by Jean Murray
The beast inside her connected with him, communicating a yearning for something he never thought possible. Holding the small infant, he realized he wanted this with Kit. A family to call his own. “Yes, she is.”
Kit smiled broadly and pulled the baby from his arms. “Let’s get you back to Momma, Anya.”
“Anya?” Siya asked.
Kit’s face went blank. “What?”
“You called her Anya,” Bomani said, stepping up to take the baby.
“Sorry, it must have slipped.” Kit shrugged. “She looks like an Anya.”
“Bomani and I had that name on our list.” Siya turned to Bomani. “I like it.”
“Anya it is.”
Kit’s face brightened, her happiness chasing away the darkness Kamen saw coloring her eyes. He pulled her back into his embrace. “So should we tell them?” he whispered in her ear. Yes, the ceremony was important, but he wanted to consummate their marriage, and perhaps—maybe—start a life of their own.
“So, Kamen and I have an announcement, which I think everyone has been waiting patiently for.”
Kamen met Asar’s stare. “We would be honored if you would marry us.”
“Bless the gods. It is about damn time.” Asar laughed.
Lilly slipped under Asar’s arm. “I think we have two other couples that have requested the same. Perhaps, we can do it all together? As a family?”
Kit leaned back against Kamen’s chest. He hugged her tight and planted light kisses up the length of her neck. A family, did he dare hope?
“Once we are married, I would like to have a baby,” he dared whisper against her ear.
Her breath halted in her chest as she turned to look at him from the side. “A baby?” Doubt colored her blue eyes. “Isn’t that a bit soon?”
“Someday?”
She turned and hugged him. “Yes, someday.”
His hope faltered, sensing her reluctance and the need to conceal her expression. The dark part of him told him he was not worthy of such a thing. The other side, the one connected to Kit through the bond, wanted to remain blind to the possibility of failure. For now he choose to remain a fool in love. It was far better than the ache in his spine and his instincts telling him it was all about to end.
Chapter Forty-One
“Did you find it odd that Mother didn’t bother to show up to Siya’s room?” Kit asked as she combed out her hair.
“I don’t know,” Kendra replied on a shrug. “She has been keeping to herself as of late. I just assumed it was because it’s the anniversary of Father’s death. At least the first one when he fell to the curse.”
“Today?” Kit remembered her mother’s swollen eyes.
“Tomorrow.”
“The same date as the eclipse?” Kit’s mouth dropped open. A stab of guilt rose through her as she didn’t even know the importance of the date. Coincidence certainly that it fell on the same day of Apep’s prophesized rising. Kit’s stomach soured, sorry she even mentioned it. “Let us talk about something else.”
“Agreed,” Lilly said, walking forward with three white gowns with gold trim.
Siya frowned as she rocked in the chair with the baby at her breast. “White?”
“Yeah, I was thinking leather,” Kit said and arched one brow.
“Shut up you two. This is a wedding, not a funeral.”
“I love it,” Kendra squealed. “I can’t believe we are getting married.”
“Did you have any doubts, little sister?” Lilly steered Kendra to the bathroom.
Kit sat down on the chaise, nervous and sick to her stomach. “Kamen wants a baby,” she blurted.
Siya’s eyebrows raised. “That’s interesting, but not unexpected.”
“Really? I’m totally stunned. He dragged his feet just getting to this point, now its full speed ahead. I can’t think past tomorrow.”
Light green eyes met Kit’s gaze. “It is not a bad thing to want to dream beyond tomorrow.”
Kit looked away, fearful Siya would see the truth.
Kendra exited the bathroom and did a small turn in her dress.
“You look beautiful,” Kit said to Kendra, grateful for the sudden distraction.
“Really, do you think so?” Kendra beamed. “I can’t believe we are going to have a triple wedding.”
“I think we are breaking all sorts of records here.” Siya lifted the baby to her shoulder and patted Anya’s back. “Although, if we do not get a move on, I may have to breastfeed in the middle of the ceremony. This baby is hungry.”
