SYDNEY AWOKE TO darkness, her body pressed up against the warmth of her mate. She shifted and felt Thane’s strong hand grip her thigh. “You keep moving yer bum against me, love, I won’t be able to remain the gentleman.”
Sydney giggled and rolled to face him. “I didn’t marry you... ah, I mean, bond with you because you’re a gentleman.”
“No?”
She shook her head. “I bonded with you so you could show me a good time... debauchery and all.”
He gripped her waist and rolled with her so she was straddling his hips. “Before I show you the true depth of my debaucheries, how are you feeling?”
“Amazing.” Sydney leaned down and kissed his chest. “My body feels healthier than it’s ever been.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” She grinned. “I think we need to practice making a baby.”
Thane laughed. “Already?”
“Hell, yes.”
He flipped her onto her back. “Okay, love, we’ll go slow so that I can teach you everything I know.”
“What happens when the student becomes the master?”
Thane kissed her neck. “Then the fun really begins.”
He knelt between her legs and fisted himself, dragging the head of his cock through her wetness. “You want me inside of you?”
“Oh my god, yes.”
He grinned, sinking in her… slowly and tortuously.
“Thane,” she hissed.
He pressed in deeper, and when he couldn’t go back any further, he leaned over her and whispered, “I’m going to fuck you so hard, your pussy will remind you all week.”
She mewed, arching into him.
He buried himself deeper and nipped at her ear. “This feels good, eh?”
“Yes,” she rasped, rocking against him. “Harder, baby.”
Thane slammed into her and even as her walls started to clench around him, she begged, “Don’t stop.”
Lifting her leg higher, he pressed in deeper. “I won’t, love.”
“More,” she demanded.
“Roll over,” he said. “On your knees.”
She obeyed immediately, and Thane slid into her from behind.
“Ohmigod, yes,” she breathed out.
“Better?”
Yes, baby, but I want it hard, capiche?
He chuckled as he gripped her hips and slammed into her again, and again, and again. When he could feel her body begin to stiffen, he reached his hand between her legs and fingered her clit and she exploded around him. He wasn’t far behind and pulled her against him as they collapsed on the bed.
“Hard enough?” he asked, kissing her shoulder.
“Finally,” she retorted.
Thane laughed. “I apologize, m’lady, next time I’ll plow your pussy so hard you won’t be able to walk for a week.”
She craned her neck to grin at him. “Promises, promises.”
“How about I work on my delivery in the shower?”
“Mmm, yes, please.”
Thane climbed out of bed heading for the bathroom and Sydney rushed after him.
* * *
Later that afternoon had been set aside for their bonding ceremony…the official “marriage” for the purpose of Cauld Ane recordkeeping…so they ate lunch then headed back to their room to change.
Thane had surprised her with a new dress to commemorate the occasion. A lace, off-white cocktail dress that settled a few inches above her knees. It had one shoulder and a wide satin sash and, with a pair of matching Jimmy Choo stilettos, she felt like a modern-day princess.
Thane pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “You are beautiful.”
“So are you.” He wore his traditional tartan kilt, the green and blues exceptional against his coloring.
“You’re missing something,” he said.
“I am?”
He grinned and pulled out a small, black, velvet box.
“What’s this?” she asked, and gasped when he pried it open. A pair of white gold diamond teardrop earrings sparkled in the black satin. “Thane,” she breathed out.
“Do you like them?”
She smiled. “Honey, they’re exquisite.”
“I have to admit, I wanted to buy the six-carat ones, but I know you enough to know that you’d feel uncomfortable wearing them.”
“You’re right.” Sydney stroked his cheek. “I would. But these? These I can wear almost every day.” She secured them to her ears.
Thane ran his thumb gently over one. “Perfect.”
“Thank you, honey.” She squeezed his hand. “I have something for you too.”
“Something other than the red lacy gift I tore off your body last night?”
She giggled and pulled open the bureau drawer. “Yes.”
Pulling out the gift bag with the statue, she handed it to him. “That’s not all,” she said, and stepped into the closet, sliding the real gift out of the front pocket of her tote. She walked back into the bedroom and pointed to the gift bag. “Open that first and then you can have this.”
He raised an eyebrow and peeked into the bag, letting out a laugh that made Sydney grin. He pulled out the Oscar and studied it. “This is the best gift I’ve ever received.”
“It’s a major award, honey, and you earned it.”
