Gavrael and Gedeon both removed their robes, and Baxter once again stepped forward to cut into their hands. Their blood mixed for a second time so they could bear the mating marks most of the other mated couples in their family wore. The spirits of Dra’Kaedan’s parents taught him an ancient druidic ritual that allowed a mark to show on the skin of mates. It resembled a tattoo, and it was unique to each race.
“Sentinel to sentinel. Our blood has spilled, and our spirits have bonded. We ask Fate to grant us a mark from left shoulder to elbow so the world may bear witness that we belong only to each other.” After Gavrael spoke the words, Gedeon felt a searing pain across the top portion of his left arm. Looking down he saw a glowing green dagger form behind a large skull. Under the image, he now wore his mate’s name in big, bold, black letters. Gedeon was well pleased with his mating mark and glancing at Gavrael’s, he saw it mirrored his. The only difference was the name under the stunning imagery.
Clasping Gavrael’s hand in his own, Gedeon was grateful for the beautiful ceremony he had just been a part of, but mostly he was grateful the formal part of the day was over. The relief was nearly overwhelming. It seemed almost disproportionate to the occasion. Gedeon thought that was odd and then realized his mate was looking at him very intently.
“Gedeon?”
It simply could not be possible. Was it Gavrael’s question or was Gedeon’s own mind playing tricks on him? Because it would be humiliating to respond out loud, Gedeon allowed a word to whisper through his head. “Gav?”
Gedeon watched as Gavrael’s brown eyes grew round in surprise, and then somehow, he realized, he felt Gavrael’s shock.
“Gedeon?”
“I can hear you. I can feel you too. I don’t know how it’s possible. How is this possible?”
“I do not know.”
“Can others communicate telepathically as well? Is this something all mates do once they are bonded?”
“I am unaware of anyone having such an ability.”
“Is this something unique to sentinels then?”
“We are the first mated pair.”
“That anyone knows of. Perhaps there were others before us. Is this what the necromancers considered to be our flaw?
“This is no flaw.” Gedeon felt his mate’s joy at having such a gift between them. For someone that struggled to get words to his lips, this must seem like a miracle. Communication was something that had nearly torn them apart, and now they were able to speak and feel in a way neither one of them had ever imagined.
Before Gedeon could think of a response to push through his mind toward his mate, Dra’Kaedan’s voice cut through the room, “Congratulations to both of you; I wish you both all the happiness in the world.”
“Thanks, Dra’Kaedan. We both feel so lucky to not only have one another but to have all of you here with us today to celebrate our matebond,” Gedeon replied and looked around the room to include all of Court D’Vaire and their special guests.
“Awesome. That it or you guys gonna stand there and stare at each other for a while longer?”
“Dra’Kaedan. Be nice,” Brogan admonished with a glare for his mate.
Gedeon let out a laugh at their oft-times bratty warlock and assured Brogan they took no insult. It did not need to be discussed; the new skill the two sentinels had just learned would not go beyond the two of them for now.
“See, everyone is cool. How about we get some cake now?” the Grand Warlock asked, and though Gavrael did not smile, Gedeon felt the humor bubbling through the other sentinel. Dra’Kaedan’s penchant for cake and nearly every other food created was well-known in their household.
“Of course, I could use some cake myself.” Seconds later the double doors of the throne room were flung open, and the crowd of people inside it were unhurriedly escaping to change into more comfortable clothing. Although he could care less about his attire, Gedeon dragged Gavrael back to their bedroom.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Gedeon backed Gavrael against the door and kissed him fiercely. Immediately he felt not only his own lust but that of his mate. Gedeon decided they needed to go and eat with their family and get back to their room as soon as possible. Tonight’s lovemaking would be like having a second first time, only on this occasion they would be able to feel each other’s pleasure. Gedeon nearly came in his pants just contemplating the event.
“Gedeon, we must stop,” Gavrael said aloud as he pushed Gedeon away from him and held him at arm’s length.
“I know. I had to kiss you. I can’t wait to get you alone.” Whose spike of lust Gedeon felt he could not say, but clearly, they were on the same page.