Kit laughed along with her sisters, but there was an undercurrent of anxiety among the group. In twenty-four hours the eclipse would blot out every molecule of light. Complete darkness would envelop the earth.
The Goddess of War grimaced, blew out a breath and grabbed her abdomen when she tried to stand.
“Maybe you should sit down,” Kit suggested. The goddess had to be sore after such a traumatic delivery.
“This baby came early for a reason. I am not going to sit during my wedding, let alone sit out on the war.”
“You can’t be serious. You need time to heal and you have a baby to protect, if—well, if things turn bad,” Lilly interjected.
The room fell silent.
Kit held her breath. Having known Siya for only a month, it was evident that the Goddess of War wasn’t the type to take orders or be challenged—at least not from demi-gods.
Siya turned and leveled her stare at Kit. The goddess’ pale green eyes assessed her. “What do you think I should do?” Despite Siya’s even tone, her question was weighted with meaning.
All eyes turned to look at Kit. She swallowed the lump forming in her throat. “I’d stay with the baby.”
Kendra nodded her head. “The baby is going to need you.”
Siya frowned as her stare never wavered from Kit. “Lilly and Kendra, do you mind taking the baby and let Asar know that Kit and I will be a few minutes.”
“Sure,” Lilly said, shifting her gaze between Siya and Kit.
“Kit can help me get dressed, and I will show her how to finish the tie on her gown. Plus, she looks a little nervous.” Siya turned and smiled.
Kit stared at the gown on the bed. The gold belt seemed perfectly fitted for the occasion.
Kendra opened her arms to receive the baby.
“Oh no you don’t.” Lilly swiped Anya from Siya’s arms. “You don’t want spit up on your gown, Kendra.” Lilly screwed her face up.
“Is this how she is going to be this entire time?” Kendra asked Kit.
“Be sure to lock your door for your honeymoon.” Kit snorted.
Kendra laughed and followed Lilly out the door.
Kit blew out the breath and grabbed Siya’s dress off the bed. She really hated being cornered, and based on the look in Siya’s eyes, the goddess wanted answers.
“I lived with your mother for many centuries before the war. A part of me was angry with her for not telling me my future, considering how badly it turned out.” Siya touched the back of her neck where her exile mark once burned into her skin. “I wonder now if she had told me, would I have followed the same path? Would that path have led me to Bomani?”
“What are you saying exactly?”
“I know you see through Mother’s eyes. No doubt, a very difficult burden to bear.”
“How did you know?” Besides Kamen and her mother, Kit had been careful not to reveal her gift, fearful it would only bring more pain to their lives.
Siya smiled. “You and your mother are more alike than you think. She has that same look when something bad is about to happen. Mother never told me of her visions, but she did prepare me. Taught me what was important. Even if I strayed from my course, I always knew where to come home. Life is a journey, Kit. Everyone must steer their own course, no matter how painful. Look around you and you will see the truth. Asar and Lilly. Bakari and Kendra. Bomani and me. Kamen—you.”
Kit shook her head and sat down, suffocating under the weig
ht of her destiny. “I’m afraid of what I will do.”
“You have made a god like Kamen—happy. Have you not helped your sisters, giving them support when they needed it? A nudge perhaps in the right direction?”
“I suppose, but that is different than what I must do now.” Break a promise and betray the male she loved. Kit rubbed her temple.
Siya sat down next to Kit. “Sometimes we have to do things and pray the ones we love will forgive us. I know you will make the right choice when the time comes. Not only for Kamen but for Anya. I’ll stay with her because I know you will win.”
“Yes, but—”
“But, what. You have a family, a soon to be husband. A life waiting for you, if you believe in that future.”
Kit thought of her words to Kamen. The hesitancy about having a family, knowing there may not be a future for him or a family. How could she see past that?
“Kamen has chosen his future with you.” Siya touched the symbols on Kit’s forearm. “Write your own destiny.” The goddess rose and pulled Kit to her feet. She grabbed Kit’s dress, pulled it over her head and tied the sash. Kit did the same for Siya.
