by CJ England
"Bloody hell,” Brianna suddenly exploded. “That's who he was! I can't believe it."
"What is it?” Gallegar asked.
"Aebh said the vampire who was murdered was a teacher. A very old vampire, but wise and learned. When he was killed there was great mourning for him."
Danolas nodded. “That makes sense. Lumis Patronum is Latin. Only a learned man would know that."
"It is a remarkable ring.” Kira traced her finger over the simple design. “Just think. This gift was made for a righteous man by a man who loved him enough to share his very life force."
"No wonder it had to be put on by someone who loves you,” Brianna added. “We were told it had to be that way, but we weren't told why."
"I did not notice my life force being drained,” Kira said. “Did anyone sense anything?"
"I would theorize since you have already shared life forces before, during your joining, when you were close to death from the wizard's spell, and then...” the High Priest went red, “ummm ... during that first mating, you might not notice anything different. You and Gallegar are truly one in many ways."
"I'll be damned,” Benjamin said again. “What a way to celebrate getting hitched."
Gallegar pulled Kira back into his arms. “As much as I would like to spend the rest of the day celebrating my new found freedom,” he dropped a kiss on his beloved's soft lips, “I have another celebration in mind."
"Well, if two's company ... seven ... no, eight now ... is just down right strange,” Lucas said with a laugh, reminding them of the last time Kira and Gallegar wanted to rejoice in their love ... alone.
Kira giggled. “I think it is time to call it a night. The new day will be most interesting."
"At least this way you won't have to hang around the airport in Dublin,” Danolas interjected. “You are truly free."
"Yes,” Gallegar said, his voice hoarse with emotion. “It will take a while to get used to, but I thank the Power I was chosen to be given this gift.” He kissed Kira. “Both of them."
She snuggled against him, but then turned back to Brianna. “Do you have a place to stay?"
Brianna's eyes widened. A crash of tiredness almost made her weave like a drunken lorryman. She'd been so busy, she'd forgotten the small question of where to lay her head. “Ummm..."
"The best place, I think,” Gallegar said, “would be The Keep. It has plenty of room and—"
"No!” shouted Brianna and Danolas together. They both turned an interesting shade of red, as they looked anywhere but at each other.
"I mean..."
"The reason is..."
They spoke at the same time, then turned and glared at each other.
Lucas choked on a laugh.
"What I'm saying is,” Brianna said with dignity. “I would prefer a hotel. Since I'll be here for a while, I don't want to stay in a place where I'm not welcome. I'll be looking for a flat of my own."
"It's not that I don't want to be hospitable,” Danolas said, grinding his teeth. “It's just I think Brianna will be happier elsewhere."
"She can have The Loft."
Kira's words dropped like a stone into a pool of silence.
"But ... my Lady,” Danolas said in shock. “It is your home. You spent so much time putting it together."
"My home is with my mate,” she responded gently. “Sanctuary is where I will live now.” She didn't notice Gallegar's eyes flare to life beside her. “The Loft will always be special to me and where we meet as a company, but if I need to stay there, I will share a room with Gallegar. His room."
"It does make sense,” Koran said thoughtfully. “That way Brianna will not need to go look for an apartment ... I mean flat. The Loft is empty and ready to go."
"Are you sure, honey?” Lucas asked Kira, his silver eyes worried.
"I am sure, my wolf.” She left Gallegar's side and hugged the shapeshifter. “Thank you, but The Loft served its purpose. If Brianna needs it, she is welcome to it. Most of my things are already down below in Sanctuary."
"If I can get you away from everyone,” Gallegar complained, amusement in his emerald eyes, “we will be down there as well.” Everyone laughed and one by one, Kira made her way around her circle of men, hugging them all. Gallegar followed close behind, shaking hands, his face quietly possessive as he watched his mate.
It would be different from now on. Even though they were all still her Chosen, she now belonged to one man in a way she hadn't before. As Danolas had said earlier ... she and Gallegar were truly one. How it would affect the group dynamic as a whole, no one knew. Kira worried about it, but all the fears in the world wouldn't stop her from being with the man she loved. She'd denied him once before, for all the wrong reasons. She would never do so again.
