“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Kalliope chuckled, getting out of her chair with her coffee in her hand and heading out of the kitchen. “I’ll go get a shower and meetcha in the bedroom.” Stopping she turned towards her friends and asked, “You did bring my makeup, right?”
“Of course, Goofball. Calysta called and gave a list of what to bring.”
Slapping her hand over her heart, Kallie breathed a sigh of relief, “Thanks so much. Y’all are just the best.”
“We know,” Daph and Merrie chuckled in unison with Meredith adding, “Now, hurry up or I’m calling Murdock and tellin’ on you.”
Scrunching up her face and wagging the index finger of her free hand in the air, Kalliope stuck out her tongue and sassed, “Nanny-nanny-boo-boo,” before turning tail and running down the hall with her mug over her head to keep it from spilling.
Jumping out the shower, hair wrapped in a towel and wearing Murdock’s huge terrycloth robe, Kallie ran into the bedroom, jumped on the bed between her two best friends and asked, “Where the hell is Jesse? I meant to ask y’all last night but…well, I…”
“Collapsed on the couch like a slug while we are partied our butts off?” Daphne asked, her eyes big and her lips pursed like their old Potions Master, Madam Tilberry.
Booping her feisty friend on the tip of the nose, Kalliope sassed right back, “Okay, so, just tell me.”
“He said to tell you that’s he sorry that he can’t be here on your special day, but unbeknownst to him, Jeffrey had planned an island getaway for their fifth anniversary. He wanted to be sure you knew how happy he is for you and that when he and Jeff get back, they want to have you and Murdock over for dinner.”
“Aww, that’s so sweet. I hope they have a good time.” Sure, she missed Jesse but was so very happy that he and his husband were celebrating together. “Alright, now let’s get to it. I don’t want the grumpy, growling Murdock to make an appearance because I kept him waiting.” She sat up. “There’ll be plenty of time for him to figure out that I am never on time later.” She swatted Meredith on the knee as the other Witch mumbled, “Oh yeah, he’ll find out sooner rather than later.”
“Oh, hush.”
The doorbell cut off whatever witty retort Daphne was cooking up as Meredith hopped off the bed and ran out of the room. Returning almost as quickly as she’d left, this time with a huge smile on her face, the sweet Witch carried a huge white box wrapped in a turquoise satin ribbon. Setting it in the middle of the bed, she teased in a singsong voice. “Kallie and Murdock sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G.”
“Whatever,” Kalliope scoffed, secretly loving that her Dragon was sending her a present on their Mating day.
“Open it. Open it.” The girls chanted, jumping up and down on the bed.
“Okay, okay, I’m openin’ it. I’m openin’ it,” she joked, getting to her knees and carefully untying the bow.
Lifting the lid off the box, Kallie removed the tissue paper and fell back onto her butt dumbfounded at the beautiful white silk gown before her. Pulling it from the box, tears filled her eyes as she gazed upon the strapless bodice that tapered to the waist with a flowing floor-length skirt embellished with tiny turquoise flames and waves. Every detail was perfect, even the blue satin ribbon with delicate little sea shells adorning the hem.
“That is absolutely gorgeous, and you’re gonna look amazing in it,” Daphne awed. “And, if I remember my instructions from your very bossy mate correctly, there’s more under all that tissue paper.”
Sifting through what seemed to be a box full of stuffing, at the bottom she found an elegant pair of white silk slippers, each embroidered with a tiny set of blue Dragon wings floating on little waves just below the toe, and a note addressed to her.
My dearest Kalliope, Words sometimes escape me, but I need you to know how very much you mean to me. Tonight we become one, together forever, never to be parted. I promise to love you more than the stars love the sky, and the ocean loves the water. For you, mo ghrá, are the light of my soul and the love of my life. All my love, always and forever, Murdock.
She didn’t try to stop the happy tears that wet her cheeks after reading the precious words from her mate. Her Dragon was everything she never knew she wanted. He was rough and gruff and growled for no reason, but when he looked at her, there was nothing but love and adoration. She could imagine what it would be like in a hundred, or even two hundred, years. Just as Grams had always told her – the Universe and the Goddess do not make mistakes. Murdock was perfect, and Kallie couldn’t wait to start their happily ever after.
