to happen. You’re a known purist. It’s laughable that you’d use the excuse of coming to the aid of Deviant’s female. You gave your son orders and he defied you. Accept it. Do you never grow tired of playing these stupid manipulation games? I’m having none of it.”

Zorus turned his attention back to them. “As I was saying, it’s my official honor to declare that Deviant and Venice have joined in an unbreakable family unit of two.” He reached inside his shirt, pulling out a small pad. “Place your hand on this to seal the contract.”

There was a scuffle behind Venice, someone gasped, but she didn’t bother looking. Instead she put her hand on the pad. It flashed as it scanned her palm. Deviant moved her hand and placed his on the scanner.

Venice took that moment to glance back, a bit stunned to see that Bazelle was being held by Mavo. At first glance, it almost looked loving, his arm around her waist, his face bent next to hers as he whispered in her ear, and his other arm wrapped around her upper body.

Then she noticed Bazelle was off her feet by a few inches and she tried to kick Mavo in the shin. He shifted his leg, avoiding the blow. Her mouth opened but Mavo was faster, releasing her upper body and slapping his palm over her lips.

Venice stared up at Deviant, gauging his reaction to his parents. He peered over her head, a muscle in his jaw tensed, but then he smiled down at her.

“It’s done and recorded,” Zorus stated loudly. “You can let her go, Mavo.”

Venice watched as Mavo dropped the woman on her feet and gave her a gentle shove, backing away.

“You bastard!”

“I’ve been called worse by you.”

Bazelle took a wild swing at Mavo but he ducked, avoiding it, and backed up farther, snarling at her. “You attempt that again and I will hit you.”

His ex fumed and glared at the four men she’d brought with her. “Do something!”

They turned around and walked down the path, leaving.

Bazelle glared at Mavo. “I’ll make you pay for this!”

“No, you won’t.” Zorus walked down the bridge. He gripped her arm, forcibly pulling her along the path with him. “You want to talk to the council? I am in communication with them right now. We’ll discuss your threats, the way you disturbed the ceremony, and attempted to stop a couple from joining into a family unit—which you don’t have the right to do as a female. Only males can challenge.”

She hissed something at him but they were too far away for Venice to hear.

Mavo turned, looking grim. “I’m sorry.”

Deviant put his arm around Venice from behind. “So am I.”

“That was a memorable wedding.” Venice took a deep breath and lifted her chin, twisting her head to look at him. “Do you know what counts the most?”

Deviant held her gaze. “What?”

“We’re married. And there’s one more Earth tradition I insist upon.”

“What’s that?”

She turned in his arms, reached up, and placed her hands on his shoulders. “You’re supposed to kiss the bride.”

He grinned. “I would love to.”

Venice went up on her tiptoes and closed her eyes, loving the feel of Deviant’s lips against hers. They were married, despite his mother trying to bust up their wedding. He was hers and she was his. That was all that mattered.

The kiss ended too quickly and she opened her eyes. It hurt her to see the sadness in his gaze.

“I apologize for her actions.”

“We knew she was going to try something, right? Guess what? She doesn’t scare me, Deviant. She wasn’t able to stop us from binding our lives together. I think I made it very clear to her that I don’t like her and I’m not stupid enough to fall for her crap.”

Amusement sparked in his bright blue eyes. “I saw and heard.”

“Sorry about that. She pissed me off. I can have a temper at times. But you did say to never be afraid to let it rip when I got angry.”

The way Venice worded things had Deviant chuckling. “Yes, I did. Never apologize for standing up for me. I appreciate everything you said to her.”

“I meant every word. I’m so lucky you’re mine.”

Deviant felt he was the fortunate one. “I feel the same. Let’s go home.”

She snuggled against him tighter. “I love the sound of that.”

“I have a few surprises for you tomorrow.”

“I can’t wait to find out what they are.”

He had talked to a few friends and made arrangements to take Venice