Raffy's POV

After the press conference, we were ushered by a group of securities and police to the underground garage. Ms. Lebediv together with Ms. Egorov were taken by the police in question after the false information.

Grandpa wasn't forgiving, too when it comes to Ms. Smith. He ordered the Police to take her as well. After she admitted it to the media that she drugged me, she's likely to be thrown into that cold cell.

I shove my hands in my pockets as I stood straight, my gaze resting on Natalia. I watched her as she gave her parents a kiss before turning, facing me and strutted confidently towards me.

She looked incredibly stunning in her dress, showing every inch of her curves, and I felt proud. My soon to be wife is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, and she's going to be mine.

She stopped in front of me, snapping me out of my trance. She gave me a sweet smile that melted my heart. I returned it with a genuine one.

I held out my hand, and she took it. Osvaldo opened the limo's door, then I helped her in. I slid in and sat next to her.

When the limo slowly moved with the traffic, she snuggled against my side. I shifted as I lifted my hand and curled it around her. "I'm happy that you were there, but I'm also scared. I don't know what to expect from them," I whispered against the top of her head before placing a kiss.

She craned her head up and met my eyes. "I want to be there. I need to," she murmured, and I leaned in and kissed her in response. A brief kiss but full of love.

"Do you think Ms. Smith will go to jail?" she asked after a short silence.

I clenched my teeth upon remembering what she did, but at the same time, I felt a little sorry for her. If I lost Natalia, I don't know what inhumane could have I done to her.

The only thing that mattered to me now is that I have Natalia back.

"If she did, she deserves it. And a lesson to everyone, either a man did it or a woman," I said, and she nodded her head.

She trailed her index finger against my chest as she spoke. "I hate her for what she did. I just hope, it will not happen again to anyone," she sighed, then she leaned against me.

My hold tightened around her, occasionally placed a kiss on her head. "I'm sorry for every heartache I gave you," I whispered. She looked up, then I pressed my lips against her forehead.

She closed her eyes briefly, then slowly opened them when I pulled my lips back. "Shh.." Natalia place her index finger over my mouth as she tilted her head back, so our eyes met. "It's over. We will never talk about the past beginning this day," she murmured, and I nodded. "I love you," she said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears of joy.

"And I love you so much, Pumpkin." I fought back the tears of joy and leaned in to give her another kiss. I am floating in heaven. It was a beautiful feeling.

Iya leaned her head against my chest, snuggling against me. "I am planning a trip with you. I want to have you by myself if that's okay with you?" I asked.

I will not wait for the wedding, and will not give grandpa the satisfaction to win this time. He had played us with his hand, my life, though I'm grateful.

Natalia pushed herself back, then stared at me in curiosity. She leaned back, crossing her hands over her chest.

"But the ball will be in a few days?" she uttered.

I shifted to face her. "I know, but I can't wait for Saturday for us to get married. I was thinking, we go to Vegas and get married," I suggested, praying inwardly that she'll agree.

Her eyes lit up, shifted in her seat as she dropped her hands to her sides. "Vegas? Married? You mean the drive thru?" she bit her bottom lip, and I could tell she's thrilled with the idea.

I nodded my head. "Yes," I replied.

Her excitement suddenly withered, her shoulders sagging as she leaned back against the backrest. "Why?" I asked.

"Mom and dad will surely disagree, and grandpa will be upset after he already sent the invitations?" her forehead scrunched up, she looked disappointed.

I grinned at her. "That's the reason why I want us to get married soon, well, aside from I can't wait for you to be Mrs. Valiente." I took her hand and kissed her knuckles.

She sighed. "Are you sure about this?" she asked.

"Of course, I am!" I gave her a reassuring smile, and she drew in a long, heavy sigh before nodding her head.

When we arrived at the Palace, the limo where her parents are with Grandpa had come before us.

I helped her out of the car. "We are leaving tonight after dinner," I whispered when I saw her parents coming towards us.

Natalia grinned and nodded her head before turning to meet her parents. As soon as she turned her back at me, I pulled my phone out and dialed our private pilot and arranged our flight tonight.

.....

Iya's POV

I was so thrilled with this trip with Raffy. I honestly didn't like what grandpa did, playing us with his hands, but in some ways, I kind of thankful too. And I understand if Raffy doesn't want to be here after all that happened. Just for today, it was exhausting.

I'm definitely looking forward to this Vegas trip.

"Oh, honey!" mom cooed. "I can't believe you're getting married soon, and it's a royal wedding!" mom rambled, "it's every woman's dream." She goes on and on.

I was just smiling, my head is wandering away.

Ember and mom were so elated of the upcoming wedding. They couldn't stop talking about it.

"Mom!" Ember interrupted her.

Mom turned to her. "Yes?" she asked.

"Dad's calling you," she said. I frowned. I didn't hear daddy calling her. Dad was talking to grandpa, they were standing close to the fireplace while drinking Scotch. William is with them. I didn't see Nikolai or Maria yet.

