Page 21 of Galen

Gunfire.

Galen’s instincts kicked in immediately. Without thinking, he tackled Bianca to the ground, using his body to shield hers as more shots rang out.

Panic erupted around them as guests screamed and scrambled for cover. Galen kept his body pressed against Bianca’s, his hand going to the small of her back to keep her steady.

“I’ve got eyes on the shooter!” Carver’s voice rang out, clear and commanding amidst the chaos.

Through the crowd, Galen could see a figure with a shotgun, making a run for the door. But Carver was faster, his long strides eating up the distance in seconds.

With a single, fluid motion, Carver caught up to the shooter, delivering a powerful blow that knocked the man unconscious. Good. Galen wanted him alive to question him.

Galen’s attention snapped back to Bianca.“You okay?” he asked her, his voice tense with concern.

Bianca’s eyes were wide with shock, but she nodded, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps.“I—I think so,” she stammered.

“It’s safe now,” Galen assured her, helping her back to her feet.

She looked a little shaky, her legs unsteady beneath her, but she seemed relieved by his words.

“So this is what our lives are going to be like, huh?” she asked softly, her voice tinged with a mixture of fear and amusement.

Galen studied her closely, searching her eyes for any hint of doubt, any sign that she was having second thoughts about marrying him. But all he saw in her gaze was amusement. She wasn’t backing down, and that only made him want her more.

He took her face in his hands, his thumb brushing over her cheek.

“This is what it means to be with me,” he said, his voice low and intense.“But I’ll protect you, Bianca. Always.”

She smiled, a small, shaky smile, but it was enough.“I know you will,” she whispered.

Galen felt a surge of pride and love for the woman standing before him. She was strong, stronger than he had ever imagined, and she was his.

“Let’s finish this,” he said, his voice laced with determination.

The ceremony resumed, albeit with a slightly more somber tone. Galen held Bianca’s hand tightly in his, not willing to let go even for a moment.

As they exchanged the final words and the priest pronounced them husband and wife once more, Galen leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss that was both possessive and tender. The cheers from the guests were muted compared to the sound of his heart pounding in his chest.

When they finally pulled apart, Bianca’s eyes were bright, her smile full of a happiness that made Galen’s heart swell.

“Mrs. Galen Arrow,” he murmured, savoring the sound of it.

“Sounds perfect,” she replied, her voice full of warmth.

As they turned to face their guests, Galen kept a protective arm around her waist, his gaze scanning the crowd for any sign of danger. But the threat had been neutralized, and for now, they were safe.

The reception that followed was a blur of faces, toasts, and congratulations. Galen’s mind was only half on the festivities, the other half always alert, always on guard.

But every time he looked at Bianca, saw the way she glowed with happiness, he felt a fierce sense of satisfaction. She was his wife now, and nothing—not assassins, not enemies, not even fate—would take her from him.

As the evening drew to a close, they returned to his apartment. They’d spend the night here, basking in the afterglow of their wedding.

Tomorrow, they would board his private jet and go on their honeymoon, a trip around the world. Bianca hadn’t been out of the country so Galen decided to bring her to his favorite places.

He’d already handled everything back home. Galen had already informed Devlin he would be taking some much-needed time off. There was no argument, no questioning—Devlin had simply nodded. Carver reassured Galen that they’d hold down the fort while he was gone.

Galen led Bianca out to the balcony overlooking the city. The lights of the skyscrapers twinkled in the distance, and a cool breeze ruffled her hair. She leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder, and for a moment, they simply stood there in silence, taking in the view.

“I still can’t believe we’re married,” Bianca said softly, her voice tinged with wonder.

“Believe it,” Galen replied, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.“You’re mine now, Bianca. Forever.”

She looked up at him, her eyes shining with a mix of love and amusement.“Forever, huh? That sounds like a long time.”

“Not long enough,” Galen said, his voice full of promise. He tightened his grip on her, pulling her closer.“But we’ll make the most of it.”

The End