Chapter 29
Guardian Manor, Tetartos Realm
A trio of females had taken Alex to prepare her for the centuries-old mating ceremony. They’d bathed her skin as was tradition of old, before massaging her body in light oil sweetly scented of almonds.
The tranquil bathing house honored each of the elements, just as the temples of ancient times had. French doors opened to the view of a thick forest of tall redwoods mixed with fern and moss. The water in the marble bath was flowing from the long delicate fingers of rose stone Nereids. Potted flowering plants and trees filled the inside of the room. She could smell the earthy moss, which settled her nerves. It had begun to darken outside. The scattering of billowing clouds were backlit with the blush of dusk in coral and peach, slowly darkening as it brightened one last time. She lay beneath the talented touch of the three preparing her. Flickering candlelight licked at the stone and water.
Anticipation filled her. She still felt the tantalizing touch of Uri’s essence rubbing and twining with her own, even though he was nowhere near this place. She heard the water of a nearby fall as she lay face down on the cushioned table, getting all of her muscles worked out. Thala, Pela and Areth were a relaxing presence, friendly. Not speaking, just quietly humming a soft tune.
Alex felt limp as Thala massaged her way down one arm all the way to her fingertips. Pela’s strong hands loosened and relaxed muscles in her neck and back. The third and quietest of the three, Areth, used a firm touch to relax her thighs, down her calves, to the soles of her sensitive feet.
“Time to get your hair done so we can dress you,” Thala said, grinning, as they helped her stand.
“Thank you, ladies, that was amazing,” Alex said as she beamed a smile at all three. She stretched her arms up. Her body felt incredible and loose.
Sitting her on a velvety side chair in front of a small table, Thala worked on her hands. Areth worked at her feet, and Pela worked on her hair.
When they finally finished, Alex was dressed in a gown of beautiful nearly sheer silk in a blue that matched her eyes. The dress was cut and draped in such a fashion that it held itself in place, but one small tug would have it on the ground. The light fabric lovingly hugged her curves with its strapless floor-length design. It was decadent to feel the silk slide along bare skin.
All three smiled delightedly at their work. The soft click of heels signaled the arrival of Sirena, Brianne, and Sacha. Brianne made whooping noises as she entered, and they exclaimed at how beautiful she looked. They each chatted and thanked Pela, Areth and Thala for their work.
The three Guardians were dressed in short ivory gowns that covered one shoulder and flitted in the light breeze. They were stunning. Brianne looked tanned under the pale dress, and her flaming hair fanned out in wild waves down her back. Sirena’s pale locks were done in more sleek controlled waves and curved bangs. Sacha looked like an Egyptian princess, with straight bangs and almost hip-length ebony strands. The transporter Guardian even wore a gold band on one arm. A true display of power, as metal encasements dampened their abilities.
Sirena brought with her a gorgeous green bottle labeled in black. “This is specially blended wine made only on Tetartos.” The female shared with a smile. She had apparently gotten her hands on a much-coveted year, if Brianne’s squeak of pure glee was any indication. Each took a small glass. Pela, Areth and Thala declined an offer to join them. With wide grins the three females left in a breath of air, leaving just the four of them to their decadent treat as Sirena went over the last details of the ceremony, which Alex altered slightly, to all three Guardians’ delight.
After enjoying the rich, sumptuous flavor of the drink, which was unlike anything she’d ever tasted, Sirena asked, “Are you ready?”
“Yes.” And then they teleported her away, reforming on a rock ledge high above a crashing sea highlighted lovingly by the moon’s caress. The excited Guardians chattered as they ushered her through a tunnel that looked to be plated in gold and lit with a thousand candles. Words of love and wisdom were etched in the old language all along the cool surface. It touched something deep inside. A reverence settled over her, feeling the magic in this place.
Her gaze instantly found Uri in the back of the cavern below a high vaulted ceiling with a diamond-drop candle chandelier. The room was absolutely stunning, but nothing compared to the sheer primal beauty of her mate. Her chest swelled, and it took everything in her to slow her movements and enjoy the moment, savor the sight of Uri waiting to pledge his life to hers. The wide expanse of his chest was bare, and the light flickered over every dip and line of muscle. His shoulders were so impossibly tight that it looked as though he was having trouble staying where he was.
Black silk pants hung low on his hips, revealing the V of muscle that begged to be lavished by her hands and mouth. She heard as he sucked in a deep breath; a shiver of a growl echoed in her mind, sending tremors down her entire body. Silver eyes swirled as he stood in front of the other Guardians. Her brother stood with them, all dressed in black, but only Uri was without a shirt. Vane smiled lovingly at her before his gaze moved to Brianne, a wicked glint in his eyes.
She felt a fleeting pang of regret that Erik couldn’t be there, but took comfort in the fact that he had a brave and strong mate by his side, willing to ease his pain when he finally woke. Sirena assured her that a mated male wouldn’t be able to hurt his mate. Alex knew her brother well enough to know that was true.
If all went well, there might be something she and Uri could do to also lessen the pain of memories past.
Her breath caught in her lungs as her soul pushed against the bonds of her body. The feeling had been getting increasingly forceful of late, somehow anticipating the completion of the bond? Demanding that ultimate bond. She bit her lip, stifling a groan and willing her lower body not to dampen with need in present company. It was all she could do to stay focused on moving toward him.
She watched Uri’s chest heave, his eyes full of delicious promise. They just needed to make it through the first part of the ceremony.
She heard some choked coughs, a groan, and female giggles chiming lightly in the room as she finally arrived in front of Uri.
She took his hands in the center of the room. Sirena stood to one side and Drake to the other.