Looking up, she saw the smiles on her best friends’ faces, and her heart filled to bursting. Wiping tears from her face, she looked at the clock on the bedside table and chuckled, “Well, we better get busy. We’re down to two hours until I become Kalliope Jane Deóireach.” She stopped and shook her head. “Boy howdy, that’s a name and a half huh?”
Chuckling along as they also wiped the tears from under their eyes, Daphne teased, “Please, for the love of the Goddess, do not add a hyphen Sugarbaker. The way you order takeout, every delivery guy within twenty miles will be messin’ that up.”
“Who are you tellin’?” Kalliope laughed out loud. “And I’ll sound like a super pretentious chef instead of Kallie from Kalliope’s Kupcake Kitchen.”
“Will all of that even fit on the teleprompter?” Meredith giggled.
Laughing so hard she couldn’t catch her breath, Kallie gasped, “Who knows?” Taking another breath, she added, “But we gotta get a move on.” Looking in the mirror, she ran her fingers through her wet hair. “Cause y’all have to help me do something with this mess.”
Exactly an hour-and-a-half later, Kallie looked in the mirror and couldn’t believe the sight before her. Daph and Merrie had tamed her crazy curls in a loose chignon with curly tendrils flowing onto her shoulders and even added, little blue mountain pansies and baby’s breath. Looking at her friends’ reflection in the mirror, she worked hard to hold back her tears as she smiled, “You guys know how much I love you, right? I couldn’t have asked for better friends.”
Acting tough, but having to clear her throat twice to speak, Daph rolled her eyes as she swatted Kallie’s shoulder. “Yeah, well remember that when our time comes, ‘cause you know you’ll be baking the cake for free.”
Laughing so loud she almost missed the ringing of the doorbell, Kallie asked, “Daph, will you go get the door while I get into my dress?”
“You got it.” Daphne gave a single nod before turning and heading out the door.
Picking up her gown from the end of the bed, Kallie turned to Meredith, “Can you help me get into this. Ya’ know if I try by myself, I’ll just mess up my hair and smear my makeup.”
“For sure,” Merri winked. “And then I’d have to kill ya’.”
Between nerves and excitement, Kallie was dressed and sliding her feet into her ballet slippers in less than five minutes. Kissing Meredith on the cheek and thanking her for at least the hundredth time, the soon-to-be mated Witch hurried into the hall and towards the front.
Stopping for a quick second to also give Daphne a kiss on the cheek and quick hug, along with another thank you, Kallie turned towards Maddox and Brannoc, grinning from ear-to-ear at their amazing turquoise surcoats. She knew from the images she’d seen in Murdock’s mind that it was the exact color of the scales of her mate’s Dragon, the winged, and most of the time finned, warrior, who was also to be her mate. She couldn’t wait to soar through the sky on his back or through the waves of the deep blue sea. Riding a Dragon had always been a dream of hers.
Coming back to the present, Kallie couldn’t believe how much like Knights of the Round Table from all the old movies she’d watched that Maddox and Brannoc looked with the silver rope trimming their dress uniforms, and the intricate stitchery on the front. The scene depicting a Dragon bursting from the depths of the sea and immediately taking flight was nothing short of breathtaking and was emphasized by the black long-sleeve
d undershirt and pants, and knee high-black boots polished to a high shine that each man wore.
Placing her hands on their bent elbows, Kallie just had to tease Maddox, the one they all called the Mad Dragon, who also happened to be her Grand Priestess’ mate. “Ya’ know, Maddox, now I can see why Calysta loves you so much.” She watched the older Guardsman struggle not to smile as she went on, “You sure do clean up nice.”
Busting out laughing on her other side, Brannoc barked, “Oh my Heavens, you are gonna set my Uncle right on his ass, aren’t ya.”
Turning her head, Kallie winked at the younger Guardsman, “I’m gonna give it a damn good try.”
All three snickering as they walked towards the ornately decorated carriage at the end of the sidewalk, Kalliope stopped laughing and stared. “Pinch me, y’all,” she whispered. “’Cause I have to be dreaming.”