He leaned down and kissed her. “I love it. Almost as much as I love you.”
She smiled and handed him the leather box, unwrapped. “Elspie helped me pick this out.”
He set the Oscar on the dresser and took the box, opening it and shaking his head. “Baby.”
“Is it okay? Do you like it?” She’d had the timepiece engraved and now she wasn’t sure about it.
He pulled the watch out and kissed her again. “It’s amazing, love. Even better than the Oscar.”
“Wow, that’s high praise. I won’t tell the Academy.”
Thane turned it over and read the back. “I’m blessed to call you mine. All my love, Mrs. Movie Star.” He smiled. “I’m the blessed one, Sydney. I love you.”
“I love you too.” He kissed her, sliding her dress up over her hips. “Thane, you’ll ruin the dress.”
“I’ll be very, very careful.”
“Even if you are, honey, we don’t have time.”
“I’ll make it quick.”
“You’ve never made it quick.”
“I will now,” he promised, and tugged up her dress, sliding her thong to the side and pushing her over the edge of the bed.
Hiking up his kilt, he slid into her from behind, and true to his word, kept it quick.
It helped that Sydney worked her clit while he slammed into her and for some weird reason, it was even hotter trying to keep her dress free of harm.
When Thane came, he pulled out, kissed her ass, then grabbed a washcloth and cleaned her up, before pushing her panties from her hips. “I want you bare.”
“I’ve never gone without panties, Thane.”
He gave her bottom a gentle smack before smoothing her dress down. “First time for everything.” He slid his hands between her legs and cupped her. “I want immediate access to this all day.”
She bit her lip. “Okay, baby.”
He grinned and kissed her, then she followed him downstairs and into the throne room. She was shocked to find his entire family in attendance (which caused her to blush furiously, considering she was panty-less). Even though they’d discussed the option for her to invite hers, she’d decided that she wanted to experience the traditional ceremony, rather than one that was “human sensitive.” Thane had promised a wedding to rival all weddings once the situation with her mother was sorted, so she was happy to keep their bonding between them for the moment. But her heart swelled when they joined the pastor and Thane’s family was there, along with their closest friends.
Isolde wrapped Sydney in a warm embrace and kissed her cheek. “You look stunning, love.”
“Thank you.”
Domnall was next and his gruff, but no less warm, hug brought tears to Sydney’s eyes. “You’re the best of who we could have imagined for him, lass. A gift from God.”
“Thank you,” she rasped.
It took several more minutes to hug each of the rest of the family and then it was time to start the ceremony.
As the group settled in their seats, Thane and Sydney faced each other and Pastor Kent smiled at them and then the congregation. “Thane and Sydney have chosen a traditional hand fasting until they can join together in human matrimony. I am to understand you have bonded?”
“Aye, pastor,” Thane said.
“I’m happy for you both.” He reached for the Allen tartan ribbon and studied each of them. “Join your right hands.”
Sydney blushed when she nearly raised her left, but recovered quickly and clasped Thane’s hand.
“May the best you’ve ever seen be the worst you’ll ever see.” Pastor Kent bound the ribbon around their hands as he recited the ancient Scottish blessing. “May the mouse never leave your pantry with a teardrop in his eye. May you always keep healthy and hearty until you’re old enough to die. May you always be just as happy as we wish you now to be. You may now kiss your mate.”
Using their joined hands as leverage, Thane tugged Sydney to him and kissed her deeply. Domnall hollered and pulled Thane away from Sydney, causing the guests to laugh... she, however, blushed beet red.
Domnall untied their hands and they signed the royal book, then it was time to party, which they did until the wee hours.
* * *
The next morning, Thane drove Sydney down to the stables and they mounted a couple of horses to ride over to Max and Grace’s home, just a few miles from the castle.
Sydney was a little nervous to hang out with the famous rock star, but it helped that Niall and Charlotte would be there as well. It was one thing to shake the man’s hand, and an entirely different one to spend a morning with him. Arriving at the expansive white mansion, Sydney did her best to take it all in. Ivy wove its way up one side of the house, adding to the historical façade, while the cobblestone courtyard offered the perfect welcome that led to the blue seven-foot-tall, six-foot-wide double doors at the front.
Thane’s hand on her leg drew her focus to him as he stood below her and she smiled down at him. “Mmm, I like this angle.”
He chuckled. “Would you like me to stand here for a while?”
