Chapter 43:
Ryan: “Will you marry me and give me the chance to spend this life and every next life with you? To lay every happiness of this world at your feet? Marry me, love.”
Amara: “Yes, a million times yes. I’ll marry you, Diavolo. I love you.”
Ryan: “I love you so much more, love. (later Amara’s bedroom)”
Aria: “Oh look who’s here…our bride to be.”
Everyone: “Congratulations.”
Amara: “Thank you guys.”
Azzurra: “I’m gonna take care of the bachelorette party.”
Haily: “I’m gonna look for the best caterer.”
Cinzia: “And the rest of us will help Diavolo with the venue and decoration. Let us know when you and Diavolo decide where you would like to get married.”
Amara: “Slow down. I just got engaged. I’m not getting married tomorrow. Breathe.”
Emma: “Yes, you’re right. First you’ll have to join the pack and perform the ritual.”
Amara: “What ritual?”
Ryan: “It’s a ritual every wolf performs when they show interest in joining this pack. The spirits of ancestors decide if that person is worthy or not.”
Amara: “Really?”
Ryan: “Yes, love.”
Amara: “So what if the ancestors reject me then? You won’t marry me?”
Ryan: “There’s no power in this world or any other world that can stop me from marrying you. It’s totally up to you if you wanna perform the ritual. No one’s gonna force you. You’re my mate and that already makes you the most important member of the pack. You’re my equal.”
Amara: “And if I perform the ritual, I’ll have to what? Kneel in front of everyone and wait for the spirits to accept or reject me?”
Ryan: “I’ll never let you kneel before anyone as long as I live. You’re a queen, you’re my queen and a queen kneels before no one. Don’t stress over it, I don’t like it when I see you stressing over something so trivial. Did I tell you how sexy you look with that ring on your finger? It’s turning me on and I can’t wait to…”
Amara: “Don’t you have a meeting to get to?”
Ryan: “I can cancel everything if you want to just say the word.”
Amara: “Tempting, but no. I also have things to do.”
In Ryan’s head: Now I need a cold shower. (in the woods Damon’s grave)
Amara: “I got engaged brother. I wish you were here with me. (Damon’s ghost appears). You know how many things happened after you left. I hope you’re watching me because there’s no way I could tell you everything right now and if anyone saw me talking like this alone, they’ll think I’m some lunatic. (Damon laughs)”
Damon: “I know everything that happened, little one. I know you can’t see me but I’m always there with you.”
Amara: “I know how much you wanted me to be happy and to marry someone I love and I’m happy to tell you I did. I found my person and I’m getting married. I wish you were here to walk me down the aisle. I don’t know what I’m gonna do without you.”
Damon: “I know I’m not there to hold your hand and walk you down the aisle but there is someone. There are two people who would love to take my place. Don’t worry about it.”
Amara: “Being here brings me peace, I’m not anxious anymore. Thank you, brother.”
Damon: “I wish I could talk to you and tell you something I’m so eager to tell and it’s so crucial for you to know, little one. Unfortunately we have to wait till the right time comes.”
Amara: “I love you, brother.”
Damon: “I love you more, little one. (in the woods)”
Amara: “I, Amara Shadowvale, swear loyalty to The Bloodwalker Pack. I’ll guard its secrets and protect its members, fight at their side till my last breath. Their battle will be my battle and their enemies will be my enemies.”
In Ryan’s head: Why is it taking so long? A blue butterfly lands on Amara’s chest and the butterflies start to multiply then several white butterflies land on her. The white ones. (in Amara’s room)
In Amara’s head: Hmm…?
In Ryan’s head: She loves me more, I’m telling you.
Ryan’s Wolf: “Nope, she loves me more than she loves you, she calls me beasty.”
In Ryan’s head: She calls me baby, baby sounds more affectionate than beasty.
Ryan’s Wolf: “Let’s ask her.”
Ryan: “Who do you love more?”
Amara: “What?”
Ryan: “I mean between me and Azrael, who do you love more?”
Amara: “Are you asking me which eye color I prefer? Between green and red?”
Ryan: “No, I mean who do you love more, me or Azrael. And who’s better in bed?”
In Amara’s head: Seriously?
Amara: “You do realize you both are the same?”
Ryan: “No we’re not.”
Amara: “You are, you know what I see? I see a 6′5 tall devilish handsome man who just changes his eye color occasionally. In fact, who do you love more, me or Azrael?”
Ryan: “What type of question is that? Of course you.”
Ryan’s Wolf: “Selfish bastard.”
Amara: “Azrael…”
Azrael: “Yes, my queen?”
Amara: “Who do you love more? Me Or Diavolo?”
