The Warrior

by RT Lucas

  Shuggie put the glass down, and turned Teodora, so she was laying over his lap – their naked bodies pressed close together. “Ne’er apologise tae me, ever Teodora. I wis in the wrong – an ah cannae tell ye how sorrowful an ashamed ah am fur mah words an actions. Ah should ne’er huv judged ye or been so harsh. Kin ye find it in yer heart tae forgive me?”

  “I love you my Warrior, I love you!” Teodora shifted her head so she could look up at Shuggie, a blush covering her from head to foot. “I need to use the bathroom yes.”

  Teodora needed a moment to herself, her Warrior still loved her and she was alive… forever. She sat on the closed toilet lid seat for ten minutes, looking over her body. All was intact and nothing seemed out of the ordinary to her. Flushing the lever, she rose and walked to the sink. As she turned the faucet on, her eyes raised to the mirror and she opened her mouth to check for fangs when two things happened at once. She screamed seeing her eyes and two elaborate wings appeared, covered in Celtic designs, crowding the bathroom.

  While Shuggie waited on Teodora, he decided to get some clothes on. She had hurried away from him so quickly, his heart had sunk again. She loved him but was she in love with him? Could she forgive him? As he finished lacing his combats, he heard her scream – but he wasn’t alarmed. “That’ll be the wings then,” he muttered, knowing that the last thing she’d want is him bursting in after her. She was immortal and needed to adjust to that – he understood and stood by her empty bedside waiting for her to return.

  “Shuggah…Warrior,” Teodora’s pleas for Shuggie were getting more frantic as she tried to exit the bathroom but the wings were stopping her, she was starting to get herself worked up and panicking. “Shugggahh!” Where was her Warrior, she needed him.

  Shuggie walked over to the bathroom door and knocked. “Teodora...lass, calm doon. Ah take it ye seen yer wings?” When she screamed again, he nodded – she’d seen them alright. “Jist take a deep breath, close yer eyes an imagine them folding back – kin ye dae that fur meh?” He never had ‘hostage negotiation’ with an angel before, but reckoned it would feel a lot like this.

  Teodora closed her eyes, sucking air deep into her lungs as she concentrated on Shuggie’s voice and thought of the wings curling back. Why did she have wings? Once she had calmed down enough she felt the contraction of the wings, opened the door and ran towards Shuggie, leaping up she wrapped her arms around his neck, her legs securing around his waist. “Oh gosh I am alive and so very in love with you.” Her lips sought out his as her tender kiss showed him she meant every word.

  Shuggie supported Teodora as he carried her back to the bed. “Ah adore ye lassie – an ah’ll spend aw eternity proving it tae ye, if ye’ll permit it.” He didn’t know how he got the words out, there was a lump in his throat as he held the most precious of treasures in his arms.

  Teodora let out a gasp as her head lay on Shuggie’s naked chest, over her heart was her, inked into his skin. “Forever Warrior, yes?” Her tears of happiness were streaming over her cheeks as they held into one another, saying nothing, embracing one another until she finally spoke, “Whatever I am, Warrior?”

  “Forever is a start, lassie,” sealing his words with a long, slow kiss. “Ye are part o’ me, lass – aw the good went intae ye,” smiling as he ran his fingers through her hair. As he sat, holding and caressing her, he told her of his Making, and how he had changed her. Explaining how the Archangel influence was strong within her, as the vampire was dominant within him.

  “Ah cannae say that ah know all that’s in store for us, bit ah kin promise ye we go through everything the gither – ah will be at yer side always, Teodora.”

  “I am an angel then yes?” Her voice was hesitant but since they were baring all to each other. “We are still to be wed?” She held her breath waiting for Shuggie to answer.

  “Yer mah Guardian Angel, Teodora an it would be mah honour an privilege tae take ye as mah wife if ye’ll huv me.” Shuggies fingers were stroking softly over her back.

  Teodora’s body jolted up, unaccustomed to the new speed she could move at, her head hitting under Shuggie’s chin and jilting his head backwards. “Oh fiddlesticks! I am ever so sorry yes, I want to be yours forever my Warrior, we are now one and nothing shall ever come between us again.” Teodora this time slowly raised up onto her knees her long slender hands cupping Shuggie’s unshaven face as she looked into his red, swirling eyes. “Forever and ever Warrior and whatever comes after that.”

