Chapter 10 - The Queen of the East Coast
The Grand Cathedral of St. Patrick was guarded by three hundred armed men, but inside, the air was filled with the scent of white roses and sweet lavender.
Every don, boss, and kingpin from Boston to Miami sat in the pews, wearing crisp suits and terrified, respectful expressions. There was no defiance left. Kendrick Ashford had conquered them all.
Organ music swelled toward the vaulted ceilings as the massive oak doors swung open.
I walked down the aisle in a gown of cascading ivory lace, a veil floating behind me like spun mist. In front of me walked Penny, scattering white petals from a silver basket, beaming with pure pride.
And walking beside Penny, wearing a magnificent collar of polished silver and white ribbon, was Titan.
The enormous mastiff kept his pace slow, his golden eyes sweeping across the gathered mafia lords with regal authority, daring any of them to make a single move. When he reached the altar, he laid down happily at Kendrick’s feet.
Kendrick stood waiting for me, looking impossibly handsome in an ebony tuxedo, his gray eyes shining with an emotion that rendered the cold warlord completely human.
When my father-in-law Lucian placed my hand into Kendrick’s, Kendrick leaned down and whispered, “You take my breath away, Maya.”
“You’re not so bad yourself, Boss,” I smiled.
The vows were spoken under the watchful eyes of God and the underworld. When the priest announced us as husband and wife, Kendrick pulled me into his arms and kissed me with a reverence that brought tears to the eyes of even the hardened syndicate leaders.
Penny ran forward, throwing her arms around our waists. “We’re a family now!”
“Forever, little bird,” Kendrick said, picking her up in one arm while keeping his other arm tightly around my waist.
We turned together to face the congregation.
The entire cathedral rose to their feet in unison, bowing their heads in deep, unquestioned respect to the new ruling family of the East Coast.
As we walked down the aisle toward the roaring applause of the city outside, Titan trotted proudly at my side, his heavy snout brushing against my white lace gown.
Three years ago, I had been an invisible girl saving a dying puppy in a blood-soaked basement.
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Tonight, that same dog had crowned me queen.
I looked at Kendrick, whose fingers were tightly intertwined with mine, and then at Penny, whose laughter filled the grand halls. I had entered the lion’s den expecting death, but against all odds, among the wolves and monsters, I had finally found my home.
