by Renea Porter
“You have to behave, at least until we make it back to the bungalow,” Nathan says.
I grin, because I could not be any happier in this moment, sharing such a special bond with the man I’m meant to be with, the man I will spend the rest of my life with, the man that stole my heart at the beginning of the year. This is a special moment for us.
When he strips out of his clothes, he reaches for my hand and we walk into the water together as it envelopes us. He was right about the water being the perfect temperature. It’s cool, but not too cold. My skin relishes the feeling of it, as it laps at it. I dunk my head under and come back up, smoothing my hair back.
“Come here.” Nathan pulls me close and I wrap my legs around his waist. “Hey, I said behave.”
“I am.” I giggle.
He dunks us both under the water and kisses me. Kissing under water is an experience in itself. The contact of his lips feels smooth over mine. Breaking from the kiss, I swim away from him, laughing as he tries to catch me.
When he catches me, I giggle breathlessly.
“Are you really mine?” he asks.
“I am. I’m all yours, Nathan.”
“Good. Are you ready to go back to the bungalow?”
I nod.
With the water drenching our bodies, we get out and I pull my dress back on as it clings to my body. Nathan dresses and grabs my hand as we trek back to the bungalow. I take in the scenery around me the purest water, the greenest grass; the serenity of it all overwhelms me. It’s peaceful and calming. And it’s practically the best kept secret. I smile as people walk by and bow, pressing their hands together. Nathan and I nod. More food is placed on the steps when we arrive. So much food for two people.
Nathan and I bend down to pick up the trays, four in total. I place the meat tray and the fruit tray down. Nathan juggles the breads and vegetable trays.
“Let’s just put these in the fridge for now,” he suggests with heat filled eyes. “I’m hungrier for you at the moment.”
After placing the trays in the refrigerator, he stalks toward me, hunger filling his eyes and they practically glow. He sweeps my hair to the side and kisses my neck softly. Leaning my neck to the side, I allow him access. His fiery tongue sweeps along my skin.
“Mmm, you taste good,” he says.
Desire pools in my belly, as I reach for the hem of his shirt, pulling it over his head, his pec muscles flexing. Raking my hand over his tanned skin, he sucks in a breath.
“God, Riley,” he whispers.
With my dress now pooled on the floor, I work Nathan’s shorts and his boxers and push them down. His mouth covers mine as his tongue greedily takes over. He runs his hands over my skin, burning it with his touch. The sensation thrills and excites me as my desire filled body begs for more.
Bringing me to the bed, he sits on the edge while I move to straddle him. Moving us to the center of the bed, the canopy curtains sway around us. With Nathan, our love making feels magical. My body begs for him to touch it, in every crevice, over every inch of me. My hair curtains our faces, blocking any light out as I kiss him. He tweaks my nipples with his fingers as I hover over him. Cupping my breast with one hand, his tongue laps over my nipple. Tilting my head back, I let out a moan.
“Let it out, Riley. I want to know how good I make you feel,” he says against my skin.
Adjusting my position, he moves inside me and I rock against his hardness, back and forth. Leaning up, Nathan kisses me. Desire burns inside and comes flooding out as I convulse against Nathan. He lets out a moan and matches my rhythm until we are both spent.
“God. I’ll never last long enough with you.”
“You don’t hear me complaining. Now I’m hungry,” I say while rolling off him.
Removing the food from the refrigerator, none of the food needs heated, so we just make a plate up and eat in bed. Only having breakfast this morning, I’m feeling ravenous. After eating two plates, I’m stuffed and I wrap myself around Nathan while we lie in bed. With my arm across his stomach, my eyes flutter shut, letting exhaustion take over.
***
Waking the next morning, I stretch and feel the empty space beside me. Pulling on my robe, I run my fingers through my hair and go look into the mirror. My eyes are still deep purple with blue sparkles. They are mesmerizing, but not as much as Nathan’s gold irises. I find him in the kitchen making us a plate of breakfast.