“I’d say yes, but then we’d be late to brunch.” She giggled and slid her foot out of the stirrups, dismounting with the help of her very sexy man.
A groom walked the horses away, and Thane took Sydney’s hand and led her to the front door.
Grace pulled the door open before they’d even reached the porch and hugged Sydney then Thane. “Welcome! I’m so glad you guys could make it.”
A flurry of blonde slammed into Thane’s legs. “Unca Thane!!” the little girl squealed.
Thane chuckled and lifted her into his arms. “Well, hello there, sweetpea.”
“Moira!” Charlotte rushed out in an attempt to catch her. “Lordy, she’s quick.”
“It’s the Cauld Ane in her,” Thane said. “Sydney, this is Niall and Charlotte’s daughter, the beautiful Moira Faith.”
“Hi Moira, it’s nice to meet you.”
“Hi,” she whispered, and dropped her head on Thane’s shoulder.
“Come in,” Grace said, and waved them inside.
Thane gave Moira a gentle hug and stepped back so Sydney could precede him into the house. Sydney was just as impressed by Grace and Max’s home as she had been with the castle. Their home was laid out over three stories, with a library, kitchen, parlor, great room, dining room, bedroom, and two full bathrooms on the first floor. Six large bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, were on the second floor, as well as a large common room and an additional bathroom.
The third floor was considered the family’s private quarters, with a gigantic master suite and four other bedrooms with private bathrooms. Elevators on each end of the home covered each story and the basement.
“It’s ridiculously big, isn’t it?” Grace murmured.
“I think it’s beautiful,” Sydney said.
“Thank you.” Grace grinned. “Max had a little emergency with one of the horses, so he and Niall will be back in a bit. Make yourselves at home. Can I get you some wine or pop?”
“I’d love a beer if you have one, please,” Thane said, and lowered Moira to the floor.
“Of course we have beer... we’re not animals.”
Thane laughed. “Thanks, lass.”
“I’m happy with water for now,” Sydney said.
“I’ll be right back.” Grace walked out of the room and Moira dragged Thane to the sofa.
“Book,” she demanded, and handed him Cinderella.
“Moira, honey, let’s give Uncle Thane a minute, huh?”
“She’s fine, Charlotte.” Thane pulled Moira onto his lap and Sydney sat next to them.
Thane got two lines into the book before Moira slid off his lap and made a run for Niall. “Daddy!”
“Ah, the fickleness of ladies,” Thane said, and chuckled as he rose to his feet. Sydney followed suit.
“Famous drummer beats movie star, apparently,” Sydney said.
Niall hugged Thane and then Sydney. Once Max had said hello, he went to help Grace. Charlotte sat beside Niall and Moira, but her phone rang and she sighed. “Sorry, I have to get this, it’s Pepper.”
“Don’t worry on our account,” Thane said, and wrapped an arm around Sydney, pulling her close.
Grace and Max walked in with drinks and then sat with Niall.
“How do you feel Sydney?” Grace asked.
“Great, actually.”
“It’s a little strange, huh?”
“Yeah, it is. My body feels different, but not so different I don’t still feel like me.”
Grace nodded. “Just wait until you find out you can lift three times your body weight.”
“Is that a thing?”
Thane jostled her gently. “Yeah, baby, it’s a thing.”
“I want to do it now!”
He chuckled. “How about we do it later?”
Sydney wrinkled her nose. “You’re no fun.”
Charlotte returned and flopped down beside Niall.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
She smiled. “Yep. I just need to go early tomorrow to help set up.”
“We were already going early.”
“I’m aware. But apparently Pepper forgot.” Charlotte sighed. “I’m giving her new-mother-brain-loss grace.”
Grace giggled. “You’d think it was her party with how stressed out she’s making herself.”
Charlotte groaned. “No doubt.”
“Well, we’re staying there, so we can help as well,” Sydney said.
“Oh, you will,” Charlotte decreed.
Sydney giggled. “Just put us to work. Apparently, I can now lift heavy things, so my damsel in distress gig is over.”
Thane kissed her temple. “You’ll always be my wee damsel, love.”
“I will?” she asked with a saccharin tone, clutching her hands to her chest. “You’re the bestest most awesomest mate in the whole wide world.”
“Damn straight.” Thane laughed and kissed her.
The rest of the day was spent in comfortable ribbing and conversation. By the time they had to leave to go back to the castle, Sydney felt like she had lifelong friends.
