Loving Deviant (Cyborg Seduction Book 9) (16 page)

She threw her head back, crying out his name. He came right after she did, burying his face against her throat.

They lay entwined on the bed, Deviant keeping her pinned under him.

She wasn’t going to lose him. He wanted to marry her. Tears filled her eyes but she blinked them back. It was a relief not to worry about him walking away from her one day.

Venice stared in the bathroom mirror and smiled. The dress Deviant had bought for her to wear for their ceremony looked perfect. It was a summery cut with short sleeves, revealed a little cleavage, and flowed to just below her knees after gathering a little at the waist.

She heard a fast knock, then the bedroom door opened.

“Venice?”

She exited the bathroom and smiled at Mavo. “Hi.”

“My son wanted to escort you to the ceremony, but I told him it’s an old Earth tradition not to see the bride before a wedding. Are you ready to leave?”

She nodded. “How do I look?” She turned in a slow circle. “The clothing guy came to fit me and delivered this a few hours ago.”

“You’re beautiful. I’m glad you’re wearing your hair down.”

“Deviant loves it that way. I put it up this morning to show him different styles but this is the one he chose.”

“He was correct. Are you ready to go?”

“I am.”

“Are you nervous?”

“No.” She wasn’t. “I’m excited.”

“Deviant chose a beautiful spot for you to bind your lives together.”

“Where is it?”

Mavo grinned. “It’s a surprise. Let’s go.
You
may not be nervous but my son seemed terrified you’d change your mind.”

“I love him. I can’t wait to get married.”

“He asked for an Earth ceremony to bind you in marriage. There’s a contract to sign but it will be quick.”

She was touched. Deviant really made her feel special. “Let’s go. I’m so ready.”

He led her into the living room and picked up bound flowers off the table, holding them out to her. They were white and beautiful, almost looking like roses. “My gift to you. They are edible too.”

They were too pretty to eat. She didn’t mention that aloud. “Thank you!”

“I welcome you to our family, Venice.” He offered his arm. “I read up on Earth ceremonies. I would be honored to give you away in place of your father.”

She fought hard not to cry, emotional at the reminder of her father. “That’s so sweet. I’d appreciate that so much.”

He grinned and led her out of the home, to the lift, and down to the lobby. Instead of taking her out of the front of the building to the street, they exited out a back door and entered the agriculture area she had seen from the bedroom window.

Mavo lifted his hand and curled it over hers, resting on his arm. “We’re almost there.”

“I hear water.”

“There’s a stream ahead.”

“I saw it from the windows.”

She spotted a bridge over the stream and Deviant stood there, along with two other men and a woman with waist-long black hair. “Who are the people with him?”

“The one with scars is Krell, my best friend. The female is Cyan, my adopted daughter and Krell’s wife. She just had their son but found a babysitter. She feared their child might cry and disturb your ceremony. The other male is Zorus. He’s a council member who will perform the marriage. Please don’t stare at Krell’s scars. I know he has many of them.”

“I won’t.” She wished the couple had brought their baby. She’d love to see him. Part of her wondered, too, if the child had ended up with his father’s coloring or his mother’s. It didn’t matter but it was a curiosity.

She focused on Deviant as he turned to stare at her, watching her approach. He had put on a tight black uniform that outlined his gorgeous body. Her heart pounded and she smiled at him. She had to be the luckiest woman ever. He smiled back at her.

Mavo led her to the center of the bridge, where everyone waited. She could easily tell who was who once she glanced at the men. Krell’s scars were noticeable but she just nodded at him, avoiding staring. The other man had to be Zorus, the council member. He looked nice enough as he inclined his head her way.

“You are so beautiful!” Deviant blurted.

She felt heat creep into her cheeks as she stared at him again. “You take my breath away too.”

“I already love her,” the woman stated.

Venice studied Cyan. “Hello.”

“We’ll be the best of friends.” Cyan winked. “Welcome to the family. Now marry my brother before he becomes crazier than he already is. He’s been pacing, waiting for you, and I’ve had to stop him twice from rushing home to make sure you were going to show up.”

Venice gazed lovingly at Deviant. “I wouldn’t miss marrying you for anything.”

Zorus cleared his throat. “Let’s begin. I apologize for the rush, but it’s going to be hot today.” He smiled. “And I remember my wedding day. I just wanted everyone to leave so I could get Charlie alone and naked in our bed. I know you, Deviant. I’m certain you feel the same way about your bride.”

Venice blushed a little but was amused. “I’m all for that.”

“I will stand in as her father,” Mavo announced.

Zorus moved between them. “It is my pleasure to bring this couple together in matrimony today. Mavo, please escort the female to your son.”

He led Venice forward a few feet to stand in front of Deviant and released her, backing away. “With pleasure.”

Deviant took her flowers, passing them to Cyan, then clasped both of her hands in his. “You honor me, Venice.”

“I’m the lucky one,” she whispered back.

Zorus began. “Do you, Deviant, take Venice to be your wife? Do you promise to love and cherish her? Do you swear to protect her from all harm and see to her every need to keep her happy and content?”

“I do,” Deviant rasped.

“Venice, do you take Deviant to be your husband? Do you promise to love and cherish him? Will you allow him to protect you from all harm and attempt to make him happy and content?”

“I do.” The vows weren’t quite what she expected but she liked them.

“Deviant has asked for one more vow to be added that you both take.” Zorus paused. “Do you both agree this shall be a lifelong commitment to each other, that you shall never request this contract to be dissolved?”

