by CJ England
Gallegar's cheeks reddened at the reference to taking her blood for pleasure. While it was one of the ways a vampire made love, he still worried about Kira when he did so. Stepping forward, he touched his mouth to the curve of her neck. Knowing some in the wedding party might be uncomfortable with him taking her blood in the accepted manner; he leaned back and took her hand instead. Carefully, he used the dagger on her, letting several drops of her blood join his in the golden cup. “I accept your gift. May the Power bless us both, and with this blood, I bind my life to yours."
"Then drink of this symbol of life.” Danolas’ voice was filled with satisfaction.
Gallegar took the chalice back from Kira and brought it to his lips. “I drink of our life together.” He handed it to Kira, but kept his hand over hers as she also drank. When she was finished, she lifted shining eyes to his.
"I drink of our life together."
Danolas cleared his throat, his own eyes suspiciously bright. A glance around at the other Chosen showed he wasn't the only one so affected. He took back the cup and as Gallegar returned the dagger to Kira's waist, the witch turned, this time lifting a set of silver rings from the altar. They were ornately carved with mystical Gaelic symbols of protection and promise. One large, one small, he held them out to the couple. “These rings signify the journey you both now embark on. Like a circle ... like your love, they are without beginning or end. They are a symbol of completeness, of continual renewal. Do you accept them?"
"We do,” Gallegar and Kira said in unison.
Danolas handed the smaller ring to Gallegar. “I do not have the right to bind you to this woman. Only you can make that choice. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring on her finger."
A smile touched the dark man's sensuous lips. “It is my wish.” He slid the band on Kira's ring finger. Then he pulled her engagement ring from his pocket and eased that on as well. Her pleased smile nearly blinded him. “By the life that courses in my blood, and the love within my heart, I take you, Kira, to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen mate. As this ring encircles your finger, from this day forward, throughout eternity, so too, will my love forever encircle you. Will you accept my pledge of love?"
"I will."
Nodding, Danolas handed the larger ring to Kira. “I do not have the right to bind you to this man. Only you can make that choice. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring on his finger."
Kira let her gaze caress the vampire's face. “It is my wish.” She put the circle of silver on Gallegar's left ring finger. “By the life that courses within my blood, and the love within my heart, I take you, Gallegar, to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen mate. As this ring encircles your finger, from this day forward, throughout eternity, so too, will my love forever encircle you. Will you accept my pledge of love?"
Gallegar's voice was gruff as he answered. “I will."
"Let these rings be a symbol for all to see these two have been joined. And as the rings symbolize eternity being without beginning or end, let this mating also last forever.” Danolas took both their hands in his. “As your hands are joined together, now so shall your lives and spirits be united in a union of love, trust, and mutual understanding."
Taking his staff, Danolas circled it over the couple. “Heart to thee, Soul to thee, Body to thee. Forever and always, so mote it be.
The crowd answered him. “So mote it be."
Grinning, the high priest took a step back. “Now, Gallegar, would you like to kiss your bride?"
The vampire swept Kira into his arms. “I thought you'd never ask."
* * * *
"Danolas did a great job spelling up this meadow,” Patrick said, his brown eyes gazing over the flower-strewn glade. Set outside The Keep, the area was the size of a baseball field, complete with trees, swaying wildflowers and a babbling brook. Night birds called, their song almost lost in the excited murmurings of the wedding guests. The Ethereal appreciated the illusion. He was partial to using them himself. He grinned and stroked his goatee. “It feels like the real thing."
Koran bit carefully into a soft pastry as he took in the garlanded altar and sumptuous buffet tables. Supernaturals of all kinds milled around, talking and eating the delicious food. Chef Louie had outdone himself for Kira's wedding. “It is an exact replica of the place Gallegar first saw Kira in his dreams. He fell in love with her there. He wanted to pledge himself to her in the same place.” The faerie chuckled, his amber gaze amused. “I wanted to help, but I had my hands full with Kira. You would think she and Gallegar had not been together at all, as nervous as she was. I was in and out of the loft constantly, answering questions and soothing her worries."
