by J. L. Madore
"May I embrace you, sister mine?" She had a natural bounce to her as she spoke, sending her silver ringlets bobbing.
"Of course," I said. "It's wonderful to meet you. Galan's been heartbroken without you."
She pulled back from our hug and pouted toward her brother. "As have I. My heart has ached every minute of every day."
"Likewise." He took her back into the circle of his arms. "I feared I lost you e’ermore."
"Those rancid Scourge males snatched me up and dragged me back to their compound. They prattled on about me being the Queen's heir and said I belonged to them. They were looking for you too. It was ludicrous."
"We can discuss the finer points once we get you settled back home." Galan smiled. I don't know if it was having her back, alive and well, or the sing-songy chime of Lia's voice, but a light had lit behind his eyes. "Castian, how do I do this?"
Castian stepped forward. "There's nothing to it. You are the Sentinel of the Souls. It is your right to claim Lia's displaced soul and return it to her body. You and Jade will simply escort her back to her body and her eyes will open."
"What about the spell the Scourge cast over her? What happens when we take her?"
"Your powers supersede sorcery, Dwinn. The moment you return her to her body the crystal will dim and they will cease to have power over her."
The approach of a woman caught our attention. Her mahogany hair was pulled back in complicated braids composed of many small plaits. It flowed down her back and draped over her arm like an expensive wrap at a formal event. Her gown skimmed the courtyard stone like smoke, curling in lazy wisps as she floated to join our group.
"The Guardian and his Queen I presume." Her voice was like music.
Castian raised his hand. "Alyssa, this is Galan and Jade. You've already had the pleasure of meeting Lia, I presume."
Her smile seemed stiff as she stroked Lia's silky hair and a chill ran down my spine. "Yes, Lia and I have spent some wonderful moments getting acquainted. Haven't we, sweeting?"
"Yes goddess, you have been very kind."
When Alyssa held her hand out for Galan, he bowed low and kissed it. "It is an honor."
"Mmm, Lia neglected to mention how handsome her brother is." She bit her bottom lip, running her finger nail down the front of his tunic. "Lucky for me, you and I will be spending a great deal of time together in the future."
"I suppose that is correct, yes, goddess." Galan's mouth tightened into a stiff smile as he stepped back to stand beside me.
"And tell me Guardian, do you recognize your duty as consort to service those in the royal matriarchy who request it of you? It is a longstanding law of the land. I know your maternal ancestor, Rheagan, always loved her Highbornes."
I fought the urge to hurl myself and yank her mahogany hair off her head.
Galan however, was much more refined. He spoke in a very even tone. "You honor me with your consideration m' Lady, however, being bound by Recognition to my Queen, the decision is not mine own."
"I see. Pity. I don't imagine your Queen wishes to share, if I'm reading her demeanor correctly." She eyed me with no effort to disguise her disdain.
"I believe you are."
Alyssa nipped her bottom lip and eyed Galan again. "However, I do have the authority to demand servitude." She smiled and trailed her hand along the waistband of Galan's leather pants, pausing at the tie.
"That is your right, goddess."
Castian cleared his throat and threw her a sideways glance. "Such a demand hasn't been forced into the courts in millennia and you know it, Alyssa. The Fae Authority would hardly appreciate you wasting their time. Stop stirring."
Alyssa didn't show her response, one way or another. "I simply wanted to know if he would acquiesce." She smiled, looking all too innocent. "I am not without reason. To seal our new relationship, today I ask only for a kiss among new friends."
"Oh, you wish." I stepped forward clenching my fists.
Galan grabbed my wrist. 'Jade stop, please. Do not anger her. She is a goddess.'
'So am I.' Pulling my arm back, I shot him a look which screamed, this is sooo not okay.
Alyssa moved closer, running her fingers over her upturned lips. "You consider yourself a goddess? By what stretch of your overactive imagination, human?"
