End Game (Vampire Hunter Book 6) (12 page)

Back at Lucas’ apartment, we both started making phone calls. First I
called Emmett, then Henry, who could tell Jet what happened. Everyone was
thrilled that I had killed her, relieved that this horrible mess was finally
over.

“What did Nicholas say?” I asked.

Lucas smiled. “He told me to tell you that you did a hell of a good job.”

We sat down on the couch and Lucas hugged me to him. For a few minutes we
stayed like that, embracing, enjoying the feel of our bodies pressed together.
And then Lucas pulled back and kissed me. I melted into him, feeling like I
could get lost in his lips forever.

As our kisses deepened, became more feverish, I reached to take Lucas’
shirt off. “Wait,” he whispered, stopping me.

“Why?” I asked, disappointed. “I’m ready, Lucas. I want you to make love
to me.”

Lucas moaned. “I want that, too – God, you have no idea how badly I
want you.”

“So what’s the problem?” I teased, again reaching for his shirt.

 “I want your first time to be special,” Lucas said. “
Our
first
time.” I started to protest but he silenced me with a kiss.

Lucas pulled back and smoothed my hair with his hand. He was gazing at me
so intensely that I had to look away.

“Soon?” I asked, biting my lip, trying to hide my disappointment.

“Soon,” he promised. “Hey.” I looked at him again. “Don’t pout,” Lucas
said playfully.

I smiled. “I hope you’re not hesitating because you think I’m not ready.”

“That’s not it at all,” Lucas whispered. “Just give me a little time to
plan,” he said mysteriously.

“Okay,” I grudgingly agreed.

“Besides, there’s plenty of other stuff we can do to pass the time,”
Lucas said with a wicked grin, leaning in to kiss me again.

###

The next day, Lucas told me he had to go out for a while. “Why?” I asked,
confused.

“Hunting assignment,” he replied. “I haven’t been taking on many jobs
lately; someone has to be the breadwinner,” he joked.

“During the day?” I asked skeptically.

“I’ll be fine.” Lucas popped one of the sunlight pills and leaned in to
kiss me goodbye.

After he had left, I slumped down onto the couch, my mind still reeling
from everything that had happened. Lucas and I had spent hours kissing, running
our fingers over every inch of each other’s bodies. It had been absolute
heaven. But I still didn’t know why Lucas was holding back. Why he wouldn’t go
all the way with me.

Deciding that it didn’t really matter and I needed to exercise a little
bit of patience, I turned on the TV, thankful that for the first time in months
my mind wasn’t plagued with worry. It was liberating, really, to finally have
the crazy situation behind me. To know I had killed each and every threat to
the people I loved.

 I thought of Mom, Dad and Kayla, and a wave of sadness washed over
me. My mom had looked so confused when I’d abruptly left with Lucas last night.
But it was never going to end without anyone getting hurt,
I reminded
myself, picturing Henry in my mind.

Lucas returned a few hours later. As soon as I heard the door, I jumped
up, practically falling into him before he could even get inside.

“Calm down, Rory,” Lucas said, laughing. He leaned in and kissed me. I
pressed my body into his, relishing every delicious moment.

Lucas took my hand and led me to the couch. “I need to talk to you,” he
said.

“Okay,” I replied, suddenly nervous by his tone.

I sat down on the couch and looked at Lucas expectantly. He reached in
his pocket and pulled out a box, kneeling down on one knee, before I could
comprehend what was happening.

“It’s not over the top,” he said shyly. “But it reminded me of you.
Beautiful. Elegant.” Lucas flipped the box open, revealing a ring. It was
simple: a small diamond set in a gold band.

“Will you marry me, Aurora Stone?” he asked, his hand trembling slightly.

Now I was shaking. I clasped my hand over my mouth in shock. “Of course, of
course,” the words spilled out. I paused. “I mean,
yes,
I want nothing
more than to marry you, Lucas.”

With a sigh of relief, Lucas slipped the ring onto my left ring finger.
“It’s perfect,” I whispered. The diamond glinted in the light.

“Just like you.” Lucas got up off of his knee to kiss me again. When it
finally ended, Lucas rested his forehead against mine. He was smiling, giddy
almost. “I kind of banked on the fact that you would say yes,” he admitted. “So
I hope you don’t mind that I’ve already arranged the ceremony.”

