Bound by Light

by Tracey Jane Jackson

  “We’re almost there,” Thane said, and took her hand. “Just over this ridge.”

  Sydney couldn’t keep her mouth closed as they crossed the drawbridge and pulled into a large courtyard. It was like a little city within the remote country setting with people milling around, she assumed preparing for the guests who would arrive in a week.

  The car was met by very official gentlemen in kilts, and one opened her door while the other opened Thane’s. “We’ll get your bags, sir,” the man closest to Thane said.

  Thane nodded and held his hand out to Sydney. She took it and they made their way to the front door. It opened before they could ring the bell and Thane smiled. “Good day, Mr. Winston.”

  “Mr. Allen, welcome. Miss Warren.”

  Sydney smiled. “Hi.”

  She was surprised he knew her name.

  He’s prepared for everything, love.

  They were ushered into a roomy foyer and then into the great hall. Sydney tried not to look overly awed, but she couldn’t help it. It was magnificent. Three stories high, with balconies peering down from the top floors, the ceiling came to a large arch with a wooden beam running the length of the room, holding six chandeliers.

  The fireplace was almost as tall as it was wide, and looked like it could fit several large men, and it was lit, not that it warmed the large space. The room was set up in sections. A massive table was off to the left, with tall chairs surrounding it.

  To the right was a sitting area in front of the fire. Three sofas and two overstuffed chairs surrounded a coffee table that looked rather modern in the historical home. The third section housed a piano, with folding chairs propped against the wall.

  “You made it!” A woman with long brown hair carrying a swaddled bundle came walking towards them.

  Thane bowed. “Majesty.”

  “Oh, stop!” she demanded. “I’m going to get enough of that nonsense next week.”

  Thane chuckled. “Samantha, may I present my mate, Sydney. Sweetheart, this is Her Majesty, Queen Samantha.”

  Samantha sighed. “Seriously?”

  Thane laughed. “Sorry, couldn’t resist.”

  “Call me Samantha, or better yet, Sam,” she said. “Please.”

  Sydney smiled. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Samantha. Is this Phineas?”

  “Yes.” Samantha turned him so they could get a better look. “He’s finally sleeping.”

  “We should probably whisper, then,” Sydney suggested, but Samantha shook her head.

  “He needs to learn to sleep through the noise. It’s what we did with Liam and he’ll sleep anywhere now.”

  “Smart,” Sydney said.

  An older woman walked into the room and held her arms out. “Shall I put him down, Majesty?”

  “Yes, Bearnas, thank you.” She handed the baby off and then hugged Thane and Sydney. “Come on, I’ll show you to your room. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve put you in together. I figured since tomorrow’s your bonding night, it means you don’t have to move.”

  “That’s perfect, Sam, thank you,” Thane said.

  They followed Samantha up the staircase to the left of the foyer and to the third door down. She pushed open the door and stepped inside, and Thane guided Sydney in front of him.

  A large bed with ornately carved posts held a canopy draped in dark red velvet. Also in the room was a dresser and two high-backed chairs that faced a small fireplace, sitting between two large windows. Their bags sat at the end of the bed waiting for them to unpack.

  “You have a bathroom right through that door.” Samantha pointed to the door beside the bed. “And your closet has another bureau. Please make yourselves at home. We aren’t formal here... well, we aren’t right now.” She giggled. “The party will be a little different.”

  “It’s going to be great,” Thane said.

  “I think so, too.” Samantha smiled. “Dinner’s at six and we won’t dress up. Just come as you are. I have to feed the baby, but come downstairs when you’re settled and we’ll have some wine before dinner.”

  “Thanks for everything,” Sydney said.

  Samantha squeezed her hand. “You’re so welcome, Sydney. Don’t worry about tomorrow night. I promise, it’s going to be great.”

  Sydney nodded as she leaned against Thane.

  “I’ll see you in a few.”

  Sam left and Sydney wrapped her arms around Thane. “This room is unreal.”

  He smiled. “Aye, lass, ’tis.”

  “And this is where it’ll happen?”

