Acca (Angelbound Origins Book 3)

by Christina Bauer

  “We do.”

  After reaching into his pocket, Walker pulls out a small jewel case that holds a simple platinum band and hands it to Lincoln. Cissy does the same. Our rings are pretty basic. I felt like my betrothal jewels were already super flashy, so I liked going simple on the wedding stuff. I guess I’ll be adding a crown to my ensemble now too, so that makes me extra-glad I went the simple route.

  “Repeat after me,” intones Verus. “I, Lincoln Vidar Osric Aquilus, do take you, Myla Lewis, as my lawfully wedded wife.”

  “I, Lincoln Vidar Osric Aquilus, do take you, Myla Lewis, as my lawfully wedded wife.”

  He slips the band onto my finger. My upper lip wobbles. This is a lot harder than killing things, that’s for sure.

  Verus turns to me. “I, Myla Lewis, do take you, Lincoln Vidar Osric Aquilus, as my lawfully wedded husband.”

  “I, Myla Lewis, do take you, Lincoln Vidar…”

  Crap, I can’t remember his whole name. Who has a huge name like this anyway? In a flash, the rest of the words appear to me.

  “Osric Aquilus, as my lawfully wedded husband.” I set the ring on his finger. He winks, the creep.

  Now, the Arbiter steps forward. At this point, I’m seeing little white blobs in my vision and feeling a bit woozy. It’s been one hell of a day. How happy am I that thrax ceremonies are way short? Very happy indeed. Not sure how much more of this I could take. I have two speeds: fight like hell and nap.

  Much as I hate to admit this, I am quickly heading into nap territory.

  The Arbiter gazes out over the crowd for so long, I start to wonder if she’s fallen asleep with her eyes open. After all, who knows what kind of magic she’s under? At last, she breaks the silence. “My role as Arbiter is to watch over Antrum and the legal side of my people, the thrax. Once, I lived among you, and I try to keep that knowledge in my heart as I sit in judgment over you all. For nearly two thousand years, I have a sat on my throne of judgment in the courtroom. Never once have I stepped away from my dais. Never have I wanted to. Today though? I saw a people in jeopardy and only one couple with the heart and power to bring us into a brighter future. For too long, our people have fought among ourselves for the crown of Antrum. It has cost us much blood. Today, I see a real chance for Antrum to unite under a single rule that is both fair and kind. I know many of you have waited for this day, the same as I have. How blessed for us all to be here, and how lucky I am to make it happen.”

  I can’t help but peep over my shoulder. Do the thrax really see this as a huge blessing? I mean, some of them approached me after Aldred died. That’s not necessarily a statistically valid sample of the after-realms, however. I scan the huge Chapel. All the faces are drawn in lines of relief and joy. Even better, there’s an excitement in the air. It seems like they all agree with the Arbiter about this being a new and better phase for the after-realms. It’s a huge responsibility that’s both terrifying and exciting, all at once. I get another one of my ideas.

  I raise my hand. “Hey, Arbiter?”

  She tilts her head. “Yes?”

  “I’d like to say a few words, if that’s okay.”

  “Of course.”

  I look to Lincoln. “You want in on this?”

  “No.” He gives me a genuine smile. “I look forward to hearing what you have to say.”

  I turn to face everyone and clear my throat. “Hello, thrax. I’m about to be your Queen.” I wave to another section of the audience. “And my fellow quasi-demons. Lincoln here is about to become the official consort to the great scala, which let’s face it, is pretty much a king to you. Now, I know things haven’t always been smooth between us all.” I frown. “Okay, I can’t lie. It’s been hard. Really hard. This alliance between our peoples is new and uncomfortable. However, we all just fought off Armageddon together. You could have run the minute the igni set you free and you didn’t. That means something big. For those of you who aren’t warriors, there’s something special that happens when you battle side by side with someone. A bond that forms. I feel a new connection with you all.” I scan the crowd, feeling their energy zing through me. “I want you all to know how honored I am to be your new leader. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.”

