The Alpha's Mail Order Bride- The Complete Series
Page 19
“What are you saying?” She asked, her eyes widening.
“Akala Templeton, will you marry me?”
Nashoba took her hands in his and smiled down at her.
“I…” a look of confusion flashed over her face, but it was short lived and soon became a beaming smile. “I will marry you. I love you too, and I’m sorry I’ve been so afraid to commit to you. I love your family, and I love your people. I will marry you, and I would gladly bear your children had I but a way to do so.”
The last words from her lips sent them into a frown at the realization of what their marriage would be. As far as she knew, she was still a hollow shell when it came to the potential for motherhood. Rendered barren by Issie’s spell, there was only so much of a mate she could be to Nashoba.
“I can’t.” she whispered. “You need someone who can further your line. I won’t hold you back, Nashoba. I won’t be the reason your tribe falls apart.”
“Don’t worry about that right now.” said Nashoba, smiling broadly. “I didn’t want to put any pressure on you to marry me because you thought it would save us, but what I learned today is that there is an ancient rite that can protect our people and return you to full health and fertility. The only way is for us to be joined completely, and I wanted to be sure that you were making a decision based on your love for me instead of some sense of obligation.”
He leaned down and kissed her deeply. “How are you feeling?” He continued. “Do you think you can come with me to the medicine man to enact the rite of union?”
“What, now?” She asked in surprise. “Nashoba, I’m a mess! I haven’t showered in days, and I won’t be wed looking like this.”
“I suppose we can find time for a shower.” He said with a small chuckle. “As much as I’d like to join you, I’ll go fetch Haley so she can find you something to wear.”
“Okay, that sounds like a deal.”
Akala smiled bashfully and climbed out of bed with renewed vigor. She still looked queasy and weak, so Nashoba guided her to the shower to make sure she was okay before running downstairs to share the good news.
***
The mood around the medicine man’s fire was one of happy tension. They had all agreed to keep the event as quiet as possible, for it was much more of a serious ceremony than a typical tribal wedding. Haley and the healer were in attendance, as was Traver, but none other had been told of what they were attempting. There was always the chance that the ceremony would not have the desired effect, and that they would still have to find a way to fight against Issie’s magical attacks.
“Unlike traditional ceremonies, this ritual involves a much higher level of commitment and sacrifice than two people would normally ask of each other.” The medicine man smiled and placed a hand on each of the couple’s shoulders. “I’ll not question your love for each other, for I can read that clearly in your eyes and in your hearts, but I must ask you to look within to be sure that this is what you truly desire. Love is not always enough between two people, and I need to be certain that you’re both willing to commit to each other more fully than you ever imagined.”
“I am completely sure that I want to spend my life with you, Akala.” said Nashoba in a firm and confident voice.
“And I too, commit to you body and soul,” she replied. “For as long as we both draw breath.”
The medicine man drew a long and sharp looking dagger from his belt. He spoke a few words in his ancient language and guided the couple through a series of gestures and movements around the fire to signify their union. When that was done, he had them hold out their left hands, palms upward, and he solemnly drew the blade across first Nashoba’s, then Akala’s palms before placing their hands together and binding it with a long strip of beaded leather.
“As your blood mingles together, so do the powers that sleep within you. You are as one alpha now, unified in your love for each other and for your people. Your union is a shield against the darkness and against all who would bring harm to your people. Through your love and commitment to each other, let no foreign danger touch our united tribes.”
Nashoba and Akala felt a wash of heat roll over them and they both stood stunned before the wizened old medicine man. Neither knew what to do, and both felt weak in the knees and barely able to stay upright.
“The important part of the ceremony is over, but you should probably kiss each other now.” said the medicine man with a sly grin.
Nashoba swept his love into his arms and kissed her deeply. As they lost each other in their embrace and the pleasure of each other’s lips, a soft aura radiated out from them, causing Haley and Traver to gasp, while the old healer woman smiled contentedly.
“How do you feel?” asked Nashoba after a long moment.
“I feel… whole,” Akala replied. “And healthy.”
“I can feel the power emanating from you both.” said Traver. He had a huge smile on his face and he ran off towards the village whooping with glee.
“Where do you suppose he’s gone?” asked Akala?
“Probably to tell everyone that it was a success.” said the healer.
“Was it?” asked Nashoba. “I feel as though something powerful has happened between us, but is it enough to save our people?”
“I believe it truly was.” replied the medicine man. “I hope you both appreciate how truly rare it is for two people to be able to join so fully with each other. It’s a miracle that you ever found each other in the first place.”
“I can believe that,” said Akala, unable to take her eyes off her new husband. “I fought against it at first, but now I know there has never been anything more meaningful in my life. This is where I belong, and this man is who I belong with.”
“
Take your bride someplace private.” said the healer, causing everyone but the elders to blush with the implication. “You’ve both earned some time together. We can handle things from here.”
“I think I’ll do just that,” said Nashoba. “After all, we have pups to make!”
Akala giggled and accepted his hand so he could lead her off to his home, or as she now had to think of it, their home. These people were hers now, and she had much to learn of them and their ways, but she was eager to become a part of this beautiful tribe. She knew not what the future held for her children, but she knew they would grow up healthy and happy in this place. She’d found her home here after all, and as she and her love tore their clothes off and fell into bed laughing and kissing, she thought she might even be able to write a book about her life here.
Of course, she told herself, it would have to be a fictionalized account. For who would ever believe a tale like this?
That was the last she thought of it for some time. Soon she was lost in Nashoba’s lips and his heat, their bodies becoming one as their souls had already done.
THE END
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