Eavesdrop much. Castian had his arms crossed over his chest, the corners of his mouth twitching at the corners. I, however, was not amused. "I suppose demi-goddess would be more accurate, wouldn't it Father?"
Castian's growing smile broke my tension. "Indeed, it would my child, though you are certainly more powerful than most demi-deities since you were sired by the God of gods. Your father happens to be a bit of a big deal in this realm." He laughed, moving to my side to kiss the top of my head. "Alyssa was just getting to know the two of you. I'm sure she meant no offense by soliciting the services of your husband."
"Yes, I'm sure," I said.
"So, the long-lost half-breed returns." Alyssa didn't show any sign of being ruffled. She turned her attention back to Galan. "I look forward to knowing you, Galan, when we have a bit more privacy, of course." She tossed a dismissive glare at me. "I take it you will be leaving now and taking my little friend with you when you go?"
"That is my intention, yes," Galan hesitated. "Is there anything I need to arrange with you before taking Lia from here?"
"If she were within my gates, yes, but as she is a temporary visitor, she is free to go."
"In that case, goddess, we will take our leave. Grati—I mean, it was a great pleasure." Galan bowed his head and backed away.
"The pleasure was mine." She smiled, her gown swaying softly to the side.
Galan took Lia's hand and mine and turned to the path where we entered the clearing. I could feel his tension dissolving the further we got from the Gates of the After.
I glanced at Castian and the unholy laughter in his eyes. "What do you find so funny about her trying to mount my husband?"
"Actually, I was thinking it's been a great many years since someone, other than myself denied Alyssa of something she desired. By my experience, it never bodes well. You have drawn a line in the sand, Mir, and she will not abandon her quest easily."
Great. "And what have you been denying her?"
Castian smiled and unfortunately, I knew. "Oh . . . ew."
"Alyssa and I have a long, twining history. Three of your siblings have been born of our union over the millennia. Unfortunately, she is currently disgruntled over my affections for your mother. I regret that relationship will again impact your life."
"I'll survive. I am my father's daughter."
Castian smiled. "Yes, you are, but until you learn the nuances of our hierarchy, tread lightly. It is wiser to have Alyssa as a wary ally than a formidable enemy."
"I'll remember," I sighed. Squeezing Galan's hand in mine I looked up at my husband. "Promise me when you need to come here you'll bring someone with you and always have your boots laced tight."
"My boots? Whatever for?"
I glanced over my shoulder, glad Galan was out of the lion's den, for now. "So, when she tries to get into your pants you can run. Fast."
Galan's chest bounced as he bent and kissed the top of my head. "I so swear it."
"Good." I looked at my new family and felt the warmth bloom in my chest. "Now if it's all right with everyone else. Let's go home."
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Blind to my surroundings, Galan guided me toward the trees. The silk scarf tied over my eyes effectively prevented me from discovering the surprise he'd been working on for over a week. "Have you any ideas, Blossom?"
I raised my fingers to the blindfold as images of him filled my mind, erotic, sensual images of his hair trailing down my body and silk ties and pounding need. I swallowed. "I have a few, yes."
As my body bloomed he drew in the scent and groaned. "I love that thought process, love, but sadly that is not what this is about—unless you wish to return to our suite and forget the whole thing?" He g
ave me a gentle tug back the way we'd come.
"Not on your life," I said, refusing to budge. "I'll behave if you will."
He nuzzled my neck, kissed me once and resumed our original course. My step faltered when we left the warn cobblestone path and continued on what I could only guess was flagstone. It was flat, uneven and made an echo under my heels.
"Don't let me fall. I'll never forgive you if I get grass stains on the ass of my new dress."
"I would never allow it," he said. I could hear the smile in his voice. "Rest assured, your dress will remain in perfect condition until I strip it from your body and toss it to the floor."
"You better not let Iadon hear you say that. This dress gets hung when it comes off."
"I will never be able to wait that long. I already picture the navy panties you have on and how easily I could lift the hem of this skirt."
