“I want the mating ceremony, Cadence. I want you mated to me more than I want to draw my next breath. I need you more than anything I’ve ever needed. Please, un annwyl, never doubt my feelings for you.” Hating himself for the tears he’d caused, he reached out and stroked her cheek. “You are my everything and I simply wanted to ensure that you were mating with me because it was your choice and not my mother’s.”
“It is, Gareth. I don’t know how to make you believe that I want this. You mother just made it happening quickly a reality. I swear to you that if I wasn’t ready I would tell you that. I’m not a wallflower, love. I am a grown woman with my own opinions. I’ve never let anyone make me do something I didn’t want to do and I’m not about to start now.”
“Then it’s settled, we’re getting mated.” He smiled, trying to hide the doubts he still had. He didn’t doubt her love, just her motivations behind doing it quickly.
“I just wish my Nana…Oh my God…Gareth, my Nana.” Realization dawned on her and she couldn’t believe she’d missed the obvious.
“What about her?”
“I don’t know why I didn’t think of this before. Didn’t you say that dragons don’t have cloaking abilities?” She asked excitedly, finally feeling like she would be able to help him.
“Yes, but what does that have to do with you Nana?” Confused by her change of subject, he couldn’t figure out where she was going.
“I have all of her things, her magical things. If cloaking isn’t something dragons can do naturally, then it’s something Maelon learned to do. Normal people can’t cloak either so it had to be a magical being who taught him. What do you want to bet that there is something in her books on cloaking?”
Grinning, he picked her up and swung her around. “You my love are brilliant!!!” Planting a kiss on her lips, he thanked the Gods for leading him to her. “We need to get your things to Dinas Emery.”
“Your mother is a step ahead of you. She arranged for Alan to send them here. I have all of Nana’s things in my room.”
“That’s my mother! We may finally have an advantage. Thank you, sweetheart!”
“All we need to do now is go through all of her things. I just know there has to be something in one of her books on cloaking.” Cadence beamed with pride that she was finally able to feel like she was contributing to her new family’s fight with the white dragons. She didn’t like being the one who needed constant protection. Now, not only would she be able to connect with her grandmother even more, she just might be able to figure out how to use the magic running through her blood.
“We will read everything she left you, after the mating. Right now, the only thing I want to focus on is securing our future together. The White Dragons can wait.”
“Gareth, are you sure? What if they come after us again?” Fear twisted in her stomach at the thought that they could be attacked at any time.
Touching her cheek, her concern for his family made him love her even more. “We don’t have to worry yet, sweetheart. With the death of Ian, they will mourn him first. When a dragon dies, the clan will grieve for a month before they will plan their revenge. We have time now.”
Chapter Nineteen
Standing in the bedroom, Cadence admired the gown Carys found for her to wear. It was the most gorgeous dress she’d ever seen. The golden chiffon sheath had an illusion boatneck and was decorated with lace appliqués. The skirt flowed around her feet giving it an ethereal feel. At the waist, a vibrant red sash encircled her glowing form. It was perfect for her to wear when she married her red dragon.
Twirling in front of the mirror, she fell in love with the way the skirt swirled around her legs. Slipping her feet into red satin ballet shoes, she felt like a princess. Hearing a gasp behind her, she spun around and saw Carys standing in the doorway.
“You look absolutely beautiful, Cadence.” Carys couldn’t stop the tears of joy from slipping out. Pulling a tissue from her pocket, she dabbed her eyes. “You will bring so much love and joy to my son and our family. I’ve always wanted a daughter and now I have you.”
“Carys, thank you so much for this amazing dress. I never imagined that I’d wear something as delicate and glamorous as this.”
“It fits you perfectly. You will be my son’s dream come true. Thank you for agreeing to do this for us. I know it’s probably not how you envisioned your wedding day, but I wouldn’t have asked you if it wasn’t important.”
