by AM Halford
Roy smiled. “Oh, I wasn’t having second thoughts. Every bride is allowed to get cold feet right before the wedding.”
“What bride? I don’t see any bride,” Maria mocked.
Roy’s smile widened into a leer as he stepped closer to Maria. Nexus’s heart stilled in his chest as he waited for whatever was going to happen. If he thought for a second that Maria was going to harm Roy, Cupid’s warning be damned, he was pulling his mate out of danger.
“According to this entire thing, I’m the bride correct?” Roy grinned. Maria could only nod. “That means this is my day. Now, get back to your seat and step away from my groom, pussy cat.”
Nexus’s mouth dropped as Maria blustered and went red in the face. Roy just stood there, that same cocky grin on his face as he waited patiently for Maria to walk away.
“I’ll remember this,” she growled.
“I’ll make sure to stock up on catnip and windup mice,” Roy mocked.
With a low hiss, Maria spun on her heel and left them, returning to her seat. As soon as that door slammed behind her, Roy sighed and sank into a crouched position. Nexus moved quickly, kneeling in front of him and reaching for his face.
“What were you thinking? Are you okay? She could’ve killed you!” Nexus patted Roy down, looking for any injuries, despite just watching the entire scene.
“I think you got the order mixed up there.” Roy laughed shakily. “And I’m fine, stop patting me.”
Nexus pulled Roy into his arms and just held him. He’d never been so terrified before. He wasn’t sure if his heart was going to leap from his chest or cease beating where it rested. “What made you talk to her like that?”
“She was pissing me off.” Roy rested his forehead against Nexus’s shoulder. “I didn’t like how she was talking to you.”
Unable to stop himself, Nexus smirked and kissed Roy’s temple. “You’re amazing.”
Roy chuckled. “No, I’m just missing a vital connection between my brain and my mouth that keeps me from saying things when I’m upset. As you’re aware.”
“So, are we really doing this?” Nexus didn’t want to push it, but they did have a room full of people out there waiting on them. He was thankful that Roy was admitting to his testy personality, but this really wasn’t the time. Plus, the longer they waited the more time it gave Maria to stir up a ruckus.
Roy nodded and stood. “I wasn’t lying when I said I’ve got cold feet, but considering how long we’ve known each other, or haven’t known each other actually, you can’t really blame me.”
“True.”
“But”—Roy smiled at him—“I had a lot of fun on our date last night. I can’t deny that we have a connection, and I understand what is on the line. For now, I’m doing this because it’s the right thing to do, and I promised to yesterday. I’m hoping though”—he stepped closer to Nexus—“that whatever it is I felt last night, and I feel standing in front of you now, is real and turns into something deeper.”
Leaning down, Nexus kissed Roy deeply. He couldn’t have said it better, and he didn’t want to. “I promise,” Nexus whispered as he broke the kiss, “to work hard at that.”
“Thank you.” Roy gave him a short kiss before stepping away and straightening himself up. “Now, get back to the altar. It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.”
Nexus wanted to say Roy wasn’t his bride, but decided he liked the cocky smugness in his mate’s voice. “You going to walk down the aisle this time?”
Roy laughed. “Yeah, I’m right behind you.”
“How about you two walk down together?” Cupid suggested, stepping up to their side. “Show a unified front as your people’s Regulus and Domina.”
“Domina?” Roy frowned.
“You don’t know your Latin very well, do you,” Cupid chuckled. “It means Lady.”
Roy bulked at the title. “Isn’t there a more, I don’t know, masculine way to address me?”
“Dominus,” Nexus provided easily.
“Let me guess, Lord?” Roy sighed.
“Yes.” Nexus nodded. “Sound better?”
“Much.”
“Well, then let’s introduce your people to their Regulus and Dominus.” Cupid stepped through the doors and signaled for the music to start again.
* * * *
Roy, his hand on Nexus’s arm, took multiple deep breaths as they waited for their cue to walk out of the doors. The music swelled, and Roy’s heat hammered in his chest as he looked directly ahead at the doors. Here he was, ready to walk down the aisle with a man he’d known for twenty-four hours.
