Work Text
New York
Iain
"Where'd Sarah go?"Mark was looking around as we walked to our table."She wanted to stretch her legs, change her clothes and look at the shops.""Should she be alone?" My father asked. "I asked her not to wander too far. She has her phone and knows what restaurant we're at. Her Aunt's flight arrives in a little less than two hours. She'll be fine."I calmly assured them, but Mark still grumbled."What do you think her Aunt’s like?"Mark asked after our server left with our drink order."I haven’t seen her in many years, but you will find she is nothing like Sarah."My father commented absently as he looked over the menu."Sarah described her as intense.""That’s an apt description for her." My father agreed."Does Sarah have any other family?""I’m only aware of her Aunt and her father's clan, but her Aunt is her only direct blood relation.""What happened to the others?" My father didn’t answer. I hadn’t asked Mark if he was able to see her dreams when they camped. If he had, he would've known why there were no others. As it was, I was thankful, I hadn’t seen any of the vivid images my father described from Sarah's journal.
Sarah
"You have the most remarkable scent." I felt something brush against my hair.It took every ounce of control I could muster not to react. I turned around and saw amber eyes looking down at me. I covered my mouth and giggled, "Seriously?" He wasn't unattractive. He was about as tall as Mark with dark hair and looked close to Chris's age. He bent down and whispered close to my ear, "What are you?" I cocked my head to the side, "Umm, I don’t get it. What am I? What are you?""Mortal ears." He whispered. I walked toward a more crowded area of the store. I hoped it would deter him, but he insisted on trailing after me. "Please Miss, what scent are you wearing? I would love to purchase some for my mate." He said in a hushed respectful tone.I rolled my eyes and shook my head, "Okay, you're weird."I walked away and started looking at some horrible Statue of Liberty snow globes."I know you're an immortal." He said it loud enough to attract the attention of the mortals around us."Seriously? If you're not on meds, you might want to consider some or maybe, just play a little less Dungeons and Dragons." Several of the mortals around us laughed over the exchange.I left the store and headed towards the restaurant where my boys were. I already knew he'd follow me.He caught up to me outside the store."You're not a wolf, yet you wear the marked of two. That's not possible."I could tell he was trying not to raise his voice or growl, but, at the same time, was still trying to intimidate me.I grabbed his arm and yanked him into a hidden corner. I dug my claws into his bicep. He looked down at my hand and then, into my eyes. I knew they were blue. He was a bit shocked by what little effort it took for me to drag him into the corner. I knew my stature didn't help matters."I don't know who the Hell you are or what pack you're from, but around that corner is the restaurant where my fiancée and future father-in-law are. So, I’d strongly suggest you take a hint and bail." I hissed.I released his arm and started walking. I was steps from the door of the restaurant when he tried to touch me. I couldn't keep my defensive instincts in check and unconsciously, pulled my lightning into my skin. I guess I should’ve been thankful for the lack of visible electric sparks. He yelped and cradled his hand against his chest."What are you?" He whimpered. Iain felt my distress and appeared in the doorway of the restaurant, with Mark on his heels.The wolf saw Iain and dropped to his knees. Boy was he in for it now. Mark saw me bite my lower lip to keep from giggling and smirked. "Who's your Alpha?" Iain growled. "And what business do you have with my mate?""Lord Faelduir. I'm sorry. I didn't know. Who she... Her scent..." I giggled and he looked up at me."I know. Can't take me anywhere."Mark snickered. I chanted under my breath. The wolf started scenting the air and looked confused."What about her scent?"Iain crossed his arms across his chest."It's gone. How is it gone?""Sarah, my dear, let Mark show you to our table." Aedan walked past Mark. I was fighting the urge to laugh and so was Mark. We knew exactly what was about to happen. I was almost sad I wouldn't get to watch. I followed Mark inside and we walked to the booth where they’d been seated.
Mark
"What was that all about?" I asked, stroking my hand down Sarah's back."My damn scent." I laughed at the look on her face. "I swear, I'm just going to make an amulet or a bracelet, something I can spell to hide my scent permanently.""I love your scent." I buried my face in her hair and took a deep breath. She sighed lightly when I bit her neck."Is there something I can bring for you, hun?" Our server asked Sarah as she set down our refilled coffee carafe."No, I'm fine but thank you for asking."Once our server was gone, Sarah leaned into me. I felt her distress surge through our bond. I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her against me. She gave me a slow burning kiss."If it wouldn’t be weird, I would suggest we find a hidden spot." She said softly, just before I felt her fangs sink into my neck. "I think it’d be best if we didn't." Sarah pouted a little and I kissed her gently. "We’ll have tomorrow night together." "You're right. If we went off somewhere, it’d be quick and it’d only satiated my momentary craving."Sarah touched my face. I covered her hand with mine and kissed her wrist."It will be our last night together." Her breath hitched as she exhaled."It's okay." I wrapped both arms around her. I felt her sadness, but I started to feel despair as part of the energy that flowed between us. I buried my face in her hair and kissed her shoulder.It’d become very clear to me how much Sarah loved and needed me. Yes, she loved and chose Iain, but there was something different about our relationship and it had just as a significant effect on her. The first night, Sarah shared my bed, the dream I watched was of Sarah sitting with a small boy on her lap. Before them sat a huge sheet cake. It was decorated with a family of tigers in a jungle scene. There were three lit candles on the cake. She cuddled him close. Aedan's dining room was filled with people. Some I knew and some I didn't. The boy was wearing the tiger's eye amulet we found in Sarah's slick.I wanted the child I saw in her vision. I wanted our son.By the ages of the other children present, I was certain it’d be five, possibly six years before he’d be born. I knew, if I took a partner or if Sarah found out I had been unfaithful to her again, this child would never exist. The joy in her eyes in the dream as she held him was unparalleled. She wanted our son as much as I did. I vowed to never take her happiness away from her again and this time I meant it.As soon as Sarah left that morning to deal with her day, I emailed Anna and told her, I needed to cancel our plans. She was extremely upset. She thought we’d made a connection. I couldn't tell her the truth. I’d received several angry emails from her. I responded to the first few. Chelsey had gotten involved and was emailing me, too. After the tenth email, I stopped reading them. After the twentieth, I blocked their email addresses. Iain and Aedan returned with smiles on their faces. They slipped into the half circle booth with us. Sarah had rested her head against my chest and had her eyes closed. I felt Iain wonder if she was okay and I shook my head slightly."Iain and Aedan are back." I whispered to her. I knew she felt them return, but she hadn't moved.Aedan took the initiative and tried to engage her, "What did you buy, my dear?" Sarah looked up at him and wiped the tears from her cheeks. Iain and I exchanged worried looks."Umm, I went to a few bookstores. There were a couple books I liked. I found them online and downloaded them onto my tablet. I went into the duty free shops, but didn’t find anything interesting--""You have a Victoria secret bag?" Iain smirked and she laughed lightly."I wanted something slightly more comfortable to sleep in on the plane."Sarah was wearing a dress that I thought would have been perfect for travel, but what did I know? "I'll change before our flight."Our server returned and took our order. Iain and I tried to help Sarah calm down, but the lights kept flickering around us. When our meal arrived, she moved away from me, but I knew she didn't want to. The wolf she encountered made her feel vulnerable. Sarah was a powerful witch and a well trained warrior, but we were among mortals and that changed the rules of the game for her. Being wolves, outside of our size, we could blend into a crowd. Our temper was our largest stumbling block. However, Sarah couldn't defend herself without drawing the attention of the mortals. All she could do was hide and she’d become accustomed for that to no longer be necessary. I believed her recent integration was making it more difficult for her to maintain control.
Iain
When we left the restaurant, we had about thirty minutes until her Aunt's flight arrived. The arrival/departure board listed it as on time. I suggested, Sarah and I wait at the gate and my father and Mark head on to where our flight would depart. Mark started to protest, but when he saw Sarah nod, he left with my father.We located the correct gate and found a quiet corner away from everyone. As soon as we were settled, I heard Sarah chant beneath her breath. I felt her shields close in around us. Once they did, she took a deep breath and exhaled. "You're feeling overwhelmed, aren't you?" She nodded. "Is it the wedding?""It's lots of little things.""Sarah, we can cancel the wedding."She looked at me and smiled, "Silly wolf, I want to be your wife." I pulled her onto my lap and wrapped my arms around her tight. She laid her head against my chest. "We can start with, I've met my Aunt once. I've talked to her on the phone, but when I met her, I told her she was crazy and to leave me the Hell alone. I thought I was losing my mind. My entire life’s this surreal technicolor..." She sighed."You're worried about meeting your Aunt?""Seeing through time’s a blessing and a curse.""Have you not spoken with Nita recently?" I already knew she hadn't."No." She shook her head slightly."What have you seen that has you so troubled?""Right now, we’re at a crossroads, a precipice. The events of the next few Moon cycles will shape the path for some time to come. I feel like, I’m dancing on a knife’s edge, over the Grand Canyon, and the wind’s starting to pick up.""You have nothing to fear. You're not alone anymore." I kissed her.She sighed, "Events will occur with or without our permission. That has been made clear to me. I don’t have to like it, but it is what it is." She looked at me and her eyes glazed over. She was having a vision, but I wasn't seeing it. When her eyes cleared she said, "Just promise, when the moment comes, you’ll do as I ask without hesitation.""Sarah, you saw something, didn't you?" She closed her eyes and shook her head."I felt my Aunt. Her flight just touched down." She blinked and her eyes were violet. "Are you ready?" Sarah let out a nervous giggle and stood up. She didn't wait for me, she picked her bag up and found a spot out of the flow of traffic. "Now arriving Delta flight 5163 from Montreal at gate A11."It took about ten minutes before passengers started to stream through the door. When Sarah saw her Aunt, I actually felt a wave of electricity roll through the crowd. My father was right, she was nothing like Sarah.Her Aunt wore a well tailored black pants suit with a white button down shirt beneath her blazer and black leather high heels. The top few buttons of her blouse were undone and, as she moved, hints of her red lace bra became visible. Her dark red lipstick matched her fingernails. Her blonde hair was pulled up into a tight bun, accentuating her harsh angular features. Her pale, nearly translucent skin stood out against her dark colored clothes and sunglasses. I assumed she wore the sunglasses to hide her Valkyrie blue eyes. Even if she weren’t a Valkyrie, her presence still would've been formidable.When Sarah saw her, she almost seemed to shrink. She didn't scent of fear and on the outside she looked calm, but her emotions were on overdrive as they flowed through our bond. When her Aunt spotted her, she smiled and walked over. She set her bags down, took off her sunglasses and smiled down at her. Sarah started to cry. "Oh now, none of that." Her voice was soothing, but it was clear she was scolding Sarah for being emotional. I felt the urge to growl at her. She wiped Sarah's tears away, leaned down, and wrapped her arms around her. Even if Sarah had been wearing her normal six inch heels, her Aunt still would have dwarfed her. She kissed Sarah's forehead. It almost seemed once Sarah had her arms around her, she didn't want to let go, but she finally released her Aunt."You must be the fiancée.""Auntie Ivy, this is Iain Faelduir." She shook my hand."I see why she has chosen you." She smiled wide. "Where is the other and your father?" I grabbed the larger of her two bags and she picked up the other."They're waiting in the lounge near where our flight will depart.""Very good." She smiled. Sarah kept looking at her Aunt as we walked to where my father and Mark were waiting.