  “Well, ah dinnae know aboot you, bit as long as eternity is, ah cannae wait another day wi’oot you being Mrs MacAndrew.” Shuggie was grinning as the flat of his hand smoothed firmly over Teodora’s thighs, enjoying the reaction of her hyper–sensitivity.

  Teodora lay her head on Shuggie’s shoulder, her head tilted so she was looking up at him, her eyes never leaving his for a moment. “I would marry you now Warrior.” She let out a content sigh, after everything they have been through, she was alive thanks to her saviour and with him by her side, they would get their happiness they both deserved.

  CHAPTER FORTY FOUR

  The two weeks following Teodora’s transformation seemed to zoom by for them both. As well as helping her to adjust to her new immortality Shuggie was running around like a blue arsed fly making arrangements for their wedding, and honeymoon.

  Teodora had insisted that they be wed at Shuggie’s castle in Scotland, and apart for logistical problems, it was more or less organised. The honeymoon however would have to wait til a month after the actual ceremony due to Shuggie’s work commitments. Neither of them were too upset at the delayed honeymoon – all they wanted was to be man and wife. Everything after that was a bonus.

  Teodora had asked Xavier to be her surrogate ‘Father of the Bride’ and give her away. It was the hardest decision she had to make, but she couldn’t have immortality and her family. She knew that they would always be cared for and looked after, and this went some way to easing her conscience about her choice.

  Shuggie had asked Alicia to be his ‘Best Man’ which entertained Xavier no end, but seemed to be quite fitting – both of them with their closest friends by their sides for the Ceremony.

  The night before the wedding, Shuggie went over the preparations at the castle for the hundredth time – he wanted everything perfect for Teodora. The service was to be held at the precipice of the cliff top, under the full moon. He had arranged for the gardens to be filled with lilies and orchids – with them adorning high white marble arches leading the way to the ceremony and reception areas. The seats were decorated in a deep crimson, with golden embroidery of Shuggie’s Coat of Arms, and the grounds had been carpeted with a rainbow of rose petals and crushed crystals which twinkled like diamonds when the moonlight hit them. The effect reminded him of Teodora’s eyes after her transformation – and that together with the scent of fresh lilies and orchids made Shuggie feel as though all his senses were paying tribute to his beloved.

  All the unit who were not on active duty had been invited, along with a carefully selected few of Teodora’s medical contacts. All the staff at the castle had been given two week’s all – expense paid vacation – as a reward for all their hard work maintaining the grounds. In reality, it was to ensure that they were not anywhere near the grounds whilst the festivities were ongoing. Temporary staff had been vetted and hired – Supernatural contacts came in handy once in a while – and a Reverend had been organised at great expense and short notice.

  Xavier ran his finger round the inside of his collar. “The things I do for you, Shuggie McFuckster, yeah?” laughing as he saw his Lieutenant approach him in traditional Scots kilt. “And no, I don’t want to know if you’re a true Scotsman. You can flash your hairy ass at your bride later.” Slapping Shuggie on the back and handing him a hipflask he added, “For your nerves.”

  Shuggie grinned and unscrewed the cap before taking a long drink. “That hit the spot.” He was nervous, overjoyed, scared shitless and impatient all rolled into one. He and Teod
ora had both arrived at the castle four days ago, but hadn’t seen each other for the past two days. It was telling on him – although they were constantly messaging or calling one another, he hated to be parted from her physically. “Is the youngling wi’ Teodora?”

  Xavier’s face straightened and he shook his head. “Meant to tell you Shug, she can’t make it. Something about freeing a Brazilian zoo or some shit.” Shuggie’s face went ashen until Xavier burst out laughing. “Fucksakes Shug – of course she’s with the Doc!” then continued laughing at his old friend’s expense as Shuggie cursed and swore at him.

  Alicia stood up on a stool as she fixed the old eighteen carat gold tiara in Teodora’s hair. “Epic, you have your something old, my Madre wore that on Alessandro’s induction into the Mafia.” Alicia stopped talking and lifted Teodora’s chin up with her finger.

  “Hey now Dory, your parents are in there.” Alicia’s finger ghosted over where Teodora’s heart was. “Family are everything and tonight? Tonight you and Hugh become Mr. & Mrs. Kinkeh!” Grinning Alicia jumped off the stool and scowled as she rearranged the dress she was made to wear.

