by Julia Mills
Giggling like a schoolgirl, Holly squirmed out of his arms. “Keep this up and we’ll never get to the Chapel on time.”
He watched as she headed to the bathroom and began messing with her hair. “We wouldn’t want to be late for our own party, now would we?”
“Definitely not. Especially with Asher and my sisters running the show. Talk about never hearing the end of it.” She winked then feigned annoyance and tried to be tough. “Now, get in the other room and get dressed.”
Sneaking up behind his mate, Tomas kissed the column of her delectable neck while whispering seductively directly into her mind. “Why don’t you come help me?”
Once again, Holly giggled, and he was reminded of the sound the tiny bells that Emma, the jeweler from his clan, made. When she answered, he was pleased to find her breathless. “Because if I help you there be a whole lot of undressing and absolutely no dressing. I know you, dragon man.”
Pretending to pout, Tomas looked over Holly’s shoulder and into the mirror. Their eyes locked as he teased, “You know it, angel girl.”
Turning in his arms, Holly put her palms on Tomas’ chest and lightly pushed. “Now, get outta here. I need to get ready.”
Sighing deeply while acting incredibly put out, Tomas hung his head and turned to leave. “Okay, I’ll go.”
Holly laughed aloud. “And stop being a big baby.” She touched her index finger to her temple. “We’re linked, remember? I know what you’re thinking.”
Laughing along, Tomas continued towards the door, calling over his shoulder, “Ain’t it great!”
Her laughter was all he heard as he walked into the hall and shut the door behind him. He was almost to the room Holly’s sisters had given him to use while he was there when he remembered the shopping bag his mate had tried to hide from him. He thought about going back and giving her a hard time about it since she was also blocking it in her mind, but he had no idea what the bag contained and immediately thought better of it. He’d heard stories about other cultures’ mating rituals and knew there were stigmas about the men seeing the woman’s dress before the ceremony. Figuring it fell into that category, he decided it wasn’t something he needed to mess with.
No tempting Fate when I’m about to mate the angel of my dreams.
Opening the closet in his room, he found the garment bag Asher had delivered earlier. The Elder Angel instructed Tomas not to open the bag until right before the ceremony and then to follow the instructions within to the letter. The Guardsman wasn’t sure what he was about to find, but it was time to take the first step towards making Holly officially his forever.
He unzipped the garment bag, carefully pulling the white silk shirt and pants out and laying them on the bed. They reminded him more of the pajamas he’d seen Rock Hudson wear in the old movies with Doris Day, but decided to go with the flow. Every culture had their traditions and who was he to question the angels’? If this was what it took to mate the woman of his dreams then he was damn sure gonna do it.
Tomas broke the wax seal on the back of the linen envelope embossed with his name. The words were written in gold lettering and seemed to hover above the page.
Today you wed your mate. The woman the Father Himself designed just for you. You must look inside your heart and answer the questions listed below. Once completed, begin dressing in your matrimonial attire. If you have answered the questions to the Heavenly Hosts’ satisfaction, you will find yourself transported to the Chapel. If you have not, you will find yourself back on Earth without your mate.
Godspeed, Tomas Youngblood. We look forward to welcoming you into our family.
Commander Asher Kalani
Standing stock still, Tomas let his eyes slowing scan down the page. One deep breath later, he read:
Would you give your life for your mate or her cause without thought or provocation?
The answer was simple and one he didn’t even have to think about.
Absolutely! Holly is my everything.
Will you protect Angel kin with your head, your heart, your blade, and your blood?”
A total no-brainer.
Without thought. Holly’s people are my people. I will defend them to the end.
Tomas laid the letter on the bed and quickly dressed. He said a silent prayer to anyone who was listening as he buttoned the last button.
Chapel, please. I can’t live without her.
The button slid through its loop and the world around Tomas became a swirl of light and color. He felt weightless, which at first was very disconcerting, but only lasted a few seconds. A bright flash of light momentarily blinded him. He was airborne then almost instantaneously his bare feet touched cool ceramic tile. His vision cleared. He almost jumped for joy when he saw Holly’s sisters and Asher standing at the head of what he just knew was their Chapel.
