by Mills, Julia
“No problem, Bro. Kyndel, Jay and I are headed that way,” Rayne answered.
“Maybe she can help locate the traitor,” Royce added, “I need to head that way, too. See you there.” And they all cut their connection.
Royce had been acting weirder than usual since Lance had awoken from his coma. The few times he’d tried to talk to him, the big guy had completely blown him off. The older Guardsman had also been spending a lot of time alone, which was seriously unusual for him. He was usually the caregiver and mother hen of their Force. Lance had been so wrapped up with Sam and making sure that she and Sydney were safe until he could finally get them to their clan’s lair, that he had let Royce off the hook too easily, but that shit was going to change. As soon as he and Sam’s formal mating ceremony was complete and they’d had a proper honeymoon, he was going to nag and badger his old friend, as only he could, until he got answers.
Bringing his attention back to the girls, he was happy to see them enjoying themselves. Wanting to show them his home and spend some quality time with his mate, he called to them, “Come on, you two. There’s a lot more to see.”
They picked up several more pieces of jewelry, and he listened as Emma explained each piece in detail and the importance of the design and color of scales. He smiled when Emma explained the significance of a bell ringing to the dragon people, and as they walked towards him, they were chattering on and on about all the pretty pieces they had seen.
“Did Emma make the bracelet Kyndel wears and necklace Grace wears?” Sam asked.
“Yes, she did,” he answered. “Why do you ask?”
“Interesting they have bells on them…” He didn’t let her finish before he kissed her quickly but with all the love he felt.
He heard bells ringing and the sound of Sydney laughing. Looking over Sam’s shoulder, he could see Emma and the child holding bells the artist had crafted from larger dragons scales and grinning ear to ear.
“Very funny, you two.” He winked as Sydney ran back to him and Sam.
“Well, Emma did say that every time a dragon kisses his mate a bell rings.” Sam laughed and he was once again reminded how truly lucky he was.
They continued their leisurely walk as he pointed out other buildings and continued introducing both to everyone they passed. Sam was obviously impressed when they reached the Cave of the Elders. Unlike any other cave, the entrance had been carved over time, depicting the journey of the Golden Fire Clan and their quest to preserve their past, grow their community, and enhance the land that was their home. The intricate design transformed the gateway to the sacred laws and rules of their society into a thing of beauty.
If possible, he was even more proud of his mate when he introduced her to the clan Elders. These four men had lived longer than most, experienced things most of them could only imagine, and were responsible for the social, political, and economic structure of their civilization. Her eyes lit with an excitement he had only seen when they were alone, and she practically glowed from the moment the Head Healer, Zachary, began to speak. The oldest known living member of all dragon kin had seen more battle, and had performed more healing than any other. He had a wisdom that literally flowed from him into anyone willing to accept it, and his Sam was more than willing.
Lance watched as Zachary took Sam’s hands in his. The amazing energy of the aged dragon flowed all around them. He spoke in a voice weakened from age but still clear and direct, “You have incredible healing powers with an empathy that surpasses even mine. I can imagine you have healed many and I know you will be very important to both human and dragon kin.” His mismatched eyes met Sam’s and Lance saw her slowly nod. The Elder and his mate talked until Sydney yawned loudly from where she played at his side.
Carrick, the Chief Elder, knelt down beside her, and Lance almost gasped out loud. Never before had he seen the leader of their clan on the floor. Carrick’s deep voice bounced from wall to wall even though he spoke barely above a whisper, “Are you having fun little one?”
“Yes, sir, I am,” Sydney answered completely unimpressed by the person speaking to her, but incredibly respectful.
“I hope you enjoy your time here. Maybe you will come see me again, someday.”
“That would be cool. I can bring more toys next time,” the child responded.
Carrick’s booming laughter was all they could hear for several seconds as it echoed all throughout the cave. “Yes, my dear that would be perfect.”