She had no clue how he knew, was sure she hadn’t told him, but nonetheless there it was, the exact carriage she’d always dreamed of riding in. Deep mahogany with elegant carvings bordering the door and decorating the ledge of the entire vehicle, Kallie felt like Cinderella heading for the ball, and she owed it all to her wonderful Dragon.
As Maddox opened the door, a set of four steps effortlessly rolled to the ground. Brannoc helped her into the carriage, asking, “You all right in there?” Then waiting until she nodded before gently shutting the door.
Kallie marveled at the light turquoise, crushed velvet seats and the absolutely stunning hand-painted mural covering all four walls. Looking closely, she could see the depiction of an entire Dragon Clan in the midst of a celebration. As her eyes took in the splendor of something obviously from a time long ago, she caught sight of a bouquet of long-stemmed red and white roses tied with a single turquoise ribbon lying on the seat opposite her.
Reaching across, Kallie lifted the flowers into her lap, inhaling their succulent aroma, as she dreamt of what was still to come. A small card tucked lovingly in her bundle of flowers carried a simple message that made her heart beat just a bit faster. “Not even the gods can keep us apart. Always and forever. Love, Murdock.”
The carriage slowed and the scent of sea air filled the air around her. Trembling with excitement, Kallie nearly jumped out of the carriage when Brannoc finally opened the door. Helping her down while Maddox held the door, Brann took her hand, walking her towards the start of the happily ever after she’d always dreamt of.
Once her feet were on the wooden bridge decorated with red and white roses, like those she carried, tied with the same turquoise ribbon that was blowing in the breeze, Maddox handed her the bouquet and together with Brannoc stepped back to either side of the bridge, looking as if they were standing guard.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “I promise to make lots of cupcakes and goodies. Y’all are just the best.”
Even Maddox smiled as they replied in unison, “It was our pleasure.”
Step by precious step, Kalliope came closer to the man who’d battled an angry god and promised to love her forever. If she was honest, which she always was, there was always a part of her that doubted she would ever find the right man, but as usual, the Universe and the Goddess had had her back. Murdock was everything she could ever hope for and so very much more.
Making her way onto the sand, she took her time, gazing in awe at the elaborate preparations Murdock had made in less than a day. Ten yards from where she stood was a massive archway covered in red and white roses, along with hundreds upon hundreds of turquoise and white ribbons woven through the lattice and dancing on the wind as if celebrating right along with her.
To the left sat three ornate chairs on a large platform that resembled thrones right out of one of her favorite TV series, and she couldn’t believe that even the podium they sat on was decorated with red and white roses, spilling from large ceramic urns wrapped in enormous turquoise and white bows.
Growing impatient, Kallie was pleasantly surprised to see the Elders of the Blue Dragons’ Clan – Rian, Niall, Marcas, and Stefan taking their places upon the platform. It was not unlike when they’d paid her an impromptu visit earlier during the party the night before. Only this time, she was prepared for their arrival.
Kalliope’s attention was drawn to the left as four Guardsmen, those that were still in the lair and not out saving their brethren or battling demons and that Murdock was closest, appeared. She was sad that Murdock’s brother, Atticus, wasn’t there. Over and over, she’d tried to convince her Mate to wait, but he flatly refused, stating, “Ah’m no gonna wait a second loonger than Ah have tae.” That was her Dragon, strong and stubborn and totally loveable, no matter the situation.
Watching the men file in, she noted the slightly different hues of blue on each man’s surcoat. Brannoc’s was the light blue of a summer sky, and Declan’s a primary blue matched the straightforward man she’d recently met. Then there was Pearce, whose surcoat had an iridescent glow added to its cobalt color, making her wonder how brightly the scales of his Dragon would shine in the sunlight. Maddox brought up the rear, dressed in bright blue with silver highlights, just as majestic as the man himself.
The sound of boots on the sand came from the opposite direction of where the Guardsmen had entered. Turning in her chair, Kallie’s breath caught in her lungs as Murdock appeared looking better than any Dragon, or man, had a right to. She could do little more than stare. Her pulse raced. Her heart beat like thunder as he walked to his place beside the archway, holding her hostage with his hypnotic gaze.
After a few seconds of silence, Rian, the Leader of their Clan and someone Murdock had known since the other man was a small boy, began to speak. Ringing out loud and clear, his voice commanded the attention of everything and everyone. It was easy to see why he’d been chosen to lead their kin.