Each sister was beaming with excitement while the Elder Angel looked like a proud father. Eve was standing to Asher’s right, smiling from ear to ear. She’d grown even taller since Tomas had last seen her, her features continuing to transform into those of a beautiful little girl. The Guardsman immediately looked for Holly but found her missing. Always one step ahead, the Elder Angel answered Tomas’ unasked question. “She is just beyond that door.”
Tomas followed where the angel pointed with a sigh of relief. He knew he would wither and die if Holly had changed her mind.
A feminine chuckle floated through his mind followed by, “You’re not getting off that easy, dragon.”
His only answer was a satisfied chuckle as the door he still stared at opened and out came the most beautiful woman in all the Universe…his Holly. Most of her hair was piled atop her head, held with a strand of golden ribbon. Red ringlets framed her face and neck, highlighting her long dark lashes, the slight blush of her checks, and the deep red of her lips.
Her dress was simple in design but an absolutely flawless fit. The white strapless bodice left her lightly freckled shoulders and décolletage bare. Its snug fit accentuated her breasts and many curves, making rational thought difficult.
Holly’s golden belt was wrapped around her waist, making the skirt of her dress flare at her well-rounded hips before flowing effortlessly to the floor. Her toenails were painted a deep red that matched her lips and wiggled when he looked at them.
Walking towards Asher, but never breaking eye contact with Tomas, Holly looked like a queen, his queen…forever. The Elder Angel’s deep, rich voice filled the Chapel, “Tomas Alistair Youngblood, please come forward and join your mate at the Lord’s Table.”
Using his enhanced speed, Tomas was at the table holding his mate’s hand in a split second. Holly’s sisters chuckled and his angel’s shoulders bounced as she tried to hide her laughter. Asher’s voice once again rang out, filling the air with a sense of reverence.
“The Heavenly Hosts are older than time and have always occupied the seat at the right hand of God. We are tasked with protecting the innocent and preserving the Light. Those of us who have given our lives to the service of our Lord are rewarded with the greatest of all gifts, a mate. The one person in all the Universe created by our Heavenly Father especially for that specific angel. The angel’s one perfect match that will be by her side for all time.
“Today we honor what God began so very many years ago with the union of Holly Joy Winters to Tomas Alistair Youngblood. What has never happened in my very long lifetime is happening now. We are welcoming another into our flock. This dragon shifter is of royal blood, but instead of a throne, he carries a sword. Instead of proclaiming laws, he upholds them and protects the innocent. He is a true soldier of Truth and Light. A perfect match for our sister, Holly. A warrior with a pure heart and soul. It is my honor to give my blessing to this union.
“Holly Joy Winters, do you accept this man, this dragon, this warrior of the Light, as your own? Do you take him into your heart and soul, promising to protect all that he is and his way of life for all time?”
“With all my heart.” Hol
ly eyes glistened with unshed tears, the conviction of her belief in their union ringing loud and clear as she answered Asher’s question.
“And Tomas Alistair Youngblood, do you accept this woman, this Christmas Angel, this warrior of the Light, as your own? Do you take her into your heart and soul, promising to protect all that she is and her way of life for all time?”
“Absolutely. Forever and always.”
“Then by the Grace of God and the all the Blessings that come with it, I declare you joined…one heart, one soul, one life for all time. You may seal your bond with a kiss.”
The words had barely left Asher’s mouth before Tomas’ lips were on Holly’s. He heard footsteps as the angels left the Chapel, but his entire world revolved around the woman in his arms. She was all he ever wanted, all he ever needed, and he would spend eternity making her happy.
“Eternity?”
“Yes, my wonderful mate, we now have eternity together. We share everything. We are now as much angel as dragon and with that comes our own special brand of immortality,” Holly answered. “We will have many, many years here and on Earth, and when it is our time, we shall join our ancestors in the Afterlife.”