  There’s a long pause where I think I may have screwed up. Suddenly, applause breaks out across the room, followed by raucous cheers. Lincoln leans in to kiss me gently on the cheek. “What a Queen you’ll make, Myla. I couldn’t be more proud.” And that makes me blush my face off.

  Eventually the Arbiter raises her arms and everything gets quiet again. “It is therefore my great honor and privilege to crown the Great Scala Myla Lewis and Prince Lincoln Vidar Osric Aquilus as the Queen and King of Antrum.” As she raises her arms and a pair of cherubs flit over from the walls. Sure, I’ve seen pictures of cherubs in paintings, but they really undersell the experience. You can’t imagine how freaking cute the little baby angels are until a couple of them flit toward you, all chubby cheeks and infant giggles. In this case, each holds a glittering diamond crown, which is the headgear of choice for formal thrax ceremonies. I must say, they look really sparkly.

  The Arbiter raises her voice. “I hereby declare you the King and Queen of Antrum.” The cherubs giggle as their little wings flit up a storm. With gentle movements, they set on our gleaming crowns.

  Whoa. I’m officially the Queen of Antrum. Six months ago, I was on the ghoul’s Watch List for Unreasonable Tardiness at Purgatory High. Go me.

  Verus steps forward. “And I hereby pronounce you husband and wife.”

  “As well as King and Queen,” adds the Arbiter.

  Lincoln grins. “Guess what?”

  I think I know where he’s going with this. “Hmm?”

  “I’m officially calling my kiss.”

  “You got it, Mister.”

  Lincoln and I embrace and share a gentle brush of the lips. I know I’m part lust demon and all, but it’s been a big day, and this is one huge audience. The choir takes up again, and we process our way out of the Chapel. As we walk down the main aisle, the angels now take flight as they sing while the rock band kicks musical ass once again.

  “You can’t always get what you want

  You can’t always get what you want

  You can’t always get what you want

  But if you try sometimes you find

  You get what you need”

  As we head toward our four different receptions—there was no single ballroom big enough to hold everyone—I take this as another moment to soak into my soul and save up for later. Because what’s happening now? It’s nothing less than supernatural, unexpected, and downright bizarre.

  In other words, perfect.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  The rest of the night turns into a blur of ballrooms and orchestras. The angelic choir parties like the rock stars they are. I dance with everyone: Lincoln, Mom, Dad, Cissy, Walker, Octavia, and even Connor. Just because Lincoln’s father is a useless pile of dung doesn’t mean I can’t be gracious on my wedding day.

  I’m gabbing it up with some of Cissy’s senator buddies at who-knows-what o’clock in the morning when I feel a familiar warmth at my back.

  Lincoln.

  His voice is all low and yummy in my ear. “Time to leave, my Queen.”

  My mouth winds into a sneaky grin. “Lead on, my King.” Lincoln is an expert at bagging out on long formal events. And even though this is one hell of a party, it’s not as fun as being alone with my guy. The thought of it sends heat coiling through me. Now that we’ve made the decision to start a family, I can’t wait for everything to start.

  Mostly the sex part.

  Lincoln takes my hand, and we weave through the crowd to what looks like a floor-length mirror. Lincoln taps on the frame in an odd rhythm. Instantly, it swings open to reveal a dark corridor hidden inside the wall. My eyebrows lift. “How many of these secret passages are squirreled away in this place?”

  “Tons. There are some unused Pulpitum,
too. I’ve found…” He bobs his head from side to side. “Maybe half of them.”

  “You’re such a sneaky guy.”

  “And proud of it. You’ll find my skills come in handy.”

  “No doubt.” I squeeze in through the door and enter the stone hallway beyond. Lincoln navigates the labyrinth of corridors like a pro. After all the excitement today, it’s awesome to be someplace quiet. In no time, Lincoln pushes on a section of rock wall, which swings open to reveal the interior of the walk-in closet of his private chambers. I step inside and smile.

  “This is super-handy. Who knew you had a door here?”

  “I did, actually.”

  “Ha-ha.” I scan all Lincoln’s clothes. There’s something intimate about being around his mix of casual modern stuff, medieval tunics, and leather pants. Especially the leather pants, if I’m being totally honest.

