Byron’s father Michel, the Grand Principe, was conducting the ceremony as the elder statesmen of the clan. Byron was standing beside Alexis as her best friend, with Daisy as Katie’s bridesmaid.

“Alexis, do you consent to pledge your life and your blood to Katie Brekman?” Michel asked.

She smiled at Katie and said, “I consent to pledge my life and my blood to Katie Brekman.”

“And Katie, do you consent to pledge your life and your blood to Alexis Villiers?”

Katie winked at Alexis. “I consent to pledge my life and my blood to Alexis Villiers.”

They then exchanged matching gold rings set with blood-red rubies.

Michel smiled and said, “That only leaves me one thing to say. Alexis, if you don’t look after young Katie, we will have your head.”

The congregation chuckled, and Michel held up his hands, “No, seriously. I now give you Alexis and Katie, blood bonds for eternity.”

Everyone clapped, and Alexis finally got to kiss her bride. “I love you.”

“I love you.”

It was a perfect day, and all their friends would be joining them for a party later at The Sanctuary. Slaine had promised them a special night, and as much as Alexis was looking forward to it, she was more looking forward to getting Katie alone later. Now that Katie was a vampire, she had so much energy, and she was so enjoying it.

They walked into the crowd and hugged and kissed their guests.

* * *

Victorija was consumed with maddening hunger. It was getting overwhelming. She gasped and braced herself against the desk. Her hands shook, and the pain in her stomach was making her double over in pain. She reached for a small drawer on the desk and took out a picture of a young woman. She tried to steady her shaking hands so she could gaze properly at the picture.

“Angel, I can’t do this.”

Victorija closed her eyes and heard Angele’s voice in her head. Promise me, you will never hurt or drink the blood of my descendants without consent.

She remembered the words she said in return. I swear on my life. It’ll be the only vow I ever keep. I swear, Angel.

Victorija felt the stabbing pain in her stomach and neck flare up, and her knees buckled beneath her. She collapsed to the stone floor and shouted, “Daisy!”

* * *

The happy couple finally made it to The Sanctuary. Katie was dancing with Alexis on the dance floor, the music was pumping, and the open bar that Byron was paying for was making the guests—and Slaine—very happy.

Sera and Daisy were up dancing with a couple of vampires, and Katie had never been happier, nor felt so incredible. Alexis had told her that being a vampire felt like your best day as a human, only a million times better, and she was right.