“Are you ready to head home today?” he asks.
I sigh. “Not really. I love this place. I never want to leave,” I say wrapping my arms around his neck and hugging him.
“It’s a magical place. And I enjoyed every minute of it, sharing it with you.”
“Mmm, me too.” I kiss him and unlatch myself from him, so we can eat.
“We’ll meet the deacon before we leave and then we’ll be on our way,” he says.
After eating, we shower together and get dressed. But not before he takes me once more before leaving. Hand in hand, I smile like a love sick fool. With our luggage packed, we haul it to the carriage as it arrives to take us to The Manor.
Inside the carriage, the air is thickening around us, like it might rain. Nathan squeezes my hand, while he clutches it. Arriving at The Manor, we are escorted inside and we meet the deacon that bonded us.
Inviting us into his office, he instructs us to sit. The walls are all dark wood and elements of a deep burgundy accentuate the room. The leather chairs sit opposite of his carved wooden desk.
Sitting in the chair, the leather is cool against my skin. The deacon studies us for a moment, inspecting us. When our eyes connect, he sits back, folding his hands on his chest.
“It looks like your bonding was quite successful. I’m impressed with your progression. How do you feel?” he looks at me.
“I feel great. I’m happy. I’m in love.”
“I can see that. It’s in your eyes. Nathan, Riley, you may be dismissed. I wish you both nothing but greatness and a lifelong bond.”
We stand and nod in acceptance and turn to leave.
“See, easy peasy,” Nathan says.
“Gosh, I was nervous, even though you said not to worry about it. I felt like I had to pass a test.”
“Well, you kinda did. But I knew you would. We are bonded for life and we’re immortals now. I can’t wait to introduce you to my brother.”
Back in the carriage, it is taking us back to the car. Our journey has ended here, but our bond is stronger than ever. I feel more powerful than ever, and Nathan probably has something to do with that. We share our magic now, making us a powerful duo. With Nathan’s arm around me, I feel blissful. My state of mine is content, and my soul is at ease while our love blooms inside me.
Love is in the air. I feel it.
Making it to the car, Nathan helps me down from the carriage and the driver loads our luggage in the car while we get settled.
“I don’t want to leave,” I tell Nathan.
“I know. But we have to. At least we get to make our way home, and you get to see Bea. I’m sure she is excited hear how our trip went.” Nathan smiles.
“I’m sure she’s on the edge of her seat waiting for us.”
Nathan takes my hand, bringing it to lips to kiss my fingers.
“You looked so beautiful during our ceremony, in that white dress. You’re definitely going to have to model that for me again.” He smirks.
I swat his arm playfully. I watch out the window as the scenery blurs by.
Chapter Twenty-Two
RILEY
A few hours after being on the road, we arrive home. Once Nathan parks the car, Bea rushes to me, throwing her arms around me.
“How was it?” she asks excitedly.
“It was wonderful,” I say.
“Why don’t you two go catch up and I’ll meet you back here later,” Nathan suggests, followed with a kiss to my forehead.
“Are you sure?”
“Of course.”
Bea throws her arm aroun
d my shoulder as we walk toward the apartment we shared.
“Bea, I can’t even put it into words how beautiful the bonding ceremony was, and the village and the people. It was magical. I hope you get to visit.”
Inside the apartment, it feels foreign to me. I know living here will no longer be my life. My life with Nathan has started and I’m so excited for what the future holds for us. Bea places her hands on my shoulders and looks into my eyes.
“Your eyes are different.”
“Oh my god, you can tell?” I panic, not wanting people to notice.
“I can only tell because I’m a witch, remember? I’m sure your average person wouldn’t notice. They are such a deep purple they almost look like your natural brown color. I see the blue specs throughout, which makes your eyes stand out. So you’re immortal now?”
“I am. Look at this,” I tell her as I pull my sleeve down my shoulder.