  Before I know it, closet inspection time is over, and Lincoln’s mouth is on mine. This isn’t a chaste brush of the lips like we shared in front of the crowd. This kiss is possessive and charged. We’ve spent months getting to know each other’s bodies, so we both know exactly what to do next.

  I gently bite his lower lip. He loves that.

  Lincoln slides his hands around the swell of my breasts and grips my backside hard. Now this is one of my favorites.

  Our kiss turns fierce and one thing is clear. There is way too much clothing going on. I break our kiss and tug at his tunic. “Can we, uh?”

  Lincoln grins, and this is his sneaky smile, the one he saves when it’s just him and me. He knows I want him to tear everything off, but he also knows that if he goes slowly, it will drive me crazy.

  One guess what he does.

  He goes so slowly that I’m about to lose my freaking mind.

  One by one, Lincoln undoes the buttons down my back. His warm fingers brush against my bare skin, making me shiver. My wedding gown pools at my feet. I stand naked before Lincoln, except for my wedding jewels and heels. He steps back and admires the view. There’s something heated and even worshipful in his gaze. I love it.

  I love other things just as much, though. Like the fact that it’s Lincoln’s turn to get naked.

  “Now you.” I guide him in pulling off his tunic, chain mail, and undershirt. In the process, I make sure to include a lot of touching. In particular, Lincoln’s bare chest is a work of art. He has super-broad shoulders and well-defined abs. There are even a few scars along his rib cage. As a warrior, I think they’re my favorite.

  Lincoln’s naked from the waist up. I brush my fingertips along his bare waistline. Now, it’s his turn to shiver. I help press his leather pants to the floor beside my white gown. Lincoln kicks off his boots and with that, we’re both naked. My inner lust demon roars to live, pumping heat through every inch of me.

  Lincoln’s gaze locks with mine. “Are you certain about this?”

  “Oh, yes.” And I mean it.

  We kiss. It’s a powerful sensation at any time, but with our naked bodies in contact? Mind-altering. Lincoln backward-walks me to his bed. We stay kissing the entire time, even as I scoot back on the mattress while he crawls forward. My core tightens, I want him so badly.

  Soon, I lay on my back with Lincoln settled between my legs. He braces his heavy arms on either side of my head. I feel confined, safe, and ready. An unsure look crosses his face.

  “Are you certain?”

  I reach up to brush the bristle along his chin. “You don’t have to ask again.”

  “I want to. We have all the time in the world, Myla. You need to be sure.”

  “With all my heart.”

  “Should I get protection?”

  “I don’t think it will matter either way. Besides…” Using my two fingers, I mime a pair of legs running up his arm. It’s a move that Lincoln did with me six months and a million years ago, back when he first told me he wanted us to have children. “I’m ready for a family, too.”

  Lincoln smiles. “In that case, we’ve one final ritual to complete.”

  It’s been a long day, and being naked with Lincoln is pretty distracting, so for the life of me, I can’t think what ritual he’s talking about. That is, until a white light glistens over his shoulders.

  Lincoln’s wings appear once more.

  I inhale a shaky breath. My new husband is showing me his deepest beauty, and it’s breathtaking. I touch the soft arch of his feathers. “They’re beautiful.”

  “As are you.” Lincoln kisses me once, gently. “Ready?”

  I nod.

  Lincoln enters me gently. There’s hurt that lasts a few seconds, and then, Lincoln and I are moving together. Making love. The universe collapses until there’s only our bodies in motion and waves of delight. A coil of energy tightens inside me, and I feel the same mounting excitement in every shift of Lincoln’s body as well. Our gazes lock as stars seem to explode behind my eyes.

  Suddenly, a real white light appears, engulfing us both. The music of light and dark igni fills my ears. The brilliance fades slowly, along with their voices. I suppose I should be freaked out, however I’m too post-orgasmic to care.

  Lincoln leans forward, rubbing his nose along the length of mine. “That was a first.”

  “You saw the light?”

  “And heard their music, too.”

  “Whoa. That is a first.” My igni have never been audible to anyone except me before. I hope this isn’t something they plan to make a habit out of. It’s a little off-putting during intimacy.

