“Excellent idea.” Talon started to walk away, but Fang placed a hand on his shoulder. “I would ask a favor of you.”
The warrior frowned. “Of course. You know we all owe you a great deal for making sure Greydon left the battle that day. Had he stayed, I’ve no doubt he would now be dead.”
“It would mean a great deal to me if you would watch after my son.” Choosing a warrior from the king’s guard to keep an eye on a protector’s child was an old custom that dated back to the firstborn Daldara. Talon would become what humans referred to as a godparent. When Fang was away, he would see to the child’s safety. With Bethany now a Daldara, it was quite possible both parents would be called to duty, and they needed someone trustworthy.
Talon’s eye’s widened and he dropped to one knee. “You honor me with such a request. I would be delighted to become the baby’s Vediloch. I can’t wait to meet him.”
“Tonight then at the queen’s coronation I will introduce you. For now, I must go slay an enemy.” Fang left Talon behind, along with a huge weight that had burdened him. He knew the warrior would risk his own life to keep the child safe. One task down and another gory one to go.
Aimee cradled Tanlor in her arms as she walked back and forth.
“You need to be getting ready soon,” Bethany stated as she watched her best friend fuss over her son. She couldn’t help but smile. “When are you and Greydon having children?”
Aimee stopped and kissed the child on the cheek before handing him back to Bethany. “We’ve not really talked about it, but I think we both wish to wait until things are settled. How can I even think of children when all of our lives are in danger?”
“Good point.” Bethany admired her son’s chocolate brown eyes as he stared at her. “Is it possible to love your child too much? Because seriously, I adore this baby and could stare at him forever.”
“Absolutely not and I’m rather partial to him myself.” Aimee went to her closet and pulled out the gown she planned to wear. “I heard Fang asked Talon to be the baby’s guardian. I understand it’s a great honor to be asked to watch over a Daldara child.”
“Yes, that’s what I hear too. I’ve not met Talon, but I trust Fang to do only the very best for all of us.”
Aimee slipped out of her clothes and stepped into her dress. Pulling it up, she turned her back to Bethany. “Zip me, please.”
She laid Tanlor on the bed and tugged at Aimee’s zipper. “This dress is gorgeous. Hurry up and turn around so I can see.” Aimee did a quick spin before she faced Bethany. The gown was a loose-fitting sheath in crimson satin and burgundy lace over the top. Spaghetti straps left her neckline bare. “Yep, stunning. You wearing any jewels?”
“Oh, thanks for reminding me. Greydon asked me to wear this.” She whisked off to the closet again and returned with a necklace in her hand. “I need help.”
Bethany took the necklace and draped it around Aimee’s neck. “Damn, you going to be able to carry all those diamonds?” Three strands of square cut stones ran from the front, around the back of her neck, then transitioned into a single strand of leaf-shaped stones on the other side. From there, they flowed into several strands until they came back around and connected. One longer string branched out and dipped to the top of her cleavage. “You’re wearing an ivy of diamonds,” Bethany laughed.
Aimee brought her fingers up to touch the piece. “Is it too much?”
“Nope. It’s perfect.”
“Okay.” She smoothed her hands over her dress. “I guess I’m ready.”
Bethany picked up Tanlor, who she had dressed in black pants, a white shirt, and the most adorable, little black jacket. Secretly she hoped Fang wore the same getup he had when they mated, cuz that was sexy as hell.
“We can travel my way.”
Aimee scrunched her brows. “Umm, and that would be?”
Bethany touched her friend on the shoulder and teleported them directly to the room where the coronation was to take place.
“Holy hell. I wasn’t expecting that.” Aimee’s hazel eyes widened. “I’m a little jealous. I need a bracelet to do that and then only between a couple of places.”
Bethany giggled. “I needed the practice but pretty cool, huh? This means I can flash you out of any danger.”
“What the hell else can you do?”
“She can do anything I can do.” Fang slid in and kissed Bethany on the cheek. “Though I don’t recommend taking possession of another's body. That one will give you a murderous headache for days.”
Oh goody. He did wear my favorite outfit. No man or demon ever filled out a pair of black pants better. Bethany gave her mate a wicked smile.
I will let you undress me later. He winked. “My Queen, you look lovely as ever.”
