“You look beautiful,” Garrett whispered to her.
Mabel stood facing east between the circle made of people and the tower positions. Once everyone was settled and quiet, she raised her hands in the air.
§
“For better or worse, in sunshine or in shadows, in this lifetime and the next, I give you all my tomorrows,” Garrett and Gabriella chanted as Mabel wrapped their clutched wrists with a silver chain. As the chain was locked in place with a heart-shaped padlock, Garrett felt his magic-house tattoo start to prickle and burn. Gabriella gasped as both of their magic-house tattoos filled in with color.
A flash of light burst around them. Garrett had a strange wrenching feeling and felt his magic draining away. He looked sharply at Gabriella and, from her pale features, figured she felt the same. Then, a new cooler energy came flooding in. Water began to bubble up from the earth around his feet, while green shoots sprang from the ground around Gabriella and flowered. Sounds of awe came from the people in the surrounding circle.
A sense of euphoria rose on a wave. Blue light surrounded Gabriella, and Garrett smiled as the green light around him merged with hers, turning them both a bright teal color. Then, the light seemed to contract and sink into their skin. Garrett imagined it combining with every cell, every nucleus. His whole body tingled with energy.
“As it is commanded, so mote it be,” Mabel intoned.
§
“I hope I find my Destined One,” Chelsea sighed. Gabriella smiled. Her new sisters-in-law were such romantics. The ceremony was over, and everyone had adjourned to the tables and chairs under the tent. Garrett squeezed Gabriella’s hand and pulled out the chair at the small table for two. One of the house staff hurried over with a plate of fruit and cakes.
“The ceremony was so romantic. And when the flowers grew up around your feet, well, I could feel the earth welcoming you. It was so beautiful, I wanted to cry.” Eileen wrung her hands and sniffled.
“Dad is motioning you over to his table, girls. You better take your seats or you won’t get any food,” Garrett warned. Garrett’s father held a chair for Venetia to sit as the girls hurried over.
“You wanted them gone.”
Garrett winked. “Don’t get me wrong. I love my little sisters. I just wanted a moment alone with my Destined One. I have something for you.” Gabriella felt a moment of panic. She didn’t have a gift for Garrett.
He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a little black box before handing it to her.
“Garrett, you shouldn’t have. I have nothing to give you in return.” Gabriella opened the box and gasped. Inside sat a diamond and sapphire engagement ring and wedding band.
“Yes, you do. The answer ‘yes.’ Gabriella Mwynen Ross, will you marry me? I know I should have asked you before the ceremony. But the ring wasn’t delivered in time. Mabel will sign a marriage certificate for us if you will agree to make the ceremony legal.”
“Garrett, you don’t have to do this. The ceremony is binding enough.” Gabriella ran her fingers over the beautiful jewels.
“But I want to. I want the whole world to know you are mine, Gabriella. Not just the witches, but everyone. Say yes. I want to share everything with you.”
“All right, Garrett. If you really want to. Yes.”
Garrett grabbed her face in both hands and kissed her soundly. Gabriella heard laugher and whistles coming from the people around them. But she didn’t care. All she cared about was the man whose eyes had turned a molten purple.
Garrett released her and reached for the box of rings and her left hand. First, he slid the wedding band on her ring finger and followed it with a kiss. Then he slipped on the engagement ring.
“Much better. I thought the sapphires would match your eyes.”
“The rings are exquisite, Garrett. I love them.” For a moment, the words I love you rested on her tongue, wanting to be said. But she pulled them back. It was still too soon. Maybe someday, she would feel free to share her feelings with him.
“Garrett? I hope I’m not interrupting,” a shy voice said. Gabriella looked up to see Elise, the Guardian’s healer, an air witch. Garrett stood up, and the woman stepped into his arms. Gabriella didn’t like the easy way they moved together, as if they were more than just friends. Am I jealous?
