For You, I Will

by Georgia Lyn Hunter

  Yes, a wedding was as human and normal as it could be. She smiled. “Me, too.”

  With a little nod, Jenna wandered away to where Bob was prowling near his empty bowl.

  “It’s so good to see you,” Elytani said, her bright, copper-hued eyes skimming over Darci as if looking for any hidden injury.

  “It sure is,” Shae agreed, coming up beside Darci. “I’m truly sorry your evening turned out the way it did.

  “Yeah, it must have been horrible, finding out it wasn’t really Blaéz,” Kira added.

  “Terrifying, actually.” Darci shuddered. “Thank God it’s all over.” Shutting off thoughts of the nightmarish time, she pivoted to Echo and pulled her friend into a tight embrace. “Thank you for what you did.”

  Echo hugged her equally tight. “I’m just glad I could summon the Locator rune on my first try to lead Blaéz to you.” She stepped back. “I guess Lore was right about trusting my instincts when using the rune.”

  Chairs dragged on the marbled floor as the women sat down at the oak dining table.

  “How did it happen?” Darci asked, reaching for the coffeepot and pouring herself a steaming mug.

  Shae brought the snack-covered platters over and sat near her mother while Echo related how her abilities came about. “Lore pushed up our lessons early yesterday, since he had other commitments, and we had the rehearsal and dinner. So we worked on the angelic runes…”

  She told them about the sudden emergence of the sigil and how it had moved off the charts and seeped into her. It was riveting to hear how she eventually used it to try and find where Finnén had hidden her. By the time Echo had finished, everyone stared wide-eyed at her. “I’m afraid your cross disappeared with the magic I used to find you,” she told Darci.

  “I don’t care about that—I mean, I do, my brother gave it to me when I turned fifteen, but you used it to save me.” Saved Blaéz. Tears crowded her eyes. She grasped Echo’s hand and held on tightly, overwhelmed that her friend had accomplished so much, considering Finnén had spell-protected the house and its inhabitants from detection. “Thank you.”

  “Okaaay! Enough doom and gloom.” Kira jumped up from her chair, her multiple beads clattering about. “We have a wedding to celebrate, girls!” She whipped out the folded sheet of paper from her jeans pocket. “Ta-da! Our list for today. First on the agenda, we’re having facials, manicures, pedicures, and a wax. The latter, I’m gonna do for you.”

  Darci nearly choked on her coffee. “No, you’re not.” No way was her friend touching her lady bits. “I had that taken care of yesterday morning.”

  “Ah, well.” Kira grinned, dimples flashing. “Wasn’t really going to, just needed to lighten the atmosphere. But let’s move this party over to the guest suite. We got two masseuses coming over—don’t ask how. I’m only glad Hedori got them. C’mon, you guys, chop-chop—let’s get started…”

  As night stole over the estate, the women gathered around the roaring fireplace in the small living room. Opened presents lay scattered on the floor. Darci dropped another torn gift wrapper on a growing pile to be discarded later, setting aside the black negligee Elytani had given her.

  God, she rubbed her heated face, not at the pile of sexy nightwear her friends had showered her with, but at the innuendos that came along with it.

  Apparently, all were for Blaéz’s pleasure—to peel off with his teeth or how he saw fit—since she’d cock-blocked a gorgeous immortal like him with silly mortal traditions.

  Oh, that had to be explained to Elytani since she had no clue what that was.

  It had been a relaxing afternoon, but after the trauma of last night, she really, really missed Blaéz.

  A knock sounded. Kira leaped up from the armchair and dashed across to open the door. Soft voices drifted to her. Then Grace walked inside with the baby in her arms.

  Darci shot to her feet and hurried over, smoothing her crimson sweater over her gray jeans-style skirt, a wide grin taking form. She’d been waiting anxiously for her family to arrive. Declan had insisted on driving over, so Blaéz had given them directions to the castle.

  “Grace!” She kissed her cheek. “I’m so happy you’re finally here.”

  Grace gave her a one-arm hug, her expression one of relief. “I’m really glad Blaéz found you and that you’re okay.”

