by Audra Hart
“Dammit Father! I only suggested postponing the ceremony. I would not make a decision like that without discussing it with Luca. Hell, it’s his wedding too, and those are his children as well. I am sorry if I offended anyone because I was feeling uncertain about what was best for our children. Now if you will excuse me I am going to go check on our children and then go get a bath and find something to wear. I have a wedding to go to.” Morna walks over and kisses Luca before going back inside.
Luca chuckles quietly as Valliant shakes his head in disbelief. “I am afraid that I underestimated my child… again.” Valliant sighs. I don’t understand that girl. She is a true puzzle to me. I am glad that you do, Lucian.”
Luca smiles tightly. “Valliant, there will be a wedding tonight. She is just struggling with what she did today, but mostly the way she did it. I know what it is like to not want to be a monster, but to know that one lives inside of you and could take over if you did not keep it tightly under control. She is new to this, being a vampire. But never doubt, she is handling it very well. She just needs a little time to realize it. And as to your accusation that she takes me for granted, you are wrong.” Luca says with deep conviction. “She has never wavered in her faith in me, her trust in me or her devotion to me since we became lovers over seven hundred years ago. We are halves of the same whole and we know it. We rely on that truth daily. What you seem to regard as her callousness or lack of appreciation is simply her total faith in me.”
“I should have stayed out of this matter,” admits Valliant. “Never fear, I will not do it again. I will probably spend the next century trying to get my daughter to forgive me. I overstepped myself today.”
Luca laughs and says, “That might be putting it mildly. But she loves you and will quickly forgive you. She is far too generous and loving to do otherwise.”
“From your lips to God’s ear!” Valliant says with feeling.
“Well excuse me, but I need to join Morna. We have a great deal to take care of before departing for Airendell.” Luca turns on his heel and is gone before Valliant can utter a word. The Norse demigod scratches his chin through his bristly red beard and hopes his favorite daughter can find it in her heart to forgive him. He also wonders how he could have misread her actions so badly.
Meanwhile Luca discovers that Morna has already checked on their sons and assured them that the ceremony is still on. She had explained that she only considered postponing because of today’s events.
“Dad, we tried to tell her that we all accepted what she did, but she still feels… I don’t know, maybe guilty. But I don’t think that’s really it. I can’t truly decipher her feelings,” Kyle tells Luca.
“Don’t worry Son. I am sure a lot of what you are sensing is an overabundance of pregnancy hormones working double time on her emotional state. I am on my way to check on her. Where is Aideen?”
“She is staying with Nora until she wakes.” Aiden grins and says; “Don’t worry, Dad, your girls are fine.”
“And I can see my sons are fine too. Have we told you boys today how very proud we are of you?” Luca asks with a smile on his face.
“Yep, Mom did just a few minutes ago. But now, you have a wedding to get ready for.” Kyle chuckles.
Luca nods at the boys and goes to find his mate. He meets Ingrid coming out of their suite. “I just took her some blood and some food. She is fretting over what to wear tonight.” Ingrid chuckles. “She wants to be especially beautiful for you Lucian.”
Luca chuckles and says, “No need to fret on that score. I found her especially beautiful when she would show up at my home in old pajama pants and baggy tee shirts. It matters little to me what she wears.”
“She knows that. I will be around if you need me, and everything at Airendell is ready. Tonight will be perfect. Never fear.” Ingrid assures Luca before she walks away.
Luca hesitates with his hand on the door knob. At this moment he almost wishes that he were empathic so that he would know what kind of mood his mate is in. Damn, but Valliant very nearly bit off more than he could chew earlier. He chuckles when he hears Morna say, “Lucian Michaels? What are you waiting for? An engraved invitation?”
Luca opens the door and steps into their suite. He is only a few steps into the entryway when she is standing before him. She reaches out to him and strokes his face lovingly. “Is my father right? Do I take you for granted?” she asks sadly.
“Love, I am sure that we both do at times. Couples tend to do that. But don’t you fear, I always know you love me and need me. I know you heard what I told your father,” Luca says as he strokes her face tenderly.
