Death Valley (Desert Children Series #2)

Before the Dawn

The weeks passed too fast. My birthday came and went but I told no one about it. I didn’t want it to be a distraction. The Dracs had increased in number and I wasn’t ready to have a party anytime soon. I wanted my wedding day to go smoothly. That meant stocking up on equipment and starting to build a fence. It wouldn’t be done by my wedding day, but it was a good start. I was afraid the fence might attract Dracs but Ghoul insisted it be built.

Rocket made me put on the dress for the 6th time that week just to make sure it still fit (though I think she just wanted to look at it). I told her I wanted to go down the aisle in my converse and I wanted Ghoul to wear his. She gave me a harsh look.

“On your wedding day? Are you sure?”

I nodded. “They symbolize a lot to me.”

I admitted I was nervous about being a bride. What if I tripped on the way down the aisle? It wouldn’t be the first time I messed up during an important event. It was also going to be a new chapter in my life. Was I ready for this? There was no time for second thoughts. I had to listen to my heart.

Ghoul was off having his bachelor party and had promised not to get too drunk so he would be able to wake up early the next day. Rocket and I were left alone at the motel, trying to think of something fun to do before my wedding the next day.

"Let's ask personal questions like most girls do at sleepovers." She suggested as we sat there in our pjs.

"I guess. Who goes first?" I asked.

Rocket grinned. "The bride of course!"

I thought about what I could possibly ask. I knew she probably wanted me to ask about her and Kobra.

"How far have you gone with Kobra?" I asked.

"Only 2nd base." She giggled. "But I think he wants more."

I laughed and shook my head. "Your turn."

Rocket tapped her finger against her lips. "Hmm. When did you know you were ready to go all the way with Ghoul?"

"Not until the night of when he told me he liked me back." I responded.

"But you didn't lose your virginity to Ghoul, right?" She asked.

"You don't get two questions." I joked, not wanting to talk about it.

"Seriously, though. Who did you lose your virginity to?"

"My mom's boyfriend." I looked down at her sheets on her bed.

"Wait...Ghoul said something happened when you were younger." Rocket whispered. "Did he mean...?"

I nodded. "I didn't want him to tell anyone though."

She put her arm around me. "He only told me. He said it was something personal and one day you might tell me."