“Holy shit, that butterfly looks real. It’s so beautiful and lifelike. Wow, Riley.”
“My eyes and the tattoo turned the day after the ceremony. The deacon and even Nathan said it was a quick transition.”
“Do you feel any different?”
“No. I mean, certain sounds and colors are heightened, but other than that, I don’t feel different. I think it has something to do with the magic Nathan and I share.”
“You’re an immortal witch now. That is all kinds of badass,” Bea says.
I pull on the refrigerator door. “Got anything good to eat?” I scour the contents inside.
“Here, I made your favorite.” Bea reaches for a foil wrapped product off the stove. Shutting the refrigerator door, I move toward her and she hands me the food. Opening the food, I can smell the banana.
“You made me banana bread?” Taking a slice from inside the foil, I immediately bite into it. “Mmmm. Oh, before I forget, tomorrow we are going on a short road trip. Nathan is taking us, well me to meet his brother. You’re coming along. I think you could use a little getaway.”
“Perfect. Is he hot?” Bea twirls a blonde curl in her hand and I can see the deviousness in her eyes.
“Hell, I don’t know. But I’m guessing so if he looks anything like Nathan.” I take another bite of banana bread. “They are twins afterall.”
Bea suddenly grabs my hand. “Oh my god. Did Nathan get you a ring? It’s so freaking gorgeous.”
“Yes, we picked out rings while we were there. I got to pick whatever I wanted. He picked out a silver band to match.”
“It’s beautiful. You deserve all the happiness you are experiencing.”
“Yeah, now we just got to get you hooked up with your person. Speaking of which, have you still been having your visions of the man? Anything new?”
Bea leans against the kitchen counter, her hands gripping the edge. “Still having the visions, but nothing new. Just the same thing.”
“Hmmph.”
“Yeah, it’s really annoying when I can’t place a name with the face or anything.”
“I bet. Okay, well, I better get over to Nathan. Text you later when to meet us outside tomorrow, okay?”
“Okay. See you then.”
I wave and head across the street. Walking inside, the house feels exciting and new and Nathan hangs up the phone just as I walk in.
Excitedly, he grips my shoulders and smiles. “Good news! I got a job over at the high school in the town over. It’s like ten minutes away.”
“Nathan, that’s amazing!” I lean up and hug him tightly. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you. I guess we can start looking at houses. Moving to the next town over, you can still attend college here and be close to Bea. Then after you graduate, we can decide where we want to relocate. The downside of being an immortal is moving around a lot. That way people don’t catch on to us not aging. But we should be good for four to five years anywhere we live.”
“I can understand that. I’m so happy to be starting my life with you. As long as I’m with you, I don’t care where we live.”
Nathan scoops me up in his arms. “Oh that note, I’m taking you to bed.”
I wrap my arms around his neck as he carries me upstairs and into the bedroom. As we start to make love, Nathan pays special attention to my body and how it reacts to his touch. “I’m about to make you feel so good, Riley.” He kisses down my now naked body, starting at my neck and working his way down my stomach, kissing my belly. Placing himself between my legs, he spreads them wider and starts to lick my clit with his tongue, then inserts a finger inside me. My hand reaches down and I run my fingers through his tousled hair.
I feel like I might combust from the adrenaline running through my veins. My back arches and Nathan slides his body back up to me, kissing me fiercely and with hooded eyes. He thrusts inside me and I convulse against him. Nathan releases inside me and rests his forehead on mine while we catch our breath. Nathan rolls to my side and traces my skin with his fingertips.
I breathlessly breathe out. “So I’m meeting your brother tomorrow. What’s he like?”
“You’ll see. He manages a sports bar for a living. Every time he moves, he opens another one by franchising. But he can only keep that up for so long. But you’ll like him. He knows a little about you, about when we first met.”
“Good. What time should I tell Bea to meet us? I told her I’d text her.”
“We’ll leave around one. I’m sure he’ll treat us to lunch. He has a pool table in his basement, so I’m sure he’ll try to show off.”
