Marcus cupped her chin in his fingers and kissed her, his gorgeous chocolate eyes glowing in nothing less than pure happiness. “Actually,” he chuckled, “I got it just now. That, my love, is the mark to let everyone know that you are my mate,” he explained softly, his voice bubbling with pride.
“Really? You mean it just appears like that?” she asked in wonder, and Marcus nodded.
He grasped her wrist and held it up, showing her the identical mark there before bringing her wrist to his lips and kissing it tenderly, astounded at the fact that this woman was actually his.
Liz watched him a moment before she broke out into a full-fledged smile. “I’m yours,” she choked out, her eyes filling with tears.
Marcus leaned over and kissed them away, his entire body and soul soaring at the thought that he had an eternity with her. “And, I am yours, my love…forever.”
“Mmm,” she giggled hoarsely, rubbing up against him, and Marcus felt his body respond immediately. Damn what his mate could do to him, he thought with a grin. “That sounds like Heaven.”
Marcus rolled onto his back and pulled her over him, his deep, masculine laugh filling the room. “I plan on making eternity as close to Heaven as possible,” he promised.
Liz looked down at him, her expression growing serious. “You have made me happier than I ever thought possible, Marcus,” she husked, her eyes shining with love.
“Well, this will probably wreck my track record,” he replied, his brows furrowing slightly. “But, I think it’s time to go and officially meet the family,” he finished, his lips curling up at the corners.
Elizabeth burst into laughter and Marcus couldn’t help but think that he was most likely one of the luckiest bastard’s on the planet. This woman was amazing…and all his. A small part of him wondered how he and his brother and friend had gotten so damn lucky.
Liz slid off Marcus and sat up, realizing for the first time that this had to be Marcus’s room. “I’m going to have to sneak over to my room and grab something to wear,” she said lightly. Marcus moved from the bed and walked over to the closet, Liz staring at his perfect backside the entire way.
“All your stuff has been moved here,” he replied with a wink.
“Pretty damned sure of yourself, aren’t you, Mr. LaGrange,” she laughed, walking over to stand beside him.
“Not at all,” he corrected softly. “I was actually pretty much scared shitless that you wouldn’t want to see me ever again, and I wanted you to have everything that you could possibly need. I wasn’t really thinking clearly when we brought you home. I just wanted to get you into a bed and made as comfortable as possible.”
Liz wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed the mark on his chest. “My place will always be with you, Marcus,” she said honestly, and damned if his chest didn’t ache. He loved this woman so freaking much.
Liz grabbed a sundress and slipped it on as Marcus grabbed a pair of jeans and a shirt. When they had finished, he pulled her into his arms once again. It was the place that she belonged, he thought with a smile.
“Ready?” he murmured into her hair, giving her a gentle squeeze.
She nodded slowly. “As ready as I’ll ever be. Your sister-in-law informed me that their mates could be, intense,” she said with just the tiniest hint of nerves lacing her voice, and she tried to give him a smile. From what she had felt from Abby and Katrina, she knew that they were going to get along wonderfully–but meeting Marcus’s brother and best friend…well, that was just scary as hell. “Oh, my God!” she gasped. “Brianna…does she know?”
Marcus gave her a quick kiss, his mouth turning up with humor. “Yes, Sweetheart, she does. In fact, our dear sweet Brianna is a very powerful witch who has been helping me try to find this son of a bitch. She is part of our extended family.”
Liz shook her head with a grin. “Geez, who in the heck would have ever guessed that there were so many paranormal beings walking around out there in the world,” she suddenly grew serious. “He is gone, isn’t he?” she asked and Marcus cupped her cheek in his hand.
“Yes, my love. He’s gone, and, there is so much I still need to tell you.” He kissed her again, seemingly unable to get his fill. “But, that can wait until tonight.” He broke away and found her smiling at him.
