Enchanted Magic

by T. M. Cromer

  “Bloody hell.” He sighed and turned back around. “Mack, before we go. We should talk.”

  “Already having doubts?”

  “Not at all, but you might when you hear what I have to tell you.”

  * * *

  Mackenzie’s stomach tightened as she registered Sebastian’s pained expression. She knew exactly what he wanted to tell her. A few minutes before she’d made herself known, she stumbled upon him speaking to his aunt and sister.

  Somehow, Mackenzie was going to be the catalyst for the Enchantress’s escape from her prison. Damian had hinted at her predicament. But he’d also suggested she grab onto happiness for whatever time she had left because once the wheel was set in motion, there was no turning back.

  She believed in living for today. As a Thorne with a never-ending number of enemies, she’d learned to seize whatever life had to offer at any particular moment. This was one of those. But lest Sebastian think she didn’t take the threat seriously, she said, “You don’t have to tell me, Baz. I know.”

  “Everything?” One black brow lifted.

  “Enough. And maybe I don’t care to hear the rest. If we can’t change Fate’s design, perhaps we should just enjoy what time we have left.”

  “What else did you see a few moments ago when you touched my face?”

  “How did you…?” She shrugged away her question. Sebastian was more perceptive than people gave him credit for. “You. Me. Happy. For a while.”

  Concern lit his dark eyes. “What else?”

  “I’d rather not say.” How could she tell him she’d seen herself with a wicked-looking athamé in her hand as she knelt over his unconscious body? She could see her two faces flashing back and forth; one twisted with hate and the other fearful. They represented the two forces within her, each fighting desperately for control. One to kill him. One to save him. Beyond that, there was nothing but darkness.

  The thing she sensed the strongest was the love they would share. Knowing it existed, she was sure she’d never hurt him.

  “I want to take you away from here, love.”

  “It’s too late, Baz. The Aether said as much. Even if he hadn’t, I can sense it. You can, too, I think.” The devastation on Sebastian’s face tore at her heart. “But if you don’t want to do this. To become invested in us, knowing our world could come crashing down at any moment, then I get it. I truly do.”

  “This is mad. We’re mad.”

  She waited him out, giving him the space he needed to make a decision that could—and would—affect the rest of his life.

  “Fuck it. Let’s do it.”

  Mackenzie laughed her joy and clasped his hand. “How American of you!”

  “Your family is rubbing off on me.”

  “It’s good to be fluid. To dismiss the rigid structure guiding your life.”

  “You live a bohemian lifestyle, don’t you?” His expression was indulgent and on the verge of teasing. Mackenzie adored it.

  “I do, indeed, Lord Kilbride.”

  “Then I shall endeavor to join you by living my life the same way, my future Lady Kilbride.”

  Pausing in the act of tucking her arm through his, she stared. “Oh dear Goddess! I never thought of the responsibility involved in being a peer of the realm. Is that the right wording?” She waved a hand and hugged his bicep. “Perhaps we should simply be lovers and leave it at that.”

  “While I’m not opposed to becoming your lover, Mack, I can promise there are no great trials in being my wife.”

  “Well, I’m game if you are.” She soaked up his warm regard and bathed in the yumminess of it.

  “Oh, I’m game.” Sebastian shifted to cup her neck and urged her closer. “I’m definitely game.”

  His kiss robbed her of her wits and her will to do anything but savor the flavor of his tongue as it swept across hers. Teasing. Tasting. Caressing.

  After he pulled away, she frowned up at him. “When did you have chocolate, and why didn’t you share?”

  “I don’t share my chocolate with anyone but my wife.”

  “Well, we’d better tie the knot soon. I have a craving.” And it wasn’t for sweets. Or at least, not the candy kind.

  “I’ll import only the best from all of the world’s greatest chocolatiers for your sampling pleasure.”

  Mackenzie grinned and rose on tiptoes to brush her mouth against his one final time. She really liked kissing him. “I don’t understand why some smart woman hasn’t scooped you up by now. I guess it shows my brilliance far exceeds everyone else’s.”

  “Or your foolishness,” he murmured. “I’m not convinced I’m the prize you believe me to be, love.”

