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He returned outside. The seats were full now, the guests talking amongst themselves in the sunshine. An air of anticipation hung on the summer breeze.
Rishi stood at the head of the altar with another man who looked similar to him—brother perhaps—and the official.
“Oh, here she is.” A woman wearing a beautiful turquoise and silver sari turned with her hands clasped together. “And my daughter looks so beautiful.”
Ivor followed her line of sight. Sure enough, there was Nisha, and she did indeed look stunning. Her outfit was scarlet and gold. Her intricately embroidered headdress matched, and her hands and arms were decorated with henna. She wore a golden necklace and many golden bangles. At her side was a man wearing a white turban, his gray beard neatly trimmed and his outfit similar to Rishi’s but violet in color.
So these are the parents who wish to thrust their daughter into a marriage with a man who doesn’t care for her and doesn’t intend to.
Ivor couldn’t let it happen.
“Rishi.” He strode up to the groom. “I implore you, call this off and preserve her dignity. If you do it now, there will be no shame on her, or on her family.”
“You again.” Rishi puffed up his chest. “I told you to piss off. You’re not welcome here.”
“Who the fuck is this?” the man at his side asked.
“Some dude who’s obviously got a thing for Nisha.” Rishi flicked his hand as if swatting away a fly. “Get out of my face and fuck off.”
“Sir, you have to leave.” A big hand curled over Ivor’s shoulder, the fingers tight and heavy.
“Get the hell off me.” Ivor shrugged and stepped back.“Don’t fucking touch me.”
“Leave or you will be removed.” The security man tightened his grip.
Ivor held in a snarl. “I’m warning you, Rishi. Go through with this wedding and you’ll regret it.”
“I don’t take threats kindly.” Rishi nodded at the security. “Get rid of him. And hurry, the ceremony is about to start.”
Ivor held up his hands as if in surrender. But the truth was he was struggling to contain his dragon. The urge to shift and start throwing flames was almost overwhelming. He stomped to the left, trying to subdue the telltale tingle in his spine that always preceded a shift.
Music was playing now, a high-pitched tinkling sound that he could only just hear over his pulse pounding in his ears. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths.
Don’t shift. Don’t shift.
When he turned around again, Nisha was at the head of the altar, standing beside Rishi. Her lipstick was vibrant red, and her eyes were heavily kohled. She was more beautiful than he could have ever imagined.
Her smile dropped when she saw Ivor, but her eyes weren’t sad. They still held the love for him he’d seen the night before.
Which just confirmed what he needed to do.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome you all on this beautiful summer’s day to celebrate the marriage of Rishi and Nisha, and—”
“This marriage will not go ahead.” Ivor stormed forward. He couldn’t stand back and watch the love of his life marry another. Especially when he knew damn well it wasn’t what she wanted.
“Hey! You!” The security guy stepped in front of him. “Stop!”
Ivor closed his eyes, allowed his dragon to see through them, then opened them again, knowing they’d be burning bright and ethereal.
“Fuck!” The security man stepped back, shock washing over his face. “What the…”
Ivor blinked and got a hold of his emotions. “Nisha, step away from that man.”
“Ivor, what are you doing here? I told you I was getting married. I can’t—”
“No, you can’t marry him.” Ivor jabbed his chest. “Because you’re destined for a life with me. With my love and protection, you will achieve so much more and be happier than you can possibly imagine.”
“Who are you?” Nisha’s father stood. “And why are you here?”
