by Tenaya Jayne
“Do it now.”
She laughed.
“I mean it. Do it now. Right now.”
Her expression turned totally serious. She wrapped her arms around his waist and moved her mouth to his neck. She kissed his neck once. “I love you,” she breathed against his skin, then she bit him.
For the first moment it was the same as any other time she’d bitten him. She pulled back for a second and then bit him again in the same place. Her blood flowed over the small wound and then in. She let go. He put his hand to his neck and looked at her. The spot was hot like a sunburn, scars raising on his skin in a crescent. The heat eased back to a subtle warmth.
She was inside him, a part of him now.
He put his hand over his heart. She watched wide-eyed as he pulled a strand of blue light straight out of his chest. It was ghostly transparent. He wound it in a small circle and the two ends fused together.
“Here,” he reached for her hand. “This ring is made of a piece of my soul.”
It slid onto her finger where it shrank down to a perfect fit. She looked down at it, open-mouthed.
“I…”
He waited for her to finish. She didn’t. She just stared at the ring on her hand. He was about become worried it somehow displeased her.
“Tesla?” he whispered.
She looked up, tears streaming from her eyes again. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Just say yes again.”
She wiped the tears away and smiled. “Yes.”
“You’re mine now.”
“Yes. And you’re mine.”
He picked her up and carried her into his house, booting the door shut behind them. He set her on her feet and ran his hands through her hair.
“Are you thinking of being disrespectful?” she teased.
“Absolutely not. You have a total commitment from me. There’s no disrespect here.”
She took a small step back from him and unbuttoned the top buttons of her shirt. The heat in his eyes shifted into concern.
“Are you all right?” he asked. “Is there something wrong with your heart?”
She laughed and snapped her fingers in his face. “Nothing wrong with my heart. I’m seducing you.”
The worry left his eyes, and he smiled, looking down at her chest. “Okay then…Don’t stop now.”
They learned together the insanity, the heat, the wild sweetness they could give each other physically. Ecstasy broke through her pain. Her body rushed into the stars that turned into incendiary explosions all through her.
He buried his face in her neck, trembling.
“I love you. I love you so much, Tesla. I can’t stand it.”
I love you, too, X. She said inside his head.
She fell asleep in his arms. Peaceful, painless, and finally satisfied.
After a while she woke in the dark. Her head rested on his chest. A small smile curved her lips. Her mind replayed everything. Now she knew what all the fuss was about between people in love. This was the only thing that could quench the frustration and the desire. And X was the only man she ever wanted to do this with.
She wanted to take him home to Regia, but maybe not just yet. She kissed him awake.
“Again,” she demanded.
He answered her, just not with words.
The morning was foggy and cold. X packed everything he wanted to take, not that it was much.
“I’m starving,” he complained. “Let’s get out of here.”
She carried his bow and quiver, and he hefted the rest of his stuff as they went to the Everpath and then home to Regia. They landed in her room and put everything down.
“Is this going to be awkward?” he asked.
“I don’t know. Maybe. Let’s get it over with.”
They came out into the living room. Forest and Syrus were in the kitchen.
“Oh, X!” Forest said. “So glad you’re back.”
“We need to tell you both something,” Tesla said.
X looked at Syrus. He pursed his lips and gave a little grunt in the back of his throat. They already knew what was coming. It was obvious.
Tesla held up her hand so they could see her ring. Forest got up and hugged her. Syrus got to his feet as well and stalked toward them.
Syrus sighed. “All right.” he grumbled lightly. “What does this mean?”
“We’re engaged,” Tesla said, then she looked at X. “I said that right? Engaged?”
He nodded.
“Sure. Marriage is not a Regian custom, but we understand.” Forest said. “I see she’s marked you, too.”
Syrus shot X a look.
“You said you wouldn’t get in the way if she chose me,” X reminded him.
He held his hands up. “All right. All right. I did say that. Sorry. Doesn’t make it any easier on me though.”
“You plan to stay here, right? In Regia?” Forest asked desperately.
“Regia is home,” X said.
“So you want to have a wedding?”
Tesla nodded emphatically.
“It will be the first one ever in Regia,” Forest said. “That will be fun.”
“Fun?” Syrus groused. “When is this to happen? And what are you going to do, X? Where are you going to live?”
X smiled. “We’re not rushing this. I will find my place in Regia, and I will build our home first…There’s been so much happening. We want to take some time to be together without stress and danger pushing on everything.”
“Not immediately, and not too long,” Tesla said.
Later that day, a message came for X from Maggie, asking him to come to the Onyx castle.
“Don’t you want to come with me?” he asked Tesla.
“No. It’s all right. She just asked for you.”
Traveling the way Tesla did was easy for X now. He pulled the atmosphere open and went to Halussis. Maggie waited for him in the entrance hall of the castle.
“Hey you,” he said companionably, giving her an easy hug. “I was wondering what happened to you when I went back to Contarren and you weren’t there.”
She smiled warmly. “Looks like everything worked out for you.”
“Yes. And what about you?”