Mark
Aedan saw Sarah walk through the door of the first class lounge and stood up. She was followed by a very tall, slender, blond woman and Iain. I could tell Sarah wanted to cry. Her violet eyes said she was fighting to maintain control over her Valkyrie. "Auntie Ivy, I'm sure you remember Aedan.""Of course." She smiled at him and shook his hand. "And this is Mark." She smiled at me. I reached out to shake her hand, but she didn't reciprocate the gesture."We have about forty-five minutes before we’ll be allowed to board our flight." Aedan volunteered to end the awkward silence."I'm going to go change my clothes and stretch." Sarah said softly and then, quickly vanished. She almost seemed afraid of her Aunt. Iain and I exchanged looks. He leaned his head slightly toward the door. I took the hint and followed her. When I walked out of the lounge, I couldn't feel or scent Sarah. She was hiding. She truly was afraid. I looked around and found her hidden in a corner. She was curled into a tiny ball with her face buried.I brushed her hair away from her face, "What's wrong, my dear one?" She looked up at me. Her eyes were filled with tears. "She frightens you, doesn't she?" Sarah half nodded."I'm not like her." She whispered.I sunk down to the carpet next to her and pulled her between my bent knees. Sarah pressed her body against me. I wrapped myself around her."I don't understand." "I felt her plane land. I don't know if this it's because she's another Valkyrie or because we’re blood relations. I was so happy to see her, I started crying and she scolded me for it. Like I said, I'm not like her." She whispered."She doesn't have emotions?" Sarah shook her head, "No, she does, but--""She's intense?" Sarah nodded."She’s a warrior and only a warrior. She's much older than Aedan. I have so many questions, but I'm afraid of the answers.""Let's take things one step at a time, okay?" Sarah nodded. "First, you go change your clothes. While you do that, I'll get you some ice for your eyes. I think you'll feel less self conscious if your eyes aren't red and puffy." She nodded. "Take what you need. Go change. I'll be right here when you come back." She grabbed a couple things from her bag and took the Victoria Secret bag with her into the bathroom.I walked across the walkway to a fast food place and asked for a cup of ice. The girl saw Sarah crying and understood my request.When she came back she asked, "Is she okay?""My mate’s an orphan and has just met her mother's sister for the first time. We’re flying to London for our wedding and Sarah’s just a little overwhelmed."The girl smiled. She handed me the cup of ice and a towel, "Tell her congratulations and I hope everything works out." I smiled at her and walked back to wait for Sarah. When Sarah returned, she’d washed her face and put her hair up. She was wearing an adorable outfit. The top looked like layered fitted tank tops. She was also wearing a long knitted, velvet like sweater with pearl buttons and a hood. True to Sarah, each article of clothing was a different shade of purple. What surprised me were the dark purple pants she was wearing. I’d never seen her wear pants outside of her non-sexy night clothes. They were loose and looked very comfortable, but the way they draped was...Sarah giggled, "They're called yoga pants. I was cold on the last flight and these looked warm and comfy, but yes, they’re rather flattering." She’d caught my thoughts.I bent my knees and patted the floor between them. She sat down and I wrapped my body around her again. She sighed in relief. I handed her the wash cloth with ice in it. She held it against each eye until they were no longer red and puffy."Better?" I asked."Much." She smiled.Sarah got up and gathered her things. I took the cloth back to the girl at the fast food place. She smiled when she saw Sarah. I waited while Sarah stretched. I knew she didn't want to go into the lounge alone. Iain saw her smile at him and lit up. When she got near him, he pulled her down onto his lap. She squeaked and caused a vase to crack. Her Aunt gave her a disapproving look, but she didn’t shrink this time. I think she just needed to remember who she was.
Sarah
Sitting in first class certainly had its perks. On the flight to New York, our seats reclined to sleep, but, for the Transatlantic flight, Aedan selected an airline that the seats converted into small beds with sheets and blankets. Granted wearing a seatbelt while you slept was weird, but whatever.Our seating assignments had me between Iain and Mark and across from Aedan and my Aunt. Each seat was separated by a half wall, which was annoying and practical at the same time. The level of amenities was amazing. There was a small built-in flat screen tv with headphones, a reading lamp, a telephone and a small table. Just above the table was an ethernet port, instructions for WIFI access and an electrical outlet. There was also a little space for someone to sit and visit. It was all very nice, but I wished I could be closer to Iain.I set up my space, changed from my shoes to my slipper socks and pulled out my blanket and phone. I restarted my 'sleep' playlist. It was easier to sleep if I listened to music. Essentially, it drowned out everyone's thoughts.I overheard a flight attendant say to Mark, "We have roasted lemon pepper chicken, filet mignon or poached salmon for our entrees. All are served with a medley of steamed vegetables, mash potatoes, gravy and rolls. For dessert, we have crème brulee or cake with chocolate ganache." I didn't like the way she smiled at him. I heard her think about asking him if he wanted to join the Mile High Club. I shouted, 'Mine'. I tried not to giggle when she jumped and wobbled."I'll have the beef and cake." Mark said, but the flight attendant didn't respond. "Miss?" He asked."What may I bring you to drink?" She stuttered. I heard him ask for scotch. She asked for his identification and he handed her his passport. She made notes of his selections and quickly, moved on to Aedan. I was next. As the flight attendant began her little speech to me, my Aunt spoke up, "Excuse me, Miss?"I caught annoyance in her thoughts. The flight attendant looked at my Aunt Ivy, "My niece and I are on a special diet. We’ll actually be taking a sedative shortly before take off and will be sleeping through the flight." My Aunt smiled sweetly.It threw the flight attendant for a loop."Is there anything I may bring for you, another blanket or pillow? Eye shades, perhaps?""I’d like another blanket. Sarah, is there anything you need, dear?""Another blanket. I was cold on the last flight.""I’ll make sure you both have those before we take off." The flight attendant smiled. I caught in her thoughts that we were strange, but she also saw it as two less passengers to deal with. I smiled at my Aunt. She smiled back and nodded.The flight attendant brought us each an extra blanket and showed us how our seats turned into beds. It was nearly long enough and wide enough that Iain could’ve slept beside me, but there was probably a FAA regulation preventing it.Iain sat down on the edge of my bed, "When you wake up, we'll be in London." He stroked the back of his fingers across my cheek and gently kissed me. I wrapped my arms around him and held him tight. He ran his hand up and down my back. "I love you, my sweet pearl. Sleep well." He kissed me and then, he kissed me again. We kept trading kisses until we were rapidly moving towards inappropriate public displays of affection. Iain buried his face in my hair and I lightly bit his neck. A low stifled rumble came from within his chest. Which only made me laugh along with Mark and Aedan."Love my wolf." I was still giggling as he kissed down the arch of my neck and around my collar bone. I laid down and Iain covered me up. I put my earbuds in, curled up and fell asleep.
Iain
I heard Sarah sigh, 'love my wolf' and knew she was asleep. Her Aunt had stretched out and was asleep before the plane took off, too.As soon as the 'fasten seat belt' sign was turned off, my father came over and sat down next to me."Would you like to join me in the lounge?" He asked."Should we leave Sarah alone?" "She'll be fine." Mark walked over."What's up?""There's a lounge and I thought we could all use a drink or two before dinner was served." My father smiled."Should we leave Sarah alone?" Mark asked and I smiled."She'll be fine." My father reassured him, too. We followed my father to the rear of the cabin and down a short hallway to where the lounge was. We found a table in the corner and waited until the server left with our drink order before anyone spoke."So, what do you think about Auntie Ivy?" My father smirked."I don't like her." Mark growled. "She frightened Sarah.""I wasn’t particularly pleased with how she treated Sarah either. However, I was surprised she spoke up and handled the flight attendant.""Ivy cares deeply for Sarah, but she’s a full blooded Valkyrie.""That shouldn’t matter. Sarah’s blood. She could at least show some compassion and affection for her." I could tell Mark wanted to take a swipe at Ivy, too."You must understand, she's also still very angry with her sister.""She's been dead for eighteen years!" I growled. "There's no reason to take it out on Sarah. She was left with no family. She went through the transition alone. I can't imagine how frightening that must have been. Plus, she thought she’d be alone forever--" My father held up his hand to silence my tirade. "She’s merely concerned Sarah will meet the same end her sister did. She sees choosing a mate as a sign of weakness.""She's unaware of Sarah's skills and training then?""That was something Sarah asked me not to share.""Why?" Our conversation paused as our server brought over our order."I believe you already know the answer to that question." My father laughed."She only shares her skills when necessary." Mark muttered and my father nodded."But keeping her Aunt in the dark?""Sarah's still a myth to most and she wants to keep it that way." My father was right. I laughed and shook my head."Won't she be surprised." I grinned and the three of us laughed."I think Sarah could take her." Mark laughed."She's more than twice my age." My father snickered."I'd still put my money on Sarah." I laughed.We headed back to our seats when our server let us know dinner was being served. After dinner, I tried to get a little work done. I heard Sarah sigh my name in her sleep. I caught a few flashes of her nude, straddled across my hips with my face buried in her hair. As I rocked hers against mine, I saw claw marks on her hips. She moaned softly. I heard Mark laugh. He caught the same images I had. I was thankful when the images faded, I was positive he was, too. It did let me know how much she missed my touch.When I saw my father turn off his light and stretched out, I did the same.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
London
Sarah
I felt the plane touchdown and sat up. I opened up the window shade. Thankfully, we were back on solid ground. Iain saw I was awake and smiled at me. I folded up the airline's blankets and then, mine. I found my face wipes and my mirror. I wiped down my face, brushed out my hair and put it back up in a messy bun."What are these?" Mark sat down next to me and held up the package of face wipes. I glanced at him while I put on my mascara."They're like washing your face without having to deal with the hassle of soap and water." I searched my bag and found my lip stain.Mark took one out of the package and wiped his face down with it. All I could do was giggle. He reached over the wall and handed one to Iain. I fell over I was laughing so hard. Iain wiped his face down and laughed. Aedan came over and sat down and Mark handed him one too. I took the package away from him before he decided to hand one out to everyone around us. "So, what's the plan?" I asked."We have to go through customs, get our luggage and pick up our rental cars." Aedan answered."Food?" Mark asked as his stomach growled. I laughed and lightly punched him in the arm."I know this great little place not too far from here." My Aunt chimed in. "Perfect." I knew everyone wanted to ask her how she knew, but I didn't care, I was ready to be off the damn plane.
Mark
We were the first ones off the plane, but Sarah practically ran to get out into the airport. She stepped out of the flow of traffic and waited for us to catch up. When I caught up with her, I heard her chanting a very long, complicated spell. Iain was curious, too. She just smiled and we followed her towards customs.Sarah went first. The lady behind the counter was all smiles and congratulated her. She pointed to Iain and the lady laughed. The agent waved all of us towards her counter. She didn't check anything or ask any questions, just stamped our passports and we were on our way."What did you do?" Iain asked when we were out of earshot."When?" Sarah responded innocently."Customs?" Even Ivy was curious."When she asked, business or pleasure, I told her about the wedding and she was so overjoyed." Sarah giggled. Ivy had the same wicked Valkyrie smirk that Sarah often had.We made it through baggage claim and out to the rental cars without issue. There was no question, Sarah's Aunt and Aedan were driving. Sarah and Iain decided to ride with her Aunt and I rode with Aedan. I was a little worried, but Sarah nodded and so did Iain.
Sarah
Iain got in the backseat. I paused for half a second and thought about joining him, but decided against it. I sighed mentally as I sat down in the passenger seat and closed the door. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Lately, it felt like I was juggling chainsaws and fine china. Some days were harder than others, but, right now, those 'some days' were happening far too often. My Aunt's presence added another layer of stress on top of everything else. Part of me wanted her here and part of me didn't. I sighed mentally again."The restaurant has beautiful Art Deco bathrooms. Each stall is its own little room. We can change our clothes there." My Aunt's voice jostled me out of my daze."Sounds like a plan." She smiled at me."Although I could tell your mates quite enjoyed what you’re currently wearing." I blushed. Iain was trying not to laugh."I rarely wear pants." She laughed. Leggings could be considered pants, but I knew my boys liked the yoga pants because of how they framed my hips and ass. The lack of panty lines helped, too."When will we meet the officiant?" My Aunt asked Iain."My father telephoned her and told her the name of the restaurant. She’ ll be joining us there.""I have to admit, my Gaelic is a little rusty." My Aunt laughed."Gaelic?" I asked. "Is that why it had to be a specific officiant?""Through the centuries, her clan has been the officiant at all of our clan's handfastings.""Handfasting? I mean I know what that is, but why hadn’t you told me any of this before now?" I had turned in my seat to be able to look at Iain."I didn't think it would make that much difference to you." He gave a half shrug. I tried to hide my annoyance over his slight smirk and the tone of his voice."Gaelic isn’t an issue, I'm nearly fluent, but the rest would have been nice to know." My Aunt started laughing."What?" I was annoyed and didn’t moderate my tone."You're exactly like your mother. Need to have every detail nailed down. Even the tone of your voice is the same." She laughed. My Aunt was caught off guard by the electric sparks in the car and the sudden unseasonable downpour. She hadn't realized what she had just said to me. "You must have so many questions..." Her voice trailed off into silence."Ya think? Considering, I was literally the property of mortals for the last eighteen years. Add in all the supernatural bullshit that has been dumped on me in the last year." I growled. I tried to keep my Valkyrie under wraps, but I realized I was sitting next to one. So, I let go and allowed myself to be whole."You need to calm down, my pearl." After several ground lightning strikes, Iain touched my shoulder. It was raining so hard, the car in front of us wasn’t visible. I took a deep breath and chanted the spell that would contain the chaos."How did you do that?" My Aunt asked softly. I felt her fear. I frightened a Valkyrie."Do what?" I laughed without humor. "Oh, did you forget? I’m a very unique supernatural creature." I said sarcastically.My Aunt didn't say anything else the rest of the drive and neither did Iain. I felt his desire to take a swipe at her. I’d have gladly pinned her down for him.