Aimee sighed. “I guess after tonight I really will be your Queen.”
“Angel.” Greydon approached. “Let me escort you to your throne.”
Bethany and Fang moved to join the others. It was nice to see a small crowd, and Bethany couldn’t help the smile that curled her mouth when she watched several of the couples who had been reunited. Pride swelled in her. Fang had been a part of that as well, and now she would be too. Finally, she felt like she belonged somewhere.
Aimee took a seat on the throne next to Uuna’s spiritless body, with Greydon on her other side. Bethany leaned in and whispered, “We don’t have the scepter.”
“Not needed.” He replied back then reached for their son, who was still asleep in her arms. “You will pledge yourself to the king and queen tonight. Just follow my lead.”
She swallowed, suddenly nervous, and nodded. Greydon stood and the room hushed as he turned to Aimee.
“I am honored to finally bring you fully into my world by crowning you Queen of the Valarians and Oshivana, also known as Atlantis.” He smiled. “You may call it whichever suits you, but definitely call it home. With you by my side, we will bring life back to this city.” He held out a ring that Bethany had seen earlier. It matched the one he wore. A sterling band with six small claws that held a square-cut fire ruby. He knelt at her feet and took her hands in his.
“I declare you Queen of Oshivana and all it encompasses. I vow to protect you and those who serve you.” He placed the ring on her right hand then rose and took his seat.
Zander approached, bearing a bronze crown with four high points decorated with amethysts. He bent to one knee. “Your Majesty. I declare you Queen of Oshivana and all it encompasses. I vow to protect you and those who serve you.” He stood and placed the crown on her head. Bethany teared up; her friend had never looked more beautiful.
Everyone in the room knelt and repeated their vow. Bethany felt power rip across the air, a definite connection between the city and its people. The couple who sat in front of them were an important part of this world, and for an instant Bethany felt small.
Fang rose and took her hand, helping her to her feet. They stepped forward, Tanlor still cradled in his father’s arms. They knelt facing the king and queen.
“Your Majesties,” Fang began. “I come before you as your protector and wish to present my son and mate.” It is time to make your vow.
She nearly jumped, still not used to mental conversations with Fang. Instead, she kept her gaze on Aimee. “My Queen, as your personal protector, I vow to put your safety before my own and your life above all others. I will not hesitate to disobey a direct command if it means putting you in danger. In turn, you agree to follow my commands in regard to your safety and that of your family.”
Aimee smiled and gave her a wink. “I look forward to our many years together.”
Greydon rose. “Everyone, please stand.”
There was a rustle of taffeta and silk across the room.
“Tonight I am the luckiest man in the universe. Not only do I have a beautiful mate, but our great city has a queen.” He spread his arms. “And of course it warms my heart to see your faces. Let it be known that I will not stop until every one of our people is back w
ith us. When that happens, we will once again raise the glory that is Oshivana and bring our home back to life.”
Everyone applauded and pride filled the room. Bethany caught a glimpse of Thundohn out of the corner of her eye, and the god gave her a big smile. He definitely looked pleased.
“Tonight we shall celebrate the crowning of a queen, the rescue of those among us, and the birth of the first child this city has seen in centuries. Let the festivities begin!” Greydon shouted and the small crowd roared.
Bethany suddenly realized Fang was staring at her.
“What?”
He leaned closer. “I love you, and I intend to spend the rest of my life showing you how much.”
Tears pricked her eyes, and she swore she would never tire of him saying those words. The man was a complex mixture of intimidation and tenderness, but he was hers. “I love you too, and you can start by showing me later.”
His pupils dilated. “I intend to do just that.”
About the Author
Award winning and bestselling author, Valerie Twombly grew up watching Dark Shadows over her mother's shoulder, and from there her love of the fanged creatures blossomed. Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby, and her German Shepherd dog, in Northern IL. Valerie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Romance Writers. She is also the founder of Sexy Scribblers, a group of romance writers who bring readers new and fresh stories every month.
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Also by Valerie Twombly
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Divine Passion (Guardians #3.5)
Amazon Heat (Demon Heat #1)
Emerald Fire (Demon Heat #2)
Spanish Nights, A Jinn’s Seduction
Sultry Nights, A Jinn’s Seduction
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Taken by Storm Page 13