Azrael: “You, of course.”
In Ryan’s head: Who’s selfish now?
Amara: “See, you both are the same.”
Ryan: “Wait, but who’s better in bed?”
Amara: “You both share the same body, you just change eye color. What do you think would make a difference?”
Ryan: “So we’re both great in bed?”
Amara: “No, very bad.”
Ryan: “Come here, I’ll change that opinion of yours.”
Amara: “No. (Amara runs off)”
Ryan’s Mindlink: “You like the chase, huh? But if I catch you…”
Amara’s Mindlink: “Catch me first. (the next day in the bathroom)”
Ryan: “I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”
Amara: “Yeah?”
Ryan: “Do you want a new house?”
Amara: “A new house? Why?”
Ryan: “We’re getting married so I thought maybe you’d like to have a place of our own.”
Amara: “This house is also our own, right?”
Ryan: “Absolutely.”
Amara: “I like this mansion and everyone respects my privacy here so there’s no need for a new house.”
Ryan: “I thought you liked living alone?”
Amara: “As long as I’m not surrounded by toxic people, I’m good. And why does it sound like you wanna build a new house not for me but for yourself?”
Ryan: “Can you blame me? I wanna have all of you to myself and I don’t wanna get disturbed when I’m busy worshiping you. (six months later in a limo)”
In Amara’s head: As I sit here, I tried reflecting on the world wind of the past six months. It’s been quite a journey, from the moment he proposed, life has been a beautiful blur of decisions and preparations. Sometimes it felt like there’s an endless list of things to do. The flowers, the venue, the dress but now, as the big day approaches, everything is falling into place. Today as I sit here, I’m filled with a mix of emotions. A sense of joy and a touch of nerves. Tomorrow, I’m marrying the man who has become my confidant, my partner, and my greatest support. a sense of anticipation and contentment settling in my heart. It’s like all the stress and chaos of the preparations melt away and I’m left with this incredible anticipation.
Amara: “So here’s to us, to love, and to new beginnings. (in the club)”
In Amara’s head: As the night continued, I immersed myself and enjoyed the moment, surrounded by the people who meant a lot to me looking forward to the beautiful journey that lay ahead. (two hours later in Amara’s bedroom). My heart quickened as I took in the scene before me. Diavolo entered the room, shirtless in his jeans. His muscular arms were illuminated by the soft light, his fingers holding the guitar. His tousled hair fell, framing his ruggedly handsome face and his eyes locked on mine, filled with a mix of intensity and desire. My mouth caught and my throat as my eyes traced the contours of his chest, as the light accentuating every curve and muscle. I’ve seen him shirtless countless of times but there was something different about this moment. The way he held himself, the way he was gazing, the way his body seemed to exude a new found confidence. As if this wasn’t torture enough. He said in his low seductive voice…
Ryan: “Did I make you forget how to breathe, love? Well, get ready. I’m about to give you an unforgettable performance tonight.”
In Amara’s head: I didn’t know he knew how to play the guitar. I mean, I knew he was very skilled with his fingers but shit. This is so hot.
Ryan: “Sit down, baby. (the next day - the wedding)”
Aria: “I know you’re nervous but don’t worry. As soon as you look at Diavolo, you’ll feel good. There’ll be no nervousness, only a feeling of profound which you have never experienced before.”
Haily: “Let’s get your hair done.”
Aria: “You look breathtaking. Go change and we’ll see you at the altar.”
Amara: “Okay.”
Zak: “Did you think I’d miss your wedding?”
Amara: “Zak, Irina?!”
Irina: “You look so pretty that I wanna marry you instead.”
Zak: “Excuse me? You’re married. We have a child together.“
Irina: “Anyways, Diavolo is a lucky man.”
Zak: “I agree.”
Amara: “How’s my little Eduard?”
Irina: “Oh, he’s not so little anymore. You have to visit and spend some time with him.”
Aara: “I definitely will.”
Kane: “Ugh, finally, the right room.”
Amara: “Your father is here?!”
Zak: “He wouldn’t miss it for the world. (Nikolaos runs in)”
Nikolaos: “I hope I’m not late!! Hmm…aren’t you dressed up too well?”
Kane: “I had to look my best. After all, I’m gonna walk her down the aisle.”
Nikolaos: “I think I heard you wrong. You said you’re gonna walk her down the aisle?”
Kane: “That’s what I said.”
Nikolaos: “Then take your words back because I’m the one who has the right to walk her down the aisle.”
Kane: “Don’t push your luck in your old days.”
Amara: “Okay…you both can walk me down the aisle. I would love that.”
Nikolaos: “You look beautiful.”
Kane: “Yeah, gorgeous.”