You look beautiful, sis. Congratulations. Vane smiled from behind Uri.
Thanks, I love you, she sent back as she fought tears.
Uri sent her love and comfort through their link, giving her the distraction she needed. She gave him a grateful smile.
She felt the joined strength of the Guardians around them, and Vane slightly behind Sirena. The room was filled with the scent of candle wax, but nothing compared to the hint of port coming from her mate. The stone and dirt floors were slightly rough on her bare feet. Uri’s large palms grasped her much smaller hands. Their warmth grounded her in place.
Drake smiled down at her from his superior height. He’d shaved his scruffy chin, combed his hair, and he looked the part of the regal leader. Gregoire had also cleaned up. His red-tinged, brown beard was trimmed on his sun-kissed skin, making him even more handsome. He gave her a fond smile.
“The blood-bonding will be in a private temple after the vows are given.” Drake’s eyes twinkled and it made her heart swell to think that she and her brothers had an extended family.
“Uri will begin.” Drake’s command brooked no argument.
Suddenly it was if they were encased in magic. The only ones there.
Uri held her gaze as his deep tone echoed off the walls, vowing to honor and care for her, body, soul and in blood for eternity. He spoke the words in the old language. It was as if words said in this magical place had power of their own. Her heart swelled and tears threatened as Sirena moved forward. She held Alex’s hand above Uri’s heart and Sirena’s warm power flowed through Alex’s own palm and into Uri’s skin. Sirena was enabling Alex to permanently mark Uri’s flesh with the symbol of a mated male: the thick swirls of two scaled serpents entwined together by their tails, a double eternity symbol that declared his eternal devotion. It appeared along his skin in slow, detailed increments. She saw incredible beauty in the features. Two sets of gray eyes appeared, jewel-like and alive upon his skin.
She was mesmerized by it all, loving how Uri’s muscles twitched beneath her touch. He sent her the emotion of it. The reverence. She felt the pain, bordering closely on pleasure, as the symbol developed, more enduring than a tattoo. If his skin were damaged and needed to be regenerated, this tattoo would always reappear. The erotic pressure of their merging essence was a sultry dance under her skin as she forever branded her mate. Their mingled breaths came out in ragged bursts.
It was beautiful.
Once done, Uri grasped her tightly and pulled her in for a deep kiss, practically devouring her lips, possessing her mouth as she now possessed a piece of his flesh. Cheers mixed with groans from her brother.
She pulled back and grinned at Uri, who was looking toward the exit.
“We’re not done,” she murmured.
Everyone stilled in confusion. Alex clearly repeated the vows Uri had given to her. The room vibrated lightly under her toes. The magic of the place seemed to approve. Uri’s eyes took a decidedly more feral turn, shoulders and chest bunching and flexing as he listened to her words. Just as he would have grabbed her again, Sirena grasped Uri’s hand in hers and positioned it over Alex’s chest. This time he growled deep in his throat as well as through the bond. Alex settled her hand above that of both Uri and Sirena, showing him, with all the love in her eyes, how important this was to her. He stilled, jaw tense, as Sirena’s power flowed again.
The room was silent. All watched as a more delicate version appeared on her skin. The markings were plum colored and graceful, from what she was able to see through Uri’s eyes. The dragonlike serpents twined in swirls over the upper swells of her breasts.
She sent the delicious pleasure-pain through their bond as he had done with her, and he groaned aloud. His lips were open, taking deep breaths, as he watched the symbol meet in the valley of her chest. He had never appeared as fierce to her as he did when Sirena’s hand fell away. Hard silver met and held her gaze before she was whisked into his arms and into the tunnel leading out. Cheers and whoops abounded at their backs. Once at the exit, he gently leaned down and kissed her markings, making her nerve endings trill in delight.
Their minds stayed entwined through the teleport that took them away. An erotic fuzziness filled her being until they touched down as if they’d completely combined while teleporting. Oh, Gods, how she loved and wanted him with near blinding need.
He sucked in a breath before speaking. “This is just a quick stop along the way. Vane shared the location and some mental images of your private cave on Earth. I moved your things here. Along with the toys I found.”
She was looking at an identical reproduction of her private cavern island location. Her eyes filled again as she continued to stare. She heard his ragged breath and knew it cost him to make this detour.
“I would have shown you later. But after you gave me your gift, I had to give you yours. I can’t give you back a life on Earth, but I could bring some of it here, love.” He spoke softly as he held her tight, cradled against his chest, her heart melting with joy and love.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Uri took her mouth again, this time a slow, seductive plundering. She moaned and wiggled to be let down. She could hear the break in the surf and the whoosh of the sea as it hit the cliffs. She loved salt air and wanted to soak it in with him.
When he broke the kiss, she smiled up at him. “You found my stash, huh?”
His eyes glittered wickedly, but she noticed his jaw tic. “Oh, yes, and we will have to see what you can do with them, later. Right now we need to meet Gregoire for the rest of the ceremony. It’s tradition to have someone watch over our blood-bonding, but I also planned to have him stay… If that’s still what you want?” He looked into her eyes as if seeing inside her soul. She could feel how much he didn’t want to share her, but he didn’t voice it. He was giving her a choice, giving her all her fantasies as he said he would. For this night she could experience it all. She flushed with desire, but also hesitation.
Pulling him down by that silky dark hair, she took his mouth, enjoying the sweet port flavor of him. Using one hand, she touched the freshly shaven skin of his jaw, loving the movement it made as their tongues tangled. He pulled her tighter, deepening the kiss, as his hands smoothed over the silk that covered her lower back. Just this once. Anything you wish, Alexandra, he whispered into her mind.