Iain
When we reached the restaurant, I saw Analise's car. My father walked over and made her aware of our plans. I followed Sarah and her Aunt to the trunk. Sarah moved clothes out of her messenger bag and into her suitcase. Then, quickly shoved a few things back into her bag. I happened to catch a glimpse of the silhouette of her sword. It had been concealed in the bottom of her suitcase. It glimmered when her hand brushed against it. That was when I noticed along one side was her quiver and the other, a collection of iron tipped lightning infused arrows. Everything was secured within the frame and then, carefully hidden by spells. She caught me staring, she smiled wide and showed me her fangs. I just stood there stunned."You bes'be closin' that, ur'll likely ta draw flies, darlin'." Sarah said in a deep Southern drawl as she touched my chin. "I know, can't take me anywhere." Sarah giggled and pulled me down to kiss her before skipping off toward the restaurant, giggling all the way. I started laughing. Her Aunt had a funny look on her face. I wasn’t sure if it was Sarah's comment or if she’d also seen Sarah's weapons.Mark walked over."Is Sarah okay?""Her outburst was my fault." Her Aunt said quietly.I scented her fear."She reminds me so much of my sister, but looks so much like her father.""You knew her father?""I met Rowyn once. My sister brought him to our Coven after she had chosen to leave it. She hoped, if I met him, I'd understand.""Sarah said you thought your sister was weak for having chosen a mate.""I never told her--""Sarah can see and hear people's thoughts." I smiled."She doesn't hear or see everything, just the louder ones. Apparently, that was a loud one." Mark and I laughed. "You'll get used to it." He said with a smile."I didn’t know. I’ll be more mindful." Ivy muttered."Don't bother. She'll know you're doing it. Sarah has a few talents that take some getting used to, but more than anything, she wants to be treated as if she's no different from anyone else." I smiled."Oh." Ivy exhaled.My father walked over with Analise, "Did Sarah already go inside?""Yes, she did." I smiled. "I'll meet you inside." Mark followed me.
Mark
Sarah was coming out of the bathroom as we were heading in. I stopped and kissed her softly. She bit my lip as I pulled away. I had to restrain myself. She felt it and smiled brightly.I wrapped my arms around her, "Are you okay?" "Yeah, Iain wanted to take a swipe at her and I sort of lost it for a moment." She smirked. "Incoming." I left her standing next to the hostess's podium and followed Aedan into the bathroom.I tried to change my clothes quickly. I didn't want to leave Sarah alone with her Aunt. When I came out of the bathroom, Sarah waved from a table across the restaurant. They’d already been seated. I took the empty seat on Sarah's left and Iain took the one on her right. Aedan sat next to Iain and the officiant sat next to me. All I could tell about her was she was another wolf. I wasn't surprised, no one wanted to sit next to Ivy. Sarah leaned against Iain. He crooked his finger beneath her chin and kissed her. She sighed when their lips parted. He rested his forehead against hers. They looked into each other's eyes and smiled. She leaned against me and I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her softly. She dropped her head to my chest and lingered in my arms. The officiant gave the three of us a strange look.Sarah looked at her and said, "I'm not a myth." She smiled wide enough to show her fangs. I hadn't noticed the tips of her ears were visible today. Her Aunt laughed at the officiant's shock. She might be alright after all.We all straightened up while our server took our order. She came right back with the coffee and ice tea. Sarah picked up Iain's cup of coffee, closed her eyes and took a deep breath."Why did you do that?" Her Aunt asked after Sarah set down the mug."That's Sarah having her morning cup of coffee." I laughed. "It's more brunch than breakfast, but you get the idea.""I don't understand. The smell of food holds no appeal." Ivy's face crumpled in disgust."You forget, I used to eat. Coffee was the last thing I consumed. I cook almost every night Iain’s home and bake several times a week.""You do?" The officiant asked and Sarah nodded."I cooked for my fam-- for my adopted family for years, not eating didn't change that. I cook by scent now rather than by taste.""I didn't realize you weren’t raised within a Coven." I could hear how hard the officiant attempted to cover her brogue."Nope, I was raised by mortals. Mark and I met when he enrolled at the high school I attended.""How did you meet Iain?" Analise asked and Iain laughed."We happen to be at the same hotel one Friday night. We made eye contact and her eyes sparked fiery blue. I’d never seen a Valkyrie before. I got close enough to scent her and well, here we are." Iain kissed her neck and Sarah giggled."Tell me about the handfasting. Since, Iain just sprung it on me." Sarah asked Analise."You’re familiar with what a handfasting is?" Sarah nodded.I could tell Sarah was trying to hide how annoyed she was."The sash used to bind the couple has been passed down to the eldest daughter in each generation for the last eighteen generations. I was the only female within mine. As I wrap your hands, a few words will be spoken. After the binding, you will exchange tokens denoting the coupling. Then, lift the veil and kiss the bride." Analise's wistful smile showed how much she enjoyed her duty."Wow, that sounds like quite a piece of weavework.""How did--""Sarah's a weaver like her father." Ivy answered. I could tell, she wasn't sure how Sarah would respond to her comment."I always wondered. I knew my ability to sing came from the Valkyrie side.""Not necessarily." Her Aunt laughed. "I can't sing and neither could your mother.""Maybe it's Fae." Sarah shrugged."Your Fae?" "My mother was a Valkyrie and my father was Fae.""Oh my.""Yeah, I'm a freak. I came to terms with it long ago. I don't know if you want to use your sash.""Why not?" Aedan asked."She could de-spell it." Analise answered and Sarah nodded."I would never do such a thing intentionally. Especially, given the history attached to the artifact. However, when I touch something that has negative weavework, it sorta just happens. I can't help it.""You mean you cannot only weave things but unweave them, too?" Iain asked."How do you think spells work?" Sarah giggled. "Think of it like tying and untying your shoes." "We shall see." Analise smiled.The server brought our food and the conversation ceased. I found it amusing that Ivy didn't try to talk to Sarah. Occasionally, I’d catch a flash of an image Sarah found amusing. I almost choked a couple of times. I could tell she was trying not to giggle. "Are you going to be okay riding alone with your Aunt?" I heard Iain ask Sarah."Mark will be there." She giggled softly. "Yeah, I felt her fear. Kinda amusing.""She underestimated you." Sarah shrugged. Iain kissed her before he left. With Iain and his father driving the lead car, we departed. I was surprised how short the drive was from the restaurant to the road the estate was located off of. I knew it would still be a very long drive through the forest to reach it. As we drove, every time my ears popped, I could tell we were slowly climbing in elevation. I started to nod off, but was brought back to consciousness when I felt Sarah's anxiety level jump. I thought I missed something that happened between them, but neither had spoken a word the entire drive.
'What's up?'
'Remember, when I told you that there were some visions I hid from myself?'
'Yeah.'
'Just promise me, you'll do as I ask and you'll help Iain make the other's comply.'
'Why? What did you see?'
'Nothing, I hope.'
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mark
An hour later, we turned off the main road and passed through an ornate weathered wrought iron gate. The stacked stone border walls were covered in neatly trimmed English Ivy. We drove for about twenty minutes up a white gravel road before I saw a facade looming in the distance. Aedan found the perfect place for the wedding. From what I could see, it was a beautiful baroque manor with hints of Elizabethan and High Gothic architecture. I knew Sarah would love it. We parked the cars and everyone started to pile out. Iain and Aedan grabbed the luggage and started up the path. As soon as her foot touched the ground, I felt a wave of energy roll through Sarah."Stop. Don't move. Not another step." Sarah ordered. Through our training with her, we'd learned the warrior’s tone. If she used it, it meant pay attention. Something put Sarah on the defensive, but I couldn’t see or scent what. Unfortunately, the vision she’d been hiding from herself was coming to fruition. I looked at Iain and he nodded. He felt the wave of energy, but had decided to ignore it.Sarah's Aunt stood at her side, the electricity crackled around them. Sarah reached out and grabbed Iain by the arm and tugged him towards her with great force. However, she physically picked up Aedan with her magic and moved him close to us. "Put these on." Sarah reached into her messenger bag and handed each of us an amulet. They were the opalescent amulets Iain and I found in her slick. "We don't have much time.""Much time for what?" No one answered the officiant.Sarah opened her suitcase. She pulled out her sword, her case of throwing knives, quiver, bow and arrows. Plus, her armor. All had been hidden by spellwork until she touched them.Sarah strapped her large hunting knife to her thigh. I had noticed the skirt she was wearing was calf length, but had missed the slits to mid-thigh on each side. I knew her knife was a last resort weapon. Iain and I helped her into her armor. Since the last time I saw it, she'd upgraded. It was no longer leather, she now wore a purple velvet Сhalkis Brigandine coat with silver riveted flowers. It was fitted to her form and as armor went it was more than functional, it was elegant. Like most of her weapons, it shimmered with enchantments. She wore her leather sandals with leather laces that criss-crossed up her legs. The leather soles allowed her to pull a minute amount of energy from the Earth. Sarah slid her quiver into place and checked that all of her throwing knives were secure, but easily accessible. I placed the dozen arrows in her quiver and handed her her sword. She slipped it into the scabbard between her back and her quiver. Her Aunt and the officiant were shocked by the sight. Sarah very quickly went from a lithe, simple girl to Valkyrie warrior.From her bag, she pulled out what looked like a folded up white cane a blind individual would use. She tucked it into a slot behind her neck. I handed her her bow. Sarah smiled at me, 'It will be okay, I promise.' I put on my amulet and the air around me tightened. I looked at Iain. He felt the same thing I had. Sarah's Aunt and the officiant weren't completely sure what was happening. I got the feeling her Aunt hadn’t seen any kind of confrontation outside of a courtroom in some time and the officiant may never have."Move together," Sarah commanded. "Beside that tree."She pointed to a large Oak tree. I hadn't noticed, but when we parked the cars, we crossed through what looked like an energy barrier of some sort. The tree she was directing us to was outside the wall of energy.Sarah grabbed a small jar of white powder from her bag. In the mortal world, it may have been referred to as pixie dust. She made an offset circle around the Oak tree. "Stand within the circle and hold hands." Sarah touched the tree with her right hand. Then, took my right hand. As she chanted, I felt this strange spike of energy move through me. The white powder she scattered turned dark blue."Stay put and don't do anything stupid. I mean it. As long as you stay within the circle and you're wearing your amulets, you will remain hidden and protected. I need you to promise me, you will leave your worry and egos out of this and stay put."No one said anything."Promise me, damn it." Sarah barked. She got a chorus of frightened ‘Yeses’.She handed Iain and I a sword, "Just in case." They both crackled with electricity."You told me to follow and not hesitate." Iain kissed Sarah. It almost seemed like a goodbye kiss."It's not." She heard me. She smiled at me and kissed me, too.