  Thane gave her a gentle squeeze. “If you feel comfortable, aye. If not, we can go somewhere else.”

  “I feel great, honey. I wish we could do this tonight.”

  “We can at midnight if you want to.”

  “Oh, I don’t want to put anyone out,” Sydney said.

  “We won’t be putting anyone out,” he said, and kissed her forehead.

  She leaned back. “Honey, this isn’t our home, you can’t just wave your movie star card and demand they do what you say.”

  Thane grinned. “What’s this nonsense you’re saying, milady? All must kowtow to me.”

  Sydney giggled. “Hm-mm, you feel free to believe that. Quietly. In your mind, so only I hear it.”

  He laughed and leaned down to kiss her. “All right, love, we’ll wait.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Shall we unpack and then head downstairs?”

  Sydney nodded. “Perfect.”

  As they were unpacking, Sydney’s phone rang and she smiled as she answered it. “Hey, Luce.”

  “Hey. How’s the trip going?”

  “So far, so good. Miss me?”

  Lucy giggled. “So, so bad. Especially because you’re missing all the drama.”

  “Uh-oh, what drama?”

  “Zach’s just being a dick. He’s sending threatening texts and leaving dead flowers on my car and stuff.”

  “Why would he do that?”

  “I have no idea, but Dad’s team is on it, so I’m not worried. It’s just that now security’s tightened, which means, no fun for Lucy.”

  Sydney hummed sympathetically. “I’m sorry, cuz. Next time, you’ll just have to come with us. You’d love it up here.”

  “You’re on. For now, though, Mum’s calling, so I better go. Send me some photos, would you?”

  “Of course.”

  “Love you, Sid.”

  “Love you too, Luce.” Sydney hung up and went back to her unpacking.

  * * *

  Sydney followed Thane downstairs and into the great hall. Pepper pushed herself out of her seat, holding baby Chelsea close to her breast, and pulled Sydney in for a hug. “Welcome.”

  “Hi,” Sydney said, and hugged her.

  “Careful, love,” Connall ordered.

  “Bite me, honey,” Pepper retorted, and her mate chuckled, but still watched her closely. “He’s extra protective of this little one. Dating’s going to be a nightmare.”

  “We don’t date, love. Remember that.”

  Pepper smiled. “Her bonding night’s going to be a nightmare.”

  “Och, Pepper, no bonding in regards to our daughter,” Connall demanded.

  “See?”

  Sydney giggled and kissed the baby’s head. “She’s beautiful.”

  “Thank you.”

  Sydney and Thane greeted the rest of the family and she found herself a little intimidated by Kade. It might have been because she knew he was a king, but it was also his countenance. He was regal and hovered over his wife like any overprotective man would.

  Thane kissed her temple. We all hover, love. Don’t let it scare you.

  She gave him a barely perceptible nod.

  “Do you want some wine, Sydney?” Samantha asked.

  “I would love some,” she said as she sat beside Thane on one of the love seats.

  “Red or white?”

  “Red, please.”

  A glass of red appeared before her on a tray held
by a young woman in uniform.

  “Thank you,” Sydney said, smiling at her.

  “So,” Samantha said. “We were wondering how you might feel about bonding at midnight.”

  Sydney glanced at Thane and he raised his hands in surrender. “I said nothing, love.”

  She narrowed her eyes.

  “Seriously. I’ve been with you all day. When would I have?”

  Samantha giggled. “I take it this subject came up?”

  “Aye,” Thane said. “Sydney didn’t want to put anyone out.”

  “Oh, it’s fine, Sydney,” Samantha assured her. “We don’t go to sleep early when we’re here, so if you want to bond as soon as your birthday’s official, please feel free to.”

  “We’ll talk about it,” Thane said. “Okay, love?”

  Sydney nodded, forcing her nerves down.

  It’ll be fine, sweetheart.

  She nodded again. “We’ll talk about it,” she parroted.

  “You let me know what you want to do and we’ll organize the staff.”

  “Thank you, Samantha,” Sydney said.

  “No problem.”

  “We’ll all be here,” Pepper added. “So, you have nothing to worry about.”