“I can feel you shaking,” Nexus said, his other hand coming around to grip Roy’s. “You sure you’re okay?”
“I’m just nervous,” Roy admitted. “This is a big life step, especially all things considered.”
“I know, and I am thankful you’re willing to take this chance with me,” Nexus confessed.
Not sure what to say to that, Roy smiled. The two looked at each other, Roy finding the strength to calm down in Nexus’s strong gaze. As his trembling stopped, and his heart rate started slowing down, the doors opened as the music reached a crescendo.
The guests stood, and they walked through the doors and down the aisle to a beaming audience. Roy didn’t know a single person there beyond the few people he’d already met. As they got to the center of the aisle Roy’s eyes met Maria’s, and he couldn’t help but grin at the irritation on her face. For some reason the thought of this woman, who so obviously took pleasure in Nexus’s discomfort, not getting what she wanted filled him with a special pleasure. As long as he stood at Nexus’s side, he planned to keep that vicious kitty far away from his soon-to-be husband.
Upon reaching the altar Roy noted the befuddled look on the official’s face. Seemed he wasn’t happy about the delay. Or was it the change in program? Perhaps it was because they’d walked down together? Oh god, had Roy made a mistake by agreeing to Cupid’s suggestion? No, the god wouldn’t recommend they do something during such an important moment if it wasn’t okay.
“Before Cupid, god of love, and the people gathered here, I shall join these two souls together,” the man declared, and Roy quickly realized he’d made a small mistake. This wasn’t a regular officiant, but a priest. Oops. “Bring the sashes forward.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Roy watched as two people brought forward a small chest each. He recognized the one that had been in his dressing room. His eyes lingered on the symbol on the lid, and he again felt his stomach knot, knowing what it meant.
Reminding himself that this was his decision, Roy pulled his mind away from the character and just focused on what was happening. The priest had claimed the two sashes and started braiding them together along with a white sash. This part hadn’t been explained. What was the purpose of the white sash?
“I bind these sashes together, as we bind these two souls,” the priest exclaimed. “Together, with the clean untouched white sash, they represent the new bond these two souls are entering.”
Oh, okay. That explained it. Damn, these people were big on colors.
“Face each other as you take this step, hands held together as you shall be from now until the end of your days.”
Roy took a deep breath as he turned and faced Nexus. His groom grinned at him softly, the gentle look instantly putting him at ease. Nexus reached out with his hands, and Roy naturally placed his own in Nexus’s.
The priest set the braided sashes on their hands and spoke as he started wrapping it around their adjoined hands, “This first wrap indicates trust, forming the foundation of any great relationship. On top of that the second wrap represents strength, to carry each other through your days, the good and the bad. The third wrap stands for health, may your future children come into this world bursting with life.”
Roy’s heart stuttered at the mention of children, but he managed to contain his anxiety as the priest continued.
“The fourth wrap shows prosperity,
so that your fortunes may only grow with each other. The fifth is your commitment to each other, binding the others and holding strong. Finally, I wrap the sixth and final wrap. This represents your love, whether it be here and now, or to grow in the future, may it encompass all in your life together.” The priest tucked the end of the sash beneath the folds of the others and started chanting in what Roy was certain had to be Latin.
Latin and colors, what was up with the paranormal and these two things? Maybe he should brush up on his dead languages, just so he could know what was being said around him in the future. Also, he desperately needed to take a class in color representation.
“Western clan, I present to you your Regulus and his new mate, your new Dominus, Nexus Nahuel and Rodrigo Nahuel.” The priest addressed the people before looking at them. “And I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss your groom.”
Oh thank god, he didn’t say bride. Roy smiled as Nexus pulled him closer with their bound hands and leaned down to take his lips in a heated kiss. As Roy’s knees went limp in front of everybody, he was slightly thankful they hadn’t done this with his family present. This was definitely not the chaste kiss his grandparents would expect during a wedding.