Marcus returned her smile as he leaned forward to nuzzle her neck, his body ready to take her again…and again…and again. He just wanted to get this over with and take her back to bed, where he intended to stay for at least the next week! He had spent the last hours in a sort of hell as he had anxiously waited for her to complete the change, not knowing if she would ever forgive him, but this remarkable woman not only forgave him, she had given him the greatest gift possible–her love. Now he just wanted to enjoy it. Enjoy not having to hide what he was. Enjoy being able to express his feelings openly and honestly. Jesus, life was just so blasted good! The past was finally gone.
Desmond and their family could head back to the manor, knowing that all was well. Brianna and Sebastian could relax and possibly just enjoy each other. He knew that there was something between them; they just needed to see it for themselves. And he could spend some much needed time with his mate.
“Come on, my love. Let’s go and meet our family.” He took her hand and led her from the room, feeling as if no one had ever been happier.
They found everyone sitting in the drawing room as they came down the stairs, Liz’s hand held tightly by her mate. She was suddenly being hit with a major case of nerves. Never one to feel like she was good enough, Liz felt her heart sink as they entered the room and her eyes fell upon what had to be the most perfect group of people that she had ever seen. Handsome, beautiful…they all seemed to compliment the other, and she suddenly felt completely inadequate.
Marcus seemed to sense her unease and pulled her against his side, pressing a kiss to her temple. “You are exquisite, Baby,” he whispered in her ear.
A pretty young woman jumped up as they entered the room and came rushing over to them, her lovely features set in a warm smile.
“Hi! I’m Harper,” she gushed, giving Liz a quick hug. “I’m Kat’s sister,” she informed her happily. She gave her a quick wink. “And, I have got to tell you, you’ve had Marcus’s panties in a bunch since day one!”
The room filled with laughter as Harper’s infectious personality filled the air. Harper gave Marcus a quick hug and grinned at him. “It’s finally nice to meet you in person,” she told him and he nodded his agreement. She was a damn firecracker, just like her sister.
Liz watched nervously as a very tall, intimidating man stood, placed a kiss to Abby’s lips, and walked over. She pressed up a little closer to Marcus as he stopped in front of them.
The man was tall, and muscled… and handsome. She knew that this was Abby’s mate…Marcus’s brother…but damn! He just oozed authority and power! Yet, when only a moment later he pulled her from Marcus’s embrace and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly, she felt her fear instantly disappear.
“Welcome to the family,” he said, taking a step back and giving his brother a broad smile. “I see that you two have already mated,” he chuckled. He looked back to Elizabeth. “I’m Desmond, by the way. And, thank you.”
Liz looked at him a moment, her eyes wide and questioning. “I’m sorry, for what?” she asked, her gaze going to Marcus’s only a second before landing back on his brother’s in confusion.
“For showing my brother what love truly is.” As he said the words, he looked back at Abby, his eyes sparkling with affection, and he held out his hand towards her. She immediately stood and joined them, wrapping herself in her husband’s strong arms.
Katrina walked over to them with a man in tow that could easily pass for Marcus and Desmond’s brother. She gave them a quick smile. “This is Luke,” she informed Elizabeth, and he extended his hand to her.
“It’s very nice to meet you,” Luke said with a grin. He looked Marcus up and down a moment before he bu
rst out laughing. “All I can say is…. it’s about damn time!”
Yes, Liz thought with a sigh, a smile lighting her face. This was family.
Epilogue
Liz walked out on to the back patio and over to where Abby and Kat lay in lounge chairs, watching as the sun faded off into the distance.
In the months that she and Marcus had been staying at the manor, she had grown to love these people as if they were blood. They had accepted her without reservations and had helped her to adjust to her new life of being a Supernatural being… and she couldn’t have been more content.
She and Marcus had spent almost a month in New Orleans after everyone had left, on what he liked to refer to as their honeymoon. Desmond had graciously offered the house there for them to use whenever they wanted, but she had to admit, it was nice being here. She thought that she could live in New Orleans’s–but she realized soon after they had come here–that this felt like home. For the very first time in Elizabeth’s life, she had a family.