Thane took her to bed that night and she was able to fall asleep without his help. She couldn’t wait to find out what more her new body would do for her, but in the meantime, she was going to enjoy the hell out of what it was doing now.
* * *
Sydney’s alarm buzzed her awake at seven the next morning. She hit the snooze and rolled over to snuggle close to Thane again.
“It’s not morning, is it?” he groaned.
She smiled, kissing his chest. “Yep. ’Fraid so.”
“I can’t move,” he complained. “I think you broke me last night.”
Sydney laughed. “Just testing out my new limits. I know I don’t have any point of reference, but sex is awesome in my new vessel.” Thane chuckled just as her alarm buzzed again and she pulled away to turn it off, sliding off the bed. “Okay, mister movie star, time to get up. Come shower with me and I’ll fix whatever ails you.”
He jumped from the bed. “Don’t have to tell me twice.”
“You’re a quick study, honey.”
Thane laughed and smacked her bottom as he passed her. “Come on, baby. I’m dying to soap you up.”
She shivered in anticipation as she followed him into the bathroom. Thane started the shower and ushered Sydney in before him, then turned her to face him and kissed her as the water cascaded over them. He lifted her, anchoring her to the tile wall and she wrapped her legs around his waist so he could slip into her.
“Fuck,” he breathed out. “So good.”
Sydney looped her arms around his neck and nodded. “Yes, baby. So good.”
He held her tightly while he slammed into her, then when they both climaxed, he set her on the ground and turned her toward the wall.
“Hands to the tile, baby.”
Sydney did as he instructed, the warm water cascading over her back, while he cupped a breast and pinched her nipple. “Ohmigod, yes,” Sydney whispered.
His free hand slid to her belly, then down between her legs, his finger moving over her clit and into her wetness. Sydney mewed, pressing her bottom against him, wanting more.
“God damn, you’re beautiful,” he said, kissing her shoulder.
Sydney lost his hand on her breast, but only long enough so he could guide his cock inside her from behind, then he doubled his attention on her nipple and her clit as he slowly thrust inside her. She dropped her head back, connecting with his shoulder, groaning in ecstasy. “Harder, honey.”
“Hands back on the wall, baby.”
She did so immediately and was rewarded with his dick slamming into her harder and harder until she came so fast, she let out a scream, but his hand squeezing her breast had another orgasm building as he continued to fuck her. “Yes, honey. Oh, God, baby.”
“Come, baby.”
She let herself fall into the abyss of climax and he held her close for a minute while they caught their breath. “Your pussy is pure perfection.”
She giggled. “Your cock’s not so bad either, you know.”
He slid out of her and turned her to face him, pushing her wet hair out of her face. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Sydney smiled, leaning forward to kiss his chest. “Do you know what I love the most?”
“Tell me.”
“The fact you’re strong enough to throw me up against the wall and fuck me hard.”
“Oh yeah?”
She nodded. “I never thought I’d ever be attracted to a beefcake, but I was wrong.”
He laughed. “Beefcake?”
She ran her hands over his wet chest and slid one down, wrapping it around his hardening cock. “You look more biker romance cover than movie star, and I find myself in awe of you every second of every day.”
He closed his eyes as she ran her hand up and down the length of his cock. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. I feel dainty in your arms, baby, and I love it.” Sydney kissed his chest, running her tongue over his nipple and kissing her way down his body until she knelt in front of him. She grinned at his already rock-hard cock and kissed the base before wrapping her lips around the tip. Thane hissed as she gave a gentle suck.
Sydney took him deeper, cradling him with one hand as she worked the shaft with the other.
“Fuck, baby!”
His legs stiffened and he pulled her hair gently, so she knew he was close and she quickened her strokes, then he groaned and thrust against her mouth. She took all of it, milking him until he was dry. When he relaxed, Sydney gave one more suck, kissed the tip of his cock and climbed back up his body, kissing his neck, then his mouth.
“You’re so fuckin’ good at that,” he said.
“That’s because I love it.” Sydney smiled. “You’ve officially made me a sex-fiend.”
He kissed her again. “My evil plan is working.”
“Oh, it’s not evil,” she countered.
“No?”
“Nope. It’s delicious.”
Thane laughed and kissed her again and Thane got down to the business of soaping her up. Once showered and dressed, they headed down to the great hall and Sydney laughed as Samantha stood in the middle of the room directing traffic while she cradled Phineas in her arms.