"Alright," mom rose from her seat. We watched her as she sauntered towards dad.

Ember gave me a soft nudge. I shifted my gaze to her. "Dad didn't call her, did he?" My eyebrows darted together.

She giggled. "She's too excited!" she said between giggles. She leaned towards me. "Do you know William Morrison?" she asked.

I watched her face. Her gaze glued to him, but William had no idea my sister had her eyes on him.

"Yes, a little bit," I replied with less interest.

"Does he have a girlfriend?" she asked. Her eyes sparkling.

She hooked her hand around my inner elbow as she leaned her head against my shoulder. She had that dreamy look on her face.

"As far as I know, no."

She sighed. "Do you think he'll notice me?" she asked.

"Ember!" I warned.

"What?" she pulled her head away and turned her gaze to me. "When you flirted with Raffy before you two became an item, I didn't stop you," she pointed out, widening her eyes at me.

True.

I let out an exasperated sigh then shook my head. I shifted my body, so I'm facing her, searching for her eyes. "But Raffy is different." I ground out. "We knew him since diapers," I pointed out While William? I barely know him?" I explained, glaring at her.

"Then, I'll get to know him better!" she squared her shoulder, leveling me a challenging stare.

I rolled my eyes. Ember is stubborn as a bull. I gave up. I threw my hands up in the air as I spoke. "Whatever!" That got us attention. I gave everyone a smile, and they all went back to their business. I dropped my back on the backrest, my gaze still trained on her. "Just be careful!" I warned, widening my eyes at her.

She gave me a cheeky grin. "Or he'll be careful," she giggled.

I let out a chuckle, then gradually morphs into giggles as I shook my head.

.

.

The dinner was good. The table was set beautifully. Gold Candelabras of a different design. A pair of Angel with wings holding the four candlesticks with the royal families' crest on the base, a few of tiger's design, rock crystal gold gilded, and a pair of Crystal five head candelabras was set in the middle of the table and flowers in a gold vase.

I'm in between Ember and Mom, then Dad, next to Grandpa on his left. William sat next to Maria then William. The Valiente sat across us.

The five head Crystal candelabra is blocking my vision, I can't see what Raffy is doing. I had to tilt my head to the side, peeking through the damn candelabras. Why on earth they decided we eat at the formal dining table?

"Hey!" Ember nudged me on the side with her sharp elbow.

"What?" I hissed, clenching my teeth to tone down my voice.

"Miss him already?" she teased.

I gave her a sharp look. She stifled her giggle. Dad, Grandpa, and Theo Rafael were talking about business. Mom and Thea Tati are talking about kids, yeah, about us.

Ember leaned in against my side. "What are you gonna tonight?" she whispered.

I turned my head to whisper back. "Nothing!"

"Wanna go to the bar?" she whispered back.

I widened my eyes at her. She just lifted her shoulders in a shrug. "I'm sure, they will be still talking about business, and we just sit there and listening to their crap," she whispered, slightly gritting her teeth. She sat back upright, wiping the corner of her mouth with the white table cloth, then crumpled it next to her empty plate.

"I can ask Nikolai to take you for a walk. The garden is beautiful at night," I suggested, and she rolled her eyes heavenward.

"What's the difference back home? It's all flowers, trees, green leaves," she rambled, exasperated.

I shifted on my feet and shushed her to tone down her voice. Maria leaned towards her, and I gave her a small smile. She returned it back with a sweet one.

She looked lovely tonight with her midnight blue dress. It suits her perfectly.

She rested her gaze on Ember. "I would like to take a walk in the garden. William will accompany us," she said.

Ember suddenly got interested. "Oh, the garden is beautiful at night," she remarked, a little too dramatic. I stifled a groan, holding the urge to roll my eyes.

Oh, my sister is a good actress.

Maria's face lit up. "Great!" she grinned.

I dragged my gaze back in front of me. Unfortunately, the tall candelabras stood still the same, way above my eyesight. I could see Raffy's forehead, but it is not helping.

Finally, the dinner is over. It's almost a two-hour dinner. Raffy had thrown me a few glances, and he's really getting on my nerves now. I don't know what is he thinking.

Is he still sticking with the plans tonight?

I already packed after I escaped mom and Ember.

Everyone headed to the door, and all seemed animatedly engaged in a deep conversation.

Raffy slowed down and waited for me at the door. "I'll meet you in the car in half and hour. Your luggage is already in the car. I hope you didn't pack all your clothes, Pumpkin?" Raffy said, and I flashed him a toothy grin as I hooked my arm around his inner elbow and leaned against it.

He told me we might just be staying a day or two there so we could still attend the ball, but I packed for a week. Who knows, the climate is changing there? And it's better to have a lot of options.

"Let's go, shall we?" I gave his hand a soft tug, and he let out a deep rumble of laughter.

.

.

An hour later ...