  “Let’s break this down.” She pretended to think about it, although she already knew she didn’t need to. She began ticking points off on her fingers. “First, you’re hot as hell.” She smothered a giggle when he huffed out a breath and rolled his eyes. Clearly, Sebastian didn’t feel his looks were all that important. He was wrong. “Second, you wear a kilt.”

  “Mack. You’re being completely shallow.”

  “I know, but it bears saying. Now hush. I’m getting to the good parts.”

  “As long as you realize looks and a kilt aren’t the good parts.” His tone dipped into suggestive, and she struggled to keep a straight face.

  “Don’t play those down, Baz. They weigh heavily in my decision to marry you. Where was I?” Frowning, she put a fingertip to her lip and tapped.

  He laughed and flung an arm around her shoulders. “I’ll let you list the rest after the ceremony and after I’ve had my way with you.”

  “Ohhh! I’m sure there will be many, many things to add by then. Tongue, hands, penis.”

  Sebastian jerked to a halt and glared down at her. The humor in his eyes gave him away. “Behave!”

  “Never!”

  Chapter 8

  The planning of the ceremony was frivolous and fun, as Mackenzie had hoped it would be. Arabella was delighted to be her maid of honor and took her role a bit more seriously than Mackenzie assumed she would.

  “Really, Bella, you’re going overboard.”

  Both women gave Sebastian the stink eye. It wasn’t that Mackenzie didn’t agree, but she didn’t want to steal her future sister’s joy either.

  He held up his hands and sighed. “How about I wait by the altar?”

  “Perfect. Thank you, Baz.” She grinned when he caught her eye and winked.

  As soon as he disappeared, her future sister-in-law became all business. “Okay. We need to create an exceptional gown for you. One designed to melt Baz’s brain matter.”

  Mackenzie laughed. “You’ll have to do the conjuring, Fairy Godmother. I’m afraid I’m like Cinderella. I’ve nothing to wear for the ball and no great sense of style.”

  Arabella’s happy expression turned skeptical. “You are a world-famous model. How can that be?”

  “Other people dress me in their latest creations. I’m essentially a doll. Besides, I trust your exquisite taste in clothing. I’ve seen you at social functions, and you’re always impeccably dressed.” Mackenzie cheered inwardly when Arabella’s smile returned, tinged with pride.

  “White?”

  “Well, I’m no Aunt Teddie, but I think I can rock it.”

  Arabella laughed. “Oh, please don’t begin haunting these halls and kissing our butler.”

  “I don’t know. Leo is awfully cute.”

  Soon enough, Mackenzie was decked out in a confection of form-fitting lace and flowing organza. The A-line silhouette accentuated her curves, and the embellishments on the sleeveless bodice shimmered in the candlelight. “Is this V-neckline a little too plunging?”

  “Not at all. Baz will love it.” Arabella stepped back and fluffed the floor-length ruffles. “He won’t be able to lift his jaw from where it drops to his chest.”

  “Thank you, Arabella. This means the world to me.”

  “You make a stunning bride, Mack.” She did a head-to-toe scan. “Hair
upswept, I think. But no veil. Oh, and a single red calla lily in place of a bouquet.”

  Once Arabella magically transformed her into the perfect bride, she kissed her cheek and rushed away.

  Part of Mackenzie wished her family could be here, but she understood it was impossible as last minute as this ceremony was. When she would’ve stepped from the shadows to walk the aisle, the air around her shifted and a pale-pink light formed beside her.

  “Sabrina! What are you doing here, sweetie? It’s the middle of the night.”

  The girl’s eyes sparkled as she touched a ruffle on Mackenzie’s dress. “May I be your flower girl?”

  “You had a vision of this, didn’t you?”

  Sabrina nodded, and a shadow crossed her tiny elfin-like features. Refusing to allow the child to bear the weight of the world, Mackenzie leaned down and hugged her. “I’d be honored to have you as my flower girl. How about you conjure a princess dress in your favorite color and a basketful of matching petals?”