Liz sat down beside the two women and smiled warmly, her sapphire eyes shining with absolute happiness. She watched as their mate’s spoke to the contractors that were adding another wing to the house, and once again realized how blessed she truly was.
“How are the two of you feeling?” she asked softly, and both woman burst out laughing.
“About ready to burst,” Abby snorted, and Katrina groaned her agreement.
They were due any day now, and Liz couldn’t help but notice how both Desmond and Luke constantly glanced over at them, making sure that they were all right, and never straying very far from where they were at any given moment. It warmed her heart to see such love and devotion.
A smile lit up her face when Marcus turned and caught her gaze, his lips twitching with that grin that she loved so much. He gave her a wink before turning back and continuing his discussion with the elderly gentleman that was in the center of the group.
The women turned in unison as Harper came slamming out of the house and joined them. “I was just over at the cottage talking with Alana,” she informed them softly. “She’s all ready to go.”
Alana was one of the pack member’s mates, and also the mid-wife that was going to be delivering the babies when it was time. She had been a doctor before meeting and falling in love with Blaze, and was now their very own general physician. It was funny the way things seemed to work out sometimes.
“Still no news from Caleb?” Liz asked, and Harper shook her head, that ever present look of guilt darkening her features.
When they had gotten back to the manor, Abby told Liz that Harper had rushed over to the cottage to apologize to Caleb for being such a nasty witch, only to discover that he had packed up his truck the very same day that she had told everyone that she couldn’t stand to have him following her around like a puppy. He hadn’t said a word to anyone. He had simply left–and Harper carried around the guilt of driving him away around her neck like a noose. She checked almost daily to find out if anyone had heard from him, but so far… nothing.
“It isn’t your fault,” Kat murmured, trying to reassure her sister, but it seemed as if Harper just wasn’t buying it. She knew that he had had feelings for her, and she had stomped on them without even thinking twice about it, and it ate away at her. She hated the fact that she had hurt him so badly. Badly enough that he had left those that he considered family without even looking back.
“I just wish that I could have at least apologized,” she huffed, plopping down on the grass beside her sister’s chair. “I mean, I didn’t mean it. Not really.”
“You’ll get your chance when the time is right,” Kat replied as she ruffled her hair affectionately.
“I’m sure that he just needs a little time, Harper,” Liz added softly.
She and Harper had formed an instant bond and she adored the girl. She knew the pain that she carried for hurting this boy so much, and Liz knew that Harper had feelings of her own–although she would never admit it to herself. If Liz had learned one thing about the girl in the time that she’d known her, it was that she could be as hardheaded as a mule.
“His pride was hurt,” Abby offered softly. “He just went off to lick his wounds. Des told me that Luke found out that he’s with another pack and that he’s doing fine.”
“What?” Harper gasped, completely stunned. “And just why didn’t anyone bother to tell me?”
“Because, Brat,” Luke laughed as he, Desmond, and Marcus came walking over. “He wants his alone time right now. I told him how badly you felt and he said to tell you that your apology is accepted, and that there are no hard feelings, but he’s happy where he is.”
Harper felt something tug at her insides with the impact of Luke’s words, but she quickly pushed it away. That was all she could do then. He was really gone…and he was happy. She shouldn’t feel this…sad. She stiffened her spine and stood, “I think I’ll go in and grab something to eat.”
“Oh!” Abby gasped as she looked down at the chair that she was sitting on, and Harper stopped cold. “I think my water just broke,” she breathed, and Desmond was at her side in a heartbeat, sweeping her up into his arms and carrying her towards the door, his face a mask of nothing less than pure terror.
“Tell Alana that it’s time,” he called back over his shoulder before disappearing inside.
“Awe, crap!” Kat growled, “No freaking way! Are you kidding me?” They all turned to find her standing there, her hands on her belly, and a look of apology on her face. Her eyes met Luke’s and she shrugged her shoulders. “Ready to become a daddy, Benji?” she asked with a chuckle, and Liz watched as Luke visibly paled–his mouth dropping open in shock. The poor man looked absolutely petrified.