“I’m as excited as you are. I don’t need to wait. Gareth is the one for me and I can’t wait to seal our life together. The only thing I would change is that my grandmother could be here with me, but you have all welcomed me into your family. Having you with me is all I need.” She allowed herself to be drawn into a hug, cherishing the woman who would become her mother.
“No matter what happens in the future, we will always protect you. We will always be here for you. Your safety is as important to me, as my son’s.”
Stepping out of the hug, Cadence faced her. “I know that, and I hope you know that I will do everything I can to protect you all as well. You’re my family now, and that’s extremely important to me.”
“Before the ceremony, I want to give something to you. It’s been in our family for years and I’m passing it down to you.” Holding out a small box, Carys’ heart constricted with love for Cadence. “I never had any daughters of my own. Yet the Gods blessed me with a daughter in you. I promise you that I will always hold you with the same love and devotion as I do my sons.”
Opening the small box, Cadence stared at the jeweled pin with awe. “I love it. It’s beautiful. Is that a dragon scale?”
“Yes, my dear. When Owain Cadell became the first dragon shifter, he was a fierce warrior. In a battle against the Godwin’s, one of his scarlet plates was damaged and this small piece was broken off. A woman names Elena found it and saved it for him. Later, after the war ended, she took it to Owain and gave it back to him. They fell in love and eventually married.”
“On the day of their marriage, he presented her with this jeweled pin he’d had made from the plate she’d returned to him. He gave it to her as a sign of his eternal love and devotion. Every wife of the red dragon heir has carried this pin. It has been passed down in the generations since, as a sign of the loyalty and love we hold for our husbands. Their lives are full of strife and the trials of ruling the clan.”
“It’s not an easy job and they need the support of their wives. This fragile piece of Owain’s scale represents how fleeting life can be. It reminds us that love and family are the only things that matter in this world. As the woman who is pledging to love and honor my son for all eternity, this now belongs to you. My mother gave it to me when I mated with Emery, and now I’m giving it to you.”
Tears spilled from Cadence’s eyes as she listened to the story of Owain and Elena. “Thank you so much. I will cherish this always.”
Helping her attach the pin to her dress, Carys smiled as her heart exploded with love. “Are you ready for your destiny?”
Wrapping her arms around her soon-to-be mother’s neck, Cadence didn’t even try to hide the tears. “I’m more than ready!” she exclaimed hugging her tightly.
Dabbing at her tears so she didn’t smear her make-up, Carys kissed her cheek. “Then let’s go. My son is waiting for you.”
Chapter Twenty
Standing in front of the crystal blue waterfall, Cadence felt the serenity of her own personal paradise in the very core of her being. The mist of the water sparkled as the sunlight penetrated it. Clouds opened up to reveal the gorgeous sky behind them. The beauty surrounded her soul and made her feel as if she’d finally come home.
Looking out over the water, she could see her grandmother standing by an out-cropping of rocks. Her grandmother’s love caressed her, reassuring her of her family’s love. Her Nana’s hand waved in farewell as she slowly faded. Cadence could feel the gentle kiss on her cheek.
As the sunlight broke through a cloud, it illuminate
d where she stood, surrounding her in its warm glow. Fragrant flowers saturated the air with their sweet scent.
Hearing a gasp, her eyes drew upward to meet the beautiful amber eyes of her soul mate. His eyes reflected the love and devotion he felt for her.
“You look stunning,” Gareth whispered as his eyes soaked up the sight of her. His heart swelled when he stepped forward, taking her hands in his. His dragon preened for its mate.
Smiling at the man she would spend the rest of her life with, the weight of the responsibility suddenly weighed her down. Glancing around, she met the curious eyes of Gareth’s clansmen. She could feel their scrutiny, their doubts, but more importantly she could feel their hope. Hope for the future. Hope for the continuity of the Red Dragon clan.