“I’m so happy that you found your Destined One. You deserve all the happiness in the world, both of you,” Elise continued, stepping back from Garrett and smiling at Gabriella. “I hope we will become good friends, Gabriella. Garrett is my oldest and dearest friend. I am sure you will take good care of him.”
Gabriella almost thought the woman was warning her. But Elise radiated good will and friendliness, so that couldn’t be right.
“Are you ready to go, Elise?” Councilman Brant stepped up to the table.
“Councilman Brant has offered to take me home by way of the Coffee House. I feel a mocha frap calling my name.” Elise smiled at the man now standing at her side.
Garrett looked slightly confused. He shook hands with the Councilman and watched as Brant led Elise away.
“Are you okay?” Gabriella asked when he finally sat back down. What exactly did Garrett feel for that woman?
“Yes, I’m fine. It’s strange that Elise would go off with Brant like that. She is normally shy and reserved. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her do that before.”
“She’s a grown woman. He’s a Councilman. I think she will be perfectly safe.”
“I’m sure you’re right. It took me by surprise.” Garrett turned to look at Gabriella, his gaze heating. “When do you think we can sneak away?”
§
Garrett couldn’t wait to get Gabriella away from everyone and all to himself. Now that she had agreed to sign the marriage certificate, the Destined One ceremony would not just bind their magic; it would be legally binding. He wanted to make love to her all night.
He wrapped his arm around her waist and fingered the silver chain that was used in the ceremony. The pretty heart-shaped lock kept the chain firmly around her middle. He liked that the ceremony included his fastening it around her. He was possessive enough to enjoy the symbolism. The same thing applied to the rings he had gifted her with. He wanted everyone to know that Gabriella was his.
A string quartet started tuning up, and Garrett sighed. As guests of honor, he and Gabriella couldn’t sneak out early. He picked up his flute of champagne. Somehow, he needed to be patient. A single sip let him know champagne wasn’t the answer. He pushed the food around on his plate and finally chose to eat a strawberry. The fruit was nice and sweet. He picked up a second strawberry and offered it to Gabriella.
She smiled and nodded. But instead of placing the fruit on her plate, he put it up to her lips. The color of her eyes darkened like storm-swept seas, and Garrett repressed a moan.
When the tip of her tongue licked at the fruit, he shuddered. He pushed the pointed end of the fruit a little harder against her red lips.
Her lips opened, and he pushed the fruit deeper into her mouth. His body responded, and he worried about his reaction while surrounded by so many people. She bit down next to his fingers, leaving the green leaves in his hand.
He watched her face, entranced as she enjoyed the sweet bite. Unable to help himself, he kissed her lips, sucking the juice from their softness before diving in to taste the last subtle sweetness left in her mouth.
When they both came up for air, Gabriella was crushed to his chest, her arms wrapped around his neck. His hands buried deep in her hair. “We need to leave. Now,” Garrett insisted.
§
Garrett held Gabriella around the waist and ported them to his townhouse in London. At their arrival, candles magically lit around the room. Gabriella smiled at the rose petals sprinkled on the sheets and the soft music playing on the stereo.
“Your sisters?”
“I would think so, maybe with a little help.” Garrett continued to hold her, his fingers running around the chain at her waist. She k
new he had the key to the little heart-shaped lock in his pocket and wondered when he would deign to remove it from her waist.
“I want to make love to you. The last few hours at my father’s drove me crazy.”
“Really?” Gabriella reached up to unbutton Garrett’s white shirt. She took her time, making sure to brush his chest with her fingers as she released each button.
“Feeding you the strawberry was nearly my undoing. I wasn’t sure I could keep myself from throwing you over my shoulder and leaving right then.”
Gabriella reached up and removed the floral wreath from her head the girls had made. She threw it onto a chair and let down her hair. Garrett had left his wreath on the table at the reception.
“But you didn’t,” Gabriella said. Her hands returned to his chest, slipping inside his shirt to feel each muscle.
“No, I didn’t …” He buried his hands in her hair and pulled her close to kiss her. Gabriella sighed. Garrett wasn’t the only one who wanted this. Saying goodbye to all those guests had driven her crazy too.