I smacked his groping hand away from my butt, laughing. "How about draping it over the back of the chair? Do you have the restraint to wait that long?"
There was a momentary pause as if he were considering that. "Possibly, though I make no promises. Now, Blossom, you promised to behave. We are within hearing range of others. Are you ready for the unveiling?"
"Yes?"
We walked on a little further until Galan behind me and untied the scarf. I kept my eyes closed until he was ready. With his hands wrapped around my waist and his chin rested on my shoulder he whispered, "Open your eyes, Blossom."
Nothing could have prepared me and no amount of guesses would have brought me to this. In the middle of the forest, not far from the castle, from out of nowhere, nestled amongst the trees, stood a massive, four-story, stone mansion. Front and centre was a courtyard with a marble fountain similar to the one I loved Behind the Veil. Across the courtyard sat a regular, two-story gatehouse which was attached to the stone wall surrounding the entire property. Above the wall ran laser ward-markers hissing with a low hum of power.
I looked again to the main house and up the steps to the first-floor portico. I stared in confusion at a staff dressed in traditional livery. They appeared to be standing for inspection. At the front of the group, Elora stood looking very official in a sleek black gown.
I hadn't noticed at first, but my family of Highbornes, as well as my Haven family and a large group of Talon had filled in beside me. I stood, open-mouthed, unable to absorb the meaning of it all.
"I think she likes it," Tham laughed, as he stepped from behind us, dressed to the nines.
"Close your mouth, girlfriend," Lexi chuckled.
I looked around as smiles overwhelmed me to the point of dizziness. Everyone looked like perfection. It was as if we were going to be on the cover of some exotic magazine. I shook my head. "What am I missing? What is this, Galan?"
"No need to panic, love. This is an engagement party of sorts and this house is your mating gift from your fathers."
"My wha—" I spun to face Reign and Castian, who were both sporting the unmistakable look of fatherly pride. "It's too much."
Reign patted Castian on the shoulder and urged him forward. "My darling, Mir. You deserve a place befitting the goddess you are. As much as it saddens me, that you have chosen not to live in the Fae Palace with me, I understand. Reign and I have given you the next best thing, a home of your own, so that you may begin your new life.
"But it's huge. I'll never be able to find anyone."
"With the future uncertain, you and your new family need a secure home. I insist it be more defendable than the castle. There are too many students and staff stalking about there. Anything could happen, as you well know."
Reign nodded and pointed to the walls. "Julian has gated and wired the entire property with the leading-edge security technologies from both realms."
"You bet your ass." Julian winked, tugging the cuffs of his shirt from under his jacket.
Reign patted my brother on the shoulder and continued. "As you know, the Talon's effectiveness has been pissed away on political bullshit. It's time we refocus on our directive to protect the realm and battle the coming Scourge offensive. From now on, Castian will handle domestic squabbles and exposure and we'll focus on warrior duties."
"And in exchange," Castian grinned. "The west wing of your home is now headquarters and home base for all Talon enforcers."
Ahh, and nothing could happen to me with a couple dozen warriors living under my roof.
Castian chuckled and swept his arm toward my house. "Everything was designed by Galan and your siblings, with you in mind. Reign and I have selected and interviewed the staff and Elora has agreed to head the household."
Castian scanned the crowd then grew serious. "This home belongs to my daughter and is to remain secure. No one brings outsiders or anyone not given clearance by either me or Reign. No sexual conquests for the night. No friends for the weekend. If anyone compromises her safety in any fashion or by any slight, I will take it as a personal attack on my family and will unleash my wrath. I will twist off your balls, sauté them in lemon and feed them to Aust's wolf friends on the end of a bonfire roasting stick . . . then I'll get nasty. Understood?"
The crowd shifted and a few men cleared their throats. Everyone nodded.
Castian turned back to me and smiled. "Congratulations, Mir."
Blinking in rapid-fire, I forced my throat to swallow. "Thank you."
