MATED TO SERIES COLLECTION

14. LARA: AN EMOTIONAL MESS

We made it just in time for the start of the wedding ceremony.

They barely glanced at us when we snuck into the church and took a seat at the back. It was hard to sit still during it all. To hear them talk about their love for each other was like a punch to the heart. When they read their vows, I had to hold back tears. Silas sat next to me the whole time holding my hand.

Before we left, I had gone back upstairs to my apartment to freshen up. When I returned Silas looked pissed. When I asked him what had happened, he told me that it was business related. I had a feeling that it was more than that but I didn't push.

I pushed the thoughts away and tried to focus on the couple at the front of the church, but what happened in his car kept flashing through my mind. I had never come so hard before. I squeezed my thighs together to relief the ache that started again. Silas shifted beside me, drawing my attention.

Turning my head, I glanced up at him. He was staring straight ahead but I could see his nostrils flaring. His hold on my hand tightened for a few seconds before loosening. My eyes dropped to his neck where I had bitten him but I couldn't see the bite mark because his shirt collar hid it from view. I slowly glanced down his body. My eyes widened when I saw the bulge in his pants.

Silas cleared his throat, making my eyes snap up to his. He gave me a wink before focusing his attention to the front again. Was he thinking about it too?

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."

I glanced to the front just in time to watch Brian lift the veil from Andrea's face. He gave her a big smile as he pulled her close and lowered his head. I had to look away from them when I imagined that it was me and Silas standing there. What would it be like being married to Silas?

It would do me no good by thinking of things that would never happen. Our relationship would never go that far and I needed to remember that.

***

The reception was being held in the backyard of Andrea and Brian's brand new house. Upon arriving we all took turns taking pictures. After that we were led through the house to the back. I left Silas with the new husband and groom before heading back inside in search of Andrea.

"Psst, Lara."

I spun around. My eyes instantly fell on her leaning around the door of what looked like the master bedroom. She gestured me closer with hushed instructions to hurry. I bit back a smile as I hurried into the room. Andrea closed the door and slipped the lock in place before she turned to face me.

"I need your help with these damn buttons." She turned and presented her back to me. "I thought it was a great idea when I chose the dress, but now I regret it."

"Why?" I asked as I moved closer. "Isn't this suppose to be your husband's job?"

"Not everyone is as into traditions as you," she muttered.

"What's wrong with traditions?"

"Nothing." Andrea shrugged. "Change is good, Lara. Remember that."

I frowned as I repeated her words in my mind. Change came with worries and heartaches and a whole lot of other troubles. I learned from a young age to keep things simple. I created my own traditions and I loved them. Changes made me uncomfortable.

Pushing the last button through the hole, I dropped my arms and stepped back. Unease twisted my stomach. Things were going to be changing, I knew that. Silas was going to leave or rather I was going to leave before he could. I just needed to handle a few things but by tomorrow night my bags would be packed and my next destination would be planned out. I'd leave without saying goodbye because it'll hurt too much.