by M. Goldsmith
“I see. Is that so?” Mica said, with a teasing smirk. “I have to be honest with you, Hawk. Rowan and your mother, used to tell Wolf and me, you and Ashlyn were destined to be together. Your dad and I joked about it on many occasions. You and Ash always looked at each other in that special way, part enamored, part terrified.” Mica smiled. “We’ve known this day was coming for a very long time. We’ve just been waiting for the two of you to realize it. I guess Ash being kidnapped was what it took for the link between you to spark to life.”
Hawk responded, “I’ve never been more scared in my entire life; or more lost, or more determined. She’s everything to me. I’m sorry it took me so long to recognize it. Our connection was so intense it actually petrified me. But after losing Ash, I realized nothing could scare me more than something happening to her. I promise you, I will never allow any harm to come to her again.”
“Of that I have no doubt. I want you to know, both Rowan and I wholeheartedly give our blessing for your union with Ashlyn. Your parents were our dear friends, and I am certain they would’ve been as proud of you as all of Aether is. You’re a fine man, Hawk. I can see the way my daughter looks at you, and it’s obvious that you adore her as well. You’ll make an excellent Kanti to Ash.”
“Thank you for saying that, Mica. Your faith means the world to me. No Adara will ever be loved more than Ash. Making her happy is my number one priority from now on.”
“When are you planning to ask Ashlyn to Join with you?”
“As soon as we’re done talking to the Elders. I hope we’ll be able to find some quiet time alone. I plan on asking her then.” Hawk reached into his pocket, pulled out a locket, and let it dangle from his fingers. “I’ve been carrying this with me since Ash was taken. It was found on the ground beside my parents’ car the day they were killed. It belonged to my mother, and her mother before her, and her mother before that. This locket was very special to her and now, in turn, to me. I pray Ashlyn will cherish it as much as my mother did.”
“I’m sure she’ll absolutely love it. And by the way, Rowan and I have moved the majority of our belongings to our old house. I believe my Adara’s intuition has been working overtime. She foresaw this bond between you and thought you two should live here in the Tower, alone. Of course, we’ll be close by in case either of you needs us. Ashlyn will be fragile for a while. I’m trusting you to see to it she feels safe, protected, and above all loved. Ashlyn is special, and not just because she’s the Guardian of The House of Fire.”
“I think I’ve always known that, sir. She is my light in the darkness. She carries my heart…and I carry hers. Nothing is more important to me than her happiness,” Hawk confessed, sincerely.
With that last statement hanging in the air, the kitchen door swung open. Ashlyn and Rowan walked in. “We better not keep the Elders waiting any longer. Are you ready to go?” Ashlyn asked.
“Yes, I’m ready.” Hawk turned to Mica. “Thank you for everything, Mica. I won’t let you down, I promise.”
Mica offered his hand to Hawk, and he shook it warmly. “I know you won’t, son. Now you two go ahead and speak with the Elders. We’re going to head over to the old house to finish unpacking. We’ll see you later.” Mica hugged Ashlyn one more time and kissed the top of her head.
Rowan hugged Hawk and then Ashlyn. “I’m so proud of you both. We’ll see you later.”
The front door shut with a loud click and Ashlyn turned to Hawk. “Wow, that was really weird. What did you and my father talk about? I feel a little out of the loop. Both of you are acting very strangely.”
“Let’s go see the Elders, and I promise I’ll tell you all about it later.” He leaned into Ash, taking her hand, and touching his lips to hers, kissing her sweetly. Ash’s hand felt delicate, warm, and soft inside his. His need to touch her, to remind himself she was real, and safe, seized him. He held onto to her all the way to the Council Chambers. Before he opened the door Hawk stopped and turned to Ashlyn. Then taking her in his arms, he kissed her urgently. Breaking away, he was breathless. “I’m sorry. I just needed to feel you. Are you all right? I’ll be by your side the entire time, okay?”
“I’m okay. I just want to get this over with, but I’m really glad you’re with me.” She smiled up at him and squeezed him tightly around the waist.
With its familiar creak, Hawk pushed their way in through the large wooden door. He was relieved to be back here with Ashlyn at his side this time. It was where she belonged, with him, together always. They would face this challenge and everything else life would send their way.