“I’d say everything worked out for me, as well.”
“Of course, you always know don’t you? Have you seen anything else in the future?”
She shook her head. “No. I’ve given that up. I left the stone behind.”
“So…you live here now?” he asked.
“Yes. This is where Merhl lives, so that’s that. I like it here.”
“Me too.”
Her expression sobered, and she frowned. “I know I’ll always feel guilty for what I did to you…”
“Don’t, Maggie.”
She shook her head. “Please tell me you’re happy.”
He grabbed her by the shoulders. “Happy is not an adequate word for what I am. Let it go. Stop feeling guilty.”
She seemed to struggle with her emotions for a moment, then her expression smoothed, and she smiled again. “Okay.” She held out her hand to him. “Friends?”
He smirked and shook her hand. “Friends…I guess we’ll see a bit of each other from time to time.”
“Yes, without the added bonus of you waking me up early in the morning with you darn metal work.”
He laughed lightly. “I’m glad you asked me to come here. It’s good to see you. Are you happy?”
“Oh, yes. So happy.”
In the middle of the night, Forest lay staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. She listened to Syrus’ peaceful breathing next to her. She placed her hand gently on his forearm, and everything inside her relaxed. They had come through the most amazing and terrible fire, and yet remained intact. She had lost no one, when she’d been sure she would lose everyone. Regia was safe. Her family was safe. But something stirred inside her. Life was precious because tomorrow was not promised. Safety was never guaranteed. Love was an amazing gift, not given to
everyone.
A small smile curved her lips as she slipped out of bed. She opened her top dresser drawer and pulled out a black silk sheath of a nightgown. It was a garment she hadn’t worn since the very beginning of her mated time with Syrus. She pulled off her frumpy pajamas and let the silk glide over her body. She sighed and shivered. It felt so good, and it would feel better yet, as soon as Syrus touched it.
She picked up her portal ring and slid it onto her finger. Her lips woke him softly. He responded to her in a half-awake state, and that wasn’t going to do for her. He tried to pull her against him, but his eyes were still closed. She drew away.
“Wake up, my love.”
“I am awake.” His voice held a hint of sleepy annoyance.
She took a step back so the moonlight coming through the gap in the curtains fell across her. “Look at me,” she whispered.
She saw his eyes barely crack open. The next second he was inhaling sharply and sitting up. “Forest.” He said her name with reverence.
“Follow me,” she commanded as she opened a portal and stepped through it.
He did. His bare feet landed on the soft sand. The violet, silvery light emanating from the water shimmered in his eyes. In the early days of their relationship, they had often come to these waterfalls to make love, but that seemed like so long ago to him. He smiled, now fully awake. Where was Forest?
He looked around near the beach, but she wasn’t there. He looked out at the water, and his heart stopped. She was standing under the falls. Her long hair clung against her skin as well as the black slip she wore. The water sluiced down her body, glistening on her skin as it went.
Her eyes taunted and teased him, daring him to come to her. Her beauty created a kind of madness inside him. Despite the fact the water was cool, as he plunged into it, Syrus felt nothing but fire in his veins. He swam the whole way under the surface, breaking through right next to her.
He put his feet down on the rock shelf and gazed at her. He wanted to grab her and ease the passion she’d created in him, but because he wanted it so badly, he hesitated. She lifted her chin defiantly in a silent dare when he didn’t touch her.
He had no desire to deny himself or her, but since she was in the mood for playing…
“What’s gotten into you, minx?” he asked.
“I’m happy.” She said it with such ferocity she almost sounded angry. “Aren’t you?”
“Hmmm…” A low rumble came from deep in his chest. He stared at her, slowly. His eyes roaming over every inch of her. “I am happy for many reasons, but right now, I’m happiest I regained my sight. You are perfect, Forest. A goddess. And you’re all mine.”
She reached for his hand and pulled him through the falls into the cave hidden behind the water. She pulled his soaked shirt over his head. He lifted her up, her heart next to his own, and kissed her mouth. “Baby…” he whispered as he moved his mouth to her throat.
“Yes. Exactly that.” Her tone was matter-of-fact.
“What?”
“Baby. I want another baby. I thought this was a good time and place to make one.”
He set her back down, blinked at her a few times, and then raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Are you sure?”
“It wasn’t an easy thing to decide but I’m sure. I want to try this again.”
His face remained relaxed, but his happiness shone through his eyes. He lifted her back up again, kissing her slowly. “You’re phenomenal. So brave. I can’t tell you how much I love you, Forest.”
She smiled. “Then don’t tell me. Just show me.”
He did, better than he ever had before. And she conceived their son.
Epilogue
One year later…
Forest put Maddox down for his nap in the afternoon and went to help Tesla finish braiding her hair. Tesla was sitting at the kitchen table in her dressing robe, absentmindedly twirling a white rose between her fingers, her eyes out of focus. Forest smiled to herself, looking at her daughter. She wasn’t in pain all the time now. Her magic was settled, and she was in control of it, so she no longer accidently hurt people with her hands. And she could speak easily, as if she’d never been mute at all.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Forest said, picking up the comb and parting her hair.