“I did and thank you. I too believe we are halves of the same whole.” Morna whispers and then stands on her tiptoes to kiss her mate gently. “You know it is my deepest wish to proudly proclaim my love for you. I only considered postponing the ceremony for the sake of the children.”
“Morna, I knew that when you first suggested it. I also knew that if you had a chance to spend time with the children, you would realize they didn’t need for us to postpone anything, but to continue on with our lives, to continue building a strong family.” Luca assures his beloved. He scoops her up into his arms and carries her into the dining room and sits her in a chair before the sustenance that Ingrid had brought. “Woman you need to eat!”
“Sit with me Luca.” She says softly as she reaches for his hand and leads him to the chair beside her. The couple sits in silence for many minutes as she eats, and then Morna says, “I am wondering if I should try to dampen Nora’s gift.”
“Do you think you can? I mean if Maria couldn’t divert her visions, can you dampen them?” Luca asks thoughtfully.
“Perhaps not, but I am thinking that I should at least consider it. The visions she received today very nearly overwhelmed her. I suspect there are many more terrors in store for all of us. I would be a bad mother to allow her to face those visions without being by her side.” Morna says thoughtfully, before returning to eating her meal in silence. “Do you plan to hunt before we go to Airendell?”
“I do.” Luca says softly. He knows she is just thinking out loud as she wrestles with what is really troubling her… what is best for Pumpkin.
Luca is thoughtful for a bit and then says, “Morna, we may need the knowledge her visions provide in order to win. We have had little success second guessing Valgullveig. Your sister doesn’t always act like the enemy she appears to be. Perhaps we should keep Nora closer to us, so that she can be assured that we are safe, but we can be apprised of the content of her visions.”
“You may have a point there.” Morna nods before adding, “I think that she and I need to test the range of her telepathy and mine as well.” Morna stands and starts to pace as she speaks, warming to this idea. “We would have to make arrangements to keep her safe, but this way she could keep us informed, we could assure her that we are safe when she has conflicting visions… Oh Luca, am I a bad mother for even thinking of this?”
“No, baby, I don’t think so. But we have to talk this over with her and our other children. I think we should consult with Maria and those who would have to help keep her safe. We need to teach her how to protect herself as well,” Luca says thoughtfully.
“This feels wrong. I should not be considering allowing anything that might put her at risk. She is just a little girl. It is my job to keep her safe and allow her a chance to just be a little girl.” Morna says resolutely. She drains the cup of blood and stands up. “What is the right decision Luca?”
Suddenly they both hear Nora calling for them. They rush to her room and find her sitting in her bed reaching out to them. Morna goes to her and takes her into her arms. “Mom don’t try to dampen my visions. If you do that I won’t be able to see the threat and the Dark One makes Valgullveig kill you Mom. Grandpa goes crazy and kills her. Odin holds him for judgment, and he’s stripped of his titles, immortality and powers, he is ruined. Daddy raises the rest of us, but he’s never the same. He mourns the los
s of you and the baby forever. Mama don’t dampen my visions!” Nora wails and she clutches desperately onto her mother.
Morna and Luca do their best to comfort her but she interrupts them; “Mom, listen to me. As soon as you resolved in your heart to do what you could to protect me, this vision came to me. Now that you are wavering from that resolve, the vision is fading. My visions depend on the decisions people make. We all need to make these decisions together, Mom. Get Sammy to help me watch the future and then we can make our decisions, guided by what we see.” Nora says logically. Morna is amazed at how mature her little seven year old daughter has become.
Aideen, who had been sitting silently listening to all this finally speaks up, “Mom, she is right. You shouldn’t be trying to solve everything for everyone by yourself. You have a lot of smart and talented people who want to help you. These same people have a lot at stake, possibly our very lives and futures.”