Bear, as usual, waited for them near the reception desk. “Ashlyn, my dear, welcome home.” To Hawk he said, “You have done well, grandson. I could not be prouder. Come inside, the others are waiting.”
As they followed Bear, Hawk kept Ashlyn close to his side. The other Elders were seated on the leather couches and were chatting casually, until they saw Hawk and Ashlyn enter.
Raven stood first and greeted them both. “Welcome home, children of Aether. We have missed you both greatly. We prayed to the God and Goddess for your safe return, Ashlyn. And, Hawk, we prayed you would find the strength to successfully complete this most important mission.”
Bey stepped forward placing her hand on Ashlyn’s shoulder. She looked directly into her eyes. “First and foremost, how are you feeling, Ashlyn? We have all been terribly worried about you, my dear.”
“I’m feeling much better now that I’m home. Thank you,” Ash replied.
Bear invited them to sit. “I want to lead off by saying, Hawk’s actions, as well as all of the Protectors, was paramount in bringing our Fire Guardian home where she belongs. We are all devastated by the loss of River. He will be missed, not only as lead Protector, but by all of Aether. Hawk, the Elders, as well as the entire Council, would appreciate it if you would accept the position of lead Protector. We know it was River’s wish for you to assume the role when he stepped down. Unfortunately, that has come to pass much sooner than any of us anticipated.”
“I’d be honored to take over as lead Protector, but River’s shoes will be impossible to fill. I’ll try my best to make him proud and pay tribute to his memory.” Hawk bowed his head and placed his hand over his heart.
Caro spoke, “We will have his passage ceremony early tomorrow morning. And if you think you are ready, Ashlyn, we would like to have the Fire Guardian Ceremony tomorrow night.”
Ashlyn answered, “I would very much like to put this entire experience behind me and move on with my life. My vow to the infant must be declared through the ceremony in front of all of Aether. Nothing has changed in that regard, but I must warn you, I have been changed by this nightmare. If it were not for Brooke Barrington, I’m afraid I would not be here right now. I implore you to accept her as part of our community. I cannot possibly describe my feelings, or explain the reasons behind them, but Brooke is special. I’m asking you to trust me. Brooke is meant to be here with us. She is extremely vulnerable right now and needs our protection. Her role has not yet been revealed to me, but I am certain, in time, her destiny will be known to us all.”
Hawk was moved by Ash’s bravery. Standing up to the Elders thwarted even the most confident Aetherians. Yet Ashlyn defended her friend’s right to remain in Aether. He knew Ash wholeheartedly believed Brooke had a greater purpose which remained a mystery to them all. Holding his breath, he waited for the Elders to respond.
Vale’s emerald green eyes shone with respect. “Ashlyn, we have discussed the situation with regard to Miss Barrington. Although we have never before permitted an outsider to live on our land, we believe in you. The foreordination will reveal itself in due time. Until then, we will protect her as if she was one of our own. We should like to meet her, soon.”
“Thank you for your trust in me,” Ashlyn said, slightly choked up. “I know Brooke will be pleased to meet you. But as I’m sure you can understand, this is all very new and strange to her. I would appreciate if you could give her a
little time to adjust. She’ll be staying with Quill Robbins for now. You can contact her there if you don’t cross paths soon.”
Vale nodded. “Very well. Now, my dear, I am afraid the time has come to share the story of your capture and imprisonment with us. It is necessary so we may gain an understanding of the threat our people are facing. Please, begin.”
Ashlyn painstakingly shared every detail of her ordeal, many of which Hawk was also hearing for the first time. It took all his strength to control the force of his powers when his anger began to bubble to the surface. Ash needed his support not his fury. He interjected during her recount, when necessary, filling in any gaps. When she finally finished with the entire sordid tale she slumped down in her seat, her eyelids heavy. Hawk pulled her closer to him, and she rested her head comfortably against his shoulder.
Bear spoke up, “You are truly brave and strong, Ashlyn. We are all so sorry you had to endure such conditions. We will make it our business to track down this Dr. Charles Barrington. We will stop this insanity. You have our word as the Elders of Aether.”