Never in her wildest dreams did she expect to find a love so pure and powerful with her soul mate. It was a love that she’d thought lived in fairy tales. Dressed in the long, flowing golden gown, she felt like a princess.
Meeting Gareth’s gaze, Cadence felt her heart pounding with excitement. His dragon’s essence swirled around her, soothing her nerves. The butterflies wreaking havoc in her stomach settled. In his eyes, she witnessed the love she felt for him reflected back at her.
She knew in her heart he didn’t want their mating to be rushed the way it had. But she didn’t care how it came about. The only thing that mattered to her was being mated to the incredible man standing before her. She had no doubts about their love and devotion to each other.
Peering into her eyes, Gareth’s heart was torn. He wanted to be mated to his raven-haired princess. He needed to complete the bond with her like he needed his next breath. She was his very heartbeat, his life. He loved her more than he ever thought possible, and yet it felt wrong.
The ceremony felt forced by the white dragons and Maelon Godwin. He wanted more for her. He wanted their mating to occur because of love, and not out of necessity and clan responsibility. But she refused to listen. She was determined to give in to his mother’s demands and complete the mating ritual now.
Gareth, she loves you. His mother’s voice echoed in his head. She wouldn’t have agreed to this if she didn’t. You know that, and I know it, let it go. Complete the ceremony and spend the rest of your long life loving her. He could almost feel the mental head slap she was giving him.
Seeing the pin attached to her gown, his breath caught. He knew what it represented, but he also knew what the pin meant to his mother. It was her most prized possession. While he knew it was tradition for the mother to pass the pin on to the bride of the next dragon heir on their mating day, he never really thought his mother would part with the pin as long as his father was still alive.
His heart lurched at the symbolism in his mother’s gift. He vowed then to never take her gift for granted. He would always put Cadence first, above all else. If she was happy about the mating, then he wouldn’t question it. He wouldn’t tarnish their day with his doubts. Most importantly, he would spend the rest of his life making sure she never regretted her life with him and never doubted his love for her.
Carys Cadell wore her finest red robe with golden trim. It floated around her feet as if she walked on a crimson cloud. Her eyes misted with unshed tears as she studied the couple before her, the future of her clan, and the future of her family.
Taking slow steps towards Gareth and Cadence, she eased Merlin’s sacred athame from its golden sheath. She ran her finger reverently along its razor-sharp blade. His pure white magic hummed around her and sent electrical pulses up her arm. She could sense his strong force taking over the area.
Reaching out, she took Gareth’s strong hand in hers. She drew the athame across his palm and a thin line of blood erupted from his skin. Turning, she gingerly accepted Cadence’s delicate hand and sliced her palm as well. Joining their bloodied palms, she gingerly entwined them with an old flaxen rope that once belonged to Merlin. The minute the circle was complete; their hands began to vibrate with Merlin’s fierce white magic. It traveled through their bodies, burning the united blood in their veins.
Facing the couple, Carys met their gazes. “Today we celebrate the intertwining of these two souls, and the fulfillment of our great prophecy.” She paused, then continued, “Gareth and Cadence, you stand together today to join your hearts, souls, and our clan for eternity. Through the darkest of nights and the glorious of days, your union will ensure your strength. Your bond will forever protect you and your family. As our clan grows, your destiny will be fulfilled. May your lives be bountiful in love, laughter, and happiness.”
Standing beside the couple were two pillars, each containing a single white candle. A tall gold candle sat on a higher pillar between them. Forcing back her tears, deep spiritual emotion poured through Carys. Watching her son, her forever, she nodded at the couple. “Each white candle represents your individual souls. By joining them, your souls become one.
Gazing into each other’s eyes, Cadence and Gareth felt the love of their people and their ancestors encircle them. They each picked up one of the white candles and, holding their flames to the center candle, the fire lit. Shooting fire heavenward, they recited the words that would bind them forever. As the oath was taken, the glow from the firelight emanated out, encircling them.