“Dinner. Cake. Then back here,” Gavrael said before leaning in and brushing their lips together. Gedeon gently shoved Gavrael aside and ripped the door open. He wiggled his fingers and Gavrael picked up on his hint to grab his hand. Palms locked together, they headed out of the room to feast.
* * *
Downstairs with their bodies back under control, Gavrael led his mate over to Blodwen, who was gesturing at them both. Standing with her was the Arch Lich as well as his sentinel, Baxter.
“Guys, your ceremony was beautiful. Congratulations,” she gushed as she stood with Chander and Baxter. Gavrael and Gedeon both offered the two men a nod in greeting and received the like in return.
“Congratulations, I was so honored to be invited,” the Arch Lich said with a smile.
“The honor belongs to us, Arch Lich,” Gedeon replied. “Blodwen, we should thank you for today. If you hadn’t summoned Gavrael, this day wouldn’t have happened.”
“I can’t tell you guys how thrilled I am that everyone convinced me I didn’t have any need to fear sentinels. I’m so glad you’re both here and living with us. It’s been such a pleasure getting to know you both.”
“You need never fear me,” Gavrael assured her. He owed her a gratitude he would never be able to repay. It was fair then that he was bound to always be her protector. With pleasure, he realized he no longer had to figure out how to put those types of thoughts into words because now Gedeon could do it for him.
“Blodwen, not only did you summon Gavrael but without you and your mate, I would not be here either. Without you, we’d still be stuck in the solitary life that has been the lot of sentinels for centuries. If that weren’t gift enough, I now have my own mate. Were our lives not already bound to you and Trystan, Gavrael and I would both pledge our lives to entrusting in your safety for the entirety of your life,” Gedeon spoke solemnly, and Blodwen was teary-eyed by the end of his speech.
“Thanks, I’m gonna go find Trystan and cry on his shoulder for a bit.” She left their little group with a watery smile and a wave.
“Sentinels have heard many stories of you over the centuries, Baxter,” Gedeon offered the Arch Lich’s sentinel.
“I hope Alaric has only told you the ones that make me appear braver and stronger,” Baxter replied, and all four men laughed.
“I must say, I was surprised I wasn’t asked to provide one of the knives we use for fallen knights for your ceremony today. I was unsure how it would be possible for the two of you to bleed without aid of the quickly evaporating poison I created for fallen knight matebonds. I was quite shocked when the dagger was able to draw blood so readily,” Chander said with his brows knit together.
“I’m surprised you’ve never seen a sentinel bleed before. Obviously, I’m not in the habit of cutting myself, but surely you have seen Benton injury himself plenty over the last seven centuries,” Baxter deadpanned.
“In all seriousness, I find it rather alarming you can bleed that easily. Sentinels are not that different genetically from fallen knights, and the poison on your blades is more dangerous than I believed. It could be quite a risk for fallen knights. If one of those daggers got into the wrong hands, and the wound was significant enough, it might be capable of gravely injuring a fallen knight,” the Arch Lich said. His voice was laced with fear and seemed almost angry.
/> “Sentinels are not in the habit of misplacing their weapons,” Gavrael assured him, and both Baxter and Gedeon nodded with enthusiasm.
“We’re rarely without them; you know that Chand,” Baxter insisted.
“I realize that, but anything is possible.”
“Even if one of the daggers were stolen somehow, I’m sure the fallen knights are safe enough. They were created well after our race. It is very likely they are immune to the effects of the poison,” the Arch Lich’s sentinel reasoned.
“I created the Order of the Fallen Knights. It was my belief at the time that the poisoned daggers were harmless to you. I assumed they, being a resurrected race like yours, would have the same immunity.”
“Perhaps we could test Baxter’s theory. Trystan’s father is here. We can test the dagger on him. That might ease your fears,” Gedeon offered. Trystan’s father, as the leader of the Order of Fallen Knights, was the perfect candidate to show Chander they need not fear the green poison so often found on a sentinel’s blades. Of course, none of them were going to offer up any information on the black poison that had actually been used in the mating ceremony.
The Reverent Knight was soon called over, and Chander explained to Drystan about his concerns. Drystan’s brow became as furrowed as the Arch Lich’s and he readily agreed to allow himself to be used as a guinea pig. Baxter grabbed one of his poisoned daggers with a flourish and cut into Drystan’s palm. It did not even leave a mark on his skin.