“I swear,” Deviant stated, loud and clear.

“I do too.” It was so sweet that he’d remembered, and that he never wanted to lose her, either. “Forever.”

Deviant squeezed her hands, his grin widening. “Forever,” he repeated.

Zorus reached inside the pocket of the gray outfit he wore and removed a box. “The rings.”

Deviant released Venice and accepted the box. He opened it and showed her two matching rings. “I hope you don’t mind. Some cyborgs get tattooed but I would never want to cause you any pain or mar your skin. I wanted to honor Earth traditions.”

She nodded, touched. “I’m so glad.” They were made out of some shiny, bright blue material that reminded her of Deviant’s eye color, just simple bands, but silver had been added to them to make a strange yet beautiful design.

“They are our names in the cyborg language.” Deviant took out each ring and his father accepted the box. “They were made from an ocean stone found here on Garden.” He cleared his throat. “You said you love my eyes, and they nearly match the color of them.”

“I love them.” And she loved him even more for being so thoughtful and wonderful.

Venice lifted her left hand and Deviant gently placed the ring on her finger. He handed her his and she did the same, pushing it onto his finger.

He clasped her hands again and looked at Zorus. “Seal the contract.”

“It is my official honor to declare―”

“Wait!” a female voice called out. “Halt this immediately!”

Venice twisted her head, stunned, as a lovely gray woman with black hair quickly approached. She wore a red dress with matching boots—and four cyborg men followed her.

“Damn it,” Mavo hissed and moved fast, crossing the bridge to intercept them. “Don’t do this, Bazelle. This is our son’s wedding.”

“Get out of my way!”

Venice almost winced at how strongly Deviant’s hold on her hands became. She instantly didn’t like his mother. She was a beautiful woman, but she was also trying to ruin their wedding.

Mavo didn’t budge, blocking them from stepping onto the bridge. “Leave
now
. You were not invited.”

Bazelle tried to sidestep around Mavo but he moved with her. She shoved at him. “I’m more than aware. I demand to speak to that Earther. Councilman Zorus, I believe this female has been given false information and is about to enter a contract she doesn’t understand.”

Venice turned fully toward her, barely managing to keep her mouth from falling open. Deviant’s mother made it sound as though she was trying to protect Venice from something—and she wasn’t buying that for a second. “I love your son. I am marrying him because I want to. There’s nothing false about how I feel.”

“What are you attempting to do, Bazelle?” Zorus didn’t sound happy. “You heard Venice. She wishes to enter a family unit with Deviant. Leave.”

“Don’t do this,
Mother
.” Deviant nearly snarled the word.

“Does she know that she could choose any other cyborg on this planet who has better standing? Earther!” Bazelle yelled. “Did Deviant inform you that you have the right to join with many males in a family unit? Ones with higher standing on Garden? Did he make you aware that his flaws have a high probability to be passed down to any offspring you may have with him, and other children will shun
yours
?”

Venice opened her mouth but Bazelle wasn’t done.

“I brought four single males with me. They are handsome, with stronger status in our society. They have no flaws. You wouldn’t be stuck with just one of them when you grow bored of their company. On Garden, you choose who you live with, and for how long. I believe my son hasn’t informed you of how our society works, and is purposely keeping you in the dark. Councilman Zorus, I demand we take this before the council so they may question that Earther about how much she knows before you seal their contract! She is completely unaware.”

Venice wiggled her hands and slipped them out of Deviant’s. He let her go, and she took a few steps closer to the tall cyborg woman. “Oh, I’m
aware
alright. You’re such an unfit mother! Wow. You’re not here on my behalf. You’re pissed because your son isn’t doing what you ordered him to do, and you’re being petty and vindictive. I may have been raised on Earth, but I also know what a bitch is. That would be
you
. I know I’m allowed more than one cyborg husband, but guess what? I only want Deviant. And don’t you dare call
anything
about Deviant flawed. Look in a mirror, lady. There’s something seriously wrong with you. Maybe when you were created they forgot to put a heart in your chest.”

Bazelle’s face darkened an ugly shade of gray. “My relationship with Deviant is none of your business!”

“Right back at you. You weren’t invited to our wedding. Now I totally understand why. Do you know what the saddest part is? Deviant rescued me from certain death, has shown me nothing but love and compassion, and you’re too stupid to see how amazing he is.”

The cyborg woman smirked. “So you admit it’s only gratitude that made you accept a contract with him.”

“Don’t twist my words. I feel gratitude, but I also love him. I am
in
love with him. I bet you’ve never known that emotion, have you? Deviant is funny and sweet, intelligent and loving. He sure didn’t inherit any of those traits from
you
. Get lost—and take your men with you. The only man I want is right behind me.”

She turned, staring up at Deviant. “Let’s ignore her.” She glanced at Zorus. “Can we get on with this?”

“No,” Bazelle shouted. “I’m protesting this contract!”

“Denied,” Zorus announced. “Leave, Bazelle. Otherwise, I’ll have charges brought against you for disturbing the peace.”

“You wouldn’t dare!”

Zorus snorted. “I would love to. Push me, Bazelle. I’ve never been a supporter of yours. I don’t like the way you look at my Charlie at social events, as if it’s an insult to have her amongst our company.”

“You admit this is personal then.” Bazelle took on a haughty tone. “Recuse yourself immediately and convene this matter before the council!”

“That’s not going 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.