Crossing Into Forever

Chapter 41

The final two weeks had past and now it was the morning before she was to be married to a man she didn't know but she knew she didn't love him, or even like. Nicholas had been off campus much of the past week, so she was sure there was no change or new developments in her predicament. This left her with a dismal feeling in her gut. She was sure if Erebus had been destroyed, it would be known throughout the school. She was also sure if there had been a change in prospective grooms, she would have at least been notified. Not that another groom would have made her feel any different about getting married. She did tell herself though, that if the ministry brought a nice young man with manners and morals to meet her, she still wouldn't want to get married right now, but the idea may be something she could get used to. She would just need more time. But time wasn't a luxury they were willing to give her. She just knew she absolutely wouldn't marry Harvey Smedley. She would rather be dead.

Nicholas paced around his apartment and he couldn't help but realized that this was one of the very few times in his life that he felt nervous. This night had to be perfect. He had known for a long time that this was what he wanted. He did everything in his power to convince himself that he was daft. He had always prided himself on being a bachelor. No woman would ever trap him or control his happiness. He knew now though that love was not about trapping someone or even controlling someone. He had had it all wrong before. He could care about someone, but he never had felt love the way he was feeling right now. This girl, this woman he knew had no interest in controlling him nor certainly in trapping him. He wasn't even sure if she would reciprocate his feelings. That is what made him so nervous. He felt like she did love him, but there was no way to be sure until he approached her about the subject. That is exactly what he planned on doing this evening. There was an engagement dinner being readied right now as he mulled this over in his head. He had to ask himself, was he doing this just to save her from Harvey Smedley? And the answer was clearly no. If this were anyone else, he would not have gone through all of this that he had gone through in these past months. The ministry was no more interested in finding a better suited husband for Ella and they never were. This was all a ploy to find Mr. Smedley his next victim. It didn't even have anything to do with the safety of the children or staff at the school. They knew Nicholas had Erebus under control and he could never enter the grounds of the actual school yard. It was all a ploy and no more than that. But Nicholas couldn't help but smile to himself thinking about when he approached Mr. Smedley earlier today. He had called on him to have an afternoon lunch with him. He was sure Smedley didn't think twice about the invitation. He was probably thinking it was a congratulatory meal that the doctor was offering. Imagine his surprise when the doctor informed him that his "services" would not be necessary the next day. Smedley was aghast that the doctor had the nerve and gall to dismiss him from his duties.

"I will be speaking to the ministry about this. You have no right to cancel this affair as it is for the safety of your students, staff, and indeed entire planet."

"You go to the ministry and speak to them, that is well within your rights" Nicholas was speaking in his usual cool tone. "However, I have found a more fitting groom for our bride and therefore, you see, you can rest assured that the school, the students, and the planet will all be safe. There is no need to fear for anyone's sake."

Harvey Smedley, red faced and visibly flustered gawked at the doctor. "Who is this other man you have chosen and what right do you have to choose anyone?" I want to see him and speak to him. I may even challenge this man to some sort of duel. Ms. Xander is to be MY wife. I will gladly fight any man that would try to come between us."

Nicholas looked Mr. Smedley in the eyes with a cold expressionless look on his face. " Mr. Smedley, you think you may want a dual with the man I have chosen to be Ella's groom do you?"

"Yes I do! I dare any man to try to take what is rightfully mine. She belongs to me now and I can do with her as I please. Or, it will be so as of tomorrow, and nothing will prevent that."

"Well, Mr. Smedley, I suggest you choose your weapon, because you are looking at the man that has been chosen to be Ella's groom."

Nicholas watched as the color drained from Mr. Smedley's face. "Well, this can't be...you can't just decide you are going to marry my fiancé."

"Oh...can't I?"

"Well...Well no" Smedley was stuttering and flustered and wasn't sure what his next move was. He was not a fool, and he would not offer to fight the man he sat across. He didn't want to give up his sweet Ella though. He had been dreaming of all of the use he could get out of her from the moment the plan was made that they would marry. She was beautiful and she seemed obedient enough, or at least he figured he could persuade her to be. It may take a slap or even a heavier hand than that, but he was sure he could whip the girl into being a good servant. Then there was the fact that she was quite beautiful and a virgin at that. He had never had the pleasure of taking one's virginity and it was something he had been quite looking forward to. He was even hoping the girl might fight him a little. He wasn't against forcing any woman to perform her duties. It actually made it more satisfying to him. He was the master and he decided when such acts would take place, whether his wife was willing or not.

"I'll see to it that the ministry hears of this. You will have to answer to them!"

"Please go speak to the ministry Mr. Smedley. I'll be looking forward to a little chat with them. Tell them they can find me here until 6:30 this evening. I have another engagement at that time, and I will not have that interrupted. Do you understand?"

With that, Smedley turned red faced with a "humph" and walked out the door.