by Julia Milla
After a brief absence, in which Kyran wondered if all his brethren had abandoned him, they eventually returned with four of the biggest terra cotta pots he’d ever seen and loads more flowers, refusing to tell him where they had found them.
“Don’t worry, we didn’t steal them or anything.” Kayne smiled as Rory snickered while unloading one of the enormous pots.
“Really? The coppers aren’t goona come looking for mah Caitlin, are they?”
A slap to his back was quickly followed by Drago’s assurance. “No, no, nothing like that. I promise we asked the owner’s permission and promised to return them before the end of the week.”
Shaking his head, he helped finish the preparations then showered and changed and was now watching the sun as it approached its apex in a cloudless blue sky. One by one, his brethren came out of the house, showered and shaved and ready for the ceremony.
Exactly one minute before the grandfather clock in Caitlin’s foyer was scheduled to strike noon, Rian took his place under the archway. As the only Elder present and with the blessing of the other three whom he’d spoken to the evening before, the oldest O’Reilly brother would perform the ritual that would bind Kyran and Caitlin together forever.
Watching his brethren assemble to the left of the archway, Kyran followed suit on the opposite side and once in place, whistled for Duke. Opening his sight to Caitlin once again, he was blown away by the love and affection she let fill their bond. Watching the door, he felt weak in the knees when his banshee appeared, being led by her furry guardian, onto the redwood deck.
She’d left her hair long, just the way he liked it, and the crown of daffodils Drago had fashioned fit perfectly upon her head, accentuating her radiant smile and making her appear as the goddess Kyran already thought her to be. Her dress, an antique her mother had preserved in a storage unit Caitlin found out about after the reading of her parents’ will, had been wore by five generations of Ó Broin, her mother’s ancestors, women, with his banshee being the sixth. It was made of the finest off-white silk covered by delicate hand-made lace that draped lovingly off her shoulders and across her décolletage, enhancing the porcelain color of her silken skin and giving her an ethereal glow.
The corset bodice pushed her breasts up at just the right angle that Kyran had to remind himself to wait and then growled into his brethren’s minds, “Na’ loooking below th’ shoulders, laddies, or Ah see a thrashin’ in yer futures.”
Their stifled chuckles and attempts not to grin told him he’d made his point as he watched Duke lead Caitlin down the steps and toward him. The long lace-covered silk of her skirt hugged her generous curves and flared at the bottom so just her pink polished toe nails peeked out from under the soft material with every step. Stopping just as they’d practiced, five feet from the arch, Duke held Caitlin still as Rian began to speak.
“Long ago, when knights and dragons fought side by side for King and country, it became apparent that dragon kin was no longer safe from those who would expose and destroy them. They sought to join with the knights who so valiantly fought by their sides during so many battles against their mutual enemies. Thus, through magic and the will of both dragon and knight, the Dragon Shifters were born.
“In the infinite wisdom of our Founding Elders, clans were set up, one for each color of the Dragon Kings, whose soul we carry within our own. Each assigned a region in which to make their home and to protect. Over time, some have flourished, some have ceased to exist, and others have been born from the joining of many. As the Leader of the Blue Thunder Clan, it is an incredible honor to stand alongside not only my brother, Rory, but also four of the most distinguished and bravest of our kin: Drago MacLendon, Maddox MacQueen, Kayne MacGréine, and Kyran O’Connor, whom we welcome back from being too long separated from our clan. The Universe has truly blessed these two souls and although our numbers are few here today, we carry the souls of our Dragon Kings and those of our ancestors looking down on us from the Heavens. We are family in blood, family in battle, family in loyalty and family forever.
“Gathered in this place that is so special to both Kyran and his mate, we look to join two souls created for one another by the Universe, Fate, and the Goddess of All. Upon every union, we welcome extraordinary women into our numbers. Their strength, belief, and dedication in the preservation of the light make us stronger, more united, and more formidable against our foes. Every one of us that finds the light of his soul knows what a treasure she is. It is an honor to witness the power of what the Universe put into place at our inception. Tonight, we acknowledge and bless the mating of Kyran O’Connor to the one the Universe made for him, Caitlin Marianna Brookes. Will those seeking to witness this union please step forward?”