Numb, she followed Siya down the corridor to the Mother Goddess’ temple. The alabaster marble doors were propped open. Dark warriors in their royal black and gold uniforms lined the entry to the temple. Large statues towered overhead and the hieroglyphics glowed a bright white along the walls with each step forward leading to an opening to the outer temple chamber.
Kit had forgotten the beauty of her mother’s temple. Hand chiseled images depicted the enormity of her mother’s influence on the world. The ankh, the symbol of life, adorned the walls and ceiling. How small Kit felt in comparison.
“Katherine,” her mother said and hugged her.
Kit stiffened, but then returned her mother’s embrace.
Mother pulled back and touched Kit’s cheek. “You look absolutely stunning.”
“Thanks.” Kit smiled weakly.
“For whatever it is worth, I am so proud of you.”
Inhaling a breath, Kit was speechless. For all the resentment and hatred Kit had felt over the years, her mother’s words filled a small void of darkness with light. She nodded, unsure of how to respond.
“Live in the moment,” the Mother Goddess whispered in her ear. “Do not worry about tomorrow.”
“You’re right.” Kit stepped back and stood next to Kendra.
Kendra grinned. “This is wonderful, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is.” Kit smiled back but anxiously eyed the entrance. Bomani and Bakari entered and greeted their mates. Lilly, fidgeting with the ties on her robe, whispered in Asar’s ear, which was never a good sign.
* * *
Kamen stood in the back of the chamber, uncomfortable and out of place. He was forbidden ever to step into a temple, let alone wear clothing with gold ribbon, designating him as a royal. He had given up his station as part of his sentencing. Asar never acknowledged the terms and insisted he wear it.
He stood watching Kit. Proud. Regal. Beauty beyond his dreams. She had distanced herself from the wedding party, no doubt due to his late arrival. Keeping her eyes pinned on the far wall, her foot tapped furiously on the floor.
He smiled and prowled forward, intent on silencing her impatience with a kiss. Never one of words, he reached out through the bond, through the emotions choking her soul, and wrapped his power around her heart.
Her breath hitched, sensing his presence. Slowly, she turned to face him. Her chest rose and fell rapidly and her eyes shimmered.
“Hi,” he said, hypnotized by the depth of her blue gaze. Grasping her hands to stop them from trembling, he kissed her palm and pressed it against his cheek.
“Hi.” She sighed.
“You look amazing.”
“So do you.”
Asar cleared his throat. “Shall we get started?”
“Yes,” Kamen replied and guided his stunned beauty forward to the altar. He sensed her trepidation about their earlier discussion, but once the union was consecrated, they would have eternity to figure that out. Sensing his own fear, the beast stirred in his chest. He bludgeoned it back, not wanting Inpu to be right. He was not afraid.
“For so long, we have lived solitary lives, pretending we were happy and content. A convenient lie to pass the years away. But then a shimmer of light entered our world,” Asar said, lifting his gaze to meet Lilly’s. “Showing us the way out of the darkness. This day forward we will bask in the sun’s rays. Revel in its warmth as we commit our souls to each other. In life. In love. For eternity. Forever and always.”
Kamen squeezed Kit’s hand to draw her attention to him. She wanted him to bear his soul. Well, he did and scared her in the process.
“Join hands.” Asar pulled open the ancient text and recited the words of the marriage blessing. The words of worship faded into the background as Kamen stared into her eyes.
“I do,” she whispered.
“As do I,” Kamen returned.
“Under this blessing consummate and solidify your bond. Your souls bound forever. One life. One love. One eternity.”
Kamen cupped Kit’s chin and lifted her gaze to meet his. Leaning down he kissed her soft lips. Pulling back a fraction, he waited for her to return the gesture. A spark of mischief lit up her eyes. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him hard, her tongue tangling with his. Longer than was custom, he could not deny her demand. His brother would just have to wait.
“The honeymoon starts after the ceremony,” Asar said with a chuckle.
