He focused on his other mate.
“You, Flynn, are a treasure that I never knew I needed. Now that I’ve found you, I can’t live without you. You’re my love and also my mate. We’ll stand side by side, and fight the good fight for as long as we’re blessed to be on this earth.”
He leaned forward and placed a kiss on her lips, and then on Flynn’s.
“I swear to this vow.”
Kiera gave him a ring in a box.
He opened it and showed it to his other mate, pulling the ring out and sliding it apart. He had chosen one that was two rings combined.
It just made sense that their love would combine as one for her. He handed Flynn his half until his vows and placed his ring in Kiera’s hand. She placed it on a silver plate on the altar and blessed it with incense.
“Your turn, Jolie.”
She smiled at both of her mates.
This was something she’d been dying to have happen.
She was more than ready.
Jolie gazed at Jacques with so much love in her eyes and heart. “I, Jolie Harcourte, tie myself for eternity to the man before me. Jacques Degaul, you’re the man I grew up loving, who rescued me six hundred years ago, and had the courage to stand by my side as we built our family from nothing. You have never betrayed me or refused me, always having an open heart. I accept your protection and in return, I vow to you unconditional love. I will stand by you as you have stood by me. I will love you forever and a day, and abide by our vows until the Mistress Death chooses to so take me.”
She handed Kiera the ring in her hand that was created for her mate. “I take this vow before our Mistress.”
Kiera took the ring and placed it on the plate besides Jacques’s ring.
Then she faced the last man. Jolie had asked to do a special vow for Flynn at the end, and she would get her wish.
“It’s your turn, Flynn.”
He didn’t hesitate. “I, Flynn Xavier Brogan, tie myself for eternity to the woman and man before me. I vow to love Jolie Harcourte, the light of my day and the shining star of my night, and Jacques Degaul until our lives are ended.”
They held hands.
“I may not have six hundred years with you as of yet, but I promise to stay by your sides for an eternity and make every day mean the world. I vow to always listen, cherish, and make sure our children see what love is every day between the three of us. I will love them like I love their mother, and more than myself. I love you and always will,” he said, handing the final ring to Kiera. “I before the goddess and our Mistress Death, do swear.”
He gently kissed Jolie on the lips, and then shared the same kiss with Jacques.
Everything felt perfect.
Kiera placed his ring on the plate and smiled at the woman. “Again, your turn, Jolie.”
Here was Flynn’s wedding.
Here was what he needed to heal.
“I, Jolie Harcourte, tie myself for eternity to the other man before me, Flynn Xavier Brogan—who once so valiantly sacrificed humanity for me and our children. I will vow to love you, and always keep your heart guarded in mine. I promise always to stand beside you no matter what comes at us. We haven’t had six hundred years as of yet, but we will, and I promise to fill them with all the joy and love you deserve. I vow to support you in all you do, and be there every night to listen with an open heart. You are my soul, and even now, you will remain that until the Mistress Death ends our days together.”
She handed Kiera his ring, just as shiny as Jacques’s, but with designs carved delicately into the metal. “I take this vow before the goddess and our Mistress Death, I swear.”
Kiera picked up all the rings, blessed them, and then held them over the flames on the altar.
Putting them down, she held a crystal chalice in her hands. “Usually, we use wine, but because of the nature of you three is a bit different, I will ask for each of you to seal your vow with the most sacred of fluid to your kind—your own blood.”
She handed Jolie a knife and watched as Jolie cut into her wrist, leaving the knife in, so she could bleed out into the cup. When it was a third of the way filled, she removed the knife and handed it to her mate.
Jacques took the knife and mimicked the same motion, same wrist, and filled the cup another third before he passed the knife to Flynn for his commitment to the vow.
He smiled serenely as he followed their example.
As he cut his wrist, the black murk oozed from his cut, filling the chalice the rest of the way.
Everyone there stared at the blood.
There was the audible hiss from the vampyres who didn’t know what Flynn had become—mostly Jacques’s family.
It didn’t matter to any of them.
This was perfection, and Jolie couldn’t wait to taste it. She craved the mingling of them across her tongue.
When he was done, Kiera used the knife to stir the blood, chanting in an ancient language as she blessed the union. When she was done, she handed Jacques the chalice and had him drink.
He sipped a third, the fire brewing in his body from Flynn’s blood. It heated him, reminding him of what they had become.
He then passed the chalice to Jolie and she did the same.
Flynn took the last few sips, tying them together in a blood vow.
This was important.
It was special.
It was what he wanted.
When all three were done drinking, Kiera held up the plate with the rings, “Gentlemen, marry your bride.”
The men slid their rings back together so they would form one again and each held it as they slid it on Jolie’s finger.
“Lady, marry your grooms.”
Jolie picked up the two rings, one in each hand and slid them on their fingers at the same time.
“Bride and grooms—kiss your spouse. Your vows are complete.”