  Lincoln rolls onto his back and tucks me into his side. He kisses the top of my head. “You’re amazing.”

  I’m about to tell him that he’s not so bad himself when a wave of nausea careens through me. I pop my hand over my mouth. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

  Lincoln’s brows jet upwards. “That wasn’t the reaction I was hoping for.”

  The igni reappear, only this time, they’re not a blast of white light. Instead, hundreds of them swirl above our bed like a school of fish.

  Lincoln frowns. “I hope they don’t plan to do this through the whole honeymoon.”

  I can’t help but smile. “I was just thinking the same thing.” The voices start singing again. “Do you hear them now?”

  Lincoln tilts his head to one side “No. Can you?”

  “Yes.” Closing my eyes, I concentrate on what the igni are saying. It’s not easy, yet I do catch a few words in the mix of gibberish:

  “Pregnant.”

  “Boy.”

  “Scala Heir.”

  “Name him Maxon.”

  Wow. Mom was right. They really didn’t waste any time, did they? Guess they want a Scala Heir already. I reopen my eyes to watch the igni multiply until their whirlpool-like swirl of brilliance almost fills the room. At this point, the words pregnant, Scala Heir, and Maxon are a constant refrain, and honestly? It’s over the top and getting on my nerves. Suddenly, it’s all less pleasant since I feel like I got socked with a serious case of the stomach flu. One guess what that is. Morning sickness. And after all of three seconds, too. These igni aren’t screwing around.

  I wave my hand. “All right, all right. I got it. Now take off.” The igni vanish.

  Lincoln sets his knuckle under my chin, guiding my gaze to meet his. My guy looks so happy, you’d think he was six years old and just got a box of puppies. “What did they have to say?”

  “The igni?”

  “Yes, Myla.” He’s smiling so hard I’m surprised his cheeks don’t crack. I debate about playing with him for a bit—pretending I don’t know what he’s really asking—but then I decide that even I’m not that mean.

  “They said I’m pregnant with the Scala Heir.”

  Within the span of a heartbeat, I’m flipped onto my back with Lincoln over me again. Based on the hardness pressed against my thigh, he’s very excited about this news. “Anything else?”

  “It’s a boy. They want us to name him Maxon.”

  “That was the name of the last thra
x who was Scala.” Lincoln smiles even wider, if that’s possible.

  “It makes sense. The igni followed the dude around for a thousand years or so. It’s a nice way to honor him.”

  Lincoln starts speed-kissing my face. “I’m going…” Kiss, kiss. “To be a father. We’re going…” Kiss, kiss. “To be parents. I couldn’t be happier.”

  I shift my body under his. “I don’t know. I have a feeling you could be a little happier.” What can I say? I’m ready to go again. It’s all part of the lust demon package.

  Lincoln pauses mid-kiss. “Are you sure? You said you felt nauseous before.”

  “Well, I’m fine now. There’s only one thing.”

  “Which is?”

  My stomach rumbles. “We should take a break soon and get some food.”

  “What kind of food?” Lincoln’s features turn unreadable. “Demon bars?”

  “No, not that.” The thought of those chocolaty things makes me ill. The image of my perfect meal appears in my mind. “Kale. I really want me some kale. And what are those little question-mark-looking thingies? Quinoa. That too.” I’m sure the igni are working their supernatural mojo on my cravings to make them healthy, but whatever. As long as I eat, I’m good.

  Lincoln places a soft kiss on the tip of my nose. “Whatever you want, my Queen.”

  “Speaking of that…” I shimmy beneath him.

  All the talking stops and indeed, we do end up making each other feel a whole lot happier. And the good news? My igni don’t make a second appearance. Total plus on a supernatural honeymoon.

  As I drift off to sleep in Lincoln’s arms I try to recap everything good that happened today: Lincoln, a baby, and a crown. Six months ago, I would have said that was everything I didn’t want. Turns out, it was exactly what I needed. Thanks, Verus.

  And with Maxon in the mix, who knows what the future will bring? One thing’s for certain, though. Whatever happens next, it won’t be boring.

  The story continues with THRAX, Book 4 in the Angelbound Origins Series