As they said their goodbyes, Lance couldn’t help but wonder what is was about Sydney that drew the Chief Elder’s attention. He was beginning to get a list longer than his arms of questions that needed to be answered, but the first order of business was to officially mate the miraculous Samantha Malone.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Forty-eight hours after her first dragon flight, she was preparing to be mated to the man that had stolen her heart. His home sat at the edge of the lair of his clan with a lush wooded area behind it. It was freaky, but also reassuring, that his home so closely resembled hers; painted white with black shutters and windows everywhere. The main difference was the fact that his was over twice as big as hers.
Her wild mane would not be tamed, and she refused to wear it bound in her usual French braid. Frustrated and staring at herself in the mirror, she was just about to give up when Siobhan had shown up with four stunning golden hair combs. When she held them in her hands, she realized they were carved from the scales of a golden dragon. As she raised her eyes and met the Elder Healer’s eyes. The older woman simply nodded, and returned to securing Sam’s hair in a complex design of braids and curls. As she worked, she added tiny, light blue forget-me-not blooms throughout the design. She never wore very much makeup, and thankfully was blessed with her father’s skin tone so she got away with a dusting of powder, a little mascara, and burnt honey lip gloss.
Earlier in the day, a large box was delivered, containing dresses for both she and Sydney along with a note from Lance. ‘For my beautiful ladies. Elder Carrick and the others have given permission for Sydney to attend the ceremony with us. See you there. All my love, Lance’
Their gowns were absolutely beautiful. Sam’s was made of golden gossamer, and draped over one shoulder while leaving the other bare. As she shook it out, getting ready to try it on, she marveled at the way the light made it sparkle, almost like there were little diamonds woven into the fabric. When she slipped the dress over her head, she was amazed at the perfect fit. It had been handmade. She wondered when Lance had found the time to order them. The bodice was fitted, and a dark gold satin ribbon tied around the waist, making her hips look rounder and fuller.
She frowned at her reflection having always hated her hips, and the words Lance had spoken when she had mentioned losing weight whispered through her mind, ‘I love you mo chroi, just as you are. Your body was fashioned by the Universe to be everything I ever wanted or needed. You are perfect, inside and out. I love every curl of your gorgeous hair that wraps so lovingly around my fingers. I love the sweet way the tip of your nose turns up ever so slightly. I love the way your pouty lips open so readily at the touch of mine. Most of all, you , mo ghra’, must know that I will die a happy man if it is in your arms, pillowed by the fullness and curves that signify you are all woman, and all mine.’ Just the thought of her mate and she was once again calm. It was amazing…absolutely amazing.
Looking in the full length mirror, she noticed small, dark amber flames embroidered all over the skirt from the waist to the hem. They made her think of the marks that both Grace and Kyndel wore on their necks. Marks like the one she knew she would wear for all to see as soon as she was officially mated to Lance. He’d explained that each varied slightly, but always had some kind of flame involved in the design, a design that was never known until the time of marking.
She pulled Sydney’s dress from the box just as the little one ran into the room. Her curls that had a few minutes earlier been neatly bound with gold ribbons, were bouncing all
over, daring anyone to tame them. Sam shrugged and figured there were other things to worry about. “Here’s your dress, Syd.”
“Ohhhhhhh that is so pretty,” she hopped up and down, clapping.
In the blink of an eye, she had her pink robe thrown on the bed and was standing in front of Sam wearing the cutest little lace slip. “Arms up, Cutey Pie. Let’s get you ready to roll,” she said as she slid the dress over the child’s head.
Sydney looked like a doll. “Why are you crying, Dr. Sam?”
“I’m so happy, Syd. Just really, really happy.” She dabbed at her eyes with a tissue, thankful for waterproof mascara. “Grab the ballet slippers out of the box and put them on. We don’t want to keep whoever is picking us up waiting.”
“They’re golden, Dr. Sam. I love them,” Sydney said as she placed her foot in first one shoe, and then the other. “Here’s yours, too,” she said as she placed them in front of Sam’s feet.
They spent the next few moments primping in the mirror, and were just heading out of the room when the doorbell rang. Sydney ran to the door and yelled, “Who’s there?”
“Jace and Tomas, Miss Sydney, here to escort you and Dr. Malone to the ceremony,” Sam recognized his voice through the door, and nodded for the child to let them enter.