Jolie first went into Flynn’s arms and kissed him under the moonlight. It was a deep kiss, and he tasted like all three of them, mingling on his tongue.
It called to her.
When she finally broke away, she saw the love now touching his eyes.
He looked to be at peace.
“I love you, husband.”
“I love you, too, wife,” he said, releasing her into his other mate’s arms.
She shared the same kiss.
“Je’Taime, my husband.”
“Je’Taime, my wife,” he answered back.
The three embraced as they stood as one. Flynn had gotten his wish in life. He’d not only received the gift of a wife, but he’d also found a husband too.
It was perfect.
It was them.
As Kiera raised her hands, she looked toward their watching family.
“Come together and congratulate our three. They are now one. Blessed be.”
There was love.
Laughter.
And joy.
Kiera stepped back so the family could start the celebration.
It was a beautiful occasion. Out of all the handfastings that she’d done over the years, she would never forget this one as long as she lived.
It was beautiful.
It was special.
And she hoped one day she found this kind of love.
Somewhere.
∞ Chapter Twenty-Eight ∞
When the new spell was placed outside the home, they knew it would be a difficult one to avoid. Apparently, the anger spell hadn’t worked as well on them as they had hoped, but this one should do it.
If they were going to have to play hardball, they would. It was time to make sure that the vampyres asking too many questions came to an untimely end.
This was going to do it.
No one doubted it.
From this moment on, they would suffer unimaginable pain for interfering with their business.
This magick would cause the family the most harm possible. It was important that these vampyres leave Ireland as soon as possible, and nothing made people run fast
like horrible nightmares that came to life…
The fun was about to begin.
* * * H a r c o u r t e * * *
The Rental Cottage
Jolie had planned a small party for them in their own garden. While she appreciated the beauty of Kiera’s home, she simply felt safer and less out in the open back at their rented homestead.
There weren’t neighbors, and they could hear people coming if they were attacked.
It was sad that she had to worry about such things on their wedding day, but it was part of their lives. They had to watch their backs.
After the family and Kiera arrived, there was wine and celebrating to be had. It was small party, intimate and exactly how Jolie would have wanted to spend her time on the evening of her wedding.
With the small group, that was closest to her heart, she could revel in the fact that she was now married. Never before had she ever thought that the simple idea of a marriage would change her, but it had.
This was what had been missing.
She now found that completeness that Flynn sought, and she didn’t blame him. It felt freaking amazing.
She didn’t have one sexy husband, but she had two.
This was a pretty good day in her world.
As Jolie glanced across the lawn, she saw Tommy playing with Cari, and it made her happy.
She couldn’t wait until her babies were born and her husbands could love their daughters just like that.
It caused her heart to flutter in love.
As she thought about Tommy and how much he loved the little vampyre, she heard them approach.
“Should we be upset that our new wife is checking out another man on our wedding night?” asked Flynn.
Jolie laughed.
“Maybe we should show her how much we love her,” Jacques offered.
Flynn didn’t hesitate. He took her hand and pulled Jolie into his body. Slowly, he moved to the soft music that they had playing.
Jolie stared up into his eyes.
The icy blue made her stomach flip in lust and love.
Here was one sexy husband.
He spun her out, and Jacques caught her hand in his. He mimicked his mate’s actions, slowly dancing with Jolie against him.
This time she stared up into serene green eyes. Never in her life had she felt safer.
“Thank you for this,” Flynn said, as soon as they finished dancing. “I can’t tell you how special this moment has been.”
It was for all of them.
As they shared kisses, Flynn felt her approach. Immediately, he placed them behind him.
Death laughed. “Relax, Rinnon, I’m here to kiss the bride and nothing more.”
Flynn didn’t move. “I’m surprised you didn’t wear my mother’s image to torment me.”
She laughed. “I tried. Jolie wouldn’t let me.”
Well, he was grateful for that. Seeing his mother there would be wonderful, but not as death wore her flesh. That was wrong on so many levels.
“I just wanted to tell you congratulations and to watch your back. Something wicked is afoot.”
They stared at her.
Had Death just offered them niceties and a warning? What the hell was this?
“I have to leave, but be careful. Bad things are coming. I can feel it in the air. Trust your gut, Rinnon.”
That was ominous.
It scared Jolie.
They could tell he was there. Flynn’s body language changed—just like it always did when the switch was flipped.
“If you need me, Rinnon, or you decide that the married life isn’t for you, then you know where to find me. Hint—it’ll be in bed.”
With that, she was gone.
“I don’t know if I should hate her or like her,” Jacques offered. “I’m leaning toward hate.”
They could hear her laughter.
“Let’s not let her ruin this,” Jolie stated. “Look! Here come your parents, Jacques.”
He watched his father and mother head his way.
Jolie started the conversation, just in case Mordechai flipped out.
“Morganna, welcome to our party. I am glad you could come to see your son settle down after so many years,” she said.