  “Me, too. I just want to put it all behind me. Come.” Darci ushered her over to the living room and introduced her sister-in-law to her friends. “Grace, that’s Elytani, Shae, and her mom, Jenna. You guys, this is Grace Callahan, my sister-in-law.”

  Once the greetings were over, Darci held out her arms. “Let me hold Lia, please.”

  With the baby settled in her arms, a flood of happiness surged through Darci at having her precious niece in her arms. She pressed a soft kiss to her satiny-smooth cheek. In her mind’s eye, she could already picture her own child with Blaéz. She didn’t care what sex. If it were a boy, he’d have the same night-dark hair and deep blue eyes as his father. A girl? Yep, exactly like Blaéz. At the beautiful thought, her heart melted.

  “Where are Dec and Daniel?” she asked while the girls gathered near her and peered at the baby.

  “With Blaéz. He’s introducing them to the others.” Grace’s wide-eyed stare took in everything around her. “Dars, this place is wonderful. You do live in a real fairytale castle.”

  “My thoughts exactly,” Echo and Shae said in unison and started smiling.

  “Let me,” Kira begged Darci. “I love babies. What’s her name?

  “Liana Hope,” she said softly, handing the baby over. “I’ll be right back. I want to say hello to my brother and nephew.”

  Even though she’d called Declan and explained what had happened, leaving out what Finnén had done to her, she knew he’d want to see her—see for himself that she was okay.

  Darci ran downstairs and headed for the kitchen, which seemed to be the normal meet-and-greet place for the males of the household. Masculine voices drifted to her as she pushed the door open and walked into the kitchen fragrant with the aroma of coffee and baked things. Her mind took in the three males there, but just one made her heart pound that much faster.

  “Dars!” Daniel leaped to his feet and hauled her into a quick hug. “Thank God, you’re okay. Dad said they caught the idiot who grabbed you?”

  Darci nodded since Declan hadn’t told him the truth. “Yes, they did.”

  “Good. Man, awesome pile of bricks you got here.”

  “It’s a castle.” She rolled her eyes. Grateful he’d accepted her safe return and his curious teenage mind had already bounced onto other things.

  “Whoa—” Daniel’s dropped jaw nearly smacked his chest as Echo’s pet prowled into the kitchen. “Is that a cat or a miniature mountain lion?”

  The large, overweight feline, the color of chimney soot, was quite a sight with its shaggy fur and ginger ruff. The cat wound its pudgy body between her nephew’s legs before wandering off.

  “That’s Bob. We belong to him,” Darci said with a smile.

  As Daniel followed the cat to the open French doors, she turned to her brother.

  His green eyes were bright with emotion. He rose and pulled her into a tight hug. “I’m so relieved you’re unharmed.”

  “I’m fine, really”—she kept her voice low—“Blaéz came. He saved me.”

  Over her brother’s shoulder, she met her mate’s intense stare. He leaned against the counter, his powerful arms folded over his wide chest, appearing relaxed…approachable. But she knew what a lie that was. Beneath the handsome face and cool blue eyes, lurked an utterly deadly warrior, who probably didn’t even need his lethal abilities. She’d seen it.

  “He’ll always keep me safe,” she whispered. We’ll keep each other safe.

  Her brother sighed and let her go. “I suppose he will.”

  As she stepped back, Blaéz sauntered to her side. “You’re done with the females?”

  “No. It’s the bridal shower now.”


  At his quizzical expression, Declan explained with a wry smile. “It’s something women do, have a party of sorts—with gifts for the bride. Men usually drink themselves under the table at their last day of freedom.”

  Darci sputtered with laughter. “I can’t believe you said that.”

  “Not me, Dars.” The smile lingered. “I couldn’t wait to make Grace mine.”

  “Just be glad they’re not at some strip club.” Daniel piped up from the patio as he petted Bob. “Lots of things happen there with naked men around.”

  Declan groaned and picked up his coffee. “Dan, don’t give the immort—er, man a heart attack hours before the wedding.”

  “But it’s good he knows what girls get up to—”

  “Hey!” Darci glowered at him.

  “A strip club?” Blaéz’s eyebrow rose, making her scrunch her face.

  “I’m innocent of such doings, I promise,” she hastily told him. But at his intense stare, desire swept through like a heat wave. One more day—just one more day, she comforted herself.