Sarah
As I re-entered the boundary spell, I heard a loud crash in the distance. I moved into an attack stance and my shield's solidified. They no longer appeared gold, but more like a sheer, glistening opal. I let go and didn’t make my witch silence my Valkyrie. My thunder ripped through the sky. I felt four coming. I didn't know what, but I felt four. I saw the demon first. They were followed by three others. As soon as I saw them, I recognized them as Dark Fae. The unnaturally ale skin and irises gave'em away. Creepy little fucks. This was gonna go to Hell real fast."The Shieldmaiden who wears two marks." The tall, thin, very pale male Fae mused. "You may call me, Amadon. My you’re a pretty little thing, aren't you?" He smirked. "Why do you choose to protect the mongrels?" I heard Iain growl."You know, it's my day job. What can I do for you, gentlemen?""We bring a message.""You could’ve just sent an email or I could give you my cell number and you can text me. You know, rather than schlepping all this way."Amadon's palms began to darken into a deep shade of red. They almost appeared to swell. I saw in his thoughts, he was about to attack the Oak tree. He let go of what looked like one of my lightning balls, but it was fiery orange. The ball bounced off the shields the amulets and tree created and landed on the hood of the officiant's car. It melted right through the engine block. I certainly hoped it wasn’t a rental. Either way, I was pretty sure car insurance didn't cover act of Fae. I tried not to giggle.I felt Mark and Iain panic. I yelled at all of them telepathically, 'I need all of you to stay calm, stay where you are and act rationally. Please.' Blue veins on the arms and hands of the other two Fey began to swell and become more prominent. They were a fire and ice mix and the demon was their muscle. The ice Fae each threw a similar ball at me. My shields deflected the attack, as well. Both balls of ice hit the stone wall behind me, causing it to shatter like glass. I knew they were testing my limits. Neither of their attacks disturbed my shields or the protection spell the amulets held. The ice boys looked worried, but lava boy was an egotistical asshole and the ring leader."Our master wishes to warn you.""Okay, color me warned. Thanks for the chat, boys. Vaya Con Dios."Amadon formed a large fireball and hurled it right at me. I think it was a punishment for my irreverence. Sparks flew as the ball struck and bounced off my shields. It created a large, flaming crater on the lawn. Aedan was definitely not getting his security deposit back.I started shooting baseball sized lightning balls at the four of them, along with the occasional lightning bolt. All three Fae had shields, but my attacks were penetrating through them. Even the demon was taking damage. I moved to smaller more powerful strikes. The volley ceased when one of the ice princes went down. "So, what exactly does your master want?" "Your compliance.""In what?""He would like you to remain neutral in the events to come.""What events?""You will understand once they have begun." He laughed. "Could you be any more vague?" I sighed and tapped my foot. "What happens if I choose not to?" "Then, measures will be taken." Amadon smiled wide and showed his fangs.The demon ran at me. Before they reached me, I hit them with a basketball sized lightning ball that burned through the center of their torso. They fell to the ground and didn't get up. I was crossing my fingers, that they couldn’t regen from that. Amadon watched the demon go down and tried to hide his shock. When the demon turned to ash, I knew they weren't getting back up. In response, the ice twins threw something that hit the ground in front of me, creating what looked like a sinkhole. I levitated and moved myself back about ten feet from where it landed."Impressive.""Girl's gotta do something with her time." Amadon laughed and nodded at the ice boys to resume their attacks. I deflected what they threw at me with a few slaps of energy. One of the deflected strikes hit their fire cohort. He took visible damage, but quickly shook it off. However, it did wipe the smug grin off his face. I wanted to stick my tongue out at him.I shot four iron tipped lightning arrows at the ice Fae, two into each boys' chest. They both fell to the ground. The speed and accuracy of my shots left them no time to react. I hit each with two more arrows and an iron tipped dagger for good measure. They were done playing, but fire boy wasn’t. "So, what's your stake in all of this? Were you promised the Northern territory or something?""I was promised your daughter." Amadon saw the flash of anger in my eyes and laughed. I couldn't hide it. They were already using her as a bargaining chip. "If you end her mother, you'll never receive your reward.""I never said, I was here to kill you. I’m merely here to deliver a message." He hit me with what I could only describe as a wave of lava. I deflected most of it. A large portion blanketed the ice twins. Some melted through my shields and I hit the ground. I could smell and feel my skin burning.I saw the ice boys crawl through something that looked like a doorway. This was getting way to Sci-fi B movie for me. I hit burn boy with everything I had. He took far more damage than I had. He fell through the doorway the ice brothers crawled through. I saw his fangs and I wanted to kick'em in. I’d take his head before he ever touched my daughter. As the door started to close, I shrieked as loud as I could and shot a barrage of lightning balls, in an attempt to hit whatever I could as the door closed. I didn't know if I did any more damage, but I hoped like Hell I had.For a few moments, I laid on the ground. I needed to get to the Oak tree before I passed out. I really didn't want anyone on the property until I knew it was safe. I pulled out my sword and used it to pull myself up to my knees. When I got to my feet, it became my cane. It took effort, but I got to the tree. When Iain saw me, he picked me. Mark took my weapons, but they decided not to remove my armor. Aedan saw me and I felt his concern. The officiant was stunned silent. My Aunt was actually slightly hysterical."Don't worry Auntie, I've come back from far worse.""Well, at least this time you're breathing and have a pulse." Mark teased. I stuck my tongue out at him. I knew he was trying to hide his own fear. Iain set me down at the base of the tree. I felt water come up and the roots wrap around me. I was pulled down into the Earth and the last thing I heard was my thunder. I felt the lightning rip through me, a second, and a third time. After that, I felt nothing. I floated in the warm darkness, until I was slammed back into my body. It was about the same time I heard someone scream. Pretty sure, it was the officiant. I felt the roots push me to the surface and slowly started to recede."We need to get her into the water." Aedan said. I felt someone pick me up."Not safe." I rasped."Doesn't matter." Iain said."Bath salts. Zipper pocket suitcase." I whispered."These?" My Aunt held up a container. I flopped my hand at her in an attempt to respond.Mark was already filling the bathtub in the closest bathroom. Iain set me on the counter. Aedan took Mark's place tending the water. Mark helped Iain strip off my armor and clothes. "You knew didn't you?" Iain asked me."Always.""That explains all the repacking." I tried to smile at Mark. My Aunt appeared in the doorway holding the container of bath salts. Aedan took the container from her before he closed her out of the bathroom. He tossed some in. He checked the water temperature and turned it off. Iain lowered me into the bathtub."I’ll start bringing in the luggage. She'll need clothes." Aedan tried to ignore the sight of my pale, limp body."I'll help." Mark said and followed Aedan out. I closed my eyes and focused on the water.My Aunt poked her head in, "Is she okay?""The tree took care of her wounds. The water and bath salts will help replenish the energy she used. She’ll need to sleep, but overall she's fine.""How did she know to bring weapons?""Sarah has visions, dreams. She calls it her Internal North Star. Some she shares with us, but most she cannot.""She saw this and prepared for it?""Yes.""It's a blessing and a curse to see through time." I muttered. My Aunt gave me a strange look."She's referring to her visions. They can be about anything from the mundane to life threatening.""This is not something she inherited from my sister or her father." "Nope, I'm a freak. I came to terms with it long ago.""A very unique supernatural creature." My Aunt repeated softly to herself."My immortal life’s far more complicated than my mortal one ever was. I swear I need a supernatural shrink." I laughed. Iain stroked my cheek.Mark pushed his way past my Aunt and shut the door behind him."I brought towels. I wasn't sure what you wanted to wear, so I brought a few things.""Umm, the ankle length dress with the long sleeves and the button down sweater." I tried to point at it, but my arms were still made of rubber. Mark set the clothes down along with the towels."Do you need any help getting her dried and dressed?" Iain looked at me, "We should be okay.""Okay, call me if you need me." Mark couldn't hide the worry in his voice. He took the extra clothes and left."How are you doing?""Seriously thinking about some of that scotch I know Aedan had shipped here." Iain laughed and shook his head.
Iain
Sarah started to get up, "Are you sure you shouldn't soak for a while longer?""Nah, I'm good."I took her hands and helped her out of the bath. She tried to stand on her own, wobbled and fell against me. I knew she should have stayed in the bathtub, but I wasn't going to argue with her.I dried her off and slipped the dress over her head. When I saw the socks, I set her on the counter to put them on. She kissed me and started to unbutton my shirt."Sarah, this is not the time for that." I gently wrapped my hands around her wrist to stop her fingers from progressing any further."But I need you." She whimpered."No, you need this."I rested my hand on Sarah's cheek and kissed her. I opened myself up to her and she did so in return. We kissed and touched until we both needed to come up for air. She giggled softly as our lips parted."Mmm, okay you were right." I tickled her feet as I put on her socks. She thrashed and giggled. Sarah pulled me up to kiss her again. This time she opened herself up to me and I did the same in return. All I felt from her was relief and love. She wasn't happy the vision became reality, but she also knew it was no longer hanging over our heads.I helped her into her sweater and then, to her feet. She was weak, so I picked her up. She chanted softly and the door opened. Mark was standing in the hallway outside the bathroom."Are you okay?""Eh, same old, same old." Sarah shrugged."Aedan built a fire in a room down the hall."We followed Mark to a room that looked like my father's study minus the desk. "Damn that thing’s big enough to sit in." Sarah commented when she saw the fireplace.I sat down on the sofa with her on my lap. Mark sat down next to us. He needed to be near her, too. Sarah rested her head against my chest. Mark scooted closer and draped her legs over his lap. Analise and my father had already begun drinking."Can I have some of that?" Sarah got a chorus of ‘Nos’, which made her giggle."Who were they?" Her Aunt asked."The short answer, I have no fucking clue. Long answer, they're the errand boys of the mage who will try to take Megdn.""Megdn?" Ivy asked."She will be our first daughter." I squeezed Sarah."How do you know that?" Analise asked."I’ve seen her in my visions." "You had a vision showing them attacking us today. That was why you had the weapons?" Analise asked and Sarah nodded. Analise realized what could have happened if Sarah wasn't what she was. She gulped the last of the liquor in her glass and quickly refilled it."Yeah, I saw that particular vision about a month ago.""When we started camping?" Sarah nodded."Camping?" Ivy asked."For some reason the castle hampers my visions. I’d been sleeping in the garden and having visions every night. Some of them were of these horrific battles." Her Aunt's face turned ashen. "But Mark and Iain didn't want me sleeping in the garden anymore. So Mark and I started camping.""Why were you sleeping in the garden to begin with?" Analise asked and Mark held his breath."Long story." Sarah said simply.My father handed Mark and I a glass of scotch. Sarah was right. He did have liquor shipped here. She tried to take the glass from me, but I growled at her. She bared her fangs and hissed. Then, laughed."Aedan, you're so not getting your security deposit back on this place." Sarah laughed and we all joined her."Anything else we should know about the immediate future?" I asked."Only that we need to be in Edinburgh in six days and, after that, Inverness. There are a couple other smaller places, too. I have a list. London should be our last stop before Paris." I kissed Sarah's forehead and mentally reorganized our itinerary."Paris?" Analise perked up."Iain promised me a few days in Paris before we head home.""Have you made a list?" Mark laughed."A list?" Her Aunt asked."Of the stores she wants to visit.""Ah." Her Aunt laughed. "Sarah collects clothes."“Well, clothes, shoes and fashion accessories, A.K.A., weapons.” Mark laughed."What's your weakness?" Sarah asked her Aunt."I have to admit it has been quite a while, but I used to collect demon horns and vampire fangs. I had some of the fangs gilded in gold and turned into a choker. Demon horns make excellent drinking horns." The Valkyrie giggled, but no one else laughed.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mark
Sarah had curled into a little ball between us on the sofa. I could tell she was nearly asleep. I wasn't sure if she wanted to sleep in my bed or Iain's."Sarah, honey." I touched her cheek."Hmm." "Should we put you to bed in Iain's room or did you want to stay with me?""Stay with me." She yawned and then, started to softly snore. We tried not to laugh.Iain picked her up and I grabbed her bags. I turned down the bed and Iain laid her down."Mmm, love my wolf." She mumbled as Iain covered her up and kissed her. I followed Iain out, but left the door open. We walked back downstairs to where everyone was. As Iain passed the open case of Scotch, he grabbed two bottles and handed one to me."Oh, I think it's at least a two bottle night, possibly three." He laughed and handed me a second. He took a second for himself, as well. I fell into the chair closest to the fire. I set one bottle on the floor and opened the other. Iain sat down in an armchair near his father. Ivy had her head laid back and her eyes were closed. Both Aedan and Analise had already finished a bottle on their own and had just opened a second."Should she be left alone?" Aedan asked."We left the door open. If she wakes up, we'll feel her." Iain said between swallows."What do you mean, you'll feel her?" Ivy opened her eyes. They were bright blue. She hadn’t calmed down from the encounter. However, she was still wearing the amulet Sarah gave her. I wondered if she noticed the lack of thunder."Sarah has the ability to track people. If she has a bond with you, she can stretch out, find you and feel how you are; regardless of the distance. Usually, it’s a one-way connection, but Iain and I can do the same with her--""When she lets us." Iain laughed."When she lets you?" Analise's words were slightly slurred."Sarah's a highly trained warrior, a powerful weaver and a compassionate healer." I smiled."She holds defense training classes twice a week for our pack, along with Yoga and Tai Chi." Aedan smiled."Defense training?" Analise echoed."It's more than merely teaching someone how to fight. Her teaching centers around endurance, strength, tactics, weapons and discipline. As a set goal is accomplished, she adds another to work toward. It's very rewarding. She's an excellent instructor. Since she’s been training me, I've put on about fifty pounds of muscle. She still tosses me around when we spar, but I'm getting better.""She possesses incredible skill with weapons, too." Iain smiled and I laughed."I didn't realize she was an archer." Analise hiccupped."She’s a wicked shot. She has spells that hide her scent and presence, which make her an excellent hunter." Aedan, Iain and I laughed."And that's why it's hard to track her." I added."She took down an adult male wild boar with one arrow." Aedan smiled."A wild boar?" Analise was shocked. "But she's so tiny.""Don't let Sarah's size fool you." I laughed.Suddenly, we heard noise at the back of the manor. Aedan got up to see who it was. I almost suggested he not go alone, but Iain was right on his heels as he left the room."Tell me more about her?" Ivy asked."What would you like to know?""Anything, everything." Her Aunt laughed."Sarah has a cat, who’s her familiar. She has a beautiful garden. She's the resident healer. She makes house calls and mostly takes care of the mortals. When necessary, she fulfills her role as a Valkyrie. She's brave and kind and very cat-like. She has a wicked sense of humor. She likes to be outside in the Sun and is very fond of natural running water. She likes to explore new places. She's always the first one to offer assistance and would willingly put herself in danger to save another, but I think you already know that." She nodded. "She sings like an angel. She's a weaver. The way she weaves sound is phenomenal. She loves to dance. God, can my mate cook." I laughed. "What was it she was throwing?" Ivy asked."Sarah