  “Aye, Sydney,” Payton said. “We’re here for you.”

  “I appreciate it.”

  Thane linked his fingers with hers and lifted her hand to his lips.

  The rest of the evening went by in a blur of sorts. Sydney couldn’t really focus on much, as her mind was preoccupied by the fact that in a few short hours, she would be permanently bound to the man who stayed glued to her the entire night. She wasn’t nervous, although, she wondered if she should be. Everything was happening very quickly.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  AT ELEVEN FORTY-FIVE, Thane pulled her aside and gave her a sweet kiss. “Do you want to go up and I’ll join you shortly?”

  Sydney nodded.

  “Are you all right, love?” he asked, and stroked her cheek. “We can wait.”

  “I don’t want to wait, Thane.” She smiled. “I’m excited. It’s just a little overwhelming.”

  “I know.” He squeezed her hand. “I’ll see you in a little bit.”

  Sydney walked up to their room and found the lingerie she’d packed for their special night. After changing, she stepped into the bathroom to brush out her hair and clean her teeth. She heard the bedroom door click shut and walked out of the bathroom to find Thane pulling off his shirt.

  Sydney leaned against the doorframe and watched him.

  He caught sight of her and his eyes swept her body. “Shite, love.”

  She giggled. “Do you approve?”

  “Aye. You’re stunning.”

  “So are you.” She moved further into the room. “Now what?”

  Thane smiled. “First, I’m going to kiss you, because I have to.”

  She snapped her fingers. “Well, hustle on over here, then.”

  He closed the distance between them and covered her mouth with his. She couldn’t help herself from sliding her hand up his chest, breaking the kiss and sighing. “You’re ridiculously gorgeous, Thane Allen.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Yeah.”

  The little clock on the fireplace mantel chimed twelve times and he cupped her cheek. “Do you want wine first or do you want to start?”

  “I want to start.”

  “Me too,” he said. “Okay, repeat after me. “Ég gef þér allt sem ég er, allt sem ég vil vera og allt sem ég get verið.”

  “Oh, that’s easy,” she droned sarcastically.

  “I’ll think it as we go, so pull the words from my mind,” he suggested. “Ready?”

  Sydney nodded.

  “Ég gef þér allt sem ég er, allt sem ég vil vera og allt sem ég get verið.”

  “Ég gef þér allt sem ég er, allt sem ég vil vera og allt sem ég get verið.” Sydney felt her knees buckle and she grabbed for Thane.

  He wrapped an arm around her waist. “I’ve got you, sweetheart.”

  “Okay.” Sydney raised her arms and linked her fingers behind his neck.

  “Ég er þinn að eilífu. Skuldabréf okkar mun aldrei vera brotinn.”

  “Ég er þinn að eilífu. Skuldabréf okkar mun aldrei vera brotinn.” Sydney held onto his neck a little harder.

  “I won’t let you fall, love,” Thane promised. “It’s part of the bonding. Ready?” At her nod, he continued, “Ást mín er alger.”

  “Ást mín er alger.”

  Thane lifted her before she could fall, and carried her to the bed. After he removed the rest of his clothing, he climbed onto the bed beside her and pulled her into his arms. “I give you everything I am, all I want to be, and all I can be. I’m yours forever. Our bond will never be broken. My love is absolute.” He was gentle and attentive as he made love to her and she relished in the feeling of her body reaching for him of its own accord.

  “That was amazing,” she breathed out as they lay in bed and caught their breath.

  He smiled, kissing her gently. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.” She kissed his chest. “What happens now?”

  Thane chuckled. “We wait.”

  “I don’t like to wait.”

  “What?” he asked in mock surprise. “I had no idea.”

  She laughed and smacked his chest gently. “I just want all this over with.”

  “I get it, love.”

  “Sorry, that’s not very romantical is it?”

  “Romantical?”

  Sydney grinned. “Something my mom always said.”

  “I love it.”

  “She hated anything to do with schmultz. It was about the only thing we disagreed on. Anytime I wanted to watch a movie, she’d say, “It’s not one of those romantical ones, is it?” It just kind of stuck.” Sydney smiled, realizing her pain wasn’t quite as heavy as she talked about her mom.

