Before he could answer, she touched the gash on his forehead. “And you still haven’t explained this.”
“Well, my love, let us settle in on the couch as your uncle suggested and I will regale you with the saga of my last days in the service of the goddess of love.”
Chapter Twenty-two
Alrik loved the feel of Calleigh in his lap. From the lush softness of her backside pressed against him to her delicious scent that filled his nose, he reveled in every beautiful bit of her.
This woman, this amazing woman, loved him. It was a feeling that set a man’s heart free.
He leaned back on the couch and she wiggled to get comfy. The movement roused an earthy heat in his loins. He grinned and nuzzled her neck.
Her squeals told him he had kissed the right spot.
She bent her head away. “Stop that! You’re supposed to be telling me what happened.”
“Well then, stop your wiggling. It does things to me.”
She raised her brows. “Things? Like what?”
He rolled his eyes. “I am sure you do not know.”
She laughed. “Okay, I’ll stop wiggling if you stop kissing me. But just until the story is over. Then the kissing can start again. Agreed?”
“Agreed.” Thor’s hammer, she bewitched him. He kissed her once more, just to hear her squeal again.
“Alrik!”
He laughed. “You do know I no longer require your permission to kiss you? Or anything else for that matter.”
“So I noticed.” A light blush colored her cheeks.
“On to the story.” His face ached from smiling. He pulled her closer and she rested her head on his shoulder. The pleasure from her small acts of affection staggered him. He inhaled and found the breath to begin. “When you gave me your last change, I did not at first comprehend what it might mean. I simply understood that you had seen Freya kiss me and having misunderstood it, wanted to be rid of me.”
He cupped her chin and lifted her face to his. “I will never betray you. Ever. You must know that.”
“I do.”
“Good.” He released her and kissed the top of her head as she settled back against him. “I was furious with Freya for what she had done, but most of all, for hurting you. I decided to kill her.”
Calleigh jumped in his arms. “What? That doesn’t sound like a good idea.”
“Vincentius did not think so either. He talked me out of it and gave me a new plan.”
“He’s not so bad for a Roman.”
Alrik laughed out loud. “He will be pleased to know you think so highly of him.”
“You talk like you’re going to see him again.”
He nodded. “I will, as will you.”
“Really? When? How come?”
Shaking his head, he smiled. “I will answer those questions in due time.”
“Okay but I’m holding you to that.” She tapped her finger on his chest.
“Good enough. Now back to the story. Vincentius also went with me when I faced Freya to tell her what your change had been.” He thought about that for a moment. “I think he worried I might still try to kill her.”
“Could you have actually killed her? I mean, she is a goddess,” Calleigh said.
“Nay, I could not have killed her, but I would have taken pleasure from trying.”
“What would she have done to you for that?” Her voice was soft, almost a whisper.
“She would have banished me from Valhalla.”
Calleigh shuddered in his arms. “That doesn’t sound like a good thing.”
He lifted her hand and kissed her fingertips. “I am here now, that is all that matters.”
She nodded against his chest. “So how did you get here?”
“Ah, the story. When I told Freya you had given me your last change, she exploded. I swear to you, in my countless years in her service, never have I seen her so overcome by rage. She lost control.”
“Freaked her out, huh?”
He smiled, remembering the goddess’s outburst. “It was a highly enjoyable thing to watch. For that, I thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She patted his chest. “Why did it make her so mad? It was my change to give.”
“Aye, that is was. It angered her because she realized the change would take me from her service. She was about to lose her control of me, and she knew it.”
“I hate that she has the hots for you.” Calleigh’s words came out tinged with jealousy. “How many times did she try to hook up with you?.”
He nodded slowly, thinking about all the times Freya had tried to seduce him into her bed. “If you mean how many times did she try to bed me, many.”
“Why didn’t you?” She pulled back and looked at him. “I mean, I’m really glad you didn’t but I can’t believe you resisted her for that many years.”
“The pleasure comes with too high price. Once she beds you, she owns you. All chance of leaving her service vanishes. I wanted revenge more than I wanted her. And the thought of being turned into her pet, like Dimitri…” He curled his lip in disgust.
Her eyes widened. “Did you just say Dimitri? Blond hair?” She circled her fingers in front of her face. “Crazy blue eyes?”
“Aye. The eyes of those who become her thralls take on the same shifting blue of the goddess.” He furrowed his brow. “How do you know this?”
“I…I ran into Dimitri at the club. Vincentius was taking his guard dog role a little too seriously so I told him I had to go to the bathroom and slipped away. Dimitri seemed nice enough at first, but as we danced he kept getting closer and…” She hung her head.
Temper flared hot in his veins. He sensed what was coming next. “Go on.”
“I didn’t want to stay but I couldn’t seem to get away from him.” Her head stayed down, and her voiced lowered further. “He kept telling me I wanted it. He kissed me. Without permission, I swear.”
He growled and clenched his fist. “Freya used him to distract you until the moment was right.”
She looked up, eyes glistening. “I knew something wasn’t kosher when he kissed me. You told me a Phoenix wasn’t allowed to interfere. That was definitely interfering. I managed to break away from him and that’s when I went to look for you.”