  “I gotta go,” she told Declan. “The girls are waiting. I may see you later or tomorrow.”

  “I’ll walk you back,” Blaéz said. He was already dressed in his patrolling gear, so he’d leave for work soon. Damn, more hours without him.

  He remained silent as they headed for the front. The moment they neared the foyer, in that impossibly fast way of his, he had her against the wall, his palms on the surface near her head. His gaze scorched hers. “Male strippers?”

  “Only if it’s you,” she breathed. “I’d put all my life savings in your tiny thong.”

  Amusement brightened his eyes. He nipped her chin. She kissed him. A low groan rolled out of him. “Fuck, I miss you too damn much.”

  Blaéz grasped her hand, pushed the nearest door open, and whisked her into a small living room. He shut the door with his booted foot. Before she’d even blinked, his mouth came back to hers. He kissed her with a deep hunger that curled her toes, licking and stroking her tongue. His hands lowered to her bottom, he held her closer.

  Every hard inch of his tough body aligned against her. A moan broke free as he trailed his mouth along her jaw with little nips and kisses. She slipped her hands beneath his shirt and stroked his back. His mouth came back on hers, his kiss wild, carnal, he had her bent over his arm, his cock pressing into her achy core—oh, dear God! Desire swept through her body like a flame to pool between her thighs.

  Her cell rang, a blast in the quiet. He stilled.

  “Ignore that,” she gasped, her mouth finding his again.

  But at the continued ringing, a growl rolled out of him. “If you don’t get that, they’ll come looking for you.”

  Dammit. He was right.

  Blaéz pulled her upright then paced a few feet away, tunneling his fingers through his clipped hair. His other hand lowered to his leather-covered groin and pressed on his erection.

  Darci bit off her own sigh of frustration and pulled out her new cell from her skirt pocket and answered. “I’ll be right—”

  “Dars, wait,” Kira interrupted. “Before you leave your man, tell him about tomorrow.” She could hear the grin in her friend’s voice and bit back a groan—wait, how did they know where she was? “C’mon, girl, it’s not like we can’t figure out where or to whom you’d meander after saying hello to your family.” Laughing, Kira ended the call.

  Darci tugged her rumpled sweater into place and smoothed back her unbound hair. “That was Kira…”

  Blaéz said nothing, sliding his fists into his pants pockets as if to stop himself from touching her. “I’ll see you when I get back.”

  Aw, man. She bit her lip still tingling from his kiss. He wasn’t going to be happy about this. “Actually, I can’t…”

  His eyes narrowed. “Why?”

  “Since we’re doing the wedding the human way, the girls insist that I sleep with them tonight. Apparently, it’s bad luck for us to see each other until we meet to pledge our vows…it’s just one more day.”

  “Fine. Tomorrow evening then.” A tic working his jaw, he politely indicated the door behind her.

  She sighed, then reached up to him and pressed a soft kiss to his jaw. “Be safe.”

  Darci walked out, desperately missing him—missing their intimacy. They’d both called off the bet, yet couldn’t be together. Ugh, she wished the wedding were over already.

  Chapter 14

  Blaéz pulled on his tuxedo jacket, then just stared at his reflection in the mirror.

  He was getting married. In his exceptionally long life, he’d never thought that sentiment would ever apply to him. But it was time he got his mate back.

  It had been the worst twenty-four hours of his life. Not seeing or being with Darci had felt like a noose around his neck. He’d fallen back to his brutal fights during the night with the few demoniis he encountered. And training during the day. Aethan had finally shaken his head and said he’d be damn glad when evening came before he stalked off.

  Thankfully, his collection of bruises and sword gashes had already healed. They would trouble Darci if she knew. He wanted nothing to ruin this evening.

  Blaéz picked up the creamy rosebud boutonniere from the bureau. It supposedly matched one of the blooms in Darci’s bouquet, or so her note had said. He pinned the bud to his lapel.

  Exhaling roughly, he buttoned up his jacket and strode out of his quarters and met Týr, dressed just as formally, heading his way. He looked up from fiddling with his boutonniere. A three-inch wound shaped like an arc contoured Týr’s jawbone. Blaéz frowned.