Drago stepped forward, knelt before Rian and Kyran, and began, “I, the Commander of the Enforcers of the Dragon Guard, am honored to witness and offer my blessing to one of my oldest and most faithful lads on this, his mating day. May he love the mate of his heart with all that he is and never forget what it has taken to get to this day and this time. Let your combined strength see you through all the days of your lives and even until you walk into the Heavens hand in hand.” He nodded, stood, and walked back to his place.
Then it was Rory’s turn and true to form, he had a cheeky grin on his face as he knelt and addressed his brother and the Phantom. “I, a representative of the Aherne Force of the Blue Thunder Clan of the Dragons, wish to witness and offer a blessing to one born of both dragon and banshee blood and his fierce banshee mate. May their lives now and forever be a testament to all we hold dear…love, honor, and loyalty. As you are one, let your strength see you through many years and the children of your children’s children smile upon you.” He stood, winked, and returned to his place only to be followed by Kayne, who did not kneel but did raise his eyes to the Heavens. “It is with the power of Lugh, the Celtic God of the Sun, that I offer a blessing of love and light to this union. May the sun always light your path, chase away the darkness, and shine upon you and yours all the days of your lives even until you reach your final resting place.” Looking at Kyran, he added, “We survived my friend. Now is the time to make it count.”
“Aye,” Kyran responded, watching his old friend return to his place in line and be replaced by Maddox, the grumpiest of them with the biggest heart of all. He chuckled. “'N' noow comes th' mad dragon,” as Doxie took a knee and spoke. “From the oldest among us to the youngest, I stand as testament to the power of the dragons and offer this blessing from the ancestors who have gone ahead to prepare us a place in the Heavens. Live long, love often, and never look away from the light of your soul. The Universe does not make mistakes. She has given you both life that you may share it. Be happy, as that is Her fondest wish for all Her children.” He stood, cocked an eyebrow at Kyran, and returned to his spot with the other Guardsmen.
It took a few extra seconds before Rian spoke again and when he did, his voice was full of emotion. “Your witnesses and blessings have been acknowledged and accepted, Drago, Commander of the Enforcers of the Dragon Guard, Rory, representative of the Aherne Force, Kayne, Son of Lugh, and Maddox, Keeper of the Ancients. It is truly a blessed event to have such honorable dragons in one place to show favor on this very special couple. Kyran O’Connor, you may go to your mate. Please escort her to the Sacred Circle, here, before me.”
Walking to his mate, Kyran’s heart beat faster and harder than he could ever remember. Taking her hands in his, he sighed as the recognition of their love filled every fiber of his being, smiling when Caitlin gave a tiny gasp after experiencing the same phenomenon. Walking backward, he led his gorgeous mate to the circle of white roses he’d placed with his own hands just a few hours before. Once they were both inside the circle, Rian again spoke. “The Black Dragons were born from power and authority. They encapsulate the mark of humility and respectability. They symbolize resurrection and eternal life. So, just as Kyran was taken from us and assumed dead, he is reborn, once again with us, taki
ng his rightful place with the mate of his heart at his side. Black Dragons are often called the Power Dragons because they alone wield the power of the stars when the moon cannot be seen in the sky. They are associated with the deep sea, the night, and the time when most of the world rests, and we of dragon kin are hard at work keeping home and hearth safe from all harm. To mate a black dragon is to accept all that they are and honor the power shared between mates.”
“Now is the time of the marking. May the Universe continue to bless you and yours all the days of your lives. We will be standing watch in the woods, protecting you from all harm as you receive the Blessing of the Universe and spend your first night as true mates blessed by the Universe.”
It took only a moment for everyone but Kyran and Caitlin to exit the yard. The black dragon smiled as Duke walked back to the deck and sat patiently. Looking at his mate, Kyran was awestruck. She was the love of his life, so much more than he’d ever hoped for and in just a few moments, would wear his mark.
