The Groomer Novels & Stories

He cages me, pins me, and stares down at me like he forgot where he is and I’m something to be consumed. Like I’m prey. “This is highly— Oh, my,” the officiant gasps when the groom growls in his direction. Behind me I hear the Tongue and English—panic, screams, chaos, the best man and my father snarling, people yelling threats, someone sobbing. Another Aster in the making, I think. And I really should do something, I will do something to stop it, but. The groom’s scent hits my nostrils. Everything recedes.

This ceremony is only private with their friends and the three main bodyguards who knew about this mate bond. Connor and Jammie are standing near Devlin who is dressed in a black tuxedo looking handsome as ever. Both Connor and Jammie are laughing at this impatient groom who is tapping his feet on the poor tiles continuously. But, all three caught their breath when they saw the bride walking down the stairs.

“What are you doing here?” I blinked up at him. Frosting dripped down my cheek. “I should’ve tripped on you instead.” Strong hands grabbed my arms. Hauled me to my feet. I looked up. The groom was standing in front of me. And he was... jesus. He was beautiful. No, that was the wrong word. Devastating. The kind of face that made you forget your own name. He was tall—taller than Marcus, taller than any wolf I'd ever met.. Sharp jaw.

Before I knew it, my leg was moving towards the door. His disgusted face from last night flashed before me, halting my movement. Will he blame me? Resent me from bringing him into my troublesome messed up world? My throat bobbed, the tightness in my chest multiplying. Even heavier than it was during the night. I couldn't bring myself to continue. To see his hate filled eyes, angrily demanding to go home. Ben offered me a tablet. A video was playing on it. Ryker. My groom stood there, his back to the camera, in our wedding chambers, dressed in dark blue pajamas. But the pajamas weren't what made my heart skip.

Who is she? “Who are….” He started but then she swung back her face to him and he saw the resolve in her eyes as she asked "What do you think of being a groom for a day?” “What?!”

She wanted to prod her son, but could not speak out loud with their in-laws nearby, and so became antsy as she watched. Ember's parents were puzzled too. "What is Zachary doing?" Still, the emcee was experienced and something as simple as this was no trouble for him to smooth over. "I'm afraid our bridegroom is feeling shy," he said light-heartedly, "I'm sure he's saving that sweet first kiss for our bride under more romantic circumstances. Now, beloved guests, please raise your glasses to a toast in honor to these newlyweds, and wish them that their blissful union shall last eternally!"

"Do you even remember that those props were gifts you two gave me?" They froze. "Old things need replacing, don't they?" I said evenly, pulling my hand away and turning to leave. "Scarlett!" their malicious voices snapped behind me. "You're a wedding planner. Are you really going to let a stupid rumor ruin your whole future?" But I already knew—Erica was just the puppet. The real masterminds were standing right behind me. I nodded. "Then let's pick out a wedding gown." Their eyes instantly lit up, and their faces broke into relieved grins. "I knew you couldn't leave us," Anthony said. "Let's go check out the venue right now!"

The farce didn't end just because I left. Gaius's affair lingered at the top of trending searches for days, stirring up storms across the city. Back when we started our business, people in the industry jokingly called us the "Golden Couple" of commerce. We were so plain then, barely distinguishable from passersby. Gaius would even kneel to tie my shoelaces in front of others. So when Nikki uploaded videos online—clips of Gaius abandoning me twice, on two separate wedding days—the internet erupted.

The woody scent of his cologne enveloped me at once. That powerful, intimidating air that radiated from him immediately silenced everyone. He glanced down at the disheveled Joshua and said derisively, "Since when did random vermin off the street get to disrupt a wedding organized by the Hammond family? Oh, and one more thing." He glanced at the pale-faced Isabel before continuing, "It's about time to shut down that pathetic proposal setup downstairs. Toss them both out." At his command, several bodyguards immediately grabbed Joshua and Isabel, easily lifting them off the floor.

On the other side The room was adorned with anticipation as the groom prepared for his special day. In a corner, a finely tailored sherwani awaited its wearer, exuding an aura of regality and charm. The groom approached the ensemble, his fingers tracing the intricate patterns of embroidery that adorned the rich fabric.