calls them lightning balls. She takes the lightning her emotions generate and channels it into a ball.""Where did she learn this?" Analise asked."Sarah learns by trial and error." Ivy smiled at my answer. Aedan and Iain returned."The kitchen staff has arrived along with the household staff. Thankfully, they came in through the rear gated entrance." Aedan sighed. "I told the head of the kitchen, we normally have breakfast at nine a.m., lunch at one p.m. and dinner at seven p.m.""What are the plans?" Ivy asked."Shouldn't we wait until Sarah's here.""Sarah's here for what?" Sarah appeared in the doorway. Iain sat down and pulled her down onto his lap. He wrapped his arms around her tight. I moved back to the sofa."How do you handle this?" Analise asked as she gestured at the three of us."We just do." Iain smiled."It helps that Sarah's insatiable." Sarah play slapped at me, but I dodged her attack. I laughed along with Iain and Aedan."Okay, there were some plans. Oh and where's the pool?""The indoor pool is downstairs and it's heated." Aedan smiled at her.Sarah clapped and bounced. Iain had to adjust how she was sitting on his lap. I felt him restraining himself."Breakfast will be served at nine, lunch at one and dinner at seven.""So, like normal." Aedan nodded."On the day of the wedding, the makeup artist and hair stylist will arrive at noon. Along with your personal assistant. The florist and the rest of the staff will arrive at ten a.m." Aedan looked at both Iain and Sarah. "Both of you are not allowed outside before the wedding." He looked at me, "If you see anything, you are not to tell them or think about it in Sarah's presence." I nodded. Sarah started giggling."You don't have to worry Aedan. I'll keep Sarah with me." Her Aunt laughed."We’ll figure out something to do." Iain laughed. "The photographers will be here at four. Ceremony will be at five. Dinner will be at six. Sarah, I want you to walk around tomorrow and decide where you would like to have photos taken. Be mindful of the angle of the Sun and when it sets for any photos you’d like taken before or after the ceremony." Sarah nodded. "Your gown has been taken to the master suite along with your accessories. Everything has already been unpacked for you." Aedan smiled."I was a little worried about that to be honest." Sarah smiled. "What are you wearing?" She asked her Aunt."Aedan suggested I wear something in a soft lavender." Sarah giggled."He got to you, too, didn't he?" Ivy laughed and nodded.Sarah started to yawn again and decided she wanted to go back to bed. I followed her this time. I knew the only reason she’d gotten up was because she didn't want to be alone.As soon as the door was closed, I heard her casting the spell that would prevent her lightning and thunder.She took off her dress and started to unbutton my pants. She was down on her knees licking and sucking my cock before I could say anything. I tossed her on the bed and she giggled. I locked the door and closed the curtains. I took off the rest of my clothes and crawled up between her thighs. I lifted her slightly and pulled her close, cradling her head in my hands. She may have wanted fast and hard, but I knew she needed to feel connected to me.Sarah wrapped her arms and legs around me. Every thrust was gentle. We shared passionate, lingering kisses. The energy flowed between us and made us one. She couldn't hide her sadness over us parting soon. I felt how heavily it weighed on her. I tried to think about us laying on the beach together. Finding hidden places. Walking in the sand as the waves washed over our feet. Making love on the beach. She giggled softly and bit me.She moved her hips slightly and on my next thrust, I felt the spongy flesh of her cervix grip the crown of my glans. She felt it happen and moaned my name. She tightened her legs around my waist, pulling me deeper inside of her. The sensation caused my wolf to rise to the surface. I longed to impregnate my mate.I caught a glimpse of her playing in the snow with a small boy and her sadness was replaced with joy. I started to feel the waves of her orgasm begin. The spasms and contractions within her milked every drop from mine. I rolled us so Sarah was sprawled across my chest. She pulled the blankets over us and I reached over and set an alarm.Sarah's breathing slowed and I heard her start to mumble. As she signed 'love you', I closed my eyes. I looked forward to hearing those words every time we slept. Sarah's dream slowly melted into mine. I saw her playing in the snow with the little boy again. He was a toddler. The other children around them were slightly older, but all very close in age. The older children were helping build snowmen. I quickly figured out Sarah was attempting to teach our son how to make snowballs, but failing miserably. She sighed in her sleep, 'love mine' just before the dream became fuzzy and disappeared. The alarm went off and I heard Sarah in the bathroom. It was nearly seven and she was dressing for dinner. I saw her and smiled. She looked beautiful in her pale pink dress. It made me think of a little girl's ballet leotard. "Will you button the button in the back for me?"I did as she asked. Then, I wrapped my arms around her from behind and buried my face in her hair."You look beautiful."She turned in my arms and kissed me."Thank you." I kissed her again. "You better get dressed." She smiled.I wasn't sure how formal dinner was. I elected to wear black trousers and a dark green button down shirt.
Sarah
When they saw me, Iain and Aedan smiled. I kissed Aedan on the cheek and Mark helped me to my seat. It was a lovely little dining room. It was cozy compared to the half mile long table we normally sat at for dinner. It reminded me a little of Aedan's dining room, but the furniture was heavier and leaned more toward Tudor Revival rather than the Victorian, Aedan preferred. I was a little surprised to see my Aunt chose to join us. She even smiled when she saw me.Aedan already told the staff my Aunt and I didn’t eat. To entertain me, one of the wait staff brought me a vase full of light pink rosebuds. She sat it down in front of me and I giggled. Aedan smiled. I waited until everyone was served before I started playing with them.I made them bloom one at a time. Mark squeezed my thigh. I knew he felt how much joy it brought me to play with the flowers. Analise looked up and caught me making one of the rosebuds bloom. Aedan snickered.I smiled at her, "It's one of my favorite things to do." She watched me make another rose bloom. "I can even make more than one bloom at a time." I made all the other flowers in the room bloom and my Aunt started laughing. "Just as I can take life, I can also make it flourish." Analise nodded. She was still shocked.I took one of the roses, broke off the stem and placed it in my cleavage. Iain just shook his head and laughed."Aedan, did you find a place to smoke?"He laughed, "Yes, I did." Once they were finished with dinner, Analise headed toward her room. She was done for the day. Honestly, I couldn't blame her. Iain and Mark each grabbed a bottle of Scotch as we followed Aedan outside. Tonight, I wouldn't chastise them for their drinking."Sarah, would you mind taking a walk with me?" My Aunt asked."Uh, sure." We followed my boys outside, but continued down the path into the gardens. I slipped off my heels and walked next to the path. I felt the energy begin to flow through me. It was weird. The energy felt different. Almost like it was a different flavor."Your feet are the same color as the amulets you told us to put on.""I'm a conduit for energy. If I'm in contact with the Earth, I can pull the energy directly from it and to fuel my spellwork. If I'm not, I have to use my own. When I walk barefoot, I'm basically recharging my batteries.""How did you learn this?""Like most things, by accident.""Why did you have all of us put on these amulets?" She touched the amulet that still hung around her neck."The amulets contain a protection spell. Basically, it hides you along with creating a shield to protect you. You're not invisible, but it's like you blend into the background and most people don't notice you.""How is it that it prevents my thunder and lightning?""You noticed that?" I giggled."It's quite strange.""Before I figured out how to cast the shielding spell, all I could do was use Zen meditation to hide. Lots of Zen meditation. It was hard at home.""I’m sorry for upsetting you today.""Don't worry about it. You reacted the same way most people do when they first meet me. Iain found it amusing that he scented your fear." She blushed in embarrassment. "Like I said, you reacted the same way most people do when they first meet me.""A very unique supernatural creature." She muttered to herself."Iain came up with that monicar. At first, I was pissed off at him, but what the Hell else could you call me. Essentially, I'm the product of fated genetic engineering. Anyway, I only share my gifts when necessary. I don't want them to become public knowledge and I don't want to be feared. Oh, that reminds me, I have to swear Analise to secrecy.""I don’t believe that will be necessary. She was fairly shocked over the entire event. We all were." "This is why I exist." I shrugged. "Oh and the spell in the amulet is permanent. Anytime you wear it, it will stop your lightning and thunder.""Really?""Yep, really. I could make you a ring or bracelet instead."She touched it again and shook her head slightly."What else can you do?" I pinned her feet to the ground. When she couldn't move, she panicked a little. I giggled and let the spell go. "What did you do?""Pinned your feet down with energy. I can also move things."I lifted her from the ground slightly and I giggled."Sorry, I'll stop messing with you.""Your skills are extraordinary.""Aedan said, I possessed a perfect blending of all of my parents' powers and skills.""You have excelled far beyond them.""I master new stuff all the time. My path shows I must.""Your path? Your visions?""Yep, welcome to my little corner of chaos.""You see through time?""Sometimes, I see good things and sometimes, I see bad things. It's my own personal Hell." She laughed. "There's no use in fighting it. It only makes things more difficult when I do.""How do you know if you have made the correct decision?""My visions are never complete. I never see the end because it’s not written yet. The future is fluid. Actions and decisions can change the path. Some events will occur whether we want them to or not. Essentially, there is no right or wrong decision.""Your parents would be proud of you.""I try not to think about them. I mean, I get it, but I try not to think about them. I have created my own family.""I noticed they’re quite loyal and protective.""Wolves are like. You should meet the rest of my family." I laughed. "I guess, you will be at the reception.""Aedan shared that with you.""Oh yeah. He told me when we were in New York. It was one of the instances that I just let go and allowed myself to feel my emotions. New York City had a sudden thunder and lightning storm in the middle of the day under blue skies." I laughed."Why would you not allow yourself to feel emotions?""Out of all people, I would’ve thought you might understand." I laughed. "I'm constantly bombarded by so many things, that I pick and choose what I want to feel and what I don't. Usually, I lock down the rest. Drives my boys nuts. Lately, I’ve been letting go a little more often.""Like in the car?""Yeah, I shouldn't have let that happen. Usually, I keep tight control over my emotions, but I decided to let myself feel. The topic of my biological parents is a touchy subject.""Is there anything you would like to know about them?""See now, that's a loaded question.""I don't follow.""I could ask you, what was my mother's favorite color or what type of flowers did she like. I could ask, if she was funny. You get the idea, but the answers may not be things I want to know. Right now, she’s an echo in the past, telling me things about her makes her real.""Ah, that does make sense. I can tell you your mother would be very impressed by your nature. However, you do possess your father's stature.""I sort of put that one together already. Usually, I wear six inch heels." I held up my shoes and she laughed."I was curious how you dealt with all of them being so big and tall.""Often, I feel like a doll." She laughed. "Oh and you haven't met the biggest one yet," I giggled. "His name is Quinn Darrow. He's the largest wolf I've ever seen. None of the other wolves will spar with him in the circle, etc. We were trying to find a wolf for a mortal friend of mine--""Why a wolf?""They're very loyal. A bit territorial. Which is annoying. Outside of that, there's nothing my boys wouldn't do for me. Well, within reason.""This was why you told us 'to leave our worry and egos out of it'.""Yep. Iain has a rule, no unnecessary risks. Unfortunately, that's not always in the cards.""The cards?""You know, like playing cards. The hand you're dealt.""Oh." She laughed. "So your mortal friend...""Audrey works as a maid. Actually, she worked as a maid. She's sort of my assistant now and the supervisor of the programs and services I've started in the community.""Services?""A shuttle service to take people to the city, a movie theater, a gym. We live almost four hours from the closest city. So, we were trying to find Audrey a wolf and were down at the circle--""The circle? This is like an arena?""It's where the wolves go to spar or settle challenges. It's also a meat market. We were talking with some of the wolves from our pack, when this very large, very Scottish man overheard us and decided to join our conversation. Several members of my pack had been trying to get me to spar with them in the circle--""This because of your defensive training class?""I see they’ve been filling you in." She nodded. "During his second Full Moon, Mark was a dumbass. Wolves who have located their mate, whether they are claimed or not, can only react to their mate--""React? You mean sexually?" I nodded."Iain wanted me to set a wedding date and he decided to fuck me into submission."My Aunt laughed so hard she snorted."Yeah, well, Mark caught my scent and the female wolf near him, thought it was her scent he had reacted to. He decided to go for it. The wind shifted, he caught her scent and his wolf aborted the mission."My Aunt was laughing so hard she was red."Because Mark had a mate, her father demanded the matter be settled in the Circle and I had to face the girl he deflowered in the circle. I was kind or tried to be anyhow, but her brother attacked me too. So, I laid’em both out.'' I laughed."Was this with the lightning balls?" I twirled one in my hand and then, let the electricity reabsorb into my skin. I could tell my Aunt wanted to touch it. "That’s absolutely amazing.""The worst thing, I did to Becky was hook my claws beneath her scapula and throw her across the ring. I healed her afterwards. She didn't want to face me in the circle. It was all about her father's ego.""What about the brother?""Chris, him I did pummel with lightning balls, but that was because he attacked an Alpha.""You're an Alpha?""Yeah, the pack figured that one out during my first Full Moon. Some of the females decided to test the new girl. It didn’t go over very well. After our little romp, I was kind and healed them. There was no question what I was after the confrontation. From what they saw in the circle with Becky and Chris, some of our more...umm...violent isn't the right word.""Aggressive?""That'll work. I was giving one of our more aggressive wolves a scolding about holding to tactics, instead of blind instinct, when Quinn decided, he wanted to play and I obliged. All the packs were there. The bout illustrated clearly why I was worthy to be Iain's mate. Anyway, anytime there's a bout of significance, wagers are placed. Regardless of our age and size difference, my pack knew to bet on me.""How big is he?""Six feet eight inches. Two hundred and eighty pounds of pure muscle. Basically, I gave him the what he really wanted--""What was that?""A good, hard romp." My Aunt laughed. "He thought I was another wolf. His plan was to play in the circle, force me to submit to him and then, take me to his bed. Instead, I nearly ended him. I wouldn't have--" "Why would you not? I would have. He challenged you and lost.""See, that's the difference between being a pure blood and a half blood, I only kill when necessary. I don't want to be feared. I do enjoy violence. I love swordplay and sparring, but my mother's compassion and my father's temperament allow me to control my violent tendencies.""As I've gotten older, it has become easier. There are many in the Coven who choose not to, regardless of their age.""I had to explain that one to Iain. To most, we’re merely legend." My Aunt nodded."Is there anything you would like to know about me?""Why do you think I'm weak for choosing a mate?""You now have a weakness to be exploited.""I guess, that makes sense. I view it as I’m no longer alone and I'm stronger for it."I decided our conversation was over. I could feel Mark and Iain looking for me. It wasn't that I didn’t like my Aunt, but we were nothing alike and that was becoming more and more apparent. I was thankful I wasn't a pure blood. I was starting to regret asking her to come to the wedding, but she was my mother's sister and I would’ve felt guilty if I hadn't. At least, she was family. When we got inside, I went back to the room with the fireplace. My Aunt headed straight to her room. I got the feeling she didn't like our conversation.