  Teo let out a giggle as she saw Alicia fussing over the dress, she knew damn fine well the Doc Martens were worn under the skirting. “Thank you Ali, thank you so much for everything, yes?”

  Teo’s dress has a blood red bodice to match the colour of Shuggie’s eyes and a white flowing skirt with a tartan waistband. The back of the dress was open, allowing her intricate Celtic wings tattoo to be displayed – she wanted to surprise her Warrior and had the dress especially made, under memorisation no doubt as she dragged Alicia shopping with her. Taking a deep breath, she was starting to get impatient – where was Xavier?

  Xavier knocked on the door and walked in before anyone could say anything “You sure you want to marry that bag of fucking nerves out there Doc?” He was chewing on a chicken leg and grinning as he watched the two females finish getting ready.

  “Really Xavier?” Alicia shook her head as she waved to Teo. “See you soon Dory.” Swiping the chicken leg from Xavier’s hand and throwing it in the trash can, she made her way to Hugh’s room.

  Waiting until Alicia had left, Xavier pulled out his ‘reserve’ chicken leg from his jacket pocket. “You brush up good, Doc,” nodding as he shovelled the barbecued meat into his mouth. “No last minute nerves?”

  Teodora looked over at Xavier as she clutched the bouquet of thistles and heather. “Oh gosh I am so very much ready Commander, yes, and I must say you look dashing in a suit.” Her eyes were glimmering with excitement, giving off the impression that the whites were diamonds.

  “Well, I am fuck handsome, yeah?” he agreed. Wiping his mouth then hands as he threw the bone of the chicken in the trash, he held out his arm for the Doc. “Let’s get you fucking married – cos if we wait any longer Shuggie’s gonna shit a brick.”

  Teo was glad her dress was sleeveless as Xavier offered his arm – the grease from his little snack would still be evident on his wiped hands. “Oh gosh yes! Yes, let’s get married! Not you and me Commander, yes.” Teo was rambling as her nerves finally took over.

  “No fainting,” was the only advice Xavier felt was needed as he heard the band start to play out in the grounds. He guided her down through the castle and out into the gardens, the path had been lit with candles to give a soft glow all the way to the altar.

  “Wit if ah fuck up?” Shuggie looked down at Alicia, he was wired up and uncharacteristically nervous.

  Tugging on her lolly stick to remove it from her mouth Alicia looked up at Shuggie. “No one is married out there so one will know if you fuck up! Her name is Teodora, your name is Hugh…not Shuggie – that’s all you need to know.”

  The pipers and highland drummers who were positioned on each corner of the grounds started to play ‘Bluebells of Scotland’ and Shuggie could see Teodora being led by Xavier down the path towards him. She was radiant and his jaw nearly hit the floor. In a low voice, but still looking at Teodora, he asked Alicia, “Ye dae huv the rings, youngling, aye?”

  Alicia had a puzzled look on her face as Shuggie spoke but he was a nervous wreck so decided just to agree with him. “Sure I do.” She stuffed the lolly back into her mouth as she drank Xavier in, he was absolutely gorgeous in his suit, his blonde hair tied back in his leather cuff and for once he was actually clean shaven.

  As Xavier and Teodora reached Alicia and Shuggie, he winked at Alicia, before turning to press a kiss to Teodora’s forehead. “Be good to one another, yeah?” then grinned at Shuggie and took his place beside Alicia as the reverend welcomed the guests to the wedding.

  Shuggie took Teodora’s hand and kissed the back of it, his eyes full of desire. “Ye look so beautiful, angel,” he whispered as the reverend spoke over them, earning him a warning glare and he stood up, glancing over at his bride.

  The reverend was an old, wiry man – who had precisely three hairs on his head and none of them agreed which direction to lie. He had been hired under some duress, but his secret gambling addiction and subsequent debts had persuaded him to take the handsome fee that the groom had offered.

  “Welcome friends – we are here this night to celebrate with Hugh and Teodora, on the wonderful occasion of their matrimony. We walk alone through this world, searching for the other half of our souls. You both recognised that in each other you are now complete, and are blessed in your want to join as one. Love, commitment, loyalty and honour – as well as a good sense of humour are a recipe for a happy life together as Husband and Wife.”

  Alicia nudged Xavier in the ribs to get his attention as she stood watching.

  “What is it razor elbows?”

