by Paloma Beck
“You are magnificent, my beautiful daughter.” Chiara looked her usual regal self, sheathed in a deep blue dress with encrusted jewels around the neckline. She held her head high and proud, but her hands shook slightly. It gave away the hint of worry she held for her daughters and the prophecy to come, a worry her mother would never speak aloud.
“Thank you, Mother.” Amelia smiled at her mother. Then she looked at her father who stood on her other side. Tony was equally as regal in his traditional celebratory clothing. The leather strips that adorned his body to show the bonds he was held by through his own Pronouncement made Amelia think about the bonds Gage would soon wear for her.
Her father took her hand and rested it in the fold of his arm. They would walk into the circle as three. Her parents would present her to Gage, as was tradition. Goddess, how she’d dreamt of this day. Whatever came next would be faced together. She couldn’t help believe that everything would be all right.
As they began to walk forward, Amelia turned her gaze to where Gage stood. She wanted to watch him as she approached. His rigid yet sweet features held her captive. He watched her and their eyes locked, neither wanting to look away. He felt oddly like a stranger in the traditional clothing of the Valendite Pronouncement. She’s never seen him in anything but jeans and t-shirts. Today, his body was transformed in tan trousers and an off-white linen shirt. He left the collar of his shirt purposefully unbuttoned to expose his neck as a sign of his willingness to give himself to her.
Gage’s deep blue eyes blazed yellow for the briefest moment. “Wow. You look delectable. Good enough to eat.” He spoke to her through their bond.
“Hungry, are you?” She gave him a look she knew showed her own desire.
Then she heard her sisters’ giggles and voices join her own thoughts. Embarrassed at first as she realized they could hear Gage speak to her, Amelia then simply breathed and drew strength from their connection. “Hungry for what?” asked Eloise. “I’m so proud of you,” shared Layla in her quiet voice. She must be holding baby Julianna. “Feed him well, big sister,” said Gemma in a teasing voice before her own mate poked at her. “I want details later,” added Paige. “Another one down,” Gracie sighed, a sad twinge to her voice. Then the voice she’d been waiting to hear. “I’m here. I swear I’m in this with you now,” Sadie pledged. A shared exhalation from all the sisters rang through Amelia’s mind.
Then they reached the spot where Gage stood waiting. Her parents placed Amelia’s hands in his before they moved to the circle’s perimeter with the others. She stood alone with Gage inside the circle for the most important moment of their long lives. She soaked in the significance of this moment and allowed it to take her to a place where there was no one but the two of them. For the rest of their time, this is exactly how it would be—the two of them surrounded by the people who loved them.
The women of the Magdalena Circle called up their powers and summoned a swirling mist to surround them. She’d been a part of this circle so often, Amelia knew the ritual by nature. She heard the quiet chanting around them as Gage smiled at her and then raised his voice loud for all those gathered to hear, “I am honored to make this Pronouncement on behalf of Amelia and myself, in front of our families and friends.”
Then Gage kneeled in front of her and bowed his head as a sign of respect. After a moment’s pause to acknowledge this gift, Amelia gathered her dress and carefully followed him down onto her knees. She fluffed her dress out and around her so as not to damage the heirloom fabric. Once all was settled, she placed her hands in Gage’s larger ones as the symbol of an unbreakable link between them.
The soft chanting from the Magdalena Circle women grew increasingly louder now. The colorful smoke became denser until they were alone inside the haven created for them. Gage’s expression grew serious and a shiver rippled down her spine. Amelia was choked with emotion.
Nodding, Gage used his teeth to lightly score both of their wrists. Each sipped from the other as they remained kneeling, their knees touching between the fabric of their clothes. In unison, they both silently licked along the puncture points to close them, and then remained staring at one another. A snapping sound from inside widened their eyes. It was the sealing of their souls. Amelia knew this without question. Then the chanting grew even louder and the smoke more vibrant with flames of electric light bursting from the circle. Above them, fireworks burst into the evening sky and sighs from the circle could be heard. Softer still, a baby’s cry and murmurs of consolation.
Amelia felt a rush inside her body as she was lifted from her knees. Her gown dropped and flowed around her. She spun with her arms out to the sides and swirls of light danced around her. It was enchanting and left her feeling elated and breathless.
Gage’s arms held her steady and they took in the view around them. “Ti amo, mi Amelia. I love you,” Gage’s words washed over her.
Her eyes widened as Gage then reached towards her face, his hands on either side of her head, and kissed her with soft reverence. Amelia smiled as he pulled away and looked into her eyes. Dear Goddess, they were meant to be. Everything was truly as it should be.
*THE END*
About the Author
Paloma Beck is an erotic romance writer in both the Contemporary and Paranormal realms. Happily married and living a life of total contradiction, Paloma runs carpool service for her three sons, volunteers in PTA and teaches religious education. Then in the moments when her characters talk to her, she journals their stories and they are anything but PG.
Connect with Paloma on her website at http://PalomaBeck.weebly.com or on her facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/SevenSinSistersSeries.
Other Books by Paloma
Lustful Cravings (The Seven Sin Sisters 1)
Eternal Envy (The Seven Sin Sisters 2)
Holiday Gem (The Seven Sin Sisters 3)
Vanished Pride (The Seven Sin Sisters 4)
Holding Hope (The Seven Sin Sisters 4.5)
Coming Home (Porter Brothers 1)
Secret Cravings Publishing
www.secretcravingspublishing.com
