where I was headed, but my feet led me to his art studio. Surprisingly the door was slightly open, so I barged in.

"What are you doing?"

I stomped into the room looking everywhere until I spotted what I was looking for, the canvas with a bed sheet. I made my way towards it removing the bed sheet. I was appalled at what it was.

"You weren't supposed to see that until later today," he said grimly.

"It doesn't feel good when someone invades your privacy does it?" I said turning around to face him.

He looked at me through narrow eyes before smirking then giving me a shrug. "Oh well, I guess you just found your Christmas present."

Before I could think about what would leave my mouth I spat out, "Well, it's a terrible Christmas present. I absolutely hate it." I wanted to wipe off that smirk, and I did. His face dropped, and his eyes reflected hurt, but he put his chin up not letting down his shield. Before I could say sorry, I instantly left his studio, not wanting to feel the guiltiness washing through me.

Dark's POV

When Josephine said those words I felt my pride go down. Her words had cut me like a blade. I had worked for weeks on that painting just for her...and she hated it. I had felt angry when she had revealed my surprise, but I didn't want her to have that satisfaction of knowing that I knew what she had meant. I didn't bother to go downstairs for dinner. I didn't have the guts to face her. I sat in my office drinking whiskey to wash away these feelings that were swarming inside me. I leaned against the mantle above the fireplace watching the fire. There was a knock at the door. I didn't bother to say anything. The door opened sending me a whiff of perfume. It was Josephine.

"Dark," she said in her soft voice as if afraid to talk to me.

"What?!" I snapped.

"I came to apologize for what I said earlier."

"You don't have to apologize for anything, you simply said what you thought about my present."

She had now reached the fireplace and stood on the other side facing me.

"I didn't mean to say I hated it," she said.

"Josephine, don't lie. I could see clearly in your eyes that you hated it, and I have a solution for that." In two seconds I was back with the giant painting in my hands.

"What are you going to do with it?" she asked, her voice slightly shaking.

"I'm going to do what I should've done a long time ago. Destroy it."

I was about to throw the painting into the fire, but Josephine's arms grabbed my upper arms stopping me.

"No! Dark don't destroy it! I never meant to say I hated it. I don't. I only said it to wipe off your smirk. I absolutely love the painting."

"You do?" I asked lowering my hands.

She nodded.

"Then why did you lie to me? Do you know how you made me feel?" I placed the painting on top of the mantel.

"I guess I wanted you to feel the hurt I was feeling when you looked through my stuff."

I sighed, "I know how you feel now. I'm sorry, please forgive me." I hugged her to my chest.

"You're forgiven," she said kissing me on the cheek.

"What, no real kiss?"

She smiled. I lowered my head down to her's brushing my lips against hers. Things began to get a little hot as we began to kiss more passionately. I pressed my hands against her back pushing her body against mine. I lead her to the couch not breaking the kiss, and pushed her onto it with me hovering above her. I kissed down her neck earning a moan of pleasure. I could feel my fangs start to contract at the sound. In an instant I was off of her trying to control myself. She sat up panting. Her cheeks were flushed from embarrassment. She stood up to leave, and that's when I realized I had hurt her feelings again. I grabbed her hand before she could leave. I didn't mean to pull her, but she stumbled backwards and landed in my lap. She fought to get out of my arms, but she had no chance against my vampire strength.

"Josephine, don't go. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you again. I know you probably feel like I'm rejecting you, but I'm not. I just can't control myself when I'm with you. I don't want things to get out of hand, and end up hurting you."