Kit smiled against his lips and then started to laugh along with everyone else. If she was trying to embarrass him, she had to do better. He kissed her again gently. “Save it for later, wife.”
Her eyes widened and it was his turn to smile. She brushed her thumb against his lips. “A smile looks good on you, husband.”
Kamen met the weight of his brother’s stare. Satisfaction reflected in Asar’s gaze. His brother had always believed in a better life for him. It just took Kamen a while to accept it. “Thank you,” Kamen said to Asar. The simple words went beyond this moment.
Asar nodded and then made eye contact with each couple. “I pronounce your union. Let the gods bear witness and help guide us in our future. Enjoy this evening. We will rejoin tomorrow to defend our mother’s land and protect those under our keep. Once our task is done, we will celebrate this wonderful moment with a grand reception.”
The baby cooed.
“Anya apparently agrees,” Asar said and lifted his granddaughter into his arms. “Sleep little one and give your parents their due time.” Asar kissed her forehead and handed her over to Siya.
Kit grabbed Kamen’s hand and pulled him forward into the group surrounding the baby, and suddenly he realized he was no longer the outsider, looking in from a distance. With Kit’s help he never again would he be isolated and alone.
“Uncle,” Bakari said and held out his hand.
Kamen nodded and grasped his nephew’s forearm in a warrior hand shake and pulled him into his chest. Kamen gave Bakari a hard slap on the back. “Take care of Kendra.”
“With my life,” Bakari said with a nod.
Bomani approached with the baby tucked in his arms. “Congratulations to you both.”
“And you,” Kamen replied and glanced over Bomani’s shoulder. Kit met his gaze and smiled. She hugged her sisters. “Please excuse me,” he said, skirting around his nephews.
He had made so many mistakes with her along the way. He would spend every waking day making up for the way he hurt her by not coming when she needed him the most. She didn’t talk about it, but it still weighed on him. The thought of her being with someone else only to find out it had done nothing to stop the infection from growing in her soul. Inpu had been right, he had been afraid to let her love him.
But that was then.
He no longer had to watch Kit from a distance. She was his wife, forever bound to his soul. A piece he would
gladly surrender to her.
“Ladies,” Kamen said with a bow.
Kit hugged her sisters again, this time for longer. “I love you guys.”
“I’ll see you in the morning?” Kendra asked her sisters.
“Breakfast.” Lilly nodded.
“Definitely,” Kit repeated and leaned against Kamen’s chest.
Despite the women’s smiles, anxiety rippled through the group. Tomorrow would come far quicker than anyone wanted. With that in mind, Kamen pulled Kit towards the door. When he exited, he scooped her up in his arms.
“What are you doing?” she laughed.
“I thought it was customary for human males to carry the bride across the threshold?”
“I suppose they do.”
“Close your eyes.”
“God, what have you done?”
“Just close them.”
She buried her face into his neck. Her tongue traced seductive circles on his skin. “My eyes are closed.”
His entire body tightened with arousal with the thought of his blood on her tongue. Only then would the bond be solidified. Blood, body and soul. He pushed the door open with his foot and then kicked it closed.
A small nip of her teeth threatened to undo his plan of seduction. “Okay.”
She lifted her head and stared out across the room. Red petals as soft and rich as her scent covered the bed and floor. Candles flickered from every flat surface of the room. Wine and fruit filled the large table along the wall. Cyclops, retrieved out of the garbage, stitched and re-stuffed, sat on the bed.
He set her down on her feet, uncertain if she even liked roses or his attempt at being romantic. Embarrassment flushed through him when she failed to respond. “I may have overdone it. I can remove it if you like.”
Her blue eyes stared up at him, her mouth slightly parted. “I don’t know what to say. It’s so beautiful.”
“You like it then?” He stammered, sinking into unknown territory.
“I don’t have anything for you.” She pouted. “I feel horrible.”
“I have all I need, Kitten.” He brushed his thumb across her jaw.
“I don’t deserve you.” Her eyes shimmered and she covered her hand over her mouth.