Marcus and Luke just stood there as still as two statues, and it was Liz who jumped into action. “Harper, go and get Alana,” she directed, and Harper nodded quickly before rushing off through the door. “Luke, get Kat upstairs…now. Take her to the room next to Abby and Desmond’s so Alana doesn’t have to run across the house.”
“I can walk,” Kat protested, but Luke already had her in his arms as he turned to run inside.
Liz gave Marcus a grin. “Are you ready to become an Uncle?” she asked, and he nodded slowly, his face registering his shock.
“They’re finally coming,” he breathed, his gaze locking with hers. “And… Oh, my God! They’re coming at the same time!” Panic was beginning to set in, and Liz smiled. Reaching up, she cupped his cheek in her hand.
“It’s all right,” she whispered. “It’s going to be fine, Marcus. Now, come on, let’s get ready to welcome these two into the world.”
Liz watched with a slight smirk as Marcus paced the sitting room anxiously. Harper was upstairs with Luke helping Kat as Desmond stayed with Abby. Poor Alana was running back and forth between the two.
Since this all began, her mate paced, worried sick. He had been pacing relentlessly for over three hours now and she just couldn’t take it any longer. The poor man looked absolutely frazzled!
She shook her head and walked over to him, grasping his arm to stop him. He looked down at her, his mouth set into a thin line of worry, and she leaned up and pressed her lips against his.
“Stop,” she murmured against his mouth. “Everything is going to be fine.”
He nodded and pulled her against him tightly. Liz snuggled up against his chest and smiled. “You fret too much, Marcus,” she whispered. “Women have babies every day.”
Marcus rested his chin on the top of her head and sighed. “I know, but…” he trailed off, and Liz knew that it would be impossible to convince him that there was no need to worry. Marcus was her worrier. He worried about everybody around him, and it was one of the many, many reasons that she loved him so.
Liz lifted her head and gazed into his eyes, loving him more with each passing moment. He gave her love, and strength…and a confidence that she never knew she could have. She had found herself in this man’s arms, and she would move
heaven and earth to ensure his happiness.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled up at him wickedly, her deep blue eyes sparkling with mischief. “You know, it might be hours before the babies arrive,” she said, her voice taking on that low, silky, smooth timber that he loved so much.
“Really?” he asked, his brow rising as he stared down into her eyes.
“Hmm mmm, and I can think of a thing or two to pass the time,” she giggled when he growled deep down from the recesses of his chest, and she could feel the proof of his desire pressing against her belly.
“Just one or two?” he laughed, his glorious eyes crinkling at the edges, and she felt that all too familiar heat hit her body like a sledgehammer.
Liz moved her body against his, teasing him, and a moan burst from his lips. “Witch,” he snarled, playfully nipping at her chin.
“Vamp,” she corrected with a wink, and pressed her lips against his once again, loving the taste of this man who held her heart.
“Oh geez, newlywed’s…ugh!” they heard Harper huff from the doorway as she cleared her throat, and they turned in unison to find her standing there, smiling broadly.
“I’m here to announce that Jakob Winslow Blackwater has officially entered the world,” she beamed, her eyes shining with happiness. “Mama and baby are doing great, but well…Luke…” she trailed off, shaking her head with a laugh. “He about freaked out! He couldn’t handle seeing Kat in so much pain! Oh, my God! It was hysterical! These big, strong men! I swear! What wimps! I can only imagine how Des is handling all this!” She snorted loudly. “I’ll go check to see how it’s going and if they need any help, but I wanted you to know.” She turned to leave, and then abruptly turned back. “Oh! And he is gorgeous, by the way! He’s got a full head of black hair and the most incredible golden eyes!” She smiled at them once again before rushing back upstairs.
Before they could even think to respond, they heard Harper call for them from the top of the stairs. Marcus grabbed Liz’s hand and practically took off at a dead run.
Marcus' Mortal Embrace (Book 3) (The Supernatural Desire Series) Page 22