  Whispering as her head tilted to the side to look up at Xavier. “Hugh said something about rings, what the fuck was he on about?”

  “You are fucking joking…” Xavier took one look at her face and realised she was not joking. “Shit, Sweetcheeks – you were meant to bring the ring for Shuggie to give to Teo. Don’t tell me you forgot?” his whispers were getting slightly louder than he had intended.

  “Well you see…yes I forgot it okay?” Alicia’s face was innocent as she shrugged her shoulder, the significance of what it meant, meant nothing to her.

  Xavier gave a reassuring grin to Shuggie who had looked over in their direction, sensing that something was wrong. As Shuggie turned back to listen to the reverend, Xavier kicked Alicia gently on her ankle to get her attention. “We promised Shug we wouldn’t screw this up for him, Sweetcheeks. We both stood there and swore we fucking wouldn’t let anything go wrong.” He shook his head, thinking quickly. “Take off your ring,” he nodded down, looking at Alicia’s hand. “Give Shug that one when the time is right, and we’ll explain it to them later, yeah?”

  “Fuck off! That’s my Madre’s wedding ring.” Just as she was about to refuse even further she thought about what Xavier was saying and this was her best friend’s special day so she reluctantly slipped the simple gold band from her middle finger, placed in her hand and clenched her first. “I want this back, understand?”

  Shuggie and Teodora had both knelt down and were facing each other holding hands. The reverend addressed them in a voice too big for his fragile frame. “Would the Groom repeat these vows to your Bride,” and then he proceeded to speak in Gaelic. After he had finished, Shuggie kissed Teodora’s hands before repeating:

  “Am fear Hugh Callum MacAndrew. Tha mise a–nis 'gad ghabhail–sa gu bhith 'nam chéile phòsda. Ha meesh–u Hugh Callum MacAndrew a–neesh 'gat gaval–sa Teodora Valdez goo vee num chay–lu fawsda. Ann am fianais Dhé 's na tha seo de fhianaisean tha mise a' gealltainn a bhith 'nam fhear pòsda dìleas gràdhach agus tairis dhuitsa, cho fad's a bhios an dìthis againn beò.

  With absolute pride, Shuggie’s voice rose above the crowd as he recited his vows, his strong hands holding Teodora’s and his heart swelling. He was doing it – he was marrying the love of his life, at last.

  (I, Hugh Callum MacAndrew now take you Te
odora Valdez to be my wife. In the presence of God and before these witnesses I promise to be a loving, faithful and loyal husband to you, for as long as we both shall live.)

  The reverend indicated with a curl of his finger for Alicia to come forward as he said to Shuggie, “Hugh, please place the ring on Teodora’s finger.”

  With a smile Alicia moved forward, standing beside Shuggie, opening her palm out for him to take the ring.

  Smiling, Shuggie reached for the ring then hesitated as he arched a brow questioningly – straight away he recognised that this was not the one he had hand-forged and inscribed for Teodora himself just days before. It then dawned on him that this must have been what Xavier was ‘discussing’ with Alicia earlier and he shook his head slightly, his smile widening and took the ring. He knew the daft doughball would do something to screw up – might as well be the rings. Still – it was good of the youngling to step up and save the day. He made a note to thank her later.

  With the ring, he placed it just over her pinkie finger, looking into her crystalline blue eyes. “Wi ma heart, ah adore ye,” moving the ring to just over her thumb. “Wi ma body, ah’ll protect ye,” then over the next finger. “Wi’ mah mind, ah respect ye,” and slipping the ring just over Teodora’s middle finger. “Wi’ mah life, ah serve ye,” before sliding the ring over her slender finger. “Wi aw that ah huv an’ aw that ah am, we two are one.”

  The reverend turned to Teodora, asking her to recite her vows to Shuggie. She nervously gripped his hands as she spoke the practiced Gaelic words to him.

  “A' bhean Teodora Valdez Tha mise a–nis 'gad ghabhail–sa gu bhith 'nam chéile pòsda. Ha meesh–u Teodora Valdez a–neesh 'gat gaval–sa Hugh Callum MacAndrew goo vee num chay–lu fawsda. Ann am fianais Dhé 's na tha seo de fhianaisean tha mise a' gealltainn a bhith 'nam bhean phòsda dhìleas ghràdhach agus thairis dhuitsa, cho fad's a bhios an dìthis againn beò.