When the moonlight landed on the face of Ryland and I knew my mistake, I immediately withdrew my magic and apologized a million times as he recovered from the blow.
“It’s okay, Kali. At least we know your reaction time isn’t going to be an issue.” He smirked at me, and I was surprised. I thought he’d be upset that I’d disappeared on him right after he confessed his mistakes to me.
“Uh, yeah. I was actually coming to find you,” I forced out the words before I could chicken out. We needed to get this awkward moment out in the open as quickly as possible. At least it was awkward for me. I wasn’t the most comfortable speaking about my feelings, so it was either going to be word vomit or nothing at all.
“Is everything okay?” He glanced around, moving in closer to me without seeming to realize it.
“Yes, everything is fine, or at least it will be. Listen, you surprised me earlier, but I do understand where you’re coming from.”
He cut me off. “So, you accept the bond?” Excitement poured from him, and I almost felt bad for what I was about to do.
“Yes and no. I accept that you’re my Meraki, the other half to my soul, but it doesn’t mean I’m ready to marry you or move in together or anything remotely close to that. We can date and get to know each other alongside my trainings where I learn to manage my abilities with you at my side. I can’t bring myself to just accept things because some higher being told me it’s what’s best for me. I need to know it without doubt for myself. If you can agree to that, then I’d like to move forward.”
The grin on his face grew wider with every rambling word I spoke. “You want to be courted.”
“Um, no. We’re not from the early 1500s or whatever. We can date like normal people. I realize I’m not human any longer, but it’s how I grew up, so this is what I need.”
His hand reached for mine, and he lifted it to his mouth, placing the softest of kisses in my palm. “There is no challenge I will let get in my way of making you mine. I accept your offer, and we can begin tomorrow by accepting our bond to each other in front of the council. Then, I’ll take you out to dinner for our first date.”
Cheese and rice. It sounded like we were getting married at the courthouse, then heading to the diner to celebrate like crazy people.
What in the world had I done?
Chapter Twenty-One
Ryland walked me back to the guest house, and we kept the conversation light. He mostly chatted about things around the town that I didn’t know enough about yet. Like the bakery who made donuts only on Sundays and the Italian restaurant that had the best chicken tortellini in all the worlds.
I had to give it to him. He seemed to already know the quickest way to my heart was through my stomach.
When we arrived at the driveway, I stopped. Lights were on in the guest house and the main house, so remaining in the shadows was probably a good idea.
“I don’t want to push you into something you’re not ready for, but if you want to complete the bond, I can arrange everything with the council for tomorrow afternoon,” he said nervously while avoiding eye contact.
“Like I said before, I’m willing to accept the bond and all that comes with it, as long as you’re willing to take the relationship aspect of things slow. How does completing it work?”
We were already connected—I’d be a fool not to acknowledge the pull I felt toward him—so we might as well take advantage of the benefits while working out the details.
“It’s like a ceremony where they bind our souls together. It can still be broken like the bond we have now, but it would take a powerful being to do so, and the suffering would be unimaginable.”
Huh, I never had any special ceremony with Stryx, but our connection seemed to be locked down tight, so I guess it was different for the Meraki bond. What was a little more hurt later if need be in exchange for more balance at the present time while we figured things out? I wasn’t scared and Ryland didn’t seem to be, either. Though, his confidence seemed to be more from believing nothing would tear us apart than anything else.
“I’m not worried about it. Do we want to train tomorrow beforehand or take the day off?” I asked, then felt like an inconsiderate jerk for suggesting we work on the day we were practically getting married.
“Um, the day off would be better since I have to coordinate things with the council. We can pick up the day after, though. The two of us will have a lot of one-on-one training with the help of Stryx as he releases more of your abilities and I help you from being overtaken by magic.”
“Okay, well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon, then?” I had no idea how we were supposed to say goodbye. If he was my actual boyfriend, I’d be kissing him senseless, but he wasn’t. He was more than that in so many ways, most of which were terrifying.
His eyes took on a sparkle that was more mischievous than innocent, causing me to take a step back. It was a look I’d yet to see and didn’t know how to read.
“I know this is a lot to take on, but I promise, I’m going to be everything you need me to be, Kali.” He closed the gap between us and gently cradled my head between his calloused hands before pressing his lips to my forehead. When he pulled away, he winked, then disappeared from existence, taking my breath with him.
I hadn’t expected him to be forward, but that was the perfect amount of persistence for me, and if he kept it up, I wouldn’t have a chance in fighting the attraction he was throwing my way.
While walking slowly to the guest house, I thought about all that had happened throughout the day. It had been one of the longest in my life, yet it was turning out to be one of the best.
When I opened the door, Jordan instantly pounced on me, shaking my shoulders with both hands. “Where. Have. You. Been?”
“Uh, out?”
Her head shook as she backed away and headed toward the fridge. “No, that doesn’t work for me. You left with Ryland, then he showed up here looking like someone kicked his dog. Once he realized you didn’t come home, he took off, and you’ve been gone a long while. So tell me, where have you been?”