“I agree, Ladybug,” says Morna softly. “I think we all need to meet first thing tomorrow and make plans. We should be utilizing all the talents we have available to us to combat the threats against us. We need to make sure that everyone is protected and yet contributing to resolving this threat. When we get to Airendell I will push the Guild to give me their decision so that I can focus on protecting my family, friends and my Guild.”
Morna smiles and says, “But first, we have a wedding and a massive celebration ahead of us.” Morna hugs and kisses her youngest daughter. Luca takes Nora out of her mother’s arms and hugs and kisses her as well. Morna turns her attention to her oldest daughter and holds her arms out to her. Aideen comes to her mother and the women embrace for several silent moments.
“Mom, Nora, Aunt Breena and I have been working on a surprise for you. You should go eat, bathe, whatever you need to do and we will join you in an hour with our surprise,” Aideen tells Morna. Nora giggles and nods happily. Morna smiles tentatively at her girls and wonders what they are up to.
Luca takes her hand and leads her back to their suite. Once they are inside he asks, “Are you finished eating?” When she nods, he picks her up and carries her into the bathroom. He sets her down gently on her feet and kisses her tenderly, lingeringly before turning to the tub to start running a hot bath for her.
“You know what the girls are up to, don’t you?” Morna says suspiciously.
“I do. Don’t worry, it is a good thing.” Luca assures her. “Now let us get you undressed and in the tub.” He reaches out and gently strokes her face and then trails his hand down her neck. He smiles as he leans in to kiss her, and gently peels the bloodstained blazer from her body. He gently removes the amber colored blouse and says, “I should have gotten you out of these clothes hours ago.”
Morna moans her agreement as he cups her breasts through her bra. Luca leans down and kisses the almost imperceptible scar where the witch’s dagger pierced her flesh. “I was very angry with you for allowing her to stab you.”
Morna stiffens and moves out of his reach. “I don’t want to talk about that right now.”
“Why not?” Luca insists.
“Because I wanted to drain that witch’s body of every single drop of blood. I nearly fed on her.” Morna confesses in a tortured whisper.
“Well, of course you did. But you chose to control yourself. It is what we do. We do not let biology rule our actions. You were magnificent, baby!” Luca breathes as he kisses her gently between the valley of her breasts. He reaches up and unfastens the chain bearing Odin’s pendant above her glorious breasts and lies it on the bathroom counter. He unhooks her bra and slowly slides it down her arms, and tosses it behind him. He takes her loosely into his arms and caresses her back as she starts to undo the buttons of his shirt.
She sighs happily when she peels the shirt off of his body and feasts on his perfection. “Luca you are perfect. You always have been. I adore every inch of you, every aspect of your personality. I treasure your strengths and your weaknesses. You are the joy of my life. Forgive me if I fail to show you that,” Morna whispers.
“Stop it Morna. Your father was not right when he accused you of taking me for granted. I know how important I am to you. You show me in a hundred different ways every single day. Do not dwell on this, my love. Focus on us right now, nothing else.” He nuzzles her ear before he leans down and effortlessly removes her slacks and panties. She steps out of them with a giggle and he lovingly caresses her ever growing belly. I wish I had more time to love you as you deserve, but our girls will be here soon. Get into the tub my darling.”
Morna complies and enjoys watching him strip out of his slacks and ease into the tub with her. She comes to him immediately and straddles him as she kisses him deeply. He chuckles and puts his hands on her hips and guides her unto his ready cock. He laughs with joy when she goes rigid as she achieves a small orgasm. “You are amazing Morna! You must be the most sensual creature God ever created.” Morna kisses him again and starts to ride up and down on his manhood as she lovingly strokes his face and looks deeply into his eyes. The love that she sees there brings her to tears.
Luca becomes concerned when her glassy eyes start spilling tears. He stills the movement of her hips and grasps her face between his hands and asks, “Beloved? Why are you crying?”
“Tears of joy! And hormones, I suspect,” she whispers happily and then giggles at herself. She kisses him deeply before she resumes riding him to their mutual orgasm. When they both achieve their satisfaction Morna melts into her beloved’s arms and he cradles her gently. The pair of lovers remain that way for several minutes. Finally Morna stirs and says, “We better wash up and get ready. We are the guests of honor at this shindig tonight.”