Turning, she flashed him a come-hither look. “Ready, Mo Chridhe...? “she said with a flirtatious smile. “I have been waiting for you for such a long time. And I have a very special surprise for you this first day of our life together."
Gallegar's face tightened with fierce desire. Without a word, he lifted his new mate into his strong arms. He flashed a grin at his brothers and the wide-eyed Brianna. “Excuse us, everyone. But I am learning when my mate commands me ... I must obey.” Without another word, he disappeared into A Crown of Thorns.
"Whew,” said Brianna a little enviously. “If you could package what they have together, we wouldn't need any other weapons."
"Irish,” growled Lucas, thinking of the green-gold wave of power that had changed them all. “You have no idea."
* * * *
Inside his hidden bedroom, Gallegar set Kira down gently. Bending, he kissed her, his mouth lingering over her soft lips. “I thought we'd never get away."
She giggled. “You must admit. It was worth waiting for."
He stared at the ring on his finger. “Aye ... that it is.” Gallegar stroked a finger down Kira's soft cheek. “But I have been waiting for this moment for a very long time."
Kira batted her eyes innocently. “I do not understand. It is not the first time we have been together."
"Oh, but it is,” the vampire disagreed. “This is the first time we have been together as mates."
Her smile widened. “And that is special?"
"Most assuredly."
"Ahhh...” She stepped closer and flicked open the rest of the buttons on his green shirt. “Then, I think we will have to find something special to do."
Covering her hand with his, Gallegar grinned. “Perhaps we can start ... with this ... He turned her back toward the bed and spoke a single word.
"Vaelaeri."
Kira's mouth dropped open in wonderment as Gallegar's simple black and green accented room faded away, leaving a beautiful faerie bower in its place. His large bed was covered in a white satin coverlet, strewn with rose petals and moonflower blossoms. Swaths of translucent white-gold fabric swirled around the tall bedposts making it look like it was rising out of a pale golden mist. There were candles, hundreds of them, circling the room ... the bed. The soft lights flickered invitingly. Music could be heard, something low and romantic that called attention to the sweet scent of flowers and melting wax. Next to the bed was a silver bucket of iced champagne and two tall goblets.
"When?” she breathed out. “When did you do this?"
Gallegar smiled, pleased at her reaction. “I put it all together before the ceremony, then asked Koran for a spell to hide it. When I spoke the release spell, the room was ready.” He gave one of his Gaelic shrugs. “I wanted you to remember this night. We haven't yet had time for candlelight and flowers, so I thought this would be a perfect time to do so."
"It is so beautiful.” She lifted a moon blossom from the bed, then turned back to him. “You did this for me?"
"I love you, A Ghra ... ” he answered simply. “I wished to show you."
"You show me every day,” Kira whispered as she flung herself back into his arms. “I have never doubted your love."
"And you never will,” Gallega
r vowed. He lifted her in his arms and carried her over to the bed. “Starting right now."
Her lips parted under his as they fell onto the soft coverlet together. He caressed her mouth with his own, enjoying the taste of her as if it was the first time. Nibbling and teasing, he slipped inside to tempt her with kisses that drew the very breath from her. She moaned and his body tightened. Using his tongue, he traced the inside of her mouth until Kira was straining toward him, wanting ... needing ... more.
Lifting his head, he carefully began pulling the moonflower blossoms from her hair, tossing them to mingle with the others on the bed. “Do you know,” he asked hoarsely, “how long I've been waiting to get you out of this dress?"
Her eyes glowed. “Danolas designed it just for you."
"Remind me to thank him.” He unclasped the hooks at the neck and peeled the bodice down, exposing Kira's beautiful breasts. “I feel like it's been forever since we were last together."
"It has only been a week. Tradition required a fasting period."
His elongated teeth nipped at the curve of her neck. He licked at their mark of joining, before moving down to tease her nipples into hard peaks. “I dislike denying myself. I don't wish to do it again."