  The girl’s eyes flew wide, and excitement shimmered in their obsidian depths. Before Mackenzie could catch her breath at the beautiful sight of Sabrina’s blissful expression, the world around her froze. She knew it had because Leopold stopped mid-snore and Teddie’s chirpy chatter ceased echoing in the chapel.

  Sabrina looked scared, and Mackenzie couldn’t swear she wasn’t as terrified as the girl. She only knew of three family members who could freeze time, and one was dead. Whatever was coming had powerful magic. “Go. Hide in the shadows.”

  “It’s Papa,” Sabrina said in a small voice.

  A blinding gold light split the room in two, and the Aether crossed to them. He was less than thrilled, and his thundercloud expression proved it.

  A shiver of fear ran through Mackenzie. Pissing off a badass of his ilk was not good.

  “What have I told you about leaving our estate, Sabrina?” His voice sounded like an avenging god and practically shook the rafters.

  Despite Mackenzie’s trepidation, she stepped between father and daughter. “Mr. Dethridge—”

  “No excuses, Ms. Thorne.” He held up a hand, and she could swear it trembled. Here was a scared father, not a furious one. “She cannot leave the estate without supervision. She knows this. The danger involved is limitless.”

  “Of course.” Mackenzie turned and squatted in front of a contrite Sabrina. “I’m sorry. I would’ve loved to have you as my flower girl.”

  Sabrina lifted tearful eyes to her father, her lower lip trembling.

  Damian was no match for her tragic little face, and the added little sniffle did him in. “Fine. You can do this one thing, beastie, but then it’s back to bed for you.”

  “I understand, Papa.”

  Mackenzie bit back a grin, wondering if it hadn’t been the girl’s plan all along. She was certain of it when Sabrina turned away to hide her smile and to conjure her princess dress.

  “I’ve never seen a more stunning creature in all of existence, my darling girl.” Damian’s praise made his daughter beam. He leaned in close to Mackenzie and lowered his voice. “I’m well aware she just manipulated me. I’m putty in her tiny hands.”

  Holding back her laughter at that point was impossible. “How about you restart time and allow us to get on with this little shindig?”

  “Shindig? Hmm. Yes, how appropriate.” He cleared his throat and tugged on his cuffs. “For what it’s worth, Mack, I’m happy to see you seizing the day.”

  “That’s me. If carpe diem wasn’t already coined, it would’ve been our family’s motto.”

  Damian released a genuine laugh. One so wholehearted and encompassing, Mack could see why Vivian had fallen for him. When he sobered, he gazed down at her with something akin to affection. “You’re one in a million, Mackenzie Thorne. Enjoy your wedding, dear.”

  “Why not come in and sit down? I imagine you aren’t leaving your daughter here alone anyway. No sense skulking in the alcove here.”

  “Oh, I’m sure Drake would be overjoyed to have me attend. It almost makes me want to sit in the front row.”

  She laughed, reached for Sabrina’s hand, and positioned the girl to walk down the aisle. “Sit in the back, Damian. It’s more menacing and will make Baz sweat.”

  “Don’t mind if I do.” He hurried around her and came to an abrupt halt. A confused frown clouded his countenance. “Is that old Leopold at the altar?”

  “You know him?” Mackenzie blinked a few times and stared harder at Leo. “Did he just move?”

  “Doubtful. Frozen time and all, remember?” Damian coughed into his hand and hurried away.

  She glanced down at Sabrina. “Why do I have the feeling he was lying?”

  “Because he was.”

  Before Mackenzie could comment, the girl was skipping down the aisle, tossing flowers up and following them with a light burst of air to make the petals dance on the current. Apparently, she wasn’t aware she was supposed to throw them on the ground.

  Sabrina stopped, looked over her shoulder, and grinned.

  Okay, the mischievous little “beastie” absolutely knew the proper way to throw them. She just chose to march to her own tune. Mackenzie could appreciate that.

  * * *

  Leopold officiated between bouts of sleep, and the aunts bore witness, bickering through it all. Sebastian desperately wanted to question Mackenzie on the arrival of the Dethridges, but he kept his thoughts to himself. If he had to guess, he’d say Sabrina had divined their intent and decided to see for herself what a wedding was all about. He felt sorry for the girl. Being the child of an Aether would be lonely at the best of times.