Both of the younger Guardsmen resembled characters from a movie featuring King Arthur dressed in their best uniforms which made sense since they had actually come from that era in one way or another. Both had donned surcoats of a rich golden color trimmed with braided black and gold rope. On each, the expertly stitched dragon in the throes of battle was so realistically done that she half expected it to jump off their chests. The long sleeved undershirt and pants they wore were coal black, and their knee high, black boots were polished to a high shine that shone in the late afternoon sunlight.
Jace and Tomas moved to either side of the door, facing one another as Sam and Sydney exited. When the ladies reached the edge of the porch the Guardsmen joined them with arms bent. Tomas was so tall that only Sydney’s hand reached his forearm but the look on her face told Sam all she needed to know…Syd loved every minute of it. Sam slid her arm through Jace’s, and together the four of them followed the round patio stones to the gate at the corner of Lance’s yard leading to a small wooded area. She had to laugh when they reached the gate, and there was narrow golden carpet covering the path that Sydney had spotted from the bedroom window.
She and Jace followed the other pair. They walked about twenty paces when Tomas stopped beside a large stump covered with lace, holding the largest bouquet of baby blue roses accented with golden baby’s breath that she believed had ever been created. There had to be at least four dozen roses, and they smelled like heaven. The card attached was simple but poignant, ‘Always and forever. Lance’. She had taken one from the bunch when Jace had thankfully offered to carry them. As she would have turned away, she spied a small nosegay with the same blue and golden flowers. When Tomas handed it to Sydney, she looked like she might melt on the spot. Flowers turned even little girls to mush. She would have to remember to thank you Lance for thinking of absolutely everything, and making the day as special for Sydney as he had for her.
They continued down the path, talking and taking in the wondrous scenery. The butterflies in her stomach grew, but more from excitement than nerves. By the time they went to bed tonight she would be mated to the man of her dreams. She heard the sound of water and wondered what her wise-cracking mate had planned for the start of their amazing life together. Just a few more steps and they cleared the trees to find themselves standing beside a small lake. There was a grotto in the corner where water flowed over large polished rocks and into the body of water before them. The natural landscaping was flawless but the decorations that surrounded the lake were breathtaking. Maypoles decorated with hundreds of ribbons hanging from the top, and flower garlands winding around the length, dotted the perimeter in almost ten feet intervals.
The lake itself had large lily pads with multicolored flowers covering most of its rippling surface. Tied to the whitewashed dock with gold cord, was a small swan shaped craft. The young Guardsman led them down the dock and made sure both were secure in their seats before one climbed in the front and the other the back. Each grabbed an oar and began rowing the boat to the grotto.
As they slowed, she saw a gazebo decorated to match the maypoles, with four incredibly ornate chairs that resembled small thrones positioned in a semi-circle inside. The chairs were empty one moment, and in the blink of the eye, the four Elders she’d met when she first arrived at the lair appeared. Lance had shown her just how fast their enhanced speed made them, but damn, even old guys moved fast.
Tomas jumped out, pulled the boat onto the grass, and Jace helped both of them onto the shore. The young Guardsmen bowed while motioning with a flourish for Sam and Sydney to follow yet another piece of the golden carpet to the spectacular structure that Lance had prepared. The Elders all nodded their greeting, and she placed Sydney in the small chair to the right of the steps leading into the gazebo.
Her mate was nowhere in sight, and for just a moment, she wondered if he’d gotten cold feet. A rustling to her left alerted her to the arrival of Lance’s brethren. The five men of his Force were dressed in their finest, similar to their escorts but in colors that matched their specific dragon. Rayne was at the head of the line, standing tall and proud in the reddest of reds, looking every bit the Commander he was. Then came Royce, whose beautiful royal blue surcoat with green accents truly fit the gentle giant who seemed to care for everyone. Next, Aaron and Aidan were dressed in a silvery gray that shined in the waning light, stood tall and dignified. Devon was at the end of the line in a stunning white iridescent surcoat that barely did justice to the dragon he’d shown her. All the men smiled, filling her with true acceptance of a family she had never expected to have. It was overwhelming and beautiful, but she still had not seen the man she loved.