I giggle. “Boys will be boys.”
“It’ll be fun. Now, try to get some sleep. You had an exciting couple of days. And we are going on another road trip tomorrow.”
***
At exactly one, Bea meets us at the house, dressed to the nines as usual, in her dark skinny jeans and a black sparkly halter top and black pumps, her blonde curls bouncing on her shoulders.
“Geez, look at you Ms. Hot Stuff.”
She laughs. “Well, you never know who you’re gonna meet.”
In the driver’s seat, Nathan chuckles and shakes his head. On the way there, I give Bea the details on what I know about his brother. Nathan refuses to tell us more, figuring we’ll just see when we get there. Since our road trip is over an hour, Bea and I sing along to a few Beyonce songs, as well as Maroon Five. Nathan officially thinks we are crazy.
Laughing and having a good time, we arrive to Nathan’s brother’s place. Ringing the door bell, we wait for him to answer. Bea is standing behind Nathan and me.
A tall dark haired man answers, and immediately, I see the resemblance between him and Nathan. Though he has darker hair, and is about six inches taller, he also has hazel eyes and is well built. Then it hits me.
“Hey, bro,” Nathan says. “This is Riley, my girl, and her friend Bea. Ladies, this is my brother, Alex.”
We move inside and both Bea and I are shell shocked. I’m having trouble forming words when Bea walks right up to him and cups his cheeks in her hands. “Is it really you?” she asks, stunned.
He smiles at her and places his hands over hers. “It’s me.”
Nathan gives me a perplexed look. So I tell him what Bea and I know. “Bea has been having visions of a man. Your brother is her one person. He’s who she is meant to be with. She only ever saw his face, never knew his name or anything like that. She let me see her vision through magic, while you and I were apart. I never thought it would be your brother.”
“I can’t believe you’re real,” Bea says.
“How is all this possible?” Nathan asks, because clearly his brother is not bothered by a young thing touching him and saying the things she is saying.
“Well, seeing how I’ve never been married I always knew I was meant for someone, I contacted an old witch I knew from way back. I asked her to see if I’d ever get married or meet the woman I was supposed to be with. She did a spell and connected with Bea somehow. And that’s when Bea must have started to get her visions. All I saw were those beautifu
l blonde curls and the bluest eyes.”
Bea blushes. Bea never blushes.
“Why don’t we all sit down and eat?” Alex says. Bea is snuggled in the crook of his arm.
My heart is full. Full of love and happiness. My best friend found her one. Already having the food ready, Alex places everything on the table and tells us to help ourselves.
Nathan fills Alex in on how he and I came to be, and about our bond. It’s a bond that Alex and Bea will also share. She’s quiet the whole time we are eating. After eating and talking for an hour, or so, I offer to help clear the table, but Alex insists that he doesn’t need assistance.
“Where’s your bathroom?”
“Oh, it’s right around the corner and to the right,” Alex says.
I wink at Nathan and grab Bea and pull her with me. Finding the restroom, I pull her inside and shut the door.
“Why so quiet? I’ve never known you be at a loss for words,” I tell Bea while putting a hand on my hip.
“Ha ha ha.” She crosses her arms over her chest. “Dude, I never expected to meet the one I’m supposed to be with. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it, you know. It’s crazy. And he’s Nathan’s brother. And he’s just so freaking hot I don’t know how to act. Part of me wants to drag him to the bedroom right now, and part of me wants to be a good girl.” She smirks.
“Well, try to not jump his bones in my presence, please. But seriously, you should loosen up.” I shake Bea’s shoulders. “He won’t bite. Well, I can’t guarantee that, but you know what I mean.” I smile. “Just be yourself. You should be celebrating this moment.”
We find our way back to the kitchen. “Everything okay?” Nathan asks.
I smile. “Yep, everything is fine.”
“We were just going to go down to the basement to shoot pool and have a cigar.”