Unable to take the anticipation any longer, Kyran lowered his mouth to hers, stopped just as their lips would have touched and whispered, “Ta’ mo chroi’ istigh ionat,” and with that, pressed his lips to hers. Their first kiss as true mates was earth shattering. Caitlin was present in every cell of his body. Rapture unlike any he’d ever known consumed the couple until the Phantom was sure he’d be but a pile of ash before he had enough of his banshee. They were laid open to one another body and soul, not knowing where one ended and the other began.
Their kiss went on and on until Caitlin flinched at the precise moment he felt a twinge on the side of his neck. Kyran smiled against her lips, knowing the Universe was marking them, giving the outward sign of her forever sanctification of their union.
Trailing kisses across her jaw and down her neck, Kyran reached the tender spot he knew still stung from their brand. Lavishing the offending spot with his lips and tongue until all thoughts of anything but their naked bodies loving one another were banished from both their minds, Kyran’s dragon roared his agreement loud in the Guardsman’s head.
Pulling back from her neck, Kyran looked at Caitlin. He would spend every day of the rest of his life thanking the Universe for her. Kissing the tip of her nose, he looked into her passion-fogged expression, and whispered, “This is oonly a wee pairt o' what Ah hae planned fur ye. We wull hae anoother ceremony wi' a' mah brethren 'n' Ah hae something special fur ye, fae mah mother, that A'm waantin' ye tae hae.”
“Oh, Kyran,” she sighed, her palms on his chest. “This was enough. It was beautiful and more than I could’ve hoped for.”
Shaking his head even though she couldn’t see it, he spoke aloud, “It wull ne'er be enuff. Ah wull ne'er stop showing ye how mooch Ah love ye. Ye saved me, mo mBean, 'n' fur that Ah wull spend eevery day of our lives showing ye what ye mean tae me.”
Her simple nod was all it took. Lifting her into his arms, Kyran used his enhanced speed to get them to the house. Throwing open the door, the Phantom quickly carried Caitlin across the threshold and into their room, kicking the door closed behind him. The couple laughed in unison as Duke whined from the other side. Lowering his lips to once again kiss the love of his life, his little banshee surprised him with a question. “Know what I really want as a mating present?”
“Na, tell me,”
“Eve’s head on a pike.”
Grinning from ear-to-ear as he ravished her neck with kisses and exaggerated growls, he chuckled, “'N' that is why a love ye so mooch …”
“Then show me, Mr. O’Connor. Show me how much you love me.”
“Yer wish is ma command, Mrs. O’Connor.”
Chapter Eleven
Sneaking away like a thief in the night. Some things never change…
Stopping under the same willow tree where he’d sat night after night watching the woman who was now his mate, the love of his life, the only person he’d ever truly cared for, Kyran looked over his shoulder for one last glance at Caitlin’s home. He prayed it wasn’t his last and that she would understand when she got his note. Drago or one of the others would have to read it to her and of course, they were going to be just as pissed, if not more than she, but this was the only way the black dragon could think of to vanquish the evil threatening his happily ever after and keep his beautiful banshee safe.
“You coming lover boy, or you gonna stand there and look like someone took your last cookie?” Kayne whispered as he walked past the black dragon and disappeared into the darkness.
One last plea to the Heavens to help Caitlin understand that he was doing what he must and that he was only thinking of her well-being, and off Kyran jogged. Quickly catching up to his brethren, the black dragon groused, “Na, Ah've got a' mah cookies bit if Caitlin ne'er speaks tae me again, Ah wull ne'er forgive ye?”
Kayne laughed out loud. “So, this is all my fault? That’s how you’re gonna play it, huh?”
Yes, that was exactly how Kyran was going to play it because it was so much easier than blaming himself for breaking a promise to the most wonderful woman in the world who held his heart and soul in the palm of her elegant hands. Traipsing through the forest toward the last known coordinates of Eve O’Baoill, wicked bitch extraordinaire and soon to be dead woman, Kyran couldn’t help but remember the conversation that had gotten him into his present mess.
Sitting on the back porch of Caitlin’s cottage, watching the first rays of a new day shining through the trees, Kyran thought about what his lovely mate had said on their mating night. Although they hadn’t left their room for anything but food for a few days, her words still echoed through his mind. “Eve’s head on a pike” was the only mating present she wanted from him. There was nothing he desired more than to fulfill her every wish, but there was so much more at stake. Finding the love of his life was amazing. He felt alive, like there was absolutely nothing he couldn’t achieve, but there was now a fear he’d never known, a much darker, scary side to having someone to love…the fear of losing the very one he couldn’t live without.