No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than he came striding around the gazebo looking better than any man had a right to look. But damn, he did that in a pair of ripped jeans and faded T-shirt, she thought to herself, dress clothes just upped the ante. His shimmering golden surcoat with black cord and embroidery accentuated the amazing body she knew lay beneath. His smile lit up the twilight. He looked nowhere but into her eyes. The electrical current that was always present when they were together snapped to life, and she recognized it in him, too, as his pupils dilated and his nostrils flared. Her body reacted to everything when they were together, and she hoped she would make it through the mating ceremony without dragging him behind the gazebo and making love to him until neither could walk much less think. She would have sworn he could read her mind when his smile widened and he winked, suggesting they shared the same thoughts.
He stopped ten feet from her, almost at attention. She held her breath waiting for what would come next. Carrick, the Chief Elder, cleared his throat, and then his voice rang out loud and clear. “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 that would expose and destroy them. They sought to join with the knights that had fought so valiantly by their sides for centuries. Thus, through magic, and the will of both dragon and knight, the Golden Fire Clan of the Dragon Shifters became a reality. It was through the joining of many different clans that we have become the strong and powerful Force we are today.
“We are here, at the Lake of Life, a place long blessed by our ancestors that went before us, to honor what the Universe put into place all those many years ago. To acknowledge and bless the mating of Lancelot Michael Kavanaugh to the one the Universe made for him, Samantha Anne Malone. Will those seeking to witness this union please step forward?”
From their place next to the gazebo stepped the five men Lance had called brethren since the moment she met him. The men that she knew had trained with him, fought with him, bled with him, and now shared the happiest mo
ment of both their lives with them. They knelt as one, and bowed their heads. Rayne then stood, and addressed the Elders, “We, the five of the MacLendon Force, wish to witness and offer our blessing to the union of these two souls, two halves of the same whole. May they live long, fight hard, love harder, and produce many young to flourish in this world when their souls have gone to the Heavens.” He knelt next to his men, and bowed his head once again.
Carrick began again, “Your witness and blessing have been acknowledged and accepted MacLendon Force. Lancelot Kavanaugh, you may go to your mate.”
She didn’t even see him move before he was standing in front of her with a look in his glowing blue eyes that made her feel loved, adored, and incredibly humble to have found real love. He took her hands in his, and she felt all the emotion and power he held within just from his touch.
Carrick began again, “The golden dragons are warriors born of the sun and the harvest, The Heavens shine favorably on all of Her winged warriors, but the ones born with golden scales are near and dear to Her heart. They have great intuition and reason. Their exteriors are strong and sturdy. They use those characteristics to protect all they hold dear. Although they appear to never take anything seriously, their emotions run deep and once they have pledged their fealty, they never turn their backs. Their love never tires, but instead seems to grow stronger with each passing year. To mate a golden dragon means to accept all that they are, and honor the power shared between mates.
“Now is the time of the marking. May the Universe continue to bless you and yours all of your days.” She knew the Elders were leaving by the boot strikes on the wood of the gazebo, and she saw Lance’s brethren exit after Royce had collected Sydney.
She had no idea how long they stood there ensnared in each other’s gaze before Lance pulled her the last few inches to him. He lowered his head and stopped right before their lips touched. She felt his breath on her lips as he whispered, “Ta’ mo chroi istigh ionat,” and then he was kissed her. A more all-encompassing, completely and devastatingly enraptured kiss had never been shared between two. The first brush of his lips reached every cell of her body. A heat unlike any she had ever known consumed her from the inside out and laid her open, heart and soul, to her mate. The moment was perfect. And then as if a light switch had been flipped, she could feel what Lance felt. Confusing for an instant, but then the piece of her soul she hadn’t known was missing, slid into place and, she was soaring. It was one thing to be told someone loved you but to feel what they felt was beyond belief. It was even better than Grace and Kyndel had explained. The love they shared defied all explanation. It simply was.