I moved to Reign and laughed at my 'Reign of Terror' welling up. He chuckled, pulling me into his arms.
"I love you." I looked from Castian to Reign and back again. "Both of you. How did one girl get so lucky to have two such wonderful fathers?"
Castian laughed. "I'd say it was the Fates, but I swear other than Zophia, your halfwit cousins don't know what they're doing most the time." A chorus of laughter joined in.
"I don't know, they got this really right." I held out my hand to the man the Fates had given me. Galan took it and led me to sit on the edge of the fountain.
Retrieving a little wooden box from his jacket pocket, Galan sank to one knee and held it out. It was the box he'd carved for me in his valley that first week, the one with my name engraved in its top. He eased it open. My eyes widened, dazzled by the etched platinum band and the princess cut, champagne diamond displayed inside.
Galan brushed his thumb across her cheek. "Rings are a customary symbol of bonding for humans and since you have my mother's pendant, I thought you might like this as well. I chose it because it was all the things you are to me: flawless, authentic, unbreakable and stunningly beautiful. You would honor me by wearing it as a symbol of our union."
"Like she'll ever take it off." Lexi laughed somewhere beside me, but I didn't see where. I couldn't tear my gaze from Galan.
"Jade," he continued, "though technically we are bound for eternity, I wish to honor your traditions. Be mine, now and evermore, in marriage as well as mating."
I felt his essence strengthen me–mind and body–filling me with a glow of warmth. He belonged to me. I belonged to him. Destiny. Two halves of the same soul had found each other and merged.
Speaking directly into his mind I replied. 'I will stand at your side as long as we draw breath. I will marry you today and a thousand times over, proud to take you as my mate. Amin mela lle, Dwinn.'
Out loud, I whispered a breathless, "Yes."
THANK YOU FOR READING
I sincerely hope you enjoyed, Blaze Ignites, book one in the five book, Scourge Survivor series. If you’d like to read an excerpt from Ursa Unearthed, the second book in this series, please continue to the next pages.
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tive.
May the Fates be kind,
JL Madore
www.jlmadore.ca
URSA UNEARTHED- PROLOGUE
Ambar Lenn, Fate’s Journey
Alone in the darkness, Aust sat on the grand staircase of Jade's manse, staring at the cryptic words framed and mounted on the grand foyer wall. The Queen Oracles' prophesy, translated by the Centaur, Chiron of Deleran, hung mounted opposite the entrance.
Aust's Elven brothers and warrior friends boasted thoughts and theories, but theories they remained. And on nights when reverie evaded him—which occurred more oft than not—he sat within the silent stone walls of Jade's new home and tried to glean the prophesy's meaning:
Journey of Fate, two realms to purge
Weapons drawn against the Scourge
Blaze of passion,
Trust unearthed,
Cleansing of past,
Spirit rebirthed,
Fate or free-will, which to choose?
With love to gain and life to lose.
Darkness hides in familiar form
A brother's betrayal, a sister's storm
Empower lost souls or evil shall reign
Noble the child of argenteous mane
Journey of Fate—the first line referred to their Ambar Lenn, everyone agreed on that point. Four fortnights past, the inception of his coming of age journey had set unforeseen events in motion. Three had set off from the Highborne village to find their path.
Aust had yet to find anything . . . save grief.
His eda had been slain, his naneth left heart-weary, and his people so offended by his goddess-given affinity to communicate with wildlife, they had cast him out.
Galan had fared well enough. For at least that much, he rejoiced. Jade was a remarkable female, and to have Recognized with a soul mate . . . what a blessing. Together, partners in life and purpose, the two now served Castian as Protectors of the Realm of the Fair.
Thamior's journey? Well . . . Tham remained Tham e'ermore. Aust marveled at the spirit the male possessed, the love and wonder of all things, the simple joy of living free within the Realm of the Fair. He'd made no progress in his journey either, yet paid it no mind.