  “I’m glad, love.”

  “You can still read my mind, I see.”

  Thane chuckled. “You were hoping for a different result?”

  Before she could respond, hot fire shot through her legs and she cried out in agony.

  “All right, love, it’s starting. It’s okay, I’ve got you.”

  The pain shifted to her feet and she whimpered, but she never got the chance to get used to the pain, because it moved to her left breast. This time she screamed. “I can’t do this,” she panted. “I can’t.”

  Thane kept hold of her hand as he slid from the bed. “You can, sweetheart, I promise.”

  The fire licked at her stomach and then headed straight for her skull. Sydney groaned, trying to grab for her head, but Thane wouldn’t let her. “Thane!”

  “I have to stay connected to you,” he said, and reached for his phone. “It’s the only way I can alleviate any of your pain.” With one hand, he grabbed a pair of sweats and tugged them on, then called Samantha.

  Sydney couldn’t focus on anything Thane was doing as the pain raged on in her body. Everything was on fire. “Thane,” she rasped.

  He squeezed her hand. “I know, sweetheart. Sam’s on her way. It won’t be long.”

  “I’m so hot.”

  “Okay, love. We’re going to help.”

  * * *

  A knock came at the door and Samantha slid in quietly, followed by Bearnas. The maid headed straight to the bathroom and Thane heard the water in the tub start. Another maid arrived with a bucket and also headed into the bathroom. Kade and Samantha had ice machines installed in each of the bathrooms, which helped with convenience, particularly in a situation like this. The Cauld Ane rarely got sick, but if they did, ice always helped to heal what ailed them.

  “Pepper’s coming with ice sheets,” Samantha whispered, and made her way to Sydney’s side. “I’m going to take your pulse, Sydney. You’ll feel my fingers on your wrist, okay?”

  Okay.

  Thane smiled at Samantha. “She’s ready.”

  Samantha grasped Sydney�
�s wrist and Sydney let out a hiss of pain. “Take it from her, Thane,” Samantha directed. “You’re not focusing.”

  Thane nodded and concentrated on Sydney. She relaxed in stages as he kissed her palm.

  “Good, Thane,” Sam said. “Her pulse is slowing.”

  “The bath is ready, majesty,” Bearnas said.

  Samantha smiled at Sydney. “Thane’s going to carry you into the bathroom, Sydney. It might hurt a bit, but the ice will help.”

  Sydney licked her lips. “I don’t like the cold.”

  “You will now.” Samantha squeezed her hand. “I promise.”

  At Samantha’s nod, Thane lifted Sydney off the bed, trying to ignore her whimper as he carried her into the bathroom and lowered her into the ice water. Sydney let out a sigh and then opened her eyes. “Better. Thank you.”

  “Good, love.”

  “Can I please have some water?”

  “I’ll get it,” Samantha said, and grabbed a glass, filling it from the tub and handing it to her.

  Sydney gulped it down, choking a little as she drank.

  “Slow down, love,” Thane ordered.

  “I’m so thirsty.”

  “That’s normal, Sydney,” Samantha said. “As soon as the worst is over, I’ll set up a drip to rehydrate you.”

  “Can I have some more water, please?” she pleaded.

  “Yes, of course.” Samantha filled the glass again. This time Sydney sipped a little slower.

  Thane’s heart raced as he watched Sydney’s body burn red. She cried out again as the glass slipped from her fingers, but he caught it before it shattered against the porcelain tub. “Shite! What’s happening to her?”

  “Her body’s expelling her human elements. It’s okay, Thane. We just need to cool the water. Don’t lose touch.” Samantha reached in and pulled the stopper, letting a little water escape while Bearnas began to dump buckets of ice into the water. Samantha secured the tub again and then took the glass from Thane and refilled it.

  Thane knelt on the floor and kissed Sydney’s hand gently. “I’m here, love. I won’t let go.”

  She smiled and turned her head toward him, but didn’t open her eyes. “I’m okay, honey. It’s better now.”