Jacques didn’t approach his mother or father. Instead, he remained by his mates’ sides.
“Jolie, it’s my pleasure to be here for this lovely ceremony, and may I say you look beautiful tonight?”
Jolie ran her hand down the lacy dress. “It was Flynn’s mother’s wedding dress. I wanted her to be here for him like you’re here for Jacques.”
That was her hint to the man to be nice.
Hopefully, he got it.
Morganna hugged and then kissed her on the cheek. “Let’s go talk and get wine. You can tell me all about my grandchildren,” she said, winking at her son.
It was clear they were trying to get the dialog open between Jacques and his father.
Flynn decided to break the ice. “Mordechai, it’s always a pleasure to see you, sir.”
He offered his hand, a little surprised that the man took it. He was trying to help his friend out, and knew if Jacques went postal, Jolie would be upset. This was their wedding day.
Everyone needed to play nice.
Just in case, he warned his mate.
‘If you lose it, Jolie will be mad, and then we WON’T be having wedding night sex. That will suck, so for me, I beg you to stay calm.’
Jacques laughed into Flynn’s mind. ‘I promise not to ruin our chances of husband sex.’
That was good enough for him.
“I’m glad I could make it,” answered Mordechai. “I didn’t know my son was planning on a handfasting. It was a surprise since he didn’t mention it when we spoke earlier in the week.”
Jacques felt the blood pressure rising. He knew how his father worked, and this was typical Mordechai.
He stayed calm.
“We threw this together in a day. Until yesterday, Father, I didn’t know this was going to happen. Jolie planned this all herself.”
“I don’t see why marriage is so alluring to you, Jacques. We mate for eternity.”
Flynn could feel the explosion coming. He laid a hand on Jacques’s arm to offer him peace.
“They did it for me, so I would have this in my life. I always pictured myself married and with children, so this was a gift of love from them to me.”
“I see. Well, it was a lovely wedding nonetheless. It was very beautiful, and Jolie looked lovely. To see Jolie this pregnant was a shock. It looks good on her. She’s glowing.”
Jacques relaxed.
His father was playing nice—well, as nice as he could—so he would meet him halfway.
“I agree. She is the most beautiful of brides.”
Then he heard the squeal and knew what was coming. Maura had launched herself at him.
She nearly took him down.
“Maura! Christ! It’s like you haven’t seen me in decades. You could hurt someone being so rough.”
She laughed. “Please, oh great guardian. We all know you’re tougher than that.”
She was right.
Jacques kissed her soundly on both cheeks and then offered his hand to Maura’s fiancé.
“Thank you for coming, Will.”
He genuinely liked the detective marrying his sister. They had worked together a few months ago to solve a murder and stop a vampyre hunter from preying on their kind. He had the utmost appreciation for the man, and he obviously made his sister ridiculously happy.
That’s what mattered.
“You beat me to the altar,” Maura teased. “I never saw that coming.”
“I did, and I didn’t see it coming either.”
Maura was now focused on Jacques’s mate. “Hello, Detective Sexiness. Our Jolie got really lucky today.”
Flynn grinned. “She’s going to get even luckier tonight.”
The woman laughed and then kissed him too. “I’ll have to call her tomorrow an
d get the gossip.”
They knew that wasn’t happening. Jolie didn’t have her phone. None of them did. After tonight, they were going back under.
“We are so happy for all of you,” she said. Then she focused on the ancient vampyre beside them. “Aren’t we, Father?”
“Yes, we are. Jacques, about the matter we discussed on the phone. I have a backup spot for you. If you want, I’ll take a look at the new place. I’ll make sure it’s ready for your arrival.”
That worked for him. Still, he needed to have a conversation about the new place. Jacques moved off with his father, leaving Flynn to be at his sister’s lecherous mercy.
That was his gift to himself. It amused him.
When they were in a place where no one could eavesdrop, he continued. “I would appreciate that. Don’t let anyone know where it is,” he said, telling his father the location.
“That’s in the middle of nowhere. In fact, it’s a mountain. You have to have the address wrong.”
He shook his head. “It’s right.”
“Where did you acquire it?”
It was easier to tell him Flynn than to explain that it was Rinnon’s home long ago and Death was holding it for him. That story just seemed too far-fetched.
In fact, no one from his family knew the truth, and apparently, Flynn was blocking them. He must smell like a vampyre to everyone at their wedding.
Good.
It kept their secret intact.
“It’s Flynn’s. All we know is that you can’t access it from behind the structure, and it’s built overlooking a cliff.”
“That sounds about right for the location. It’s not far from the city, a couple hours, and it’s on private land that doesn’t allow for trespassing.”
He was glad.
“It’s very rocky and not conducive to cars and road traffic. In fact, I believe it can only be accessed by that one point. It’s not really good for staying safe. You’ll be trapped.”
Dangerous Sacrifice (The Harcourte Vampyre Society Book 6) Page 33