Iain
I heard the door open and Sarah appeared. She closed it behind her."Mmm, all alone."I pulled her down onto my lap and buried my face in her hair. She chanted the spell that allowed her scent to no longer be hidden. I took a deep breath and growled. She giggled. "I wasn't ready to head to bed yet. My father and Analise have already retired. Mark wanted to take a shower. I assumed he was waiting for you." "Would you rather me stay with you tonight?"She brushed her lips against the hollow of my throat. I fought the urge to move her so she was straddling my lap."No, we’ll keep with tradition.""What?""Traditionally, we wouldn’t see each other the week before the handfasting. That week would be spent, you with your family and me with mine. Your female relatives would’ve made sure you were prepared to be a wife. At the end of the week, they would’ve brought you and your dowry to the home I built to show I would be a good provider for you and our children, but--""You knew I needed to spend some time with Mark before we parted. Oh and I have no family." I nodded."He's never been away from you. I know how hard it is." She kissed me and pressed her body against mine."I think, I’ll be spending tomorrow night with him, too." She sighed."What about your Aunt?""She wants to tell me about my parents and I don't want to know anything about them. She doesn't understand why I chose you. She said now I had a weakness that could be exploited. I told her, to me it meant I would no longer be alone.""You think she feels alone?" She nodded."I don't think it's something she’d ever admit, not even to herself. She figured out the amulet stopped her thunder and lightning."We both laughed quietly."I think I’ll end up having to make more." She giggled. "I could see where they would come in handy."I tucked her head beneath my chin and held her tight."I thought I lost you today." She placed her hand on my cheek, "Our story is not over." She gave me a toe curling kiss and rested her forehead against mine.I wanted to take her back to my bed, but I knew it would be best to wait until our wedding night.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mark
"Hi.""Hey."I turned off the tv and Sarah sat next to me on the sofa."You didn't have to turn it off."I pulled her onto my lap."There really wasn't anything on."She scented of Iain. I knew she stopped and said goodnight to him. "You're not okay are you?" She asked. "I don't think any of us are. The thought of losing you...""I saw it. I prepared for it." I kissed her and buried my face in her hair. I didn't want to think about life without her."What would you like to do tonight?""Circus sex?" I laughed."I have an idea." I thought about her putting her heels back on and us dancing. I wanted to slowly undress her and enjoy every inch of her body. She smiled and slipped her shoes back on. She sang softly to me while we danced.Tonight was our last night together and I needed to feel connected to her.Sarah laid her head on my chest. I felt her take a deep breath and hold it. I ran my hand up down her back and pulled her closer. She ended up draped across my chest. She made a light purring sound and kissed me.Eventually, her breathing became slow and even. When she sighed 'love you', I knew she was asleep. I closed my eyes and fell asleep, too. I must have been asleep for about an hour when it felt like I was ripped out of my own dream and into Sarah's. Suddenly, I was in the garden with the pillars and plants Iain described. After today, I wasn’t surprised she sought Nita's counsel.Sarah ran to a young woman and wrapped her arms around her. She looked to be the same age as Sarah, but her eyes said she was far older than she appeared. They both shimmered when they made contact. Sarah started to cry. I felt her tears on my chest as she began to cry in the world outside the dream. As badly as I wanted to comfort her, I didn't move. We needed to see this dream. I kept my breathing slow and even."Nita." Sarah cried.“It's okay, min søte jente. I’m very happy you heeded the vision's warning."Nita held Sarah tight and let her cry."I couldn't let my family come to harm... And... And what they said.""You killed the ash demon and both the arctic Fae. The fire Fae was gravely injured. It was quite impressive.""That only means round two’s gonna suck.""There are a few things we need to discuss." Sarah sighed."Every time you say that, it's never a good thing and usually, I have to do something I won't like." Nita laughed."You cannot handle the garment she intends to use as part of the handfasting ritual. Unraveling the weaving could bring harm to her clan.""I was right.""Yes, you were. I’m tempted to complete the binding myself.""We both know that's not wise."They laughed."I will leave for you what should be used in its stead. Along with instructions for an alternate ritual.""We still have to sign the marriage license." Sarah laughed."Yes, you’ll still have to satisfy the mortal world's nonsense." Nita smiled. "Here comes the next one. I can already hear it." Sarah sighed.Nita brushed the hair from Sarah's face, "You understand why don't you?" "They lack a seer and have planned according to the prophecy." Sarah grumbled."Iain will be pleased.""I'm not going to tell him until I can no longer hide my secret eating. I think I’ll enlist Aedan's help." Nita nodded and laughed. "I won’t rob him of the joy of finding out his wife has conceived. What about the fact I’ll be fertile during the Full Moon?""After the Hunter's Moon, the weather will change and prevent you from running. Besides, I know, you’ve seen the length of time before conception will occur." Sarah giggled and nodded."Hence, why I will not rob him of the joy of finding out he’ll be a father." Sarah was still giggling, but suddenly stopped. I saw tears begin to slide down her cheeks again. "What about--"Nita held up her hand, "You have seen the Fae Priestess's binding ritual?" Sarah nodded. "That is akin to a wedding. Granted, there will be no paperwork." Sarah laughed through her tears. "I don't want Mark to feel he’s unloved, unwanted.""You’ve already seen what her binding will do, yes?" Sarah nodded. "Well then, I believe his feelings will not change. Spend time with him tomorrow."Nita laughed and shook her head. Sarah just smirked."Yes, I’m aware most of that time will be spent nude, running through the forest. It's the Fae in you that causes that desire." Nita laughed."I know Fae are kinda slutty." Nita laughed again. "Why has my energy turned white?""The integration.""And that's all you're going to tell me, isn't it?" Nita nodded and smiled. "And my Aunt?""She's beginning to understand what you are. Try not to frighten her too much."Sarah giggled manically and Nita smiled and shook her head again."I must go. I am fading.""When will I see you again?""Pay close attention to your visions. If you need me, I will come." Sarah nodded.Nita kissed Sarah on the forehead and vanished. Sarah sat there for a while and then, the dream disappeared altogether.I wasn't sure what I should do. I was wide awake now. I didn't want to tell Iain because Sarah was right he deserved that joyful moment. Eventually, Sarah rolled over in her sleep. Carefully, I got up and quietly put on my clothes. I snuck out into the hall and tried to remember which was Aedan's room. I counted the doors and lightly knocked on the one I thought was his. A light appeared from under the door and I heard someone amble toward it."Mark?" Aedan whispered.He let me in and shut the door quietly."What's wrong? You're pale as a ghost. Is Sarah okay?""Yeah, yeah, she's fine.""Then, may I ask why you are here?" I laughed. "She sought out Nita's counsel tonight.""Oh my. Let's go wake Iain."Aedan started for the door."No, No.''I tried to add force behind my words without adding volume."Part of what she said we can’t share with Iain, but we need to be aware of it." Aedan gave me a strange look. He stoked the fire and poured each of us a drink. He sat down in the chair in front of the fire and I sat down next to him."The garden with the pillars was exactly how Iain described it. They both shimmered when they touched. Sarah was crying in the dream, but she was crying outside of the dream, too.""You mean in her sleep?" I nodded."I think the attack really shook her up. She has too much on her plate right now.""Often, I am amazed how she manages to handle all of it with such grace. What did they speak of?""First, she told her about the handfasting. Sarah can’t touch the lady's sash. If Sarah unweaves it, it will cause harm to her family. She told Sarah what to do instead.""A different ritual?""Yeah, Nita said she’ll leave a substitute and instructions. Sarah laughed because they’ll still have to sign the marriage certificate."Aedan chuckled and finished his glass."Not sure how Analise will feel about it, but I think the harm to her family part should be enough of a deterrent.""I agree. I will speak with her tomorrow. What is it we should not share with Iain?""I’m getting there. Nita said Sarah killed the Arctic Fae and the Ash Demon. The fire guy was seriously injured.""She actually killed them?" I nodded. "Interesting.""Okay, the part we can't tell Iain. They don’t have a seer. So, they don’t know the path has changed--""Sarah must begin the process to eat in September?" I nodded."We can't tell Iain. She won't tell him until she can no longer hide her secret eating. They mentioned something about how long it’d take. To me, that sounded like it’d be a long time after she started eating.""If that's the case, she will be able to enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas with us.""That could be a bad thing.""I don't see how enjoying a celebration with her pack could be a negative experience for her.""No, not the food, Christmas. Remember, Roman Catholic.""I’m afraid I don't understand.""Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ." Aedan nodded. "Sarah just lost her faith."It was Aedan's turn to turn pale. "We have to do something for her.""Our pack comes together for both holidays. We have a traditional dinner and a band. Sarah loves to dance.""You're not understanding how important this was to her. December is her favorite month.""I remember that being mentioned.""But you don’t know why. She loves the whole ritual. Christmas trees. Christmas carols. People being nice to each other. Christmas decorations. but most of all, this will be the first year, she won’t attend Midnight Mass. She’d actually take time off from work to go. For her, it was about rejoicing and reminding us why we have faith.""I do believe we must discuss this with Iain." I nodded. "She mentioned to me that the mortal boy wanted to come see her over their Winter break.""Matt?" I laughed."Yes, she wasn't sure.""Oh god, that would be hilarious." I couldn't stop laughing. When we heard a light knock at the door, I went silent. Aedan got up to see who it was."You’d think this one place would have thicker walls." Iain snickered. Aedan let him in. Iain pulled over a chair and was handed a glass."How much did you hear?""Only the laughing.""Matt wants to come see Sarah during Winter break."Iain bit his palm to keep from laughing out loud."Maybe, he can bring Beth and Tera along." I suggested."That would be a wonderful idea." Aedan smiled."So, catch me up?"We looked at each other."We were talking about Christmas.""Christmas?""December's Sarah's favorite month. You know Christmas trees, decorations and Christmas lights, but more importantly, Sarah just lost her faith." Iain nodded."We'll have the get together with our pack--""But no Midnight Mass.""I’m unfamiliar with that." Iain shook his head and took a drink."How did Sarah put it… The Mass is lit only by candles. It's calm and peaceful. Mostly, because not a lot of people attend it. She’d reflect on the people in her life and those she'd lost; a wave of calm would wash over her. During communion, they sing 'Silent Night' or 'Oh Holy Night'. Every year until she passed, she attended Midnight Mass with her grandmother. She continued to attend even though she was alone. Despite knowing it was purely symbolic, she’d light a candle for her grandmother. Christmas was about rejoicing and remembrance of why we have faith.""We could go into the city and attend Midnight Mass." Iain offered.I shook my head, "I don’t think that's such a good idea.""I have an idea." Aedan smiled. "What if we decorate the main hall, but also get a Christmas tree for their apartment? We can make it a surprise. We can all decorate the tree together. Your parents will be joining us. We'll have Sarah's friends. We could see if her Aunt would join us, as well.""I think she might like that."I sighed heavily, "Beth told me, last year, Sarah worked the entire Christmas break so she wouldn’t be reminded of what I did to her." I said softly."I'm concerned she’ll be affected by the memories." "Me too."I hunched a little under Iain's glare."All we can do is make her feel loved and help her create new, happier memories."Aedan tried to smile and not growl at me.Aedan looked at me and tilted his head towards the door. I took the hint and left. I slipped back into bed, trying not to disturb Sarah. I pulled her close and she sighed softly.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Sarah