“The sooner, the better,” I said, finally understanding why he wouldn’t
make love to me the other night. “How long have you been planning this?” I
whispered.

“I’ve been
dreaming
about this moment for a long time,” Lucas
replied. “I didn’t know if I could actually turn it into a reality until last
night.”

I kissed him, my arms wrapped around Lucas’ neck, feeling like the
luckiest girl in the world.

“It’s tonight,” Lucas said between our kisses. “The ceremony, I mean.”

I forced myself to pull away from him. “Tonight?” I repeated.

Lucas grinned. “I wasn’t really working this morning. I went to get the
rings. It’s all set up. Nic is actually an ordained minister – it’s a
funny story. One I’ll tell you sometime. Especially now that we’ve got all the
time in the world,” he added. “We’re getting married at Emmett’s house.”

“So everyone knows?” I asked, still in shock.

“Our friends, do, yes.” Lucas paused. “I didn’t tell Jet. Or Henry. It’s
your decision on whether or not to invite them.”

“What time?” I asked, still trying to comprehend everything that was
happening.

“Sunset,” Lucas answered. “And…I want you to know you can invite your
family, but only if you want to,” Lucas said hastily.

I was torn. I wasn’t the type of girl that obsessed about my wedding day,
so I really hadn’t given much thought to any details. But I
was
the type
who wanted my father to walk me down the aisle.

“I’ll think about it,” I said honestly.

Lucas pulled me to him. “Sorry it’s such short notice,” he said, his
voice muffled against my hair. “But I wanted to make you my wife as quickly as
possible. This is why I insisted we wait. And it just about killed me to make
that decision.”

“I’m glad it’s happening today,” I said honestly. “I love you, Lucas
Nathaniels, and the only thing in the world I want is to be with you, now and
forever.” I kissed him deeply, my hand cupping his beautiful jaw.

 “I can’t imagine ever getting tired of that,” Lucas said
breathlessly, reluctantly ending our kiss.

“Me neither,” I agreed. “But right now, Mr. Nathaniels, I’ve got a
wedding to plan!” I slapped his arm playfully.

“You sure do.” Lucas’ voice was husky, sexy, and I
almost
melted
back into his arms.

“I could stay here kissing you all day,” I said honestly, “but I’ve got
to get everything sorted!”

Lucas laughed and released his arms from around me.

I was on cloud nine for the entire day. I couldn’t stop looking at my
ring, thinking how Lucas had picked exactly what I would have chosen. The only
damper was my indecision about my family and Henry.

Deciding to bite the bullet, I called Jet first. “Aurora! Nice to hear
from you,” he answered.

“I’m getting married to Lucas this evening,” I said in a rush. “I want
you to come, if you can.”

“That’s great! Congratulations!” Jet enthused. “Of course I’ll be there.”

“I’m not sure if I should tell Henry,” I said. After all that we’d been
through, I felt I could trust Jet, even though he had turned Henry.

“Henry was in love with you, right?” Jet asked quietly.

“I – I think so,” I stuttered. “Jet, Henry is my best friend, but
I’m not sure he’ll ever forgive me for choosing Lucas,” I admitted. “I can’t
worry about it anymore. Can you just use your best judgment? Tell him or don’t
tell him. I’m leaving it in your hands.”

“Done,” Jet said immediately.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “See you tonight, Jet.” And with that, we hung
up the phone.

###

Most of my clothes were at my family’s house, my
old
house. I
couldn’t marry Lucas in jeans and a t-shirt! I was unsure of how to broach the
subject of my impending nuptials, so I went over while I knew all of my family
was out.

Rummaging through my closet, I quickly realized I had nothing suitable
for a wedding.
My
wedding

Lucas loves you. He doesn’t care what you’re wearing,
I reminded
myself. Still, feeling self-conscious, I grabbed one of the few dresses I
owned. It was navy blue with a belted waist. Maybe not conventional wedding
clothes, but then again, this wasn’t exactly a conventional wedding.

As an afterthought, I also picked up my stuffed elephant, Max. “You’ve
been through almost as much as me,” I said with a laugh, tucking him under my
arm. I surveyed the room, trying to decide if there were any other possessions
I cared about having. I’d come back for some of my clothes later, but I was
starting a new life with Lucas, and as long as I had him, I didn’t need
anything else.