“I’d like to take Ashlyn home to rest now. We’ll see you in the morning for the Passage Ceremony.” Taking Ashlyn’s hand, Hawk gently pulled her to her feet.
With their arms wrapped around each other, they walked back to the South Tower in silence. Concerned for Ash’s state of mind after her disclosure to the Elders, Hawk kept a firm grip on her. Ash leaned into to him seeming to need his support. When they entered the South Tower, Hawk finally spoke. “I think you should rest for a while. I know that wasn’t easy for you.”
“I know it wasn’t easy for you either, but at least you know everything now.” Ashlyn’s body visibly relaxed, her shoulders dropping back down. “I can’t believe my parents actually moved out. They wanted us to be alone together, and they know my place is here in the Tower. I hope that’s okay with you.”
“Of course, it’s okay with me. I want to be wherever you are, Ash.”
“My mother told me both of our parents knew about the link between us even when we were very small. How is it possible we didn’t realize what was between us?”
“I think deep down we both did know, at least I did. Every time I looked at you, Ash, I dreamed about being with you. The pull, so strong, it felt like a force beyond control. When you were taken, I thought I might die from the pain. I realized then, that you were the one for me. I’m so sorry it took a tragedy to make me wake up. You deserve everything, and I want to spend the rest of my life proving to you just how much I love you. You asked what your father and I talked about…well.”
Hawk got down on one knee in front of Ashlyn, reached into the pocket of his jeans, and removed his great grandmother’s locket. “Ashlyn Woods, I love you more than anything in this world. You are my heart, my soul, my breath, my life. Please say you’ll Join with me, become my Adara, make me the happiest man in Aether.”
“Oh, Hawk,” Ashlyn cried, with joy. “I love you, too, so much. I’ve dreamed of being Joined with you for as long as I can remember. Yes! Yes, of course.”
Hawk brushed his hands down her soft, red curls. Then tugging her close, his lips crushed hers in a heated kiss. He nipped and licked at her beautiful mouth unable to get enough of her. Breathless, he eased back from her delectable taste. “I need to take you upstairs…to a bed…right now.” Ashlyn chuckled and led him up to her bedroom.
When they got to the doorway he swept her into his arms, carried her across the room, and placed her gently on the bed. “Ash, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever known. I feel like I’m dreaming.”
Ash pinched him and he yelped. “What was that for?”.
“I wanted you to know you weren’t dreaming. This is very real.” Then she spoke to him telepathically, “Please touch me, Hawk. See how real I am.”
“You don’t have to ask me twice, honey. All I can think about is touching you. Tasting you. Being inside you.”
Hawk lowered his mouth to Ash’s in a tender kiss. As she opened to him his tongue swept in, tangling in a passionate duel. Fingernails scratched along his scalp as she plunged her hands into his hair. The bite of Ashlyn’s enthusiastic grip shot straight to his arousal, amping up his need. In a rush, they began tearing at one another’s clothes, pulling, yanking. In their frenzy, articles flew across the room, landing haphazardly, giving the space the look of a dorm room.
The feel of her flesh, warm and soft, had him growing harder as he caressed every inch of her. His lips and tongue followed the path of his hands leaving goosebumps in their wake across Ashlyn’s tender, milky, white skin. His fingers danced along her rib cage seeking out her incredible breasts. Slowly, he circled with his tongue, first one nipple, then the other. Drawing one of the luscious peaks into his mouth, sucking and licking at the sensitive tip, until she writhed and moaned from his ministrations.
Ashlyn’s hips bucked up in invitation, but Hawk was not done playing yet. As frantic as he felt, he just wanted to enjoy every minute with his Adara-to-be. She was finally going to be his, and Hawk wanted to make sure Ashlyn never forgot that. He grazed his teeth lightly across her puckered nipple making her shudder. Slowly, he lowered his mouth so his lips lingered a breath away from her most intimate flesh. Dipping his tongue in deep, he tasted the honey of her arousal. Ash held tight to his shoulders moaning his name. Leaving her still wanting, he inched his way up her thighs, back to her belly, and finally reaching her mouth again, kissing her deeply.