Loud cheers rose up as they parted, Nexus kissing Roy’s nose before they turned, awkwardly, to face the guests. “Now what?” Roy asked as he tried not to crumble into a pool of terrified goo. He never was one for standing in front of a group of people.
“Now, we walk to the reception hall,” Nexus said.
“Like this?” Roy gaped as he attempted to hold up their adjoined hands.
Nexus nodded. “Like this. The idea is we should be as one, able to walk even with our hands bound.”
“Expecting a lot from someone you haven’t known for more than a day,” Roy mumbled.
“I know, but,” Nexus leaned down and whispered, “I ask you to trust me.”
Roy reared back, a blush covering his face. Nexus should not be allowed to do that. Ever!
“The braid will be removed by Cupid upon entering the reception hall, so no worries.” Nexus winked.
“Fine, but slowly.” Roy looked at the few stairs in front of them. “Your strides are longer than mine.”
Chapter Seven
Somehow, they made it to the reception room without Roy falling on his face, or breaking a bone. Just as Nexus had said, Cupid removed the braid as soon as they arrived, placing it in a completely new chest. Did everything here have a special meaning? If this was what life with the paranormal was like, Roy feared what would happen when they did have to announce their firstborn.
God, the fact he’d just thought that without wanting to flee meant he was getting used to the idea. Roy’s hand rested on his stomach as he once again imagined it growing large with a child. Someone better be there to walk him through that, because he doubted he could go to a regular hospital. Human men did not have babies. Certainly not with jaguars. If he showed up with that kind of story, he’d be locked up.
“Stop thinking about it,” Cupid instructed him as he brought Roy a glass of champagne.
“I’m trying,” Roy grumbled. Sipping at the bubbly drink, he let his eyes wander to all the people present. “Are they all jaguar shifters?”
“Gods no.” Cupid laughed. “Nexus rules as Regulus over the entire western clan, which, as I said, contains many smaller groups. These are the rulers of all those groups. They came to see the ceremony be completed, and their clan be returned to peace.”
“Yay.” Roy downed the rest of his glass and snatched another from a passing waiter.
“Take it easy.” Cupid frowned at him. “Tonight is your wedding night, and I’m sure you’re well aware of what is expected of you.”
“Yeah, I lose my virginity.” Roy slowly spun the champagne flute between his thumb and two fingers. “Forgive me if that is a bit more frightening than walking down the aisle.”
“Getting married is less scary than having sex? I’ll never understand humans.” Cupid rolled his eyes before taking his own drink of champagne.
Roy turned to give the god a piece of his mind but paused when he noticed someone dressed entirely different than the others. The majority of the guests were dressed like modern people of importance, expensive suits and polished shoes. This man, he was attired like a member of the aristocracy. With long black braided hair, red eyes that seemed to glow with an inner fire, and a neatly trimmed black beard. Whoever this man was, he was different than the rest. Yet, Nexus was standing beside him, seemingly in deep conversation.
“Cupid.” Roy drew the god’s attention back to him. “Who is that?” He pointed toward Nexus and the royally dressed guest.
“Oh, him.” Cupid grinned before taking Roy’s arm and starting toward the talking pair. “I told you Nexus is the Regulus, the ruler of the western clan. Well, this is the man that stands above Nexus. The king, if you will, of the entire paranormal world. Imperator Stylianos.” Cupid leaned in and added with a whisper, “He’s a dragon.”
Roy gave the god a sharp look before he heard Nexus called out to him. “Roy, I’m glad you came over. I’d like to introduce you to someone.” Nexus stepped up to him and took his hand away from Cupid, giving the god a nod of thanks, before bringing Roy up to a fucking dragon in human skin! “It is with great pleasure, and honor, that I present to you the Imperator Stylianos, king of our people.”
What the fuck did he do in a situation like this? Bow? Give the guy a handshake? Say hello? Nothing in his short life had prepared Roy for meeting a damned dragon king!