  “Do you, ah… um… do you…” Leopold looked to Sebastian in panic.

  “Mackenzie Thorne,” he supplied.

  “What?”

  “It’s the name you were after, Leopold. Mackenzie Thorne.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “Because you were in the middle of the vows.”

  Leopold scratched his ass and sniffed. “Don’t know why the gel’s family ain’t present.”

  It appeared too much for Mackenzie as she dissolved into a fit of giggles. Beside her, Sabrina echoed the sound. Sebastian was hard-pressed not to join in.

  “If you’ll allow me.” Damian stepped up to the altar and, in a show of great kindness and patience, guided Leopold to sit beside Aunt Teddie. “You did a smashing job of it, dear fellow. I’d like to add my own blessing now, if you don’t mind.”

  Leopold nodded, but Sebastian wasn’t positive the poor old sod wasn’t in the process of dozing off, rather than agreeing. The short snore cemented Sebastian’s belief.

  Mackenzie’s grip on his arm tightened.

  He glanced down into her sparkling eyes and found himself grinning. “He was your choice,” he reminded her.

  “As Damian said, Leo did a smashing job.”

  “If finances ever grow tight, we can rent him out,” Sebastian deadpanned.

  A muffled snort from Damian sent Sabrina into another fit of giggles.

  She was a precious girl, and Sebastian was left to wonder, had things been different and had Vivian married him, if they would’ve had a child about Sabrina’s age.

  “It was never how it was meant to be,” Damian spoke quietly from beside him. “You’re on the proper path now, Drake. By the by, you know if I officiate, it’s legal and binding as per the Council bylaws.”

  “I know.” And he did. The rightness of this moment couldn’t be denied. His differences with the Aether seemed to dissolve, and Sebastian was happy to set aside the old animosity. “I suspect Mack knows, too. Regardless, I’d like to be married before the sunrise. So if you’d care to get on with it.”

  Damian smirked. “Of course.”

  The rest of the ceremony was nothing short of magical.

  The Aether lifted the Drake family’s metal wedding bowl, twirled a finger, and released the fragrant herbs into the air around them. He gave a brief speech about love, trials, and how they should
face them together as a couple. The white candles behind him flared brightly as if to emphasize his words. Damian encouraged them to honor their commitment throughout time with no exception.

  Next, he picked up an ivory handfasting cloth threaded with silver. The wispy metal reflected the light and gave the illusion of glowing fabric.

  The ancient material had been gifted to the first couple of the Drake line by the Goddess herself. Although gossamer and delicate in appearance, it contained ancient magic and would never deteriorate due to the rigors of time.

  “Mack, if you will?”

  She placed her left hand in Damian’s.

  “Sebastian?”

  He mimicked the action.

  Damian took their wrists and placed their palms together, weaving the cloth around them and tying it off.

  Sebastian smiled when he felt the tingle between his palm and Mackenzie’s. The Thorne blood was right powerful, but she had magic all her own, and it spoke to him. His gaze locked with hers.

  “Mackenzie Thorne, I bind thee to Sebastian Drake in this, a holy union. You shall honor and love him throughout all your days and beyond. Do you pledge to do so?”

  “I do.”

  “Sebastian Drake, I bind thee to Mackenzie Thorne in this, a holy union. You shall honor and love her throughout all your days and beyond. Do you pledge to do so?”

  “I do.”

  Damian nodded and covered their joined hands with his. “I ask the Goddess to bless this joining of souls. I ask her to protect and watch over them when they need it the most. And I ask her to grant them many years of wedded bliss.”

  The room filled with a radiant light for the span of ten seconds.

  As it faded, Damian closed his eyes and whispered, “Blessed be.”

  “Blessed be,” they echoed.

  “Sebastian, I encourage you to kiss your bride.” Damian smacked him on the shoulder and laughed.

  Every person, every sound, faded into the background as Sebastian gazed down into the deep-blue pools of Mackenzie’s eyes. The realization struck him that he never wanted to be anywhere else but with her.