He licked, and teased, and then nipped, demanding entrance. Gabriella shuddered and opened her lips to him. He thrust inside, claiming and conquering. She loved it and responded with a little claiming of her own. She sucked his tongue deep and wouldn’t let him retreat until she wanted to release him. He moaned, pulling her head back, pushing his tongue deeper.
She felt the knot on one shoulder of her dress release, and cool air blew over her skin. Garrett’s fingers ran around the bra that kept her from his touch. She pushed against his hand, wanting the bra gone and the warmth of his hand resting on her skin.
Garrett kissed her below her ear and moved down to her neck. Gabriella found the button of his trousers and released it before slipping her hand inside to find his steel length. She brushed her fingers over him, teasing him in his briefs. Then, it was his turn to push against her hand and demand that she remove the fabric impeding her touch.
Garrett released the second knot, and the top of her dress fell around her waist. With a quick flick of his fingers, her bra was undone and slipped to the floor. Garrett’s warm hands settled over her breasts, kneading and massaging as he continued to kiss her neck and shoulders.
Gabriella released the last two buttons of his trousers, and they, too, slipped to the floor. When he went to step out of them, she pushed down his underwear, as well, and finally he stood gloriously naked and erect. Her hand surrounded his hardness and squeezed gently.
He pushed against her hand, and she squeezed a little harder. Garrett pulled her dress under the chain, and it slipped free to the floor. He cupped her and found her panties damp. He pushed down her underwear, and she, too, was naked except for the silver chain around her waist.
He leaned down and took her nipple into his mouth. He sucked hard, then rolled the nubbin with his tongue. Gabriella moaned and wrapped one arm around his neck to hold him in place. It feels so good.
Garrett released her nipple with a pop and took the other one into his mouth. Gabriella moaned and stepped closer. Teasing both of them, she rubbed the head of his steel shaft against her wet core.
“You’re killing me, baby. I wanted our first time to last.”
“Next time,” Gabriella panted. “I need you inside me.”
Garrett lifted her. “Put your legs around my waist.”
Gabriella complied and helped lead him into her hot core. She groaned at the feeling of fullness as she sank down on his shaft. Garrett gripped her butt and encouraged her to rise up and then drop back down.
“More, I need more,” Gabriella complained.
Garrett walked them over to the bed and laid her down. He began to pound into her, pushing deep. A wave of longing overtook her, and she began to tremble. Her nails bit into his back as she tried to hold on. She panted while pushing up to meet his thrusts. She was close, so close.
“Garrett!”
“I know, baby.” Garrett reached down and tweaked the little bundle of nerves between her legs. She exploded, calling his name. She floated free. Garrett groaned and stiffened and joined her in the ether.
They both came down in a tangle of limbs. Garrett rose up, but Gabriella pulled him back down, running her hands over the muscles in his back. “Not yet, I want to feel your weight.”
“I don’t want to crush you, baby.”
“You won’t. Hold me.”
Garrett tightened his arms around her. “Ella, I’m never letting you go.”
Chapter Eight
Garrett leaned down and pulled the covers over them. Gabriella lay tight against him. He chuckled and rolled onto his side. She pushed against his length and snuggled down. They had slept a couple of hours after making love.
Most of the candles had gone out, leaving only two to spill a little light onto the bed. The velvet duvet lay on the floor, but the sheet was all they needed tonight. It lay gently across Ella’s waist, bringing his eyes to the silver chain still locked around her body. He would have to retrieve the key from his shirt pocket and remove the lock.
Garrett fingered Ella’s long black curls flowing across the pillow. He picked one up and began to brush the silkiness against her breast. She shivered and wiggled closer. His body responded, growing hard with wanting her. He kissed her shoulder and licked her neck before sucking her earlobe into his mouth. He bit down lightly, and moved back to her neck. All the while, he brushed her hair lightly over her breast and around her nipple.