It's almost eleven at night when I saw his form sneaking out from the front door. Osvaldo lead me to the car first, and I'm already waiting here for almost half hour.

I don't know the name of the driver. I'm not even sure if he can speak English.

He quickly opened the rear door when Raffy got closer. "I'm sorry," he apologized as soon as he sat beside me.

Seeing him next to me, all my pent-up irritations vanished.

"What took you so long?" I asked.

He curled his hand over my shoulder. " I had to talk to your mom and explain it to her that we are leaving tonight, so she won't be worried. She'll tell it to your father tomorrow.

I gawked at him. Mom agreed with the drive-thru wedding? That's a surprise.

"She agreed with this wedding in Vegas?" I asked incredulously.

He shook his head. He turned to the driver and said something to the driver in Russian. It's sexy when he speaks their language, though. He retraced his attention back to me. "No. I just told her, a surprise trip and promised her we will be at the ball, of course!" he explained.

"Do you think we could make it to the ball or our wedding on Saturday?" I asked. The trip is approximately 20 hours or so.

Raffy smoothened the crease on my forehead. "Don't worry, there's no wedding to miss because we will get married in Vegas," he explained, causing me to frown deeper.

"How about the wedding this Saturday your Grandpa has prepared?" I asked. That's what he said.

"It will be an engagement and a wedding, but your mom seemed to be disappointed for not included in the planning our wedding. So," he paused, his eyes crinkled as he smiled, a very sweet one. "I decided to let you pick the date, and if you want to plan it with your mom, it's up to you. We have a Palace officiator who planned every event in the Palace, I could always summon them."

Okay. That was a bit confusing. If it's a wedding, why would there be an engagement party?

"Who's engagement?" I asked.

Raffy smiled mischievously. "Grandpa as sly as he is, he already made an arrangement to the Duke of Spain. Nikolai is already engaged to Maria," he said.

My eyes widening. I unbuckled my seatbelt since we are already airborne, and enthusiastically shifted in my seat facing him.

"No way?" I exclaimed a little too dramatic.

Raffy chuckled. "Yes way, Pumpkin."

"Oh my God!" I chuckled, covering my mouth with my palm. That was so interesting.

Raffy chuckled. And then, I wonder how did he find out. "And how did you know?" I asked, dropping my palm on my lap as I straightened my back.

Raffy never breaks his gaze the whole time. "I have my ways, Pumpkin. I'm just glad, his interest is now onto someone else," Raffy grinned.

I giggled. "Like Nikolai?" I burst out laughing.

He nodded, chuckling. "I hope," he murmured.

I just shook my head in disbelief as I sat upright and leaned my back against the backrest.

.

.

Inside the plane, I was greeted with four crews. Two pilots and two flight stewardess.

My eyes scanned the luxurious interior of the plane, that could accommodate ten heads.

A flying hotel.

There were only us, no securities or any of Raffy's minions. It's kind of refreshing to be alone by ourselves.

"Are you scared?" Raffy asked when we got settled in our seat. I sat over by the window, and he occupied the seat next to me. He has been very attentive, and I felt like we were going on a honeymoon, that we just got married.

I've been smiling like a fool since we left the Palace.

"No. I'm excited," I replied, smiling broadly.

He looked satisfied with my answer. He leaned his back against the backrest, but his eyes were trained on me. He looked very relax.

I stared at the ring on my ring finger. The ring looked extravagant. I can't believe I'm marrying him soon.

"It looks beautiful on your finger." Rafael's breath fanned my cheek, leaning in closer. I shifted in my seat and face him. I didn't feel him moved.

I stroked his cheek, tracing his sharp jawline with my finger. This gorgeous man is my husband in a few days.

Raffy opened his eyes and locked on mine. His stare is so intense, it makes my insides melting into puddles. It seemed that everything around us dissipated, even the voice of the captain announcing our take off faded.

He placed his palm over my hand, leaning his cheeks against my palm. His gaze was intense, hungry, and it does a lot of funny things in the pit of my stomach.

"I love you," I murmured, a sweet, content smile gracing my lips.

His eyes sparkled. "And I love you so much, Pumpkin," he leaned in further and claimed my lips in a searing kiss. My hand instantly curled around his neck, raking through his hair and pulled his head closer, deepening the kiss. He let our a guttural groan.

"Where would you like to go for our honeymoon?" he asked as soon as his breathing turn to normal.

His nose is almost touching mine. I was trying to catch my breath.

I never thought about the honeymoon, but the aching need below my belly is burning me.

"Vegas is perfect," I replied, feeling the heat pooling low in my belly.

"Vegas it is!" he grinned, and then he captured my lips again in a drugging kiss.

....

Epilogue will be next.

By the way, I met this wonderful woman. She's also a great writer. You guys should check her story, The Unknown Lycan Heir. She has a superb writing skills. Very detailed and descriptive, you'll surely get hook as I am. Click this account Catherine_Edward; she has many werewolfs stories you'd gonna love.

Thank you, and ENJOY!!