Fated by fire, Forged in flames
Bound by blood, Lives forever changed
A passionate kiss to seal our fate
Starting a forever life anew
Unconditional love for thy mate
Fated by fire, Forged in flames
Bound by love
Eternally, two hearts now beat as one
The air around them sparked with energy and the magic hummed, building to a crescendo. The moment the vow they swore sealed their bond, Cadence and Gareth felt the backs of their necks begin to burn, joining their souls.
“Let me see, un annwyl,” he whispered as he lifted her hair from her neck to stare at the beautiful mark. A Celtic Awen symbol with an exquisite set of dragon flames around it graced the back of her neck. The flames shot out from all directions, forging their mating. He knew that he had an identical symbol on his neck. It solidified their union, marking them as mates for the entire world to see.
Carys looked at them with love shining in her eyes. “The Awen is a symbol of the balance and harmony between the male and the female. The two outer lines symbolize the individual man and woman. The center line symbolizes the coming together of the two and the harmony that befits them. The dragon’s flames around them are a symbol of our clan’s immortality and holy tribute blessed to us by Merlin. The perfect combination that binds our family and our clan,” her heart swelled with the happiness their future would bring.
Turning to face his mate Gareth took her hand in his, marveling in the softness of her skin. He held up a ring for her to see. A gorgeous ruby shone brightly in its center and was encircled by small emeralds. “This belonged to my grandmother and today I give it to you as a symbol of my love and eternal devotion. The ruby represents the fire that burns in our blood, and the emeralds represent the beauty of Wales.” Slipping it onto her ring finger, he leaned down to gently kiss her hand. “From now until eternity, my life, my love, and my soul belong to you and only you. I promise to forever love you and protect you. I vow to never forsake you and to cherish you always.”
Reaching into the hidden pocket in her dress, she drew her hand out. Opening her fingers, she picked up the ring that lay in the palm of her hand. “I found this in my grandmother’s things. She left it for me to present to my future husband. It has been in our family for many generations. It was the ring her father gave her mother when they married. According to the note she left, it belonged to Merlin and was a symbol of our family’s purity.” She slid it onto his ring finger, feeling the spark of magic flare through her hand. Instead of scaring her, it filled her with a sense of warmth and ancestry. “I give this ring to you as a symbol of my love and devotion. I promise to spend the rest of my life treasuring and loving you. I
give myself to you wholly for as long as I am alive. I will stand beside you through all life throws our way.”
Closing the space between them, Gareth pulled Cadence into his arms. His lips found hers and he kissed her thoroughly. Devouring her mouth, his hands caressed her face.
Though Carys celebrated their mating, her mind was heavy with the danger surrounding them. Maelon and the ddraig wen wouldn’t rest until their clan ruled, as they had long desired. She prayed that when the time came, their family would be strong enough to withstand the coming battle.
It was in the hands of Gareth and Cadence; they would take their clan into the next generations. They would rule with love, duty, and respect.
Stepping back from his mate, Gareth touched her chin. He expected the love and bond that would come with the mating, but the extreme devotion wasn’t what he expected. His dragon would allow their mate to want for nothing.
Turning to face the crowd of family and clansmen, Cadence felt the love coming from the group. Taking Gareth’s hand, they walked back towards the house. She could feel the tension in him. Could feel the distraction he was trying to hide from her. “Gareth, is everything okay?”
“Everything is wonderful, love. Today has been the perfect day,” she reassured as he squeezed her hand.
“You don’t lie worth a shit. Has anyone ever told you that?” she quipped, needing him to know she saw through him. “I know you’re hiding something from me. And I want to know what it is!”
“It’s really nothing, un annwyl. I’m just on edge. I don’t want Maelon to have a chance to surprise us, but we aren’t going to worry about him. We are going to spend the rest of the night celebrating our love and our mating with our friends and family. We aren’t going to let him ruin our special day.” Picking her up in his arms, he swung her around in circles until they were both dizzy.
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