The little nubbin grew harder and longer the more he teased it. Gabriella whimpered, and Garrett decided to stop tormenting that side. He leaned over and sucked her nipple into his mouth while bringing her hair over to the other side and brushing lightly against it.
“Garrett,” Gabriella sighed and ran her fingers through his hair.
Garrett continued to lick and suck while using her hair to tickle and tease the other nipple. He released her nubbin from his mouth when she pulled on his hair, forcing his head up.
“What?” he asked.
“Stop teasing me.”
“I thought you liked what I was doing.”
“I do, it’s just that you’re driving me crazy.”
“I hope so, Ella. I wouldn’t be a very good Destined One if I couldn’t drive you crazy.”
Gabriella pushed him over onto his back and straddled him. “Then, I guess I need to drive you crazy for a while.”
Garrett reached up and pinched her nipples before rolling the nubbins in his fingers. She retaliated by leaning down and sucking his nipple into her mouth. He chuckled. She was determined to give as good as she got. He liked that about her. Her hair swept forward over his chest, tickling his flesh with each breath he took. He reached up and tucked her hair behind her shoulder.
She switched sides, licking and nipping his chest before she sucked the second nipple into her mouth. Garrett’s body hardened even more. If she continued this way, he’d explode.
He lifted her body up, and then lowered her hot warmth over his shaft. He raised his hips so he could thrust up, filling her to the fullest. She moaned against his chest before she bit down on the nubbin in her mouth.
Garrett shuddered as he lifted his hips again to meet her downward stroke. So much for soft and easy. She inflamed him. All he could think about was getting deeper inside her, joining their bodies until nothing could keep them apart.
“Ella, I’m not going to last, honey.”
“It’s okay, I’ll catch up later.”
Garrett grabbed her waist and rolled, pinning her beneath him. “You’ll catch up now.”
Gabriella panted as he pumped harder within her. In and out, building the tension, until she writhed under him. He leaned down and sucked her nipple into his mouth, then bit down on the sweet berry. Gabriella shuddered and came with a rush. “Garrett …”
Her muscles clamped down around him, holding him tight. He pumped his hips, once, twice, and joined her in ecstasy.
Garrett gathered her close, running his hands over her b
ack and shoulders. “I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you. I wanted this time to be soft and sweet.”
Gabriella laughed. “I guess we’ll have to keep trying.” She yawned and slipped off his body, laying her head on his shoulder.
He brushed her hair off her face and kissed her lightly on the nose. “Give me an hour and we can try again.”
“Let’s make it a few hours. I’m all tired out for some reason.” Ella kissed his mouth and closed her eyes, slipping her palm under her cheek.
“Sleep well, baby.” Garrett wasn’t surprised when she didn’t answer. She was already fast asleep.
He slipped from the bed, and retrieved the key to the heart shaped lock, before returning to Ella’s side of the bed. He hesitated. He liked knowing she wore the chain. Shaking his head he leaned down and released the lock. He pulled gently on the chain wrapping it around his hand as it came free from Ella’s waist. She was his Destined One. He didn’t need a chain around her waist to prove it.
§
Gabriella woke in a rush. Sun streamed through the windows. She and Garrett hadn’t set an alarm last night, but from the amount of sunlight in the room, she guessed they had overslept. Garrett lay wrapped around her with his arm holding her waist and a leg thrown over her thighs. His face was buried in her neck, and his breath tickled her ear with each exhalation.
She tried to move, but his arm tightened and drew her back close. She smiled, her heart warming at his possessiveness, even in his sleep. He certainly fulfilled her dreams as an attentive lover. She was achy in parts she didn’t know could get achy. She could use a soak in a hot bath.
Garrett’s cell phone began to ring. He groaned and rolled over to answer it.
“Amhurst. What do you mean they’ve been taken? All right, I’ll be in the office in an hour.”
Gabriella sat up, worried by the tone of his voice. “What is it? Who was taken?”
Destined Magic Page 8