“What’s with the long face? Aren’t you supposed to be all giddy and shit?” Kayne chuckled, coming around the corner with a load of firewood. The lads had stayed around and basically held the fort down while Kyran and Caitlin had their little bit of a honeymoon. He hadn’t asked them, they’d just offered, spending most of their waking hours searching for Eve while keeping Duke company.
“Aye,” Kyran snickered. “Ah am. Juist thinkin’.”
“That’ll always get you into trouble.” Kayne dropped the wood and joined the black dragon on the deck. “Anything you care to share?”
Not sure where to start, still uneasy talking to anyone but Caitlin after so many years as a prisoner, Kyran took a deep breath, relaxed, and let the words flow. After all, he’d known Kayne forever. “Ah made Caitlin a promise that Ah don’t knoo if Ah kin keep.” With his elbows resting on his knees, he let his head fall forward and stared at his boots. “She wants tae goo after Eve wi' us.” He shook his head. “Ah knoo she’s lost juist as mooch, if nae mair, than a' o' us because o' that fookin’ bitch, bit Ah…Ah juist ...oh hell, Kayne, Ah love her sae mooch it hurts 'n' Ah cannae see her in danger.” Now he was rambling, talking so fast he barely understood his own words. “Ah’m suppoos tae protect her, keep her fae harm, mak' sure noothin’ e’er happens tae her, soo hoow in a' that’s holy am Ah suppoos tae willingly let her walk intae battle wi' oone o' th' most treacherous enemies we’ve e’er faced?”
Unable to sit still a moment longer, Kyran stood and walked to the edge of the deck. “Bit Ah promised 'n' Ah’d rather cut aff mah own arm than break a promise tae her.” He blew out a defeated breath. “Bit Ah’d rather die than see her hurt.” Then on a whisper, “Wi'oot her, Ah will die.”
“Well, here’s how I see it,” Kayne said walking forward as he switched to mind speak through their unique and private link. “You have two choices. Keep your promise and take your little banshee into battle with you. Which, by the way, I have n
o doubts she can handle. That woman is made of pure strength and steel, most definitely a perfect match for you. Or…you and I keep not only your mate but also our boys outta danger and go take care of that piece of shit ourselves.”
Kyran didn’t have to look at his friend’s face when Kayne’s hand landed on his shoulder to know the demigod was smiling and when he continued, the black dragon could hear the excitement in his friend’s voice, “Just like old times. You and me on the hunt. Kicking ass and taking names. Whatcha say, old man? Wanna save the day for old time’s sake?”
The dragon and warrior in Kyran were more than ready to take Kayne up on his offer to ride off and kill Eve along with anyone else who dared cross their path. But it was the man and his heart holding him in place, making him think twice. “Ah juist doon’t knoo,” he sighed.
“I don’t envy you your choices. I can see what Caitlin means to you and how much she loves you and…” Kayne paused, squeezed Kyran’s shoulder, and continued, “love’s a bitch. Always has been, always will be. It’s wonderful and great and ties you in so many knots you don’t know which end is up and you’d be lost without it.” He chuckled. “I’ve watched our boys with their mates…now you, and I don’t know how you lot do it. Hell, even the mad dragon gets all starry eyed and smiles when his lady’s around…but here’s the one thing you have to consider. Will you be able to give the fight necessary against Eve and whatever heinous bullshit she’s got waiting for us if Caitlin is with you? Can you protect her and kill the bitch?”
Kyran had spent the following few days thinking about his next step, constructing mental blocks that kept Caitlin out of that little part of his psyche where he kept his secrets. Essentially, he hid from the most important person in his world. Swamped with guilt, he laughed off her questions and kissed her silly to change the subject. Since having his banshee in his arms had become his favorite pastime, it wasn’t really a hardship, just a shitty situation of his own design that he had no doubt he would pay for in ways he’d yet to imagine.