“Wow, you’re a pro,” Sydney said.
Samantha smiled. “Oh, you missed me blubbering in the corner an hour ago when Kade had to talk me down off the ledge.”
Sydney smiled sympathetically. “You could have canceled. No one would have faulted you.”
“A Moore... ah, I mean a Gunnach, never gives up.”
Samantha’s maiden name, Thane provided.
Thane laughed. “Well, what can we do? Put us to work.”
“Sydney, Grace, and Charlotte are working on gift bags in the library, would you please help them with that?”
“Of course.”
Samantha smiled. “And, Thane, Max is setting up the sound and video stuff. If you wouldn’t mind helping him with that, I’d appreciate it. He’s in the garden.”
“No problem.”
“Eat first, though, okay?” Samantha rocked the baby when he fussed. “Breakfast is set out in the kitchen.”
“Thanks, Sam,” Thane said.
“No, thank you,” she quipped.
Thane guided Sydney to the kitchen and then, once they ate, they split up to take care of their tasks.
* * *
Guests started trickling in at noon, dignitaries the first to arrive, and Sydney soon found out all of them were Cauld Ane. There would be humans in attendance, but they wouldn’t arrive until four, which gave their people a chance to speak unhindered for a few hours.
“There are so many people,” Sydney whispered as she grasped Thane’s shirt before he could get away from her.
He chuckled, facing her and pulling her against his chest. “You’re fine, love.”
“Don’t you dare leave me.”
“I’m not leaving you, baby, I’m going to talk to Niall.”
She threw her arms in the air. “That’s leaving me... to go and talk to Niall.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“What?” With a gasp, she squealed, “Thane,” as he pinned her arms and lifted her off her feet, carrying her over to where Niall stood with Charlotte.
Oh my god, I’m going to kill you.
He laughed, setting her down again and kissing her soundly in front of everyone. Heat covered her neck and face and she stepped behind him in an effort to hide.
No one’s watching us, love.
I don’t believe you. She tugged on his shirt. I need a second, but murder is still on the table.
Is twerking off of it?
“Thane,” she whispered dropping her forehead to his back.
“It’s just us, love.”
She peeked over his shoulder and felt her blush again as Charlotte and Niall watched her with smiles. Sydney shook her head and stepped behind him.
“It’s a lot, huh?” Charlotte said.
“Sorry, I don’t mean to be rude.”
Charlotte giggled. “Don’t be sorry, seriously. Why do you think we’re hiding here in the corner? Niall would be out there yuckin’ it up with pretty much everyone here if it wasn’t for me.”
Niall grinned. “I’m happy to be wherever you are, love.”
Charlotte wrapped her arms around his bicep. “That’s because you’re a smart man.”
Thane slipped an arm around Sydney’s waist and kissed her temple. “We can stay here for as long as you need.”
“I’m not an invalid, Thane. I just feel a little overwhelmed.”
“We are in a unique position where we can leave and hang out in the library if we’d like to,” Niall said.
Charlotte gasped. “We can?”
“Aye, lass. We’ve said hello to everyone we need to. We don’t have to come back out until four.”
“Then why are we still here?”
“We’re going right now,” Thane said.
Sydney laughed. “Someone else who’s proving to be smart.”
Thane took her hand and gave it a squeeze, then the couples headed into the library. Sydney giggled when she found Pepper, Max, Grace, and Payton there. Samantha breezed in a few minutes later, Phineas in her arms. “If I’d known the party was in here, I would have escaped hours ago.”
“I had to feed the baby,” Pepper said, baby Chelsea cradled against her.
“What a coincidence, Phineas needs to be fed as well.” Samantha sat in one of the overstuffed chairs and threw a blanket over her and Phineas to feed him.
See, love? You’re in great company.
Sydney grinned up at him. Yes, apparently I am.
The rest of the evening was part meeting strangers and part connecting with new friends, including spending more time with Thane’s family. Sydney couldn’t imagine a better evening, and Ainsley was ecstatic because she had been given permission to ride Max’s horses the next day.
Midnight came faster than expected and Thane insisted on taking Sydney to bed. She didn’t complain (much), as they made their way upstairs. And once he’d kissed every inch of her body, he made love to her and she realized how perfect their time at the castle had been.
In some ways, she didn’t want it to end.