She managed a giggle before his mouth covered her breast, sucking the tip deep inside. The giggle turned into a sigh. “I-I-I ... Mo Chridhe ... That feels so good."
"Get used to it,” he growled. “We've got a lot of catching up to do."
"What about the wine?"
"Later."
Kira pulled his head closer, loving the way he touched her. A generous and unselfish lover, he taught her to give herself completely. She felt the warmth of the room touch her skin as he eased the clingy white gown down over her belly and off her legs. His mouth touched every part of her shoulders and breasts, down to her stomach as it followed the path of the garment. He nibbled on her soft flesh sending sparklers of delight singing through her nerve endings. Not a single inch was overlooked as he worshiped her completely. Down over her hips, up the inside of her thighs and suddenly, she moaned out loud, as his face pressed between them.
"Gallegar!"
He ignored her, burrowing deeper until she felt the slick heat of his tongue lick out and encircle her clit. A shocking warmth shot through her with a force that made her cry out his name again. Swirls of sensation went off as he took turns sucking and licking until she was all but writhing in his arms.
A sudden nip on the inside of her thigh almost set her over the edge, and with strength she didn't know she had, she pushed him off her, and climbed on top of him.
"Not fair,” she panted, feeling the ache between her thighs get stronger as she looked down upon the man she loved, feeling his need throb against her leg. “I am naked, yet you are still fully clothed."
Gallegar smiled sexily. “I am yours to command."
She cocked her head. “You are my gift. I think I would like to unwrap you myself."
His eyes darkened. “Just let me know if you wish any help."
"Umm, hmm.” Kira pulled him into a sitting position and slipped the tuxedo jacket off his arms. Tossing it aside, she gazed at the barely leashed strength of her mate. With fingers that trembled, she pushed apart his emerald green shirt. Her mouth watered as the strong muscles of his chest rippled under her exploring fingers. Covered with a fine layer of black curls, he was so beautiful. Looking at him from under her lashes, she traced a finger over his flat nipple. It beaded immediately, and she noted the bulge between his legs thickened as well. “You like that."
Gallegar groaned. The little minx. Lately, she had been teasing him more and more as she became comfortable with her own sexuality. Not that he disapproved. He found the freer she was, the better it was between them. Perhaps, because he allowed himself more freedom, as well. He cleared his throat and answered her. “I do."
She ran her hands up his strong chest and pushed the shirt off his shoulders. Scooting closer, she let it imprison his arms as she kissed him deeply. Their tongues dueled in a dance of passion and love and it was several minutes before she tore away to kiss his throat, his shoulders and finally down to his sensitive nipples.
Need pounded through his body. He tried to reach for her, but the shirt kept his hands at his side. He groaned as Kira laved at his chest, kissing and nipping as he'd done to her. He was about to rip the shirt in two and grab her, when she suddenly sat back and pushed him flat on the bed.
Her head bent to lick its way down his body and he felt her fumble at his belt. A couple of seconds later, her hand slipped inside to encircle his pulsating cock. His whole body went rigid. Her touch was soft and cool on his heated flesh, but it didn't matter. He was so close, he'd explode if she wasn't careful.
"Kira,” he growled. “Take care ... I want you too much."
She smiled and gave him a sultry look. “I think I've heard that before. Bending, she licked at his abdomen, making it turn rock hard as he fought to keep from grabbing her. He hissed out a breath as she eased his slacks and underwear down over his hips, rubbing her cheek against his erection as she went. Slowly, she pushed them off his legs, trailing kisses wherever the slacks had touched.
"You are the handsomest man,” she whispered as she nipped at his thigh. “I can feel the strength in you, just as I can feel your heart. I long to touch you, to have you touch me. I cannot imagine my life without you in it. I thank the Power for you."
An emotion stronger than desire enveloped him as she lay down on top of him. Her naked body curved against his, making him wonder where she left off and he began.