“This just keeps getting better and better.” Tomas deepened their kiss before asking, “Where would you like to spend your honeymoon?”
He felt her smile against his lips as the world began to swirl around them. “I was thinking there’s four days left of the blizzard and a completely deserted grotto that’s ours for the asking.”
“I like the way you think, a thaise.”
Chapter Eight
Holly had forgotten to tell Tomas about the mating brand. The moment their feet touched the stone of the cave, he yelped in pain and held his right wrist against his chest. “What the…?”
“Sorry, somehow the whole branding thing slipped my mind. Let me see.”
She carefully took his hand into hers and kissed the inside of his wrist where the mark of a shield with wings had been branded into his skin. Holly knew the same mark was now appearing on the inside of her right wrist. It was their sign from God, their blessing, and would remain for all of their days.
The longer her lips remained on Tomas’ body, the warmer his skin became in her hands. Looking up, she saw passion and love in the depths of his deep brown eyes and the sly smile that turned up the corner of his very kissable lips. In one swift move, he had her in his arms, kissing her as if their very lives depended upon it.
Lost to their passion, Holly was pleasantly surprised when her back touched down on the same sleeping bag she’d earlier shared with her mate. The weight of her mate pressing upon her intensified the electric current that was always present when they touched. Their passion reached a fevered pitch and as if a switch had flipped, their kiss ended and Tomas was poised above her, his hands on either side of her head, but the lower half of his body still lying atop hers.
Silently, he stared as if memorizing every detail. Holly opened her mouth to speak but quickly closed it as he slowly shook his head from side to side. “You are absolutely amazing, mo maite’. There is not a more perfect woman in all the Universe and you are mine…now and forever.”
Ever so slowly, he leaned forward and placed a kiss on first one temple and then the other, above one eyebrow and then the other. He continued to show tender adoration with his lips, touching as many places as he could, until he had worked his way to her throat. After long moments of tender kisses that set her skin ablaze, Tomas finally continued to the very top of her matrimonial gown.
He showed immense attention to every freckle, every inch, it felt like every cell, until Holly was a mass of want and need. His hands slowly worked the zipper of her dress downward, stopping only to remove her belt and throw it over his shoulder. Her gown soon followed, leaving her in nothing but white lace panties and a tiny excuse of a strapless bra.
She watched as Tomas’ eyes took in every detail from her waist to the top of her head, leaving a burning trail of desire only he could extinguish. Her nipples hardened against the lace of her bra to just shy the point of pain, and her excitement wet the silk of her panties.
“You are the most amazing creature ever created, Holly Youngblood, and I will love you for all time,” Tomas whispered right before his mouth met hers. They kissed and tasted until Holly knew it was his touch she’d craved for all her many years.
Tomas was everywhere…in her heart, in her soul, in her thoughts, in the very depths of her being. The sensual overload was indescribable. Holly was absolutely insane with need. His hips raised from hers as his fingers slid under the lace on her hip and a slight tug later, she was bare from the waist down. One second later and her dragon had removed her bra, leaving her utterly at his mercy.
Holly lifted her hips in an effort to get his wandering hands where she most needed release, but Tomas rolled to the side, leaving her lying completely exposed before placing one hand flat on the skin above the curls that covered her mound, holding her absolutely still.
Goose bumps rose all over her body. Holly screamed her frustration and ever-growing arousal at the ceiling, using only his name, “Tomas...oh my Heavens…Tomas…”
“Yes, mo aingeal. I’m here.” She loved that he called her his angel in the language of his kin.
He slid down her side, the evidence of his excitement leaving a trail of heat even through the clothing he still wore. Holly tried to sit up. She wanted him naked. She wanted to see all of her mate, but Tomas would have none of it. With a simple look, he stopped her actions, and using his enhanced speed, was bared for her eyes only almost immediately.
“Always and only for you, mo ghra’.” She loved that he could read her thoughts, loved the intimacy they shared.