“Long ago, when Knights and Dragons fought side by side for King and country, it became apparent that Dragon kin was no longer safe from those who would expose and destroy them. In an effort to protect their race, the Dragon Kings sought to join with the Knights who had so valiantly fought by their sides during so many battles – victories and losses, always their comrades. Thus, through magic and the will of both Dragon and Knight, the Dragon Shifters were born.”
“In the infinite wisdom of our Founding Elders, clans were set up, one for each color of the Dragon Kings whose soul we carry within our own. Each assigned a region in which to make their home, build a life for them and those to come and to protect. Over time, some have flourished, some have ceased to exist, and others have been born from the joining of many. As the Leader of the Blue Thunder Clan, it is an incredible honor to stand among my brethren in celebration. We are brothers in blood, brothers in battle, and brothers in loyalty.”
“We are here, in the place where land meets the sea to join together a mighty warrior and his lovely mate. It is only fitting that this is where we should bless their union, acknowledging the two natures of our brethren, Murdock. The earth has been long blessed by our ancestors that have gone before us. Every place we find the light of our soul is sacred, holy. It is an honor to witness the power of what the Universe and the Goddess put into place at our inception. Today, under the light of the beautifully bright sun, we will acknowledge and bless the mating of Murdock Deóireach to the one the Universe made for him, Kalliope Jane Sugarbaker. Will those seeking to witness this union please step forward?”
Brannoc stood, a brilliant smile on his face as he winked in Kallie’s direction before addressing the Elders. “We, three of the Aherne Force of the Blue Thunder Clan, wish to witness and offer our blessing to one born of our blood and the mate of his heart. May their lives now and forever be a testament to all we hold dear…love, honor, and loyalty. As you are one, let your strength see you through many years and the children of your children’s children smile upon you.” Turning towards his uncle, Brann added, “Dock, I cannot tell you how happy I am to have you back on dry land. I pray with all my heart that you and Kallie are as happy and blessed as An
nie and I are. Take care and be happy, for no one deserves it more than you and your mate.” Giving Murdock a nod, Brannoc turned and rejoined his Force.
Stepping forward, Maddox spoke, his voice filled with more emotion than Kallie had imagined the Mad Dragon could muster when it wasn’t about his mate. It just reaffirmed what she already knew, there was none other like the Universe’s winged warriors – the Dragon Guard. “From the oldest among us to the youngest, I stand as testament to the power of the Dragons and offer this blessing from the ancestors who have gone ahead to prepare us a place in the Heavens. Live long, love often, and never look away from the light of your soul. The Universe does not make mistakes. She has given you both life that you may share it. Be happy, as that is Her fondest wish for all her children.”
After the moment of silence, Rian confidently stated. “Your witness and blessings have been acknowledged and accepted Brethren. It is truly a blessed event to have one of our oldest mated to the one made for him. Murdock, you may go to your mate. Please escort her to the Sacred Circle before the Elders assembled here.”
With his mind fully open to hers, Murdock stalked towards Kalliope, the fire and passion of their connection roaring to life. His emotions became her emotions, his thoughts her thoughts. She was his prey, and oh so very happy to be caught by her Dragon warrior. Taking the flowers from her hands, he placed them on the seat beside her then gently slid his fingers through hers. Slowly walking her back to the Elders, he filled her mind with images of all the ways he was going to make her his for eternity.
Once they were in place, Rian began again, “The blue Dragons were born of sea and sky, and there is no better to exemplify that than Murdock, whose Dragon King, Raibert, made from both the essence of the ocean below and glorious sky above. These Dragons are symbolic of the vastness of our existence and the infinity of our souls. They possess the ability to experience life from all aspects. They are highly protective and incredibly magical. Blue Dragons are known for their patience and loyalty. The azure, no matter the shade, of their scales symbolizes the boundless sky and the deep calmness of the waters. Blue Dragons immediately see every advantage, protect home and family with their very lives, and welcome the rising tides of change with calm and determined acceptance. To mate a Blue Dragon is to accept all that they are and honor the power shared between mates.”
Sinfully Delicious: Six Scintillating Stories of Sweets, Treats, and Happily Ever Afters Page 50