The Ethereal grinned as well, a dimple appearing in his handsome face. “I had a few calls from Gallegar myself. I guess getting married can be nerve racking."
"We have literally fought demons from Hell and won, but Gallegar went pale when it came to choosing a tux.” Koran looked over to where Kira and Gallegar were dancing, wrapped closely in each other's arms. The dark man wore an elegantly tailored tuxedo with a deep green silk shirt. He'd forgone a tie, leaving his neck exposed, so whorls of dark chest hair could be seen. “I swear, by the time we were done, I was ready to magick one up myself, just so he would be done with it."
Patrick nodded. “I hear the same thing happened with Kira and her dress. Wound up having Danolas make one for her.” He glanced at the woman who'd changed his life. “But she does look beautiful in it."
"She does at that."
"This day was important to both of them,” Patrick went on. “After all the fighting and death, we needed a day to celebrate life."
Koran grunted his agreement, as he wolfed down one of Louie's special shrimp crullers. “I am just glad things have been quiet for the last couple months. Gallegar would never have agreed to take their honeymoon to Ireland, if we were still having problems."
"You think the demons have given up?” the shade asked, skeptically.
"No.” The faerie swallowed another bite. “This war is just getting started. When we took control over the Gate of Hell and re-established the Gate of Heaven, we dealt them a severe blow, but just putting wardings around the gates will not prevent the demons from finding another way out."
"They're probably just licking their wounds. They will attack again, and this time they won't underestimate us."
"But we have got a weapon they cannot fight against,” Koran replied. “One they do not even understand."
"You're right.” Patrick smiled, his white teeth flashing against his tanned skin. “They will never win out over the power of love."
* * * *
Across the meadow, Benjamin and Lucas stood near the banquet tables, their plates piled high with food. The Suprahuman looked askance at the mound of food the wolf man carried. Lucas might be hurting, but it wasn't affecting his appetite. But then ... nothing ever had. “Got enough there?"
Lucas grinned sheepishly and ran a hand through his short-cropped blonde hair. “I'm starving. Been too busy to eat much."
Benjamin snorted. His red glowing eyes were free from their usual disguising black contacts. Everyone at the wedding knew what he was. He'd pulled his dark hair back in a short ponytail and now tugged on it absently. “It's a good thing the demons didn't try anything. I think Gallegar would have destroyed them all by himself. He was insistent this ceremony be just as Kira wanted.” He munched on a tender flaky biscuit. “'Course he had some pretty definite ideas as well."
The two men shared a grin, before Lucas shrugged. “It is a special day ... for both of them."
"You okay?” Benjamin's compassionate gaze rested on him.
Lucas shrugged again. It was no secret losing Kira hurt him, even though he knew it was for the best. “I'm getting by. It was easier when we were busy fighting the war. Now,” he looked around him in resignation, “now, everything has to do with this wedding. Makes it harder."
The
Suprahuman punched him on the shoulder. “It's all over now. It'll get better. You'll see."
"So they say.” The werewolf frowned as he saw Benjamin grimace and rotate his arm painfully. “Your shoulder still hurting you? I thought you were all healed up."
"I have my good days and bad days.” They both referred to the injury Benjamin suffered when he and Lucas fought the spiderpede demon outside The Haunted House. The creature had snapped his arm off, and it wasn't until the next day, Danolas, and his healers were able to reattach it. He still suffered phantom pains even though the arm was now intact. “At least it isn't numb anymore. That was a bitch to deal with."
Lucas grunted as he shoveled a mouthful of truffles into his mouth. He chewed thoughtfully. “I wonder when the demons will try again."
Benjamin looked over to where Kira and Gallegar stood close together under the oak tree. The vampire bent and kissed her, uncaring of all the curious eyes on them. “They better wait until the two of them get back from their honeymoon. Gallegar's dying to have Kira see where he grew up."
"Damn straight,” Lucas agreed. “If the demons fuck up this trip, all Hell will really break loose!"
* * * *
"So,” Jorad said faintly, as he tried not to shudder. “In a vampire mating ceremony, you really do drink blood?"