During her little rant, she managed to grab a bottle of something unlabeled from the fridge, along with two glasses, and made it to the couch before drawing her next breath. I still hadn’t even moved from the doorway.
“Come on. We don’t have all night. I’ve got fae wine to loosen you up, and I’m not afraid to force it down your throat, either.” She grinned wickedly, and I held my hands up in surrender.
“Okay, okay. Calm down before you catch the place on fire with an unintended orb or something,” I teased as I took a seat next to her on the couch, then proceeded to catch her up on the last hour or so of events.
“Holy crap. You got to meet Taliah. The Taliah? I wish I had been there. And Ryland? I did not see that turn of events. I mean, I had a feeling. Hence, why we ditched him when leaving for the Otherworld, but wow, that moved fast. So, how do you feel about it all?”
“I don’t know. Nervous, relieved, excited, anxious, scared. All of that in no particular order and so much more,” I answered honestly.
“Understandably so. Finding and accepting your Meraki is a big deal. I can only imagine those feelings all at once.” There was a hint of longing in her voice, and I instantly felt bad.
There I was, only a resident of Arvayta for a few weeks, and I was lucky enough to find my soulmate but not willing to go all in. While Jordan, who was decades old, had yet to find hers, but was clearly yearning for the connection.
“As soon as this mess with Alaryk is all over, you and I will have a real girls’ vacation. We can go wherever you want and maybe we’ll find your other half. Too bad it wasn’t Oliver.” Having her Meraki be mine’s best friend would have been quite convenient.
“That’s disgusting, and don’t ever say anything like that again. Those two boys are like my brothers. I don’t want to hear about any sexy times with you and Ryland, nor any hopes of me being with Oliver. It will never happen.” Her body shu
ddered at the thought, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Easy enough for me. But I really do hope we find your happily-ever-after.”
She leaned into me. “At least I’ve already found my soul sister. That will be enough for now.”
“Ahhh, you do love me. What’s funny about that, though, is I had very similar thoughts earlier. I have all these bonds in my life, and while things are unbelievably insane around here, I really do feel grateful for you, Stryx, and well, now Ryland.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, speaking of Stryx. I wonder what kind of animal I’m going to get. He better not stick me with a rabbit or something docile. I want one with bite. Like a tiger or panther.”
Shaking my head, I finally took a drink of the fae wine she’d offered me, and my tongue was hit with several flavors. Apple, strawberry, and cinnamon were the most prominent, and I eagerly gulped down more.
“Easy, Chuck. That might taste good, but it will knock you on your ass if you’re not careful,” Jordan said before taking a sip.
A hiccup escaped my lips, then we burst into laughter, falling on top of each other. The rest of the night was spent talking about all the good things in our life, those from the past and even the present. Hours later, when I finally fell into bed and the room was spinning, I decided that no matter what came next, this was the best life I could possibly be living.
The next morning, I silently thanked Ryland for canceling training. My head was pounding, and my body felt like I’d run a dozen marathons. When I stumbled into the kitchen for some sort of soothing tea, Jordan didn’t look like she was faring much better than me.
“I hate you,” I mumbled.
“I warned you, and you can’t hate me. We’re soul sisters. Agreed upon it less than twelve hours ago. Even if you don’t remember in your hungover state, you’re still stuck with me for life. Plus, you’ll love me forever once you taste this concoction.” She slid a mug across the counter to me.
Lifting it up, I could see a clear liquid in the cup that was steaming and smelled like mint chocolate. Without hesitating, I took a long pull, then immediately spit it out. “That’s the most deceitful drink I’ve ever had. It smells delicious yet tastes like death.”
Jordan smirked. “If you can choke down a few gulps of that, the hangover will be gone. I promise, it’s worth it.”
Ugh. She better be right, or I was going to pay her back. Trying once more, I plugged my nose and took two small yet quick drinks while attempting to swallow the warm liquid before tasting it.
“Now go get ready. You’ve got a date with the council, and I don’t think your Meraki would appreciate it if you were late.”
My eyes widened and pulse quickened. Holy Fates. I was tying myself to a stranger later that day. What had I been thinking?
“Oh, calm your tits. You’re going to be fine. It’s not like you have to have—”
“Do not finish that sentence. I’m getting ready now.” I stormed off, slammed my door shut, then stared at my closest.
What does one wear to their not-wedding?
An hour later, I’d yet to come out of my room, and Jordan was throwing a fit because I wouldn’t let her help me. Finally, a softer knock sounded, and I heard my mom’s voice.
“Kaliah, can I come in?” she asked sweetly.
Of course, I wasn’t going to tell her no, but as I went to open the door, I realized I’d never told my parents what was happening. I was supposed to be officially tying myself to someone this afternoon and I’d never told them. I was the worst daughter ever.
When I opened the door, I instantly wrapped my arms around my mom. “I’m so sorry I didn’t come see you guys last night. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
She laughed and pulled back. “It’s okay, sweet girl. Ryland came to see us before finding you, and we knew if you needed anything, you’d come to us. Your dad and I knew you’d need space to grow on your own if we truly wanted to see you succeed in Arvayta. It’s why we’ve been a little distant lately. This is your time to shine on your own while making mistakes and becoming your own person.