Tesla shook herself and set the rose down. “Just daydreaming about tonight.”
“There’s not much time left. I bet people are starting to arrive, the over-eager ones anyway.”
“Have you talked to X? I haven’t seen him since last night,” Tesla said sadly. “I miss him.”
Forest snorted. “It is your wedding. You’ll see him in an hour.”
“I know. It’s just been hours and hours.”
“Still as much in love as ever?”
“More.”
Forest leaned over and kissed the top of Tesla’s head. “Your dad snatched X first thing this morning to keep him away from you.”
She tsked. “Figures.”
“Aww. He loves X. You know that. I promise your father will not scowl even once today.”
She giggled and picked up the hand mirror, looking at the back of her hair. “That’s perfect, Mom. Just like the picture on Pinterest.”
“Oh, good. I was afraid I was going to mess it up. Hair is not my thing, you know.”
Tesla stood. “I’m going to get my dress on. Help me?”
“Like you need to ask.”
Tesla’s dress was a flowy, white bohemian thing, that cut low in the front so her heart was visible, taking away the need for her to wear any jewelry. It was a relaxed, natural look that didn’t distract from Tesla’s unique beauty.
“You look amazing. Perfect.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
She looked at herself in the mirror. “I’m ready.”
The dark of the warm, summer night flowed over Regia. Light shimmered through every flower on the ground and in the trees. The white flames of the manifestation burned bright and iridescent, reflected on the crystal trees. All the guests were gathered and waiting. All of their family and friends, old and new, with young dryads dispersed throughout the crowd as well. X stood next to the Heart, Syrus and Ler at his side, waiting for Tesla. Forest stood on the other side of the Heart, Shi next to her.
Everyone turned as Tesla stepped onto the grassy path the Heart grew just for her. The crystal trees began to chime music as she walked slowly forward. Her eyes fixed on X, then she looked down, blushing, overwhelmed. She looked back up again and continued forward.
He took her hand, and everything else seemed to blur in the background. Light went out along the ground from the flames, stretching under the feet of everyone there.
The world is safe because of these two. The Heart said, speaking inside everyone’s minds. They are both unique beings, and they love each other without restraint. Ever since X met Tesla, he’s feared he would lose her to her destined life mate. Before the war, I merged their power together, but even then there was something else binding them. And neither of them knew it. I knew it, but I didn’t tell them. I will tell them now, as I will tell all of you. Perhaps for the first time in Regia’s history, there are a pair of lovers that are truly soul mates.
Tesla’s eyes widened in shock. “Did you know?” she whispered to X.
“No.” He shook his head.
As is the custom in human weddings, I will now ask you if you commit yourselves fully to each other, forsaking all others, and will live for one another, forever, until death?
“I will.”
“As will I,” Tesla breathed.
Then step forward and place your linked hands in the flames, and I will bind you together in a new way.
The flames twisted like ribbons around their hands, slid through them, and tied a new invisible knot.
As you wanted and requested of me, X’s lifespan will now match Tesla’s. You may go through your lives, secure in a knowledge granted to none. That neither one of you will outlive the other… It is done.
Kiss your bride, X.
Applause erupted through the wood as X kissed Tesla.
Go now. Celebrate. Make your future extraordinary. Be an example of true love, worthy of Regia’s history.
The reception was held by the coast at Netriet and Merick’s property. A pavilion had been built for the party. White silk tents were filled with food, and tables were placed all over outside, under the stars. Lively music played and people danced.
Maddox squirmed in Forest’s arms and drooled on her shoulder. She lifted him up and blew a raspberry on his tummy. She walked on the outside of the crowd and just watched. Kids seemed to be everywhere. Sophie toddled around, into everything and causing Shreve grief as he tried to keep up with her. Sabra was pregnant again, and close to bursting. Netriet carried her baby daughter in the crook of her robotic arm. Melina was only two months and slept like a champ. She had her mother’s blonde hair and her father’s dark brown eyes. Redge and Journey’s three adopted children ran around the place like maniacs, up past their bedtimes and high on sugar. Maggie and Merhl hung close together, laid back, and always seeming to have more contentment than anyone else. And Ena looked like the wedding was giving her ideas. She and Kindel were happily settled together, and Forest wouldn’t be surprised if Ena was the next to have a baby bump.
Zeren and Rahaxeris walked over to her at the same time. They both made faces at Maddox in turn, trying to make him laugh.
“You must be so proud, Forest,” Zeren said. “Tesla settled and now considered the most skilled scientist in Regia.”
“Well, she is,” Rahaxeris said sternly. “She deserves her acclaim.”
“She’s easy to be proud of,” Forest said.
“How is X settling into his new job at Fortress?”
“Easy as pie. He’s the best interrogator I’ve ever seen. He always knows when someone’s lying. And when someone refuses to talk, he just brings in Fluffy. That always seems to loosen their tongues… He’s getting quite the reputation. The necromancer with a pet demon. Yeah, no one wants to be questioned by him.”