“Hello, Roy.” Stylianos smiled warmly. He had fangs! Two on top and two more on bottom. What the living hell!
“Hi.” Roy’s voice cracked, and he covered his mouth, horror filling him.
Stylianos laughed. “It’s okay. I understand this is all a bit overwhelming.”
Not trusting his voice, Roy just nodded. He’d already made an absolute fool of himself, no reason to add to it.
“I’m afraid I don’t have a gift to present to you two, seeing as this was short notice, but I would like to offer you something.”
“And what is that?” Nexus asked. Why the hell was he being so damned casual? He was speaking to a fucking dragon! Roy didn’t care if his husband could turn into a large cat. A jaguar was no match for a dragon.
“Me.” A small man stepped up to Stylianos’s side and slid his hand around the dragon’s arm. Big, warm green eyes, olive skin, dark brown hair, and a gentle air created quite the contrast to the formidable dragon he was standing beside so familiarly. “Hi, my name’s Calisto. I’m Stylianos’s mate, and the Imperatrix of sorts.”
“You.” Roy gaped at the man standing before him. Calisto’s stomach was, well, round, much like a woman’s when pregnant.
“Pregnant? Yes.” Calisto used his free hand to rub his swollen belly. “This is our fourth, and I must say I’m quite ready for her to come out. Going to the bathroom every twenty minutes is getting insanely tiring.”
He was going to faint. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind. Roy could feel it. He was going to black out.
“Catch him,” Calisto warned just as the world went dark.
Roy wasn’t out for long, and when he returned to the realm of consciousness, he found himself in Nexus’s arms. A concerned look in his husband’s beautiful golden-brown eyes. “Sorry,” he whispered before straightening himself and glancing to the pair still in front of him. “Still getting used to all this.”
“And I fully understand.” Calisto chuckled. “You see, I was once standing in your place. A human who’d just made a deal with Cupid to stay alive. A deal that came with quite the perk. Find love and have a family with this guy.” Calisto turned and smiled at Stylianos. There was a shimmer, a happiness to that smile that was unlike anything Roy had seen before. “And”—he turned back to Roy—“like you I arrived just in time to help my mate with a threat to his throne. Together we managed, but I had no one there to help me with the most difficult task.
”
“Which was?” Roy dreaded the question even as it left his lips.
“Why, pregnancy, of course.” Calisto stepped forward and grasped Roy’s hands. “I know you’re panicking on the inside. Sure, you’re putting up a brave front, but just below the surface you’re losing it. So, our gift to you is my knowledge and aid in this unique path.”
“I.” Roy took his hands from the other man and wrapped his arms around himself. “I don’t know what to say. I still haven’t fully come to grips with the fact I can get pregnant.”
Calisto took a deep breath and nodded. “It isn’t easy accepting that fact, especially when we grew up knowing that the world works a certain way. Believe me though, it’ll be much easier with someone at your side who knows what to expect, and has been there. No offense.” He smirked at Nexus. “But this is something only those of us that have made this deal can truly understand.”
“Roy.” Nexus wrapped his arms around him and kissed the nape of his neck. “Accept his guidance. He’s right. I can only be of so much help, and that’s just by being here and supporting you. Calisto can give you what I cannot, understanding.”
One of Roy’s hands moved to his stomach. He looked to Calisto’s own stomach, large with growing new life. He saw the happiness between the pair in front of him. He wanted that. The promise made to him when he signed that contract. If Calisto could help him come to terms with this part of his new life, then he was willing to accept it.
“Thank you.” Roy accepted graciously. “Imperatrix Calisto.”
Calisto laughed. “Just Calisto is fine. Besides, you just called me Empress.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Roy blushed.
“It’s fine. I did introduce myself with that title, after all.” Calisto stepped up to him and hugged Roy. “I have a feeling we’re going to be great friends.” He released Roy and turned to Stylianos. “Now, I believe you owe me a dance.”
“Of course, my love.” Stylianos held out his arm, with Calisto easily taking it. Together they walked onto the dance floor.