Tomas knelt between her legs. Their eyes met. Holly was snared, unable to do anything but look into the eyes of the man that was forever hers. He placed his hands under her butt, gently pulling her closer. The head of his erection touched the outer lips of her pussy and her hips lifted in response. Tomas slid between her outer lips and bumped her clit. Rolling her hips, she tried to push him farther inside. They gasped in unison. Tomas’ pupils dilated and finally, his hips began to move.
Their hips met as Tomas seated himself deep within her, only stopping when he reached the very bottom. A feeling of untold bliss rolled over and around them…they were now one in every sense of the word. Savoring the feeling of her womb contracting around her mate, Holly saw that Tomas savored their union just as much as she did. The emotions freely flowing between them heightened the couple’s excitement.
Tomas looked at where their bodies were joined and spoke with incredible reverence, “Look at us, mo aingeal, look where we are joined...always together.”
Holly’s need to move went into overdrive. She needed to feel the release of the orgasm racing through her. Moving with renewed vigor, the angel watched her mate glide in and out of her body. Tomas rolled his hips each time their bodies came together. The change in motion caused him to rub against the super sensitive bundle of nerves at the top of her channel and her clit to make contact with overheated skin on every stroke.
Unable to do anything but feel, Holly let go of everything but the all-encompassing love she felt for Tomas and reached for his hands. His fingers slid between hers just as she screamed her release and it echoed in their special grotto.
Holly returned to earth as Tomas slowly moved in and out of her, their hands still clasped. “Hey there, mo aingeal, how you doin’?”
“Perfect, my love, just perfect.”
Tomas let their hands fall apart, pulled completely out of her, scooped her into his arms, and moved her to the top of their pallet, laying her gently on her side with her head on the rolled up blanket he used as a pillow. He laid facing her, simply smiling and holding her hand. Holly had no idea how long they gazed into one another’s eyes, before he pulled a red velvet pouch tied shut with a golden cord from under their pallet and handed it to her.
“What’s thi
s?” she asked.
“Open it and find out.”
“Tomas...”
“Holly…” He mimicked, winking.
“But I have nothing for you.”
“I have everything I’ll ever want or need, right here…in you. Now, open it or I’ll tickle you until you do.” Tomas grinned and Holly wondered if she would ever grow tired of just looking at her gorgeous dragon.
Carefully opening the pouch, she gasped as she looked inside, looked at Tomas, and shook her head. “It’s…it’s…
“It was my mother’s and now it is yours. So hurry up and get it out of that bag before I bust.”
Holly slowly turned the velvet pouch upside down over her open palm. Her breath caught in her lungs as the largest, most perfect, most beautiful emerald cut Ruby ring landed in her hand. She had never seen anything so stunning in all her life. She looked at Tomas, who took the ring from her palm, turned her left hand over, and slid the ring onto her ring finger
She had no words. For the first time in her very long life, the Christmas Angel was stunned into silence. Tomas leaned forward and kissed her until she was breathless. He then brought her hand to his lips, kissing the tips of each of her fingers and the area just above her ring.
Looking in his eyes, she was finally able to speak, “It is absolutely the most spectacular thing I have ever seen in my life. I will cherish it forever.”
Grinning like a little boy with a secret, her sneaky mate produced another velvet pouch, but this time, he opened it himself. Holly heard the tinkle of tiny bells just a second before a bracelet, perfectly matching the ring he’d just given her, fell into his hand.
Rubies from one end to the other with tiny golden red bells hanging every so often, it was a work of art.
“Tomas, this way too much.”
“This is nothing, my dear Holly. These are merely small tokens of the unimaginable love I feel for you.” He secured the bracelet to her wrist as he spoke. “Just wait until we get to the lair. Emma, our jeweler, has another surprise waiting for you.”
Shaking her head, she looked more closely at the bells hanging from her arm. “What are these made of?” Holly twisted her wrist just to hear the tiny bells ring.