Nikolaos: “That’s what I said.”
Amara: “They’re not gonna stop, are they?”
Zak: “My father loves you, you can’t blame a man for being possessive about his daughter.”
In Amara’s head: It’s because of you, brother that I met these amazing people. Because of you, I now have two father figures who are willing to walk me down the aisle. Thank you for everything, brother. I miss you. (wedding ceremony walking down the aisle)
In Ryan’s head: I couldn’t shake the excitement and nervousness coursing through me. My suit felt suddenly restrictive as I adjusted the collar, my fingers fumbling slightly. The soft melody of the piano filled the air, accompanied by the whispers of the guests. I’ve never in my wildest dreams thought I would be waiting at the altar for my mate, the love of my life. I never thought I would see the day.
In Amara’s head: My heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. My fingers lightly grazed the delicate lace of my wedding gown as I took a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach. The soft strains of the piano feel the air and the scent of fresh flowers envelop my senses. My eyes searched the crowd for familiar faces and then, my gaze locked on him. My mate, my soon-to-be husband.. Standing tall and handsome at the altar. His warm smile was reassuring, instantly melting away my anxiety. our eyes met and it was as if time stood still. Everyone else disappeared. I felt the weight of my doubts and worries began to lift, replaced by an overwhelming sense of comfort and love.
In Ryan’s head: My heart skipped a beat. As I scanned the venue, my eyes were looking for the woman who was about to become my wife. There she was…walking down the aisle in a breathtaking gown that seemed to glow in this natural light. Our eyes met and everything else faded. All of my apprehensions and doubts were washed away, replaced by an overwhelming rush of love and certainty. With every step she took down the aisle the distance between us seemed to close. The soft russell of her dress against the aisles was a symphony of anticipation, echoing the beat of my heart. I could hardly believe the woman I had fallen in love with was about to become my wife. With the thought of that, a tear escaped my eye. As she came near, I’d see her cheeks flush. The veil of nervousness that had initially begun to lift, revealing the woman I knew so well. Strong, determined, and full of love. Our journey together had led us to this moment and as I held her gaze, I silently promised to cherish and protect what we built.
In Amara’s head: With every step I took down the aisle, the distance between us shrink. Until all that mattered was the connection we shared. A focus remained fixed on him as I drew closer. I could see the emotions in his eyes. The pride, the happiness, and the unwavering support. With each step, my heartbeat matched the rhythm of the promises we made to each other, silently communicating our commitment and love.
Ercole: “Welcome, loved ones. Family and friends, thank you all for coming to share this wonderful occasion. Today we’re here to unite Amara and Diavolo in holy matrimony. Amara, will you have this man to be your husband; to live together with him in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health? Forsaking all those, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?”
Amara: “I do.”
Ercole: “Diavolo, will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together with her in covenant Of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health? Forsaken all those, be faithful unto Her as long as you both shall live?”
Ryan: “I do.”
Ercole: “Exchange your vows.”
Ryan: “Amara, I promise to cherish you always, to honor and sustain you, in sickness and in health, and poverty and in wealth, and to be true to you and all things until death alone shall part us. I promise to protect your peace and I promise to stay by your side in every upcoming storm and misfortune.”
Amara: “I promise to cherish you always, to honor and sustain you, in sickness and in health, and poverty and in wealth, and to be true to you in all things until death alone shall part us. And I promise to never stop fighting for us. And I promise no matter where fate takes me, I’ll always find my way back to you. You’re my constant and no holy or unholy power can change that.”
Ercole: “Exchange the rings. By the power vested in me and in the presence of God, I now pronounce you husband and wife. God has joined together, let no one separate. You may kiss the bride. (wedding reception)”
Ryan’s Mindlink: “Let’s go somewhere more private.”
Amara’s Mindlink: “Okay. (in the woods surrounded by black roses slow dancing)”
Ryan: “Did I tell you how breathtaking you look today?”
Amara: “Maybe a million times.”
Ryan: “I can’t believe you’re my wife now. I never knew God had made you for me. He planned all of this for me. I always thought I would never find happiness.”
Amara: “That makes the two of us. I never played with the thought of marriage but you changed that and I couldn’t be happier.”
Ryan: “I love you. You got engraved in my soul the moment I laid my eyes on you. You have never left my mind since then. I just knew you were mine. My soul knew it had found its missing part when we met. You’re woven, it’s every fiber of my being.”
Amara: “I’m not gonna say it was love at first sight for me but I never knew I’d fall hard and I’m glad I did. You’re my compass who will always bring me back home no matter what darkness I’m lost in. You’re made just for me, Ryan Diavolo and I love you beyond anything I ever thought possible.”