“What’d I tell you, Chand?” Baxter asked with a wink in Gavrael and Gedeon’s direction.
“That’s a relief. I was going to lock Bax in a cage and steal his daggers, so I would have them to protect myself,” Drystan said with a grin.
“The hell you would. There is no cage that would hold a sentinel. Especially not one designed by a fallen knight.”
“Care to test that theory?”
“Moving on. Gavrael and Gedeon, I want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of your ceremony today. I also want to thank you for giving me hope that someday I will have a mate of my own. For centuries, I’ve been told because I’m magickind there is a mate intended for me, but without any mated sentinels around I never truly believed it. Now I know I will have one. Of course, the first thing I intend to ask him or her is where the hell they have been for so long,” Baxter said.
“I feel rather sorry for whomever Fate intends you to spend your life with,” Chander threw in.
“Chand, if I meet my other half, that means you would have to keep me with you all the time and that would leave that worthless Benton at the compound where he belongs.” Baxter spoke none too fondly of the man he shared duties with.
“You’ve never met Ben; how can you be so sure he’s not fit to protect me?”
“Surely you can see no one is my equal, and an inferior sentinel like Benton should rot.”
“Gentleman, let’s go find my son and Blodwen. This is an argument I’ve heard often over the centuries, and they can go back and forth all night long. It’s not any better when Benton is around,” Drystan stated, and the trio headed off to find the pair.
Chapter 17
Gavrael followed Gedeon as they wound their way through the house toward their beautiful room. They had spent the last few hours celebrating with their family and honored guests. It had been a great evening full of laughter and wonderful food. As the night wore on Gavrael also managed to test the newfound abilities he now shared with Gedeon.
When they stood near, Gedeon’s emotions were as clear to him as his own. If Gedeon touched him, the ability was further magnified. However, if distance began to form between them, the bond weakened. Gavrael had moved far enough away from his mate that half the distance of the large living room lay between them, and all he had been able to feel was his own too often confused and conflicted emotions.
As luck would have it, Gedeon always seemed to want him close and was often plastered to Gavrael’s back. And those hands that so adeptly handled their unique daggers usually found their way to rest upon Gavrael’s hips. Unless, of course, Gedeon wound his arms around him, and that was Gavrael’s favorite way to while away time.
The telepathy that was now in their repertoire of skills did not seem to suffer from the same distance issue as the ability to sense emotion. No matter how far Gavrael tried to wander, Gedeon’s voice rang clear in his head. Both were gifts beyond measure, and Gavrael was thankful to whatever power had seen fit to give it.
As the two men made their way down the hall that led directly to their room, all Gavrael could feel was the lust he had tried to hold at bay all night. Gedeon’s desire was just as ripe, and thankfully, they had finally arrived at their destination. Gedeon whipped open the door to their bedroom and wasted no time charging into the space.
The door snapped shut behind Gavrael as soon as they were inside. Wasting no time, Gedeon whipped his T-shirt over his head and promptly sat on the edge of their bright green and teal comforter as he began removing his boots. Gavrael felt his blood begin to heat further as it inevitably did whenever any of Gedeon’s pale flesh was revealed. It was becoming apparent to Gavrael that all his well-crafted plans for their first night as mates were going up in flames.
“Gav, if you don’t get naked, I’m going to spontaneously combust,” Gedeon informed him matter-of-factly as he stood. His boots were off, and soon his pants and underwear were sliding down his muscular legs. Gavrael watched him undress with rapt attention.
“I do not believe it is possible to expire from excessive horniness.”
Gedeon filled the room with his rich laughter. “I would’ve never believed you had a sense of humor.”
Taking a seat on the bed to remove his boots as Gedeon pushed himself up the mattress, Gavrael spoke. “It is the pleasure you have brought to my life that has given me the ability to find humor in things.”
Boots off, Gavrael stood and roughly pulled his T-shirt over his head. His pants and underwear immediately followed, and he looked up to find his mate smiling tenderly at him.
“For someone who thinks they have a difficult time communicating, you sure say some pretty sweet things.” A wave of affection and warmth weaved its way through Gavrael, and it was Gedeon’s feelings that somehow managed to momentarily equal the lust threatening to consume them both.