He brushed his thumb across her cheek. “Like all of Freya’s minions, Dimitri’s gaze holds hypnotic power. It only works on mortals. I am so sorry. I did not know this happened to you.” He hugged her close, the soft press of her body soothing his anger. “Could I regain entrance to Valhalla, I would hunt that cur down and geld him.”
She laughed softly. “I don’t think Freya would like that.”
“All the more reason.” He kissed her sweet, pouting lips.
She kissed him back but only for a moment. “So what happened next? After Freya freaked out?”
He pulled her tight, snugging her hip against his groin. “When Freya regained control, she realized she had to grant my change. The laws of the Phoenix are not hers to bend. I announced my change and it was made so. And here I am.”
“You think that’s going to satisfy me? I announced my change and it was made so.” She deepened her voice, imitating him. “I want the whole story. What about avenging your family and getting even with Dagny?”
He leaned further back on the couch and propped one arm behind his head. “I have Vincentius to thank for helping me figure this out as well. For my change, I requested that my soul be taken by Freya two days prior to my marriage with Dagny and that my life be regained here, with you. My disappearance will be a hard thing for my family to take but better that they live and miss me, than we all die for naught.
“Besides, my brother long held suspicions of Dagny. I think my disappearance will raise his guard high enough to prevent her deception. And with no wedding feast, her plans must be relaid.”
An image of his brother flashed in his mind. “Aran is a good man. He will be a fine chieftain in my stead. I wish you could have met my brother. He would like y
ou very much.”
Calleigh tilted her head. “But won’t you miss your family?”
“I have mourned my family for more years than I can count. Knowing I was not the cause of their needless deaths has lightened my heart considerably. It will not be such a hard thing to bear, I think.”
“Wait.” Her brows knit in confusion. “Let me get this straight. You asked Freya to bring you back here, to me. But you didn’t show up on the third day like I thought you would.”
He grimaced. “Actually, I did return on the third evening. To a place called Central Park. Freya’s last strike, I suppose.”
She bit her bottom lip. “Does that have anything to do with the cut on your forehead?”
“Aye. This Central Park is not such a friendly place when the sun sets. But trust me when I tell you the other four are far worse off.”
“Four?” She swallowed. “I don’t think I want to know any more about that.”
He chuckled. “I promise not to speak another word of it.”
“Thanks. How did you get from Central Park to here?”
“I did not know how to find you but I had your uncle’s card still in my pocket. I procured one of those yellow vehicles, showed him the card and commanded he take me there.”
“Wow.” The corner of her mouth turned up in a playful grin. “You’re smarter than a horse.”
He laughed. “I am just pleased your uncle agreed to pay the driver.”
She wiggled off his lap to kneel beside him on the couch. Her bronze eyes were so serious, so full of wonder. “You really took a chance coming back here, didn’t you?”
“Aye.” He clasped his hands around her waist, enjoying the feel of his woman. “I did not know if you loved me or if you would even want to speak to me but my heart would not let me decide otherwise. I had to come back to you.”
She flung her arms around him and squeezed. “I’m so glad you did.” Her breath tickled his ear as she exhaled. “I’m so glad you did.”
Chapter Twenty-three
Vincentius grinned, despite the foolishness of what Alrik was about to do. There was no talking the headstrong Viking out of it anyway. And part of the Roman enjoyed seeing this great chieftain as nervous as a gladiator awaiting his fate in the arena.
The late-spring sun warmed the morning considerably. It would be a good day and for that Vincentius was glad. The man beside him deserved this day to be good. He had waited long enough and known too much hurt.
Strains of a fiddle drifted through the rose-scented air. The Roman took his eyes off his friend and turned. For a moment, he imagined he saw a goddess, but he knew better. The woman in white smiling at his friend was far more beautiful and far more kind.
Calleigh stood at the head of the aisle, each arm looped through one of her uncles’ arms. She glanced heavenward, hoping her parents could see how happy she was.
Her aunt and uncle’s backyard looked like a rose explosion. It was breathtaking. But not as breathtaking as the man waiting for her in front of the bloom-covered arbor.
She took her first step down the petal-strewn aisle as the small assembly of guests stood, but Alrik was the only person she saw. That he had worn a tux for her almost made her weep. Almost. She refused to ruin her fabulous makeup before the rest of the pictures had been taken.
The glint of moisture in his eyes belied the serious set of his jaw. She guessed she was not the only one struggling to hold back tears.
Heavens above, she loved this man. All the hustle and bustle of planning the small ceremony disappeared and the moment she’d been focused on these last two months was finally here.
Seamus and Corri took their turns kissing her cheeks before Corri placed her hand in Alrik’s. The strength of his grip eased her nerves. She wondered if he could feel her shaking.
He smiled hesitantly, his voice a whisper. “You look beautiful.”
“So do you,” she answered back. And he did. Viking or not, he looked born for black and white. She couldn’t wait to give him his gift. She hoped he would be impressed with her research.
“I love you,” she added.
His smile grew a little brighter. They turned together and faced the priest.