I woke up before sunrise. I left Mark a note letting him know I went to swim laps and I’d see him at breakfast. I packed a bag and threw on my nightgown. I snuck out into the hall and slipped into Aedan's room. I got undressed and got into bed with him.He felt me cuddle up to him, "My dear, should you really be here?" He whispered."We will be apart for a Moon Cycle and I’ll miss you." I knew he would miss me, too. He didn't argue. He gave a warm, loving kiss and got undressed.Aedan didn't disappoint. He knew exactly what we both needed. I didn't stay with him as long as we both would've liked. We both knew I shouldn't be seen leaving his room. I heard noise coming from the kitchen, but the rest of the place was quiet. I followed Aedan's directions to the indoor pool. "Him, too?" I was slightly startled by my Aunt's voice. I missed that she was sitting in the room I’d just walked past. "No wonder they're all loyal to you." I held on to the witch to keep my Valkyrie in check. I wanted to attack her. It wasn't her place to judge me."He almost bit me when we were in New York and it unraveled from there. However, he was quite protective of me long before our relationship evolved. Oh and both Iain and Mark know, along with his unskinned mate, Keanna." I knew this wasn't going to be a short conversation. I also knew it was one I couldn't get out of either. I begrudgingly sat down across from her."Unskinned?""I guess I didn't mention that. Every stage of my transition was caused by a situation where I was under duress. The first time, I was being babysat by my grandmother at the mortuary where she worked--""Mortuary?""You know, a funeral home. Dead mortals.""I’m aware of them. It seems like an odd place to allow a child to wander about.""She was busy. I saw sunlight streaming through the open windows in one of the rooms. I love sunlight. The windows were near the top of the walls. I was so focused on the sunlight, I didn't notice the wall of refrigerated drawers. I felt a lovely breeze through the windows. I closed my eyes and stood in the Sun. A strong gust blew the door closed. I could reach the doorknob, but wasn't quite skilled enough to operate it. I turned around and saw people in the room with me. They hadn't been there before. Somehow, they knew I could see them and they all started talking at once. Years later, my grandmother told me she heard me screaming for her, but it was in her head. When she found me, I was frozen in the corner curled in a tight ball. From then on I could see, hear and talk to the unskinned. For years, my mother thought I had imaginary friends. Eventually, she found out they weren't imaginary, they were just dead.""How did she become aware of this?""I'm a mimic--""A mimic?""It's part of how I learned to sing. I’d mimic the sounds I heard. She heard me singing in the living room and came in to turn off the radio. She needed me to watch my younger brother. She came around the corner and saw a woman sitting on the floor with me--""It wasn't the radio you were singing along with was it?""No, I was singing with Helen. She had been a jazz singer. We sang together all the time. My mother saw her and fainted. You can only see them if they let you, but I see them all the time.""Did you have the ability to make them ascend?""That happened later. My father had beaten me up pretty bad. I hid in the corner behind the sofa in the family room. No one ever spent a lot of time in there. No matter how many lights you turned on it was always dark, but I didn't know why. A very old man sat down on the floor beside me. I’d never seen him before. He was unskinned, but didn’t know it. I decided that was why I hadn’t seen him. He knew why I was hiding. I heard him stomp into the room. I covered my mouth so he wouldn't hear me. Mr. Phillips smiled at me and stood up. My father saw him walk through the sofa and he freaked out. He grabbed his keys and left the house. Mr. Phillips sat back down and tried to soothe me. When he touched me, he faded. The room was never dark again.""When he touched you, he ascended?""Yes.""How old were you?""Almost eleven. The next year, my grandmother became very sick. My father was her youngest child. Every year, we traveled to where she lived for Christmas and Easter. When she became ill, it was like life stopped and became all about being there with her. I stayed in her room. I didn't want to leave her. She was the only one who ever cared about me and I was about to lose her. One night, I was asleep in the chair next to her bed. I woke up when the nurse left after changing her IV. My grandmother smiled at me and touched my hand. My hand turned black. I saw a flash of light and I felt her. Next thing I knew, the room was full of people and I was on the floor near her bed.""She was the first mortal you released." I nodded.I didn't realize I was crying."You thought you killed her?" I nodded. "She didn't become unskinned?"I shook my head. My Aunt patted my hand. For the first time, I felt connected to her."I was thirteen when I figured out I had the ability to heal things, but it was also when I figured out I could kill things.""You were not killing things.""I know that now.""You never told me what sparked the last phase of your transition.""I'm sorry I told you, you were crazy and to leave me alone.""I won't lie, it did hurt. I’m truly sorry we didn’t learn of your situation sooner.""I knew it was necessary to hide me. It wasn't anyone's fault. You didn't know what would happen once I was adopted.""You said your panic was what facilitated your transition, what sparked the final phase? Did your father beat you or--""I really don’t want to discuss that. Essentially, all of the major changes happened over a two week period. The changes were helpful, but, at the same time, frightening.""Why would you not want to discuss it? Your situation’s unique and I'm curious. It's not something we've ever discussed."I sighed, "Fine, but you have to promise not to react, allude to or anything else after I tell you." My Aunt half nodded. "I was… I was sexually assaulted.""Sexually assaulted?" I nodded. "I don't understand why I'm not allowed to react.""Because it was Mark.""Your mate?""The fated mate bond brought us together, but we were both mortal. When we met, his transition began. We didn't know anything about any of this, but his parents did. They carry the gene, but never transitioned. They knew I would be his mate, but they didn't know he met me at school. When it happened, we'd been together for three months.""This was why you said, it was a long story." I nodded. "And also why you slept in the garden." I nodded."I feared him. After he claimed me, while Iain was away, he’d force me to his bed. I couldn't sleep next to him. I couldn't relax around him. I was constantly fighting my instincts. He thought after he claimed me that everything would change, but nothing changed for me. Iain said, if I were a wolf, things would've improved. Female wolves are submissive.""But have I seen you with him? I see how you look at each other.""It's the Fae binding. It allows energy to flow between us from our core. I bound myself to the wolf, not the man. This past Full Moon was the first time we ran together. The Full Moon negates all aspects of my Fae--""You wanted to attack him, didn't you?""He had to let his wolf take over completely, but yes, it took every ounce of control I could muster not to rip him to shreds. Once his wolf took over I was fine and it was quite an enjoyable night."My Aunt laughed at the look on my face."On that note, I'm going to go swim laps." As I walked downstairs, I could still hear my Aunt laughing.I swam until my head was clear, which took much longer than it ever had before.
Mark
I woke up and heard Sarah singing in the shower. I saw her note and figured she’d just returned from swimming laps. Her scent pulled my wolf to the front of my mind. I wanted my mate.I stepped into the shower and Sarah smiled at me over her shoulder. She pulled me down to kiss her. She whimpered softly against my lips as my hands roamed over her soap covered body. She started giggling as I went to pick her up."What?""Wouldn't you rather have breakfast and then, spend the rest of the day running nude through the forest with me? Mmm, you can make a wolf snack out of me." She lightly clawed my chest and smiled sweetly. With my Sarah's scent and knowing we’d part soon, running nude through the forest with her sounded like a day well spent.Once I nodded, Sarah didn't waste a moment. She dropped to her knees. She held my gaze as she began to stroke and lick my cock. She loved to tease. As the energy began to build between us, unconsciously, I grabbed a handful of her hair and began to fuck her throat mercilessly. She moaned in pleasure and the sound pushed me over the edge.
Iain
Sarah and Mark were a little late for breakfast. She sat down and leaned against me. I buried my face in her hair and caught my father's scent in addition to Mark’s scent. I was a little surprised that she saw him this morning. I lightly bit her neck and made her squeak. The vase in front of her cracked. Which only made everyone at the table laugh, including her Aunt."How are you this morning, my dear?""Good. I swam laps. The pool was wonderful. Almost like swimming in the bathtub.""What are your plans for the day?" Her Aunt asked."I need to scout for places to have pictures taken." Mark laughed. We ate in silence. When Sarah got bored, she started to make my unused silverware dance to the music in her head. She shocked a member of the staff. After he left, Sarah giggled hysterically. We could hear him telling his coworkers what he saw. Which only made Sarah laugh even harder."I know, can't take me anywhere." She managed to get out between peels of giggles.Mark stroked Sarah's cheek, "I'm going to gather snacks and drinks. I'll meet you on the patio.""Okay." Sarah smiled at him.Ivy left with my father and Analise. As soon as they were gone, I pulled Sarah onto my lap. She smiled and wrapped her arms around my neck. She made a soft purring sound as we kissed. "I bet you’re not wearing anything under this skirt." As I slid my hand between her thighs, I murmured in her ear. She inhaled a sharp breath and held it."What happened to your tradition?" She breathed.My fingertips reached the downy moist patch between her thighs. Sarah spread them slightly for me, allowing my fingertips to part her lower lips. "I'm not taking you to my bed." I kissed behind her ear and laughed softly. Sarah dug her claws into my shoulders. I felt her claws rip through the fabric and into my flesh. As we kissed, I growled against her lips. I slipped three fingers deep inside of her and rubbed her clit with my thumb."Oh, Iain." She gasped.She slipped the straps of her tank top off her shoulders and moved the fabric aside. I took her exposed pale pink nipple between my lips. I could tell she was attempting to moderate the sounds she was making. I scented how close she was to reaching orgasm. To prevent herself from crying out, she sank her fangs into my neck. As she reached orgasm, I felt the current race across my skin and I growled against her chest. I nearly threw her over my shoulder and took her to my bed.Before Sarah caught her breath, she slipped off my lap and beneath the table. I didn't stop her when I felt her nimble fingers unfastening my trousers. I lifted myself slightly and slid my chair from beneath the table to help her free my prick. While she devoured my cock, she delicately cupped my balls in her hand. I knew I wouldn't last very long. Since we've been apart, I’d refrained from satisfying my need for her. I lost control and wanted to thrust my prick down her throat. Almost instinctively, she grabbed my hand and placed it on the back of her neck. Knowing how much my mate enjoyed fellatio, more importantly, knowing how much she enjoyed having my prick forced down her throat. I tangled my fingers in her hair and held her head still as I thrusted. When I was about to reach orgasm, she felt it and began to swallow. For a moment, I worried about choking her with the amount of semen that was erupting down her throat, but the thought vanished when she didn't appear to be in distress. As she swallowed the last drops, my hand fell limp on her shoulder. She sat back on her heels and smiled at me. I handed her a napkin from the table. She wiped her chin and giggled. I was completely spent. She set the napkin aside, tucked my prick back into my trousers and sat down on my lap.She nuzzled against my neck and whispered in my ear, "Only one more night." She giggled and kissed me. She slid off my lap and headed in the direction of her room. Once I recovered myself, I walked back to my own room.Last night, when my father asked, how much of their conversation I’d overheard, I lied. I’d heard most of it, including the part about the others being unaware the path had shifted. Secretly, I was elated, but I was willing to play along with her ruse. I knew every time I allowed her to swallow, it would hasten her transition to having a fertile cycle.After I changed my clothes, I wandered back to the room where we’d gathered the previous evening. Despite the early hour, I grabbed a bottle from the open case of scotch before I sat down in the chair across from my father. I was still trying to convince myself I shouldn't find my mate and take her to my bed. I sat for a while before they realized I was there. They’d been deep in conversation about the wedding."Iain, how long have you been sitting there?""I sat down somewhere around the path Sarah will walk."My father shook his head."I didn't feel it gave too much away." I laughed."It’s good you're here”"I figured as much."I grabbed a second bottle."Oh Ivy, if only you drank."She gave me a funny look."Actually, Valkyrie can drink. Well, at least, Sarah can.""Sarah drank alcohol?" Ivy was shocked. My father and I laughed and nodded."It negates the Fae completely and her Valkyrie nature manifests fully.""I’ve never been so terrified or amused in my life." My father laughed."Terrified?" Analise asked."Sarah’s a Valkyrie, but also a witch. The Fae allows her to control her more violent tendencies. A drunk, angry Valkyrie, with murder and mayhem on her mind, who can wield magic can be quite dangerous."Ivy laughed so hard she snorted."Unfortunately, the alcohol was purged from her system far quicker than she would have liked, but nonetheless, she was intensely amusing.""Did she vomit?"I shook my head.Ivy was intrigued."I thought she might, but, for some reason, it didn't have that effect on her." I laughed."We should begin with what we’re about to discuss, may not leave this room."My father poured some scotch for Analise."I don't understand."Analise pushed the glass aside."There are things we must discuss that pertain to the next twenty-four hours. You must agree to never speak of what you’re about to learn."My father said frankly and they both nodded. I got up and closed the door."Sarah describes herself as a 'very unique supernatural creature'. The first time I called her that, it made her very angry--""She said, 'what else could you call her?'" Ivy interjected and I nodded."It's very true, but there are things about Sarah that make her quite unique." My father smiled. "Apparently, there were people waiting for her.""Waiting for her?"Even Ivy wasn’t aware."The orb she wears around her neck--""The purple one?" Analise asked and I nodded."It was a gift from a crone. Sarah was in a shop and the woman snuck up on her and she’s nearly impossible to sneak up on. The crone scared her and saw the electric sparks around her. She handed Sarah a small wooden box and told her, it’d been waiting for her." "What exactly does the necklace do? Is it like the one she gave us?" Even Analise couldn’t keep the curiosity out of her tone. She also hadn't taken hers off."No, the amulets she gave us are different from the orb she wears. However, Sarah can cast the same spell on herself that she cast on the amulets.""Sarah explained, it’s a protection spell, but it also hides you. I wouldn't be invisible, but people wouldn't notice me. It would also control my sky effects, as she calls them. I thought it was quite ingenious."I could tell Ivy no longer viewed her niece as a weak little mortal girl, but a warrior worthy of being called Valkyrie."That's Sarah." I smiled wide. "The Fates blessed me when they sent me my mate.""Why did you say 'The Fates'?" Analise asked after finishing the scotch my father had poured. She refilled her glass from the bottle in front of her."This is