“I care for you too, Geddy,” Gavrael said, proud that he too had given his mate a pet name.
The grin Gedeon wore seemed to grow slightly before it disappeared altogether and Gavrael nearly toppled over with the enormous surge of desire that swamped him. “Gav, get over here.”
Eager to please him, Gavrael climbed onto the mattress. On his hands and knees, he crawled over Gedeon’s prone body. When their faces were level, Gavrael met the pastel green eyes beneath him and slowly brought their mouths together in a soft kiss. Another light kiss followed before Gedeon lifted his head from the pillow beneath it and grabbed two handfuls of Gavrael’s hair.
He plunged his tongue into Gavrael’s mouth, and the kiss became voracious. The sensations that coursed through Gavrael were nearly overwhelming, and their bodies were barely touching.
“Gav.” The word whispered through his mind and was more moan than sound. Gedeon’s patience was running thin. Gavrael tore their mouths apart, and Gedeon let out a loud whimper.
“Roll over so I can fuck you,” Gavrael commanded and Gedeon wasted no time following the order. He nearly knocked Gavrael off the bed in his haste to get to his hands and knees while Gavrael did his best to get out of the way.
Opening the drawer of the bedside table, Gavrael grabbed the bottle of lube. His vision was growing hazy as the atmosphere in the room continued to amplify and threatened to overwhelm him.
“I need you. I need you. I need you,” Gedeon chanted, but Gavrael refused to rush. Although they both ached to be joined, to hurry through the process of loosening him up could cause Gedeon discomfort, perhaps even pain despite the fact that he was a sentinel. Intentionally hurting him
was not in Gavrael’s realm of acceptable possibilities, but he knew Gedeon’s often impatient nature was threatening to implode, so he quickly poured out enough lube to slick his fingers.
Unwilling to take the time to warm it up, he slid two fingers into his mate’s willing ass as Gedeon hissed from the chilly invasion. The coldness, however, did nothing to diminish the heady and consuming heat between the two men. True to his impetuous nature, Gedeon tried to rock back onto Gavrael’s hand to speed him up.
Gavrael reached over and grabbed Gedeon’s hip with his other hand in a viselike grip, preventing any further movement. There was no whimper of protest; instead, Gedeon snarled in outrage, but Gavrael ignored him and continued to move his two fingers languidly in and out of his mate’s eager hole. Pulling them out momentarily, Gavrael soon returned with three slippery fingers while Gedeon panted beneath him.
Though Gedeon was rarely quiet when they made love, this night he seemed to be taken beyond sound. His breath huffed out, but none of the deep moans that so often greeted Gavrael’s ears were present. Gavrael could get no sense of any thoughts inside Gedeon’s mind. He was too gripped with hunger, and Gavrael only managed to keep enough sense to ensure Gedeon’s safety.
“Gav. Please. I need you. Please fuck me. Please,” he begged. Deeming the other man ready, Gavrael moved at a speed only a sentinel could achieve. He removed his fingers, slicked up his dick and thrust deep inside Gedeon. His mate roared in triumph at the invasion. Gavrael tossed his head back and grabbed hold of Gedeon’s hips. Gavrael’s grasp was so hard, it caused his hands to ache.
That small discomfort was all that kept Gavrael from coming. Buried deep, Gavrael had no clue where he ended and Gedeon began. They were one life force being quickly devoured by the intensity of their coupling. The sensations were so intense he felt as if he had Gedeon pressed hot and heavy inside him just as he was joined with Gedeon’s body.
“Move. Please.” Clearly, Gedeon had been given sufficient time to adjust to Gavrael’s cock throbbing deep inside him. Gavrael didn’t waste another second before giving his mate what he needed. He began forcefully pistoning in and out of Gedeon. With his head still thrown back, Gavrael opened his eyes only to find his vision was nearly black. There was no way his body could handle anything as mundane as clear sight. His heartbeat thundered through his chest as Gavrael found himself at the center of a tempest. Their combined desire was uncontrollable. It had grown exponentially, and Gavrael struggled to maintain his sanity.
Sentinel's Dagger (D'Vaire, Book 2) Page 18