  Týr lifted a brow. “You all set, man?”

  “Yes.”

  He looked down at his tux. “This jacket is like a damn steel vest and just as constraining. How do you bear it?”

  “For her, I do.”

  “Right.” Týr nodded, smoothing his black silk tie.

  Silently, they headed for the landing, jogged downstairs, and made their way to the enormous, seldom-used double living room at the back of the castle, only to stop at the doorway and stare.

  “Well…” Týr gave a low whistle. “This is…quite something.”

  “Indeed.” Those faeries Hedori knew from the realm of Exilum had certainly done an amazing job on the décor.

  White birch formed a short tunnel adorned with white and purple flowers and twinkling lights interwoven with the wood. They strolled through the fragrant underpass and turned into the living room. It appeared as if the snow outside had hit the interior.

  The same white birch branches decorated the ceiling. Tall pewter vases were set on pedestals along the sides of the room and the aisle, from which various shades of purple and lavender blooms cascaded, adding a splash of color. A long, carpeted walkway in a deeper shade of purple led straight to the makeshift gazebo altar at the far end. The open French doors behind showcased the snowy night beyond.

  The room would have been impossibly cold, but for the protection shield cast over the open doors, keeping the wintery air out.

  Soft voices drifted to him. Several people were already seated near the flower-decked altar. Off to its side, the elderly, white-haired cleric who would officiate the marriage waited with Nik and Dagan.

  “Saving a male like him sure comes in handy,” Týr said.

  “I’m just grateful he came out of retirement to do this.”

  Nik had saved the old priest from a blood-demon attack three decades ago.

  But the human appeared far too thin and possessed an air of frailty that troubled Blaéz. He telepathed Nik, Is Father Frank okay?

  The tall warrior glanced Blaéz’s way and inclined his head in response. With his buzzed hair, cold expression and pale eyes, Nik looked like he was off to execute someone, not attend a wedding. And those tattoos peeping from the collar of his black shirt simply added to the dangerous air.

  Mortality is unavoidable, he said then. But Father Frank is…content.

  Right. Of course. Blaéz n
odded.

  After Nik had introduced him and Týr to the priest, Blaéz excused himself and headed for Michael. The archangel stood on the terrace behind the altar, hands in his pants’ pocket, eyes narrowed as he studied the invisible dome he’d put into place.

  It was certainly strange to see him dressed for the occasion, even if he had foregone the tie. But then the Arc rarely did gatherings of any sort, so he appreciated this.

  “The place looks…” Michael paused.

  “Amazing,” Blaéz added, strolling onto the warm terrace.

  The Arc nodded as he turned. Black shades concealed his otherworldly, fragmented blue eyes once again. “Yeah.”

  “Hedori is a miracle worker. Thanks again for letting us have the wedding here.”

  “We cannot be as we once were.” Michael frowned, tugging at his coat sleeves. “My warriors are finding their mates and soul-joining with humans. Adjustments have to be made. Besides, all the mortals here are under our protection—even Father Frank. I see no problem.”

  Blaéz nodded. Since he’d mated Darci, the rules had been somewhat bent to allow for her family to know about them. And young Daniel had been rather curious about everyone. He’d have to speak to the lad, hopefully sometime in the future.

  Voices drifted from the wooded tunnel. Reynner and his human mate walked in and made their way to the front. Blaéz had met the Empyrean the first time the couple had come to the castle. They’d crossed paths a time or two while on patrol since Reynner worked for Michael, too. The warrior would sure give Týr a run in the looks department.

  “Arc. Blaéz.” Reynner crossed to them, his moon-pale hair gleaming beneath the lights. “You remember my mate, Eve?” He drew her closer. With her dark hair, dusky-gold skin, and slender build, the female appeared fragile, but clearly, Reynner was putty in her hands.

  “Eve,” Michael greeted.

  Blaéz inclined his head in welcome. “It’s good you both could come.”

  “We wouldn’t have missed it for anything in the world,” she said, her warm smile reflected in her forest-green eyes. But Blaéz recognized the iron will etched there. She’d have to have one, mated to a dominant warrior like Reynner.