Gallegar smiled. “Indeed. Both participants do. But, because Kira isn't a vampire, and many in the crowd might have been sickened by the display, we opted to do it this way instead. Wine often symbolizes blood and there are many ceremonies that use blood letting to bind people together."
Kira grinned impishly. “But he did promise to bite me later."
Both men reddened and Gallegar pulled her sharply against him. “Careful, A Ghra ... Jorad here doesn't do well with blood ... or being teased.” He bent closer and nibbled on her lower lip, sending her a tight mind-beam. “But you may tease me all you wish."
The young witch nodded, ignoring the flirting between the newly mated pair, as if used to it. “I hope to conquer that particular problem very soon. By the Power, it may happen one of you needs my blood for some reason. I must be prepared."
Gallegar looked thoughtfully at Danolas’ protector. Jorad had been with them since the very first night. He'd helped the Chosen save Kira when she'd been near death from a wizard's spell. He was one of the inner circle and very important to the group. “If, and when that time comes, you will find the strength necessary. You have always done so in the past, my friend. I believe you will, as well in the future."
"This I agree.” The statement came from behind them and they all turned to see Danolas walking their way. He put his hand on his acolyte's arm. “You have already fought things most will go a lifetime not seeing. Don't worry, Jorad. I do not."
Jorad was struck speechless by his master's words. Danolas didn't give compliments often, so when he did, they meant something. “Thank you, High Priest.” He bowed and smiled. “On that note, I think I will go get some of the delicious buffet.” He turned to Kira. “May I serve you, Peacekeeper?"
Kira smiled at him, liking his polite manners. “Thank you, Jorad, but I am not hungry. I could do with some champagne, though."
"As you wish.” He looked at Gallegar and Danolas. “High Priest? King Gallegar?"
"Thank you, no,” answered Danolas. Gallegar shook his head.
The witch bowed again and walked toward the buffet table where a magical fountain of champagne never went dry.
"I would thank you again, brother, for all you've done for us today.” Gallegar's arm swept over the beautiful meadow. “Words cannot express our joy."
Danolas grinned. “It's been a long time coming. Congratulations, both of you. You deserve to be happy ... and together."
Kira giggled. “For me, the two are intertwined.” At her loving words, the vampire treated her to another deep kiss.
Danolas waited until they were done before asking, “When do you leave on your honeymoon?"
Gallegar smiled down at Kira. “As tradition states, we will spend our first mated night in my lair at Sanctuary. Then, tomorrow evening, I have chartered a plane to Dublin. “It will be a long trip and because of the time difference, I will have to stay in the airplane until darkness falls. But my protectors have made satisfactory security arrangements."
"He must be kept safe,” Kira put in.
"And then?"
"Gallegar is going to show me all over Ireland.” Kira's golden eyes sparkled. “I have longed to see it ever since I saw the art in his office at A Crown of Thorns."
"I envy you both,” Danolas said quietly. “I miss Ireland. My time on the island was some of the best in my life.” His eyes took on a faraway look. “I had family there, but no longer."
"When did you last visit?” Kira's tender heart ached for the pain she saw in his blue eyes.
"A century ago,” he replied. “I think I told you I did my training at Dunguaire Castle. My mentor was Aebh, a very powerful witch. She taught me everything I know."
"Is this the same witch who is coming to visit us?” Gallegar inquired. “I'd hate to miss meeting her."
"No, Aebh will not leave her home. She is sending someone. I'm told the most powerful witch in all of Ireland is coming to help us. He is bringing something to help us fight. Word of the war has traveled fast.” Danolas’ long blonde hair whispered in the night breezes. “They worry if we can't stop them here, the war will spread."
"Then we will stop it here,” Gallegar growled grimly. “We will fight the evil ones ... and we will win."
"But,” Kira interjected, “not now. Today we celebrate the future. One with love and joy and hope.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed Gallegar's dark cheek. “I love you. Let us be merry, for who knows when this peacetime will end."
