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Lev, at least, has the sense to look remorseful. Not Wes, though. That stupid fucker arches his brow in challenge, and I know what will come out of his stupid mouth before it opens.
“I did what I had to do.” I mimic him as he speaks.
“That’s right, asshat. I know your lines,” I quip. “I’m going to tattoo it to your forehead in your sleep.”
Throwing his hands up, Wes says, “I know. I know. I’m late. I was completing a very important mission.”
My brow arches, “What could’ve been more important than this?”
Wes’s lips curl into a Cheshire Cat smile. “You’ll just have to wait and find out.”
I huff, covering up my amused expression, but he’s already seen it. I’m just so grateful he’s here and not in the million pieces that cunt blew herself into. I’m buying Karma a Christmas gift. That bitch came in clutch.
His mother shakes her head. “Wesley Edgewood. Better late than never, son. Please step forward.”
Wes takes his pledge, and I’m called on stage. I begin my pledge. It’s the same as theirs except for one line. “I, Ariah Elaine Bradford, pledge to uphold the requirements as the Princep in the highest regard. I will do my due diligence to fulfill this position’s roles and responsibilities until my time as Princep is complete.”
I’m handed a towel, “Bite,” the man grunts, and I do as instructed. I inhale, hoping to stem some of the pain, but nothing can prepare you for hot iron touching your skin. The towel muffles my shrill cries, and the initial pain is thankfully over nearly as quickly as it started.
The man immediately applies Aloe Vera on my arm and then covers it. “This is a non-stick bandage. You’ll need to change this out and wear a bandage until your skin starts to crust over. No petroleum-based products, and don’t pick any scabs.”
I nod, then stand with the guys. “Did anyone see theirs before it was covered up?” I ask.
“It’s the NOS emblem sans words. My guess is the tattoo will be the words,” Wyatt replies.
“Makes sense,” I hum. A lock snicks, and I turn to see we’re alone. “Where did they go?”
I spin back around to see five men kneeling before me. My mouth drops open.
“Ariah Elaine Bradford,” Wes begins, holding a perfectly simple, flawless princess-cut diamond engagement ring.
I feel tears prick my eyes. “What are you—” I can’t even finish. I’m in complete shock.
“The day you stepped foot in Edgewood, our worlds changed in the best of ways,” Lev adds, holding my hand.
“Some of us fought more than others, but our paths met at the time and spot they were meant to,” Sebastian declares.
The tears I was holding fall, rolling down my cheeks.
Standing, Owen wipes my face, kissing them away. “We never want to exist in a world where you aren’t.”
“And we won’t,” Wyatt exclaims as the rest of them rise to their feet. “You know we won’t say all the flowery things because no isn’t an option here.”
I snort. “You all are always so romantic.”
Wes places the ring on my finger, pushing it on. “I thought we already established that you don’t want roses and chocolates.” He grips my neck, running his thumb along its column. “You want throat necklaces and dirty fucks.”
A throat clears, but Wes doesn’t move. “It’s time for the meeting to begin,” Tamara announces, and I want to stab the woman.
Releasing me, Wes bends and whispers. “And dirty fucks are what you’ll get for the rest of your life.” Then, he walks away, leaving me equal parts turned on and frustrated.
EPILOGUE
LEV
Three years later…
“Iswear you two better get over here,” Ariah groans, and I hear the joint laughter of the twins.
