Serena's Blood Oath

Chapter 5: Vows and Venom

Serena’s P.O.V

The staff gasped when they saw me already dressed. But it wasn't just the fact that I was ready—it was what I was wearing.

"Miss, you can't wear that! It's bad omen!" one of them cried, her eyes wide in disbelief.

"We already have your wedding dress prepared," another added, pointing stiffly at the pearl-studded gown on the mannequin.

I glanced at the traditional white dress with contempt. "It's my wedding. I will wear what I want," I said, my voice firm as I walked past them.

Fiona was just stepping out of the guestroom, her baby blue dress hugging her curves perfectly. She looked like springtime.

"Ready to get hitched?" she teased, grinning.

"That is... if the groom hasn’t changed his mind," I replied with a smirk.

Her eyes widened as she examined me from head to toe. "You look stunning," she said, genuine awe in her voice. "This is a statement."

Layers of soft black tulle billowed around me like a storm. The bodice hugged me tightly, a deep plunge at the neckline bordered by a halter collar.

"Mr. Stoner will either explode from rage or collapse from lust," Fiona added with a whistle. We both laughed.

"Let’s go before the guests think the bride ran off."

The moment I stepped into the hall, silence fell. Whispers followed every one of my steps.

Uncle Philip met me halfway and took my hand. As we walked, he leaned close.

"Princess, what on earth are you wearing?"

"A dress," I said with feigned innocence.

"I'm not blind, Serena."

"If Leonardo wants to play husband, I’m not going to make it easy," I whispered through clenched teeth.

He sighed but said no more, handing me over to Leonardo at the altar.

Leonardo accepted me with a nod and pulled me to his side. The scent of his cologne surrounded me, dizzying.

We walked toward the altar together. As the priest welcomed us, I finally allowed myself to look at Leonardo.

He was lethal in black. His tailored suit framed his broad shoulders. A few shirt buttons were undone, revealing just enough tattooed skin to tease.

His hair was pulled back into a ponytail, but loose strands fell rebelliously, giving him a rugged edge.

"Miss Clifford," the priest said gently, pulling me out of my trance. "Your vow?"

I cleared my throat. "I, Serena Clifford, promise to love, cherish, protect, and care for Leonardo Stoner as my husband—in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for as long as we both shall live."

The priest smiled. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Panic struck me. Oh no. The kiss.

Leonardo leaned in. I shut my eyes.

But instead of his lips on mine, I felt a soft kiss on my cheek.

I opened my eyes. His grey ones flickered with something unreadable before settling back into neutrality. Then he leaned in again.

"Expecting a kiss, Rena?" he whispered.

"Who'd want to kiss you?" I hissed.

As I tried to move, he caught my hand and intertwined our fingers.

"Is Mrs. Stoner mad at me?" he asked, teasing.

I glared.

We were still locked in a silent war when the priest chuckled behind us.

"Take your lovebirds act outside before you turn this old man into a puddle," he joked.

Leonardo didn’t wait. He swept me off my feet and carried me out.

"Where are we going?" I asked as he headed toward the parking lot.

"Las Vegas."

"What?!"

***

I barely had time to say goodbye. Uncle Philip and the others were already waiting by the car to send me off.

And then, just like that, I was on a plane.

Vegas.

The city was buzzing by the time we arrived. But the Red Titans base was something else.

It wasn’t just a house. It was a fortress. A city within a city. Lights danced across towering structures. The air pulsed with silent power.

Our car stopped before a grand mansion that dwarfed my home back in London.

Leonardo helped me out and guided me inside. Staff and members lined up.

"Welcome home, Mr. Stoner," they chorused.

He looked around before speaking.

"This is my wife," he declared. "From now on, she’s in charge of the household."

Silence fell.

Then a synchronized reply: "Understood, Mr. Stoner."

As we climbed the stairs, I felt a pair of eyes drilling into my back.

I turned. A beautiful girl with brown hair and blood-red lipstick smiled at me—a smile too sharp to be real.

I offered her my own polished smirk before hurrying after Leonardo.

His room smelled like him—earthy and fresh. He undressed silently at the dresser, removing his watch, pulling out his cufflinks.

My eyes lingered too long.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

He looked at me, his shirt half-open, tattoos exposed.

"What do you think, Serena?" he asked, taking steps toward me.

"Don't come any closer!" I stammered.

He didn’t stop.

"What’s wrong, wife?" he asked, cornering me.

"We... we can't..." I muttered, heart thudding.

"Can't what? Bathe?" He asked, feigning innocence with a cheeky smile on his face.

That broke my trance. "Yes! We need to... bathe first!"

I dashed into the bathroom.

Behind me, his laugh echoed.

"Dinner will be brought up," he called, then left.

I placed my hand on my chest, trying to calm my wild heartbeat.

***

He didn’t return that night. I was grateful.

I was awakened early in the morning by the door creaking open. Leonardo entered, still in yesterday's clothes.

"You're back?" I asked. Rubbing my eyes still dizzy with sleep.

He nodded, picked a fresh shirt, and headed into the bathroom.

When he came out, he looked at me.

"Brittany will come up to to help you get used to things. She's my trusted aide."

"Brittany?"

"She’ll show you the ropes. Staff will bring your breakfast."

And then he was gone.

Later, two women entered. One was tall and elegant.

"Good morning, Madam," she said. "I'm Brittany."

My gaze fell on her perfectly lined red lips.

The girl from last night.

"My husband told me you'd be coming," I said, coolly.

"Leo. I mean Mr. Stoner asked me to help you adjust," she replied. She had slipped up earlier, almost calling him Leo. I caught that.

So that’s your game.

"Let’s begin," I said.

She took me to a study and brought out thick stacks of paperwork.

"These are the household financial records. You’ll need to review them."

I blinked at the mountain of files.

"Too much?" she asked sweetly. "You can ask Mr. Stoner to reduce it. After all, it was his idea."

"No need," I said.

"Perfect. He'll need them reviewed by this evening," she added, heading toward the door.

I stared at the mess of paperwork.

This evening?

She’s got to be kidding.