"Agreed,” the vampire nodded as he turned to capture her lips. “Today is about you and me. And I, for one, am very selfish. I wish to think of no one, but you."
Jorad returned at that moment with Kira's glass of champagne. She took it and gaily tossed it down, choking a little at the tart taste and bubbles.
Gallegar laughed and pulled her onto the dance floor. “Enough, my love,” he admonished. “I want you awake and sober in my bed tonight."
Her lips parted beneath his as they began moving together, their bodies totally in tune. “I do not think I will sleep tonight, Mo Chridhe ... I have other plans for you."
Danolas watched them indulgently; thankful the night had gone so well. It had been a huge enterprise to accomplish, but the look on Kira's face when she saw the meadow ... that made it all worthwhile. He turned to speak to Jorad, when suddenly, the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. He went completely still, raising his staff instinctively as he tried to figure out what exactly had alerted him.
"High Priest?” Jorad followed his lead, freezing in his tracks as well.
"I sense a presence. One I didn't feel before.” Danolas’ gaze swept over the crowd of partygoers. No one seemed out of place. His magick was such he could differentiate between each of the guests. He knew who were Ethereals and who were Faerie, as well as any other creature who walked the meadow. But what he was feeling now, wasn't anything he'd felt before. It was a power, hidden or muted, and if he was right ... He closed his eyes and drew on his staff. As suddenly as it appeared, the brief surge of power vanished.
Danolas scowled. “Someone is here."
"Shall I call the other protectors?"
He shook his head. “No ... let me pursue this further. I will call you if you are needed."
"As you wish, High Lord.” Jorad bowed and moved away, but by the stiff stance of his body, Danolas knew, he too, was searching.
Slowly, he sent out his magick, seeking the hidden presence. It wasn't easy to hide from a witch with Danolas’ power, but whoever it was, they were very strong. He could still feel them, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly where they were. He glanced around again; paying particular attention to anyone he hadn't seen before. His attention was drawn
to a figure standing near one of the buffet tables. He wrinkled his nose. Whoever that was, they hadn't come dressed for a wedding. Lifting his staff, he walked toward the unknown person.
As he got closer, he could tell it was a female, but she was dressed in the most unfeminine clothes he'd ever had the misfortune to see. Threadbare jeans, dirty sneakers, and a white oversize T-shirt that announced, It's all about me, hid her body most admirably. If Danolas hadn't seen her aura, he'd have thought she was just a small, rather untidy man. Top the costume off with a torn and dirty duster and full size backpack, she looked like a hobo who'd wandered in off the streets.
"How did you get in?” Danolas murmured. His concern switched to curiosity, when he felt the telltale trickles of power emanating from her. “Who are you?"
Going on instinct, the witch hid his own magick, shrinking his staff down and tucking it inside his pocket. With a whispered spell, he changed his robes so they weren't as ornate looking. Then, he continued on to the buffet.
Brianna Muldoon was starving. She surveyed the food-laden table with satisfaction as she grabbed a plate and started to dish herself up. It had been a long journey. She was hungry, tired and irritable. Her flight had been late, then cancelled, and then finally rebooked, but she had been flying for over thirty-six hours straight. To top that off, when she'd arrived in San Francisco, no one had been there to meet her. So much for Yank hospitality. She'd cursed a little, and then found a cabbie to bring her to The Keep. It was late, her inner clock was all screwed up and she was barely thinking straight. She wanted a bed, a bath and food. Not necessarily in that order.
Her stomach growled and she managed a grin. “Now then, have a bit of patience. I'll take care of you first.” She popped a cream puff into her mouth and moaned in appreciation. “Now that is worth saying penance for.” Hurriedly, Brianna filled her plate, wanting to growl at anyone who came near her food. Nothing like being hungry, to bring out the true primitive in you. She grabbed the last meat and truffle finger sandwich off the tray, smiling her apologies to a dark haired man who'd also made a try for it. Shrugging off the feeling of guilt, she added it to the pile on her plate. She was starving, wasn't she? Didn't she have a right to make sure she wouldn't fall over in a dead faint?