“Baby, you make me lose my mind with want and need. When you’re near me, I just can’t control myself.”
Restraint was no longer an option for Hawk. Taking himself in hand, he joined their bodies plunging into her heat. The feel of Ashlyn meeting his thrusts, forcing him deeper inside her tight channel, had him pounding into her at a furious pace. Her hands fisted the blanket as she continued to meet his every stroke with a counter of her own.
Grinding his pelvis hard against her, he slammed home, over and over again. If the sounds that ripped from her throat were any indication, he had sent her soaring. The harsh cry of his name, as she found her release, had Hawk following with his own. He kept a firm hold on her as he rolled to his side, taking her with him. They held onto each other as if no one else existed in the world. Neither of them spoke until their breathing slowly returned to normal.
“Finally,” Hawk thought, “my beautiful Fire Guardian, we are one.”
“Yes, my brave Protector. My hero, I am yours forever.”
****
Ashlyn
Feeling sad when they had returned from the Passage Ceremony earlier, Ashlyn and Hawk found comfort in each other’s arms. After everything she had endured, this bond with Hawk seemed surreal to her. The sound of his rhythmic breathing filled the room. Her fantasy personified, Hawk’s eyes were closed. His long dark hair hung over his handsome face. She could not resist the urge to run her fingers over his finely defined abs. Soft, bronzed skin covered his firm muscles, and Ash had to physically restrain herself from licking his toned flesh.
“Please don’t hold back. I’d love for you to lick me,” Hawk joked, inside her head.
“Hey, cut that out. That was a private thought. No fair being inside my head. Besides, I thought you were asleep?”
“I was, until you touched me and starting thinking about other things. By the way, I’m wide awake now.” A suggestive smile curled his lips as he rolled on top of her.
“Hawk,” she moaned.
“Yes, my love? Is there something you wanted?” He teased her as he kissed his way down her neck.
“I’m afraid we don’t have time… we have to get ready for the Fire Guardian Ceremony…”
“We have plenty of time, and I plan on putting it to good use.” He pressed his lips to hers until she gave up any resistance. He urged her mouth open spearing his tongue inside. His taste and scent were intoxicating, overwhelming her senses.
They moved in sync with one another reaching new heights in their mutual pleasure.
Satiated, they held each other, even their breathing in time with one another. Hawk stroked Ashlyn’s curls and rubbed his hands up and down her body.
“You’re going to be the end of me. People will talk if we never leave the Tower. I’m sure the rumors are beginning already,” Ashlyn teased.
“Let them talk. I don’t care one bit. I’m sure every man in Aether is jealous that you’ve agreed to be mine.”
“That I am, my hero. Yours, always. But I’m afraid if I don’t call Laurel she’s going to stop by here any minute. I haven’t seen her yet. It seems we both have some special news to share. I can’t believe she and Kai are together again. And I still can’t believe I get to call you mine.”
“I love the sound of that, Ash. I love being yours.” He kissed her again, groaning when he pulled away. “Go call Laurel, and then we can get cleaned up and ready for the Ceremony.”
Ashlyn pecked him on the lips and reached for her phone to call Laurel. They caught up for a while, and Ash had to promise to share more with her later. After she hung up the phone, she realized just how much she had missed her best friend. She’d missed everything about Aether. Now that she had returned home, things had come full circle. Once again, she was facing the Fire Guardian Ceremony. Only this time, she would have Hawk at her side just as she had always dreamed.
When she entered the bathroom, Hawk’s long muscular body was stretched out in her tub. Steam rose up from the hot water, bathing him in a mist of billowy clouds. His head was back with his eyes closed, but she knew he wasn’t sleeping. Ash called upon her powers, lighting the various candles scattered about the tub surround. Switching off the lights, she slowly lowered herself into the luxurious water. Hawk’s arm snaked around her waist hauling her against his hard body.
“I love your tub. And I love it even more now that you’re in it with me.” He turned her to face him and settled her on his thighs straddling his lap. Their lips met and no more words were uttered aloud.
“I fantasized about you in this tub with me on many occasions. Reality is even better than fantasy. Oh God, Hawk, you are amazing, perfect, my dream come true.”