 After the sun set, Lucas and I got in his car to go to Emmett’s
house. I was quiet, deep in thought, in anticipation, of the night. Lucas
looked amazing in his crisp suit, and even though I didn’t look like a
traditional blushing bride, I knew the dress I had chosen was flattering.

When we arrived at Emmett’s, I couldn’t help but smile at the balloons he
had tied to the mailbox outside. Lucas squeezed my hand. “Are you ready, future
Mrs. Nathaniels?” he asked teasingly.

“Ready,” I whispered back.

We stepped into Emmett’s house. I looked around in amazement at the
transformation. He’d moved his TV off to the side, creating more room for the
“aisle,” I imagined. A strand of white lights was strung around the room, and
jazz music was playing on the stereo.

“It’s perfect,” I whispered.

Emmett stepped forward to give me a hug. “Thank you for this,” I said, my
voice muffled by his shoulder.

“You don’t have to thank me,” Emmett responded. “I’m more than happy to
host this event.” Emmett was smiling, looking more relaxed than I’d ever seen
him before.

“I have one more favor to ask of you,” I said.

Emmett raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Would you walk me down the
aisle?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Emmett’s face broke out into a large grin. “Of course! I’d be honored.”

I turned as I felt an arm on my shoulder. “Congrats, you two!” Jet said
jovially.

“Have you ever thought about marriage, Jet?” Lucas asked, a smile playing
at his lips.

“I’m not exactly a one-woman man,” Jet admitted with a wry grin. “I have
some issues with monogamy.”

I laughed, not surprised in the least at Jet’s confession that he was a
womanizer. “Can I talk to you in private for a minute?” Jet asked. I walked
with him back to Emmett’s study. There was a garment bag laying on the desk.
“For you,” Jet said.

“
Me?
” I asked in confusion.

“Go on, open it,” he said mysteriously.

I unzipped the bag, revealing a beautiful white dress. “It’s gorgeous,” I
said, pulling it all of the way out of the bag. It was sleeveless, with a deep
v-neck in the front. The bodice was fitted, with shiny gems dotting it. They
twinkled in the light as I held up the dress, admiring it. The waist was flared
with layers of silky material that trailed all the way to the floor. It was
sophisticated, classy.

“I love it!” I said to Jet, throwing my arms around his neck. “How on
earth did you manage to get this on such short notice?”

“It was tough,” Jet admitted, laughing as he untangled himself from my
hug. “It’s a designer gown from New York. I had to pull some strings to get
same day delivery! You and Lucas could have given me a bit more notice to plan
something special for you two,” he joked.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” I agreed. “But in a good way.” I paused. “Did
you tell Henry?” I couldn’t help but ask.

Jet’s expression turned serious. “I did.”

“And?”

“He’s not coming. He said to tell you congratulations, though.”

“Oh.” I couldn’t help but feel a little bit disappointed.

“He’s going to be fine,” Jet said gently. “But it takes time. And,
truthfully, I think it would be a little awkward if he had come.”

“Probably,” I said, trying to smile.

“Don’t worry so much. I’ll look after Henry. I hope you know by now I
really am a trustworthy vampire,” Jet teased. He turned to leave. “Now you’ve
got to get changed! Lucas is probably wondering what’s taking so long.”

When Jet was gone, I pulled off the navy dress and slipped into my
designer wedding gown. I couldn’t help grinning from ear to ear as I spun
around, staring at my reflection in the mirror on the back of the door.

I sat down at the desk and pulled out my phone. I had been debating all
day on whether or not to tell my family. Even though I wasn’t sure they would
come, I think they would be deeply hurt not to at least be invited.

I sent my mom a text message before I could lose my nerve.
Lucas and I
are getting married tonight. I’d love for you and Dad and Kayla to come. The
ceremony is starting very soon, at Emmett’s house.

Jet knocked on the door. “Are you decent?”

“Yes,” I said, laughing. “Come on in.”

Jet whistled when he saw me. “You look stunning.”

“Thanks to you,” I replied.

“Are you ready to get started?” Jet asked. “Ready to officially become
Mrs. Aurora Nathaniels?” A smile played at his lips.

“Um, I need a few,” I said, wanting to make sure I gave my family a
little bit of time to get in the car and drive over. My mom hadn’t answered,
which wasn’t a good sign. But even if they were mad at me and chose not to be a
part of this, that was their decision to make. I was moving forward with my
life. My life with Lucas.