"Make love to me, Mo Chridhe ... Tá mo chroí istigh ionat. My heart is within you.” She brushed a kiss over his lips, and that, plus her Gaelic love words, made his heart race
Pulling his arms from the entrapping shirtsleeves, Gallegar wrapped them around her and rolled so she was beneath him. His aching cock fit into the junction of her thighs and he groaned at the rightness of it. “I love you, A Ghra ... ” he muttered. “From now, throughout eternity, I will love no one, but you."
Keeping his smoldering eyes on hers, he gently slid into her heated quim. Hot and as tight as she'd been the first time, he gritted his teeth at the feeling. Reaching for her hands, he linked his fingers with hers. The intimate gesture made his heart almost burst with love. He stared into her golden eyes as he began to push deep within her. Slowly, an inch at a time, wanting to draw it out forever, he moved, feeling the delicious tingles of her vagina as she clenched around him.
Almost whimpering, Kira wrapped her legs around Gallegar's trim waist and let herself go. Her even, white teeth nipped lovingly at his shoulder, making him shudder above her. The hot feel of him sent wave after wave of pleasure soaring through her. He muttered Gaelic love words to her, ones she didn't know, but she didn't need to. She felt all of that ... and more.
His eyes darkened and she watched his eyeteeth lengthen. Excitement shot through her, knowing his bites of passion were as necessary to her as they were to him. But this time she had something different in mind. Something special ... her gift to him. When he nuzzled at her neck in preparation, she turned her head so he kissed her lips instead.
"A Ghra ... ?” he said hoarsely, confusion filling his face. He stilled within her.
"It is time for my gift to you.” She pulled her hands from his and instead, threaded her fingers through his long dark hair. “I ... I read what the true ceremony would have entailed. I love you, Gallegar. I want you to do that to me."
Shock touched his strong face. “What?"
Carefully, she pushed his head down toward her naked breast. “We have a mark from our joining. Now, my love ... I wish you to mark me as your mate."
Gallegar stared at her. Desire filled him, as he understood her words. What she was offering, what she would allow him to do, was more than he ever expected. “A Ghra ... Are you sure?"
"I love you,” she repeated his own words back to him. “And now I want to show you."
He
closed his eyes, overwhelmed with emotions. The ceremony was an ancient one, one that bound a vampire and his mate close by blood and passion. The male vampire would take his mate's blood, but not in the neck as he'd pretended at their wedding. But somewhere more intimate, a place that symbolized life and nurturing to many species.
Pulling free, he let go of his control and crushed her mouth beneath his. He felt himself swell inside her, knew she felt it too by the indrawn breath she took. He began to thrust deeply, letting his need and passion guide him. Love exploded in his heart as he took the sweetness her body had to offer. She was so completely responsive to him, so utterly without pretence, he never wanted to stop. His desire sharpened, became more focused and again, his teeth elongated.
Feeling her body shiver beneath him, he knew, she too, was close to the edge. Tearing his mouth away from hers, he kissed his way down to her breasts. He paused for a moment as he saw Lucas’ mark on her chest, but shrugging that small annoyance aside, he turned to the other breast, unconsciously licking it. He targeted the side, closest to the heart.
His teeth flashed in the candlelight as he felt Kira shatter in climax in his arms. “You belong to me!” he shouted fiercely and he took the gift she offered him. He buried his teeth into her breast, sending his power over her to deaden the pain. This mark would not heal. This mark would never disappear. It was there forever, to announce their love to all the world and the brethren.
Kira was his!
Her power-filled blood invigorated Gallegar, filled him with joy and satisfaction. A moment later, his own orgasm overwhelmed him, sending him shooting straight into the sky. Shouting her name into her breasts, they held each other tight through the maelstrom of feelings surrounding them. He shuddered above her over and over again, until he was empty. Then and only then, did his teeth slip back into his mouth and he collapse on top of her.
* * * *
He reached for her several more times that day, sealing their love in the ancient way of the vampire. A part of him hated doing it, even numbing it with his power; he knew the ravaged flesh would hurt Kira. But each time he hesitated, she pulled him against her, opening her mind, her heart and her body to him.