The Vampire Next Door

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The Vampire Next Door Page 29

by Ashlyn Chase


  Finally, Lynne turned all the way back toward them and said, “To the element of North and in appreciation of the Earth, we ask that Sylvestro and Morgaine be blessed with abundance and fertility.”

  Fertility? Obviously, the good witch didn’t know they were vampires or was unaware that dead sperm don’t swim. Sly still couldn’t believe that Morgaine was willing to give up the possibility of motherhood. They’d be loving guardians and friends to Max and potential future children of all the other couples here, but nothing more.

  The JP continued on, “If children are desired, may they be healthy and happy always.”

  Yup, she didn’t know. Oh, well. She didn’t have to. Probably better if she didn’t. How many JPs would show up to a vampire wedding?

  Lynne faced them directly and smiled. “Sly and Morgaine, step forward.”

  With hands still linked, they took one step forward and stood in front of the JP.

  Lynne said, “As we have created balance and harmony here today, we ask that you, as a couple, always enjoy the same. Are you, Morgaine, prepared to pledge yourself to Sylvestro?”

  Morgaine responded, “I am,” with no hesitation. She cleared her throat and recited, “I, Morgaine, pledge myself to you, Sly, and our marriage. I will love and cherish you always and never forget the gift of love that you have given me.” She slid a white gold ring with a Celtic knot design on his finger and said, “Accept this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment.”

  Sly had been coached the day before the ceremony and responded appropriately, “I will.”

  Then Lynne addressed Sly. “Sylvestro, are you prepared to pledge your devotion and love to Morgaine?”

  “I am,” he said happily. He kissed Morgaine’s hand, which wasn’t part of the ceremony, but it made everyone smile. “I, Sylvestro, am ready to spend my life with you. I will always honor the commitment I make today. I promise to love and care for you forever.”

  The group sighed as he placed a matching ring of white gold on her finger. He noticed that she still wore the one he had given her on Yule but she’d placed it on her index finger, leaving her ring finger open for her wedding ring.

  He continued his vow with, “Wear this ring as a symbol of the love and devotion I will always have for you.”

  Morgaine responded, “I will.”

  Lynne smiled. “Through these vows and the exchange of rings, Morgaine and Sylvestro have made their intentions of marriage clear before you, their cherished guests, and their Gods. They have pledged themselves to one another and look forward to a bright future. We join in giving them our blessings.”

  Gwyneth said, “Blessed be,” and the others followed suit.

  When it was quiet again, Lynne said, “Sylvestro and Morgaine, by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you partners in life… husband and wife.” She extended her hands. “The circle is prepared to be closed. Spirits and guardians are released. I send this circle into the cosmos to do our bidding.” She whirled 360 degrees and scooped up the air from the floor to over her head. “The ritual is ended.”

  Everyone broke the circle to hug and congratulate the newlyweds.

  When Sly returned to Morgaine, he saw her crying. “Honey, what’s the matter?” He opened his arms and she stepped into his embrace.

  “Absolutely nothing, I’m just ridiculously happy.”

  Then she responded to something he hadn’t heard. “Thanks, Chad.” She stepped back and smirked, “Chad called me a wimp but gave us his best wishes too.”

  Sly kissed her nose. “You’re no wimp, woman.” Curious, he asked, “So, Chad’s here. Is that what Lynne meant when she said something about the spirits attending?”

  Morgaine smiled. “I doubt she was aware of Chad specifically, but any friendly spirits or elementals that chose to attend were welcome to be part of the ritual.”

  Sly glanced around. “Are they still here?”

  She chuckled. “No, they were released as the circle was opened.”

  “Whew. I’m just getting used to Chad. I don’t think I could handle a whole houseful of spirits.”

  “Nope. All you have to do is live with a houseful of me. My apartment’s not the biggest.”

  “I’m not worried. It’s bigger than mine, and I never felt crowded with you there—just cozy.”

  “What’s going to happen with your apartment now?”

  “I listed it in the newspaper as an eclectically furnished one bedroom with a history of happy tenants.”

  Merry strolled over. “You can say that again.”

  Roz overheard and joined them. “Does anyone have a single friend they’d like to see move into the love shack?”

  Morgaine and Sly glanced around the room. Nathan had his arm around Gwyneth’s waist, and she was leaning against his shoulder with a content smile on her face. Jason turned and winked at Merry. Roz blew Konrad a kiss, and he pretended to catch it and put it in his pocket. Then something else passed between them and they chuckled.

  Sly shook his head. “I can’t think of anyone I know who needs the magical power of apartment 1B, can you, Morgaine?”

  She grinned. “No, I can’t. Isn’t that wonderful?”

  “It is indeed.”

  Merry smiled. “I guess we’ll let fate decide who needs it next.”

  “Might as well.” Morgaine stroked Sly’s cheek. “After all, fate’s been doing a pretty good job so far.”

  Sly pulled his beloved into his arms and gave her a tender kiss, looking forward to a very long, very happy life together.

  Table of Contents

  The Vampire Next Door

  Strange Neighbors 3

  Ashlyn Chase

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

 

 

 


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