“You didn’t and still don’t need your parents hovering over your every move, making you more nervous than necessary. We have faith we raised you well enough to know that if there is something important, you can make the right decision on your own and know that we will be there to support you no matter what. You don’t need any pressure from us.”
I snorted. “Yeah, just pressure from my grandmother.”
She gasped. “Taliah visited you?”
I nodded and once again explained everything from the night before. I was beginning to think I should just write it down, so I didn’t have to repeat myself.
“Wow. I wish I had been there. I was young when she passed, but nobody I’ve ever known had a bigger heart than hers. I’m glad she was able to help you and you met her. It is my greatest regret not allowing you to know your heritage before it was time, but keeping you safe was more important.”
“What does Dad think of me pretty much getting married today?” I asked, hoping he wasn’t going to go all papa bear on Ryland and me.
“Your father is very familiar with how the Meraki bond works. He knows there is nothing he can do to stop it, so while he wishes you didn’t have to grow up so fast, he’s happy it’s Ryland. We’ve known that boy his whole life, and the Fates couldn’t have chosen a better equal for you.”
My cheeks flushed, and I turned away. Then, I remembered that I still wasn’t ready, and we needed to leave soon.
“What do I wear today?” I asked, eyeing her silk green gown and really hoping she didn’t recommend something from her closet.
“Now that is something that I will gladly help you with.” Mom stood and went to the choices I had out on my bed. I didn’t want anything too fancy, but also not too casual.
She glanced at the items on my bed and then shook her head. “Those won’t do, but I have an idea and I’ll be right back. Jordan’s gone ahead of us, so why don’t you use the bathroom and begin on your hair. Something simple and keep your curls. Be your natural beautiful self.”
Before I could object, she was out my door and headed outside. Deciding she couldn’t be nearly as bad at dressing me than as Jordan was, I did as my mom said and started on my hair. Using a curling iron, I made my curls even bigger. Then, I braided two sections of hair, one on each side of my head, before pulling them back and tucking each plait under my crown, giving the appearance it was half-up and down.
My mom returned just as I was touching up a few of the curls, and she was holding a garment bag. “Oh, honey. You’re perfect. Now, let’s see what you think of the dress.” She shoved me into my room, excitement rolling off of her in waves, which made me more nervous even though I trusted her.
She hung the bag from the back of my door and unzipped it slowly, revealing an icy blue dress that almost exactly matched my eyes. It was fitted with two-inch straps at the shoulders. There was absolutely nothing flashy about it, yet the fabric was luxurious and far from casual.
“Where did you find this?” I asked in awe.
“I had it made just for you.” She beamed from ear-to-ear.
“How did you know? Or when did you do this?”
She laughed. “Just now. I saw what you were considering, and I knew what it was missing. Your color choices here were too dark or the fitting wasn’t right. You needed a little something of everything you had laid out. I went to Carletta and asked for a rush. She magicked this right up and sent her well wishes.”
I didn’t know who this Carletta lady was, but I needed to meet her. The dress was absolutely stunning, and I was shedding my pajamas before I even knew what I was doing. My mom helped me step into the dress and zipped me up. When she did, tears pricked at her eyes.
“I hope you know how proud you’ve made us. Not just today, but everything you’ve done, the young woman you’ve become. Your dad and I are so honored to be your parents.”
Hugging her close
, I whispered, “I love you, Mom. Thank you for everything.”
“There isn’t anything in this world I wouldn’t do for you. Now, let’s get to the council chambers. The process is quick and painless. Assuming you already feel a connection to Ryland, it should be relatively the same, just amplified. Though, how much depends on how close the two of you get, but you can work that out on your own. Or remember, I’m here for whatever questions you might have.”
She hugged me once more, then took my hand as I followed her outside.
My heart was bursting with love and joy. Getting ready with my mom had been everything I needed, and I was ready to bond with Ryland more so than even the night before.
Dad was already on the porch and stood when he saw us. His eyes lit up with pride, and I went straight into his arms as soon as he stepped off the porch. He didn’t say anything to me but held me tight, which spoke more to me than words could.
As the day went on, I began to feel like this was more of a wedding than Ryland had let on, but I didn’t care anymore. Everything within me knew what we were doing was the right step forward. Somehow, it would all work out the way it was supposed to.
When I pulled back from my dad, I took his arm. My mom took the same position on his opposite side, then we ported to the front of town hall. Not many people were out, which I was thankful for, but when we entered, I became overwhelmingly nervous out of nowhere.
“Where is Jordan?” I asked.
“She should already be with Ryland and the council,” Mom answered.
“What about Stryx? Shouldn’t he be here for this since I’m already bonded to him?” My little feathered friend better hurry back from Dásos before I got cold feet.
“He doesn’t need to be, but if you’d rather wait for him, we certainly can.” Mom didn’t sound confident that would be the best choice, but I was beginning to consider it. As the realization that he wasn’t present really set in, my stomach began to knot up.
Of Dreams and Sorcery (Royal Fae Guardians Book 1) Page 15