"Dearly beloved, we gather here today in the sight of God, and before all of you, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony." He lead them through their vows then nodded at Calleigh that is was time.
She tried to contain her grin but the secret she’d planned was just too good. She bent to retrieve what she’d earlier hidden behind the massive arbor of roses.
She slid the intricately carved sword from its sheath and swung the rune-etched blade up over her head to present it to Alrik.
At the flash of sun on metal, his eyes went wide. He swore under his breath in a language she didn’t understand and fisted his hands.
Vincentius grabbed Alrik’s arm. “She is trying to gift you the sword, not slay you with it.”
Calleigh nodded frantically at her husband-to-be. “It’s a gift, that’s all, I swear.”
Relaxing his hands, Alrik took a deep breath. He eyed the sword, met Calleigh’s gaze, then stared at the sword again.
“It’s traditional, isn’t it? The exchange of swords? I just wanted to give you something to make you feel…at home.” She waited, watching his expression. Maybe this wasn’t such a hot idea.
“You purchased this blade for me?”
“Yes. I read about Vik—” she caught herself, “—Norse wedding customs online and I just wanted to do something special for you.”
A small grin broke across his face and he took the sword from her, testing the weight in his hands. “This is a fine sword.”
“Look here,” she pointed, “on the blade. I had it engraved. I hope it’s right.”
“Ast og trygd eilift.” He paused, the smile softening with emotion.
“Love and loyalty forever,” he translated. He stared at the sword, shaking his head as though he didn’t believe what he was seeing.
“I have no words for how this makes me feel.” His smile faded entirely. “And I have no sword for you.”
She shrugged. “I’m good. Really. It’s harder to dance with a sword strapped to you than you’d think.”
She handed him the scabbard and he tucked the blade away before handing it to Vincentius.
“You are an amazing woman, Calleigh McCarthy,” Alrik said.
He looked at the priest. “How much longer before this woman is my wife?”
The priest smiled, a twinkle in his eye. “Patience, my son. You’re only moments away from wedded bliss, but your eagerness is certainly appreciated.”
A few muffled laughs sounded from the gathered crowd.
“Do you have the rings?” the priest asked.
Calleigh turned to Bridget as Vincentius handed something to Alrik. They held the rings out in unison.
The priest nodded. “These unbroken circles are a symbol of your love with no beginning or end. With the exchange of these rings, you both give and receive this love freely and equally. May these rings serve as a lifelong symbol and reminder of the wedding vows taken and the promises therein. You may exchange your rings.”
Utter joy filled Calleigh as Alrik slid the shining band of gold over her finger. Her hands shook as she placed his on his hand. Married. They were well and truly married.
The priest’s smile never wavered. “By the authority of God and the state of New York, I pronounce you husband and wife. Son, you may now kiss your bride.”
Alrik threaded his hands into her curls and kissed her long and hard. The crowd whooped and shouts of Sláinte rang out. An Irish fiddle started a lively jig as they began their way down the aisle as man and wife.
The small crowd clapped and rang small brass bells. They followed Alrik and Calleigh to the reception area set up on the brick patio.
Moreen made it to Calleigh first. With tears in her eyes, she hugged her niece. “If yer mother was here she’d tell you how beautiful you lo
ok. I’m so happy for you, lass. You deserve this.”
“Thanks, Aunt Moreen.” Calleigh wanted to say more but her voice cracked. Moreen nodded in understanding and patted her cheek.
“Don’t make the lass cry, Moreen. Seamus is waitin’ on them to finish their pictures.” Corri’s eyes looked suspiciously moist. He took a turn hugging Calleigh, then clapped Alrik hard-on the shoulder. “Welcome to the family, lad.”
Alrik bowed his head slightly and nodded his thanks, never once letting go of Calleigh’s hand.
Corri faced the guests assembled in his yard. “After these two get their photos done, we’ll have a blessing and eat some of this wonderful food you all helped to prepare. And don’t hesitate to drink up. Seamus is footin’ the bar bill.” The crowd laughed and Corrigan looked as proud as if Calleigh were his own daughter.
Several rolls of film later, Calleigh and Alrik stood beneath one of the large oaks getting ready for their final shot.
“We’re married,” she whispered in his ear.
He laughed. “I know. I was right beside you.”
“I can’t help it. I want to tell everyone.”
“I am certain everyone here is aware we are married.” He kissed her nose. “But you may announce it as much as you like if it keeps a smile on that beautiful mouth.”
She leaned over, unable to control herself. “Ask me what my name is.”
Alrik’s brows knit together. “Why would I do that? I know what your name is.”
She punched him lightly in the arm. “Ask me!”
“Is that an order?”
She punched him again, this time a little harder.
“I should have known the abuse would start once the ring was on your finger.” He laughed and rolled his eyes. “What is your name, fair eyes?”
A wicked grin curved her lips. “Mrs. Alrik Gunn, pleased to meet you.”
“I swear, Mrs. Gunn, you may be the silliest woman I have ever known.” He grabbed her around the waist and kissed her again.
With Badu at his elbow, Seamus popped up over his camera. “Any time today you two want to finish this is fine with me. It’s not like I have Guinness to drink or anything.”
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