Luca laughs and starts washing her hair. The bath is over quickly and he helps her dry off when he says, “Our girls are impatient. They are here already.” He wraps the towel around her and goes to the walk-in closet to dress himself. He brings back a thick terry cloth robe and helps her into it. He takes her hand and leads her out to their bedroom.
Morna chuckles and says, “Ingrid is a miracle worker, you would never know we destroyed this bedroom this morning.”
Luca laughs and says, “Yes, she is almost as amazing as you are, my love.”
Morna scoffs and says, “Whatever. Please go let our girls in. I am eager to see what this surprise is.” Luca chuckles as he walks toward the door. Morna busies herself brushing her hair and wonders what the big surprise is all about.
“Mama, cover your eyes.” Aideen calls from just outside their bedroom.
Morna sighs quietly and complies. She hears the trio enter the bedroom, she also hears a swish of material before Nora takes her hand into her own and says, “Open your eyes Mom!”
When Morna opens her eyes she is delighted to see that Aideen is holding a beautiful cocktail length gown. Morna stammers, “That’s for me?” When the girls nod happily, Morna says, “It’s so beautiful! Where did it come from?” Breena hugs her nieces and the three of them beam proudly.
“Breena, Aideen and me designed it. Ingrid helped us get it put together in time. Try it on Mom, I bet it fits perfectly.” Nora says excitedly in her high little girl’s voice.
“Not yet sweety! Daddy can’t see it on her before tonight. It’s tradition.” Aideen says happily. Aideen turns toward Luca and says, “Daddy, we love you but you have to leave. NOW!”
Luca chuckles, and kisses both girls on the forehead. He takes Morna into his arms and kisses her passionately. “I’ll be waiting for you under our oak tree at sunset. Don’t be late.” Suddenly he is gone.
Nora giggles. “Mom, that’s spooky how he does that.”
Morna smiles and says, “I guess so, baby. I am used to it.” Morna admires the dress again and says, “You really designed this lovely gown for me?”
“Nora did most of it Mama. She’s really talented. I picked out the materials and colors. You really like it?” Aideen asks.
“Auntie Breena helped a lot!” Nora insists with a smile. �
��Do you like it Mama?”
“Yes, darling, I really like it. It’s lovely. Who wouldn’t love it?” she assures her daughters. Morna gasps when the baby kicks. “Ohhhhh, he’s active today.”
Nora puts her hand on her mother‘s belly and says, “Wow! Having a baby in your tummy feels weird, but wonderful Mom.” Nora smiles at her mother says, “You know Maddie is going to be my best friend, don’t you?” Morna smiles and nods happily at her youngest daughter.
“Who is Maddie?” Asks Aideen in confusion.
Morna looks at Nora and says, “So Daddy will agree to the name?” When Nora nods, Morna smiles and says, “I haven’t even talked to Luca about this yet, so I probably shouldn’t say this, but I want to name him Madigan Westin Michaels.”
“Where did that name come from?” asks Aideen.
“Madigan is after my friend, Mad Mike. He passed away recently. He was a very good friend to me for a lot of years.” Morna answers with a melancholy smile as she lovingly rubs her belly. “Luckily, I don’t have any more long lost children to name him after. I obviously named Kyle after his brother Kylor, and Aiden is obviously named after you, Ladybug.” Morna says as she caresses Aideen’s lovely face. “A part of me always remembered my babies, in whatever incarnation I found myself.”
“Mom, am I named after anyone?” Nora asks quietly.
“You sure are, Pumpkin!” Luca laughs from the doorway. “Sorry girls, I felt the baby kick his Mama and wanted to come check on her to see if I need to strengthen the spell on her uterus.”
Morna and Aideen smile because they know that he didn’t have to physically come to her to do that. Aideen suspects he just misses Morna whenever he is away from her and wants to share in this pregnancy since they are actually together once again.