where things become complicated." My father said quietly. "You must swear.""Of course." Ivy answered quickly."I will, but only out of curiosity." Analise finally said."When Sarah said people were waiting for her, she didn't just mean the crone with the necklace or the librarians who keep sending her codices--""Codices?" Analise asked."You'd call them, grimoires, but they’re slightly different." Ivy volunteered. "Yesterday, when you saw what the oak tree did, that wasn't the first time that’s happened. Officially, Sarah has died four times. She decided that having no pulse and not breathing counted. Yesterday, she didn’t pass through the veil, so, technically, she didn’t die.""Die?" Ivy's tone was nearly a shriek."Yes, when she left her mortal life, her adopted father beat her to death. She told us she was nearly dead. She didn’t want to worry us, but she’d died from her injuries. I still wanted to rip him apart." I growled."Beat her to death?" Analise finished her glass and poured another."As he kicked her, he ruptured her spleen, left kidney and liver. He broke ribs on her left side that punctured her lung. He punched her hard enough to shatter her right orbital socket. Part of her face literally looked like it had been caved in. She had inter-cranial bleeding and had partially lost vision in her eye. She was covered in bruises and cuts. He shattered every bone in her foot and ankle. She tore two ligaments running from him. She finally told me what happened. Like, I said, I still want to rip him apart." "And she died?" Analise whispered. My father and I nodded."The two times I've seen Sarah die, one was by her father's hand and the other was when she over-extended herself while casting a spell." My father added."Casting a spell?" Ivy asked. My father and I nodded again."The reason we’re sharing this with you is because when we say people were waiting for her, there's one individual who holds significant importance--""Are either of you familiar with who the Nornir are?" My father interrupted me. He knew I was tap dancing around the subject because I didn't know what to say."Of course. they were characters in a bedtime story my mother used to tell me." Analise slurred slightly."They're real and Sarah has contact with Nita."Ivy held her breath."Nita was waiting for her and realized it was her because as she transitioned, her life thread changed color. When it snapped and mended itself, Nita knew for certain Sarah was the one she’d been waiting for.""Nita?" Analise asked."Clotho is the weaver of the threads of time. She has been known as Nita in the past." Ivy rattled off. "How?""Sarah has an artifact that calls Nita to her. She walks the astral plane and--""They meet in the garden." I nodded at Ivy.She was already familiar."After yesterday's events, Sarah sought Nita’s counsel. Analise, you cannot use your sash.""After our conversation, I suspected that may be the case.""Nita made Sarah understand, if it were to be unwoven, it would cause harm to your clan.""I’m aware of this." Analise nodded and sighed. "Wow.""Nita will provide an alternate means to bind us. Tomorrow, ask Sarah about it, but you must ask indirectly and play dumb." Analise laughed. "She must not know you’ve been let in on the secret.""I can manage that." Analise was still laughing."Did Sarah tell you this?" Ivy was concerned."That's another part of the secret. Sarah is aware that we know about Nita. Nita had shown herself to Sarah while I was present, but Mark and I have the ability to see some of Sarah's dreams.""See her dreams?" Ivy’s continued shock was amusing."At first, we thought it was because she’d chosen Iain, but after Mark claimed her, he could see them, as well." "We don't need to be asleep either. Merely near her. Sarah also talks in her sleep. While we were on the flight here, she was sitting between us. She sighed my name in her sleep and we both caught images from her erotic dream." My father was red from laughter. I hadn't mentioned that to him. "We were both very glad when the images faded.""Faded?" Analise asked, confused."Sarah explained this one to me. The end of a vision is rarely written and that's why the images become fuzzy as it disappears.""She never told me that." My father smiled, but I knew he was annoyed."I asked her how she knew she was making the correct decision. She told me there was no right or wrong decision because the end wasn’t written. The future was fluid." Ivy offered."Wow." Analise slurred. "Now, you know how we feel." Father and I started laughing. "Sometimes, I forget she's only eighteen." I smiled."I can understand why." Analise sighed.
Mark
"I almost came in to see if your Aunt decided she wanted you to spend the day with her?""No, Iain caught me." Sarah smiled and shook her head. She took my hand and we walked off in the direction she had the night before. "What did Iain want?" She smirked at me. "Ah, I wondered why you changed your clothes.""I know the two of you are used to me being covered in the other's scent, but I still feel weird about it.""You shouldn't."I leaned down and kissed her."Sorry, no heels." She smiled."That means I just have to pick you up." I laughed lightly."Like you used to?" She asked softly. I caught a flash of an image from when we were first together. We were alone in a hallway at school. I saw myself pick her up, press her against the wall and kiss her. Sarah had an odd look on her face and I felt a surge of panic through our bond. Within the trees, I saw a grassy patch of sunlight. I picked her up. She naturally wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled herself close to me. I carried her to the patch of grass. As soon as I sat down with her, I heard her chant under her breath and felt her shields close in around us. She curled up in a ball between my bent knees."What's wrong?" I kissed behind her ear."I'm worried." She pressed her body against mine."There's nothing to be worried about." I stroked the back of my fingertips across her cheek."My Aunt asked me what was the final catalyst of my transition. I didn't want to tell her.""Why? I'm sure it would have come out eventually.""It's not her place to judge. She's been judging me since she got off the airplane." Sarah sighed in frustration."It doesn't matter.""It matters to me. I don't want to stay with her tonight. Last night, she asked me if there was anything I wanted to know about my parents or her and I don't want to know anything about any of them.""I think she's trying to find a way to connect with you. You need to remember you’re her only family, as well. She doesn't understand how to interact with... Well, with people.""No, she really doesn’t know how to be normal. She' told me, as soon as we're identified as Valkyrie, they’re sent to live in a Coven. Like, they're shipped off to boarding school, never to be heard from again.""If you decide you can't stay with her, come back to our bed. I don’t want you sleeping in the garden.""I don’t know this place so I won't be sleeping outside. Are you really going to be okay tomorrow?""Yes, my dear one."I kissed her softly. I felt a tear run down my cheek. Sarah began to cry. I felt her despair. She was drowning in it. We’d never been apart and the thought of it was taking its toll on her. "I don't want to say goodbye at the airport. I need to do it here.""Sarah, it’ll be okay. We'll only be apart for a few weeks. You can call and text me whenever you want. I’m feeling a little weird about the nude Skype-ing.""Why?""I know this may sound strange, but this will be Iain's time with you. He deserves to have you be his and only his while you're on your honeymoon. We’ll take a trip together after you come home--""Are you going to be okay with us being home for a little bit before we leave? I want to have a little time with Kitty before I leave her again.""I know how much she means to you and I’m okay with that. I was thinking about San Francisco over San Diego. I want to take you to the aquarium in Monterey. San Francisco will also have better shopping.""If we fly into Los Angeles, we'll be close to Disneyland, Six Flags and Universal studios. If we drive the Pacific Coast Highway, Monterey is about a five hour drive from Los Angeles. We could stretch that to a day or two, there are lovely places to stop along the way. We could actually drive all the way to San Francisco on the Pacific Coast Highway, spend some time there and then, fly home.""Amusement parks hadn't even crossed my mind." Sarah laughed."I think it might be fun to just be a normal eighteen year olds on a road trip.""You mean go and have fun; forget that I'm a wolf and you're a Valkyrie?"I laughed and she lightly punched my arm."Exactly. We just go and play. There will be the beach and Sun. Beautiful places to explore along the way. If we end up in San Francisco we are totally going to the Haight. Oh and Ghirardelli Square.""I know about Ghirardelli's, but what's the Haight?""Haight Ashbury. It was a Mecca for music in the Sixties." Sarah smiled. I knew she’d love that."I'll look for hotels along the Pacific Coast Highway and find a hotel in Monterey for us.""That would be wonderful. There's not a lot of forest to run in.""I'll book a suite wherever we stay ." She giggled. "I like this idea." I kissed her forehead. "We just go and be.""Unfortunately, no drinking.""I'll live. Would you like to take a boat out to Catalina Island?""I don’t know how I feel about boats. I've never been on one.""I think we can get to Catalina Island from LA, but I'll have to check. We’d be on a yacht.""I still don’t know if I want to go on a boat.""Why?""I'm Water Fae and I don't know what will happen.""That makes sense.""There are Ocean Fae Clans. I know about Selkies and Sirens, but I'm sure there are others." "When I get home, I'll make the arrangements.""I'm thinking when Iain leaves for his first trip. Which I know will be the day after the Full Moon. We can return a few days before the Full Moon in October.""Are you going to miss Halloween candy?""Please don’t tell Iain, but I’ll begin the transition after we return from our holiday.""Why the change? And why don’t you want to tell him?""It has to do with the messenger brats. They don’t have a seer and are unaware the path has shifted. I wanted to wait, but it's just not in the cards." She sighed."Why don’t you want to tell Iain?""He deserves the joy of finding out he will be a Father. I won't tell you when it happens either." Sarah scrunched up her face and stuck out her tongue. I squeezed her and kissed her forehead."I suppose that's fair.""It'll be an unpleasant transition. From everything I’ve read, the initial two weeks are the worst.""I’ll take care of you."I stroked my hand down her back and she buried her face against my chest."Should we tell Aedan?""They don’t keep secrets from each other and this is a big one. I don't want to tell either of them until I can no longer hide the fact I'm eating.""This means you can come over and cook for me." She giggled."It also means I can swallow as often as I want." She smirked."That, I like." She poked me in the side."Yeah, I thought you might." She smiled.Sarah cupped my cheek in her palm and kissed me passionately. I nibbled down her neck, slightly piercing her skin with my canines. I felt her body vibrate with pleasure. I picked her up and straddled her thighs across my hips. I slid my hands up her thighs and beneath her skirt. "You're not wearing anything under your skirt are you?" I rested my hands on her hips."Extra fabric that'd only get in the way." She kissed me roughly and nipped at my lip as she pulled away. She nuzzled my neck and giggled when I growled."I’d like to keep my wolf out of it until later." She nodded.She lifted herself up and I unbuttoned my shorts. She knew I wasn't wearing anything beneath them either. She closed her eyes and a beautiful smile spread across her lips as she slowly sunk down the length of me. She bounced a little to settle herself. I brushed her hair from her face and kissed her. She opened her eyes and they were bright blue. She brushed her lips against my throat. I unbuttoned her shirt and gently cupped her breasts, stroking her nipples lightly with my thumbs. She moaned softly and sank her fangs into my neck. Sarah found a hard, quick pace that we were both enjoying, but I wanted her to slow down. Her blowjob in the shower helped, but I wanted something sweet and innocent. Her suggestion for our trip reminded me we really were only eighteen. I decided I wanted more than just a quick romp. I knew this wouldn't be the only time we’d have sex today, but I wanted to soak up as much of my Sarah as I could.I held her hips still, "What's wrong?" She asked, confused."I will miss your touch and I would like to savor it." Tears filled her eyes. I reminded her of the thoughts she was trying to push out of her head. I reminded her of what she feared. She moved off of me and curled into a little ball. I tucked my dick back into my shorts and pulled her close to me."I'm sorry Sarah. I didn't mean to make you cry.""Even when we were no longer a couple, we were never apart.""I know.""I saw you every day at school. I could feel you watching me during class and in the hallways.""I couldn't help watching you. You were all I could think about. Everyday, I wanted to talk to you, but I wasn't brave enough. Knowing what I’d done to you..." I sighed and shook my head. "When I sent you the light pink roses for Valentine’s Day, I hoped you'd know they were from me. I hoped you’d see it as an act of affection and love.""I knew the flowers were from you. It was the first time I truly lost control and let myself feel. I lightly stroked one of the buds across my lips and imagined I was feeling your lips touch mine again. I was already a Valkyrie. I couldn't bear the thought of harming you.""We could have worked it out.""You have no idea how many times I wished I could have felt your arms wrap around me again or how badly I wanted to feel your lips touch mine. I knew we’d end up in your bed and I couldn’t control my need or my fear.""You could have told me. We could have found a way.""As soon as you went through the growth spurt and your eyes turned amber, I could’ve told you, but I didn't know how."I picked her up and straddled her hips across my thighs again. I wrapped my arms around her and held her close. I felt her sigh and relaxed into me."I wished I had slept with you that night." She whispered."It was better you didn't. It wasn't right. It wasn't something I wanted you to feel forced or coerced into doing. Even though that was what happened in the end.""Things are slowly getting better.""Which I’m thankful for everyday." I kissed her tenderly. Sarah licked the corner of my lips and nuzzled against my neck. "I want..." I showed her the image of the two of us in the classroom. It was the first time I touched her bare skin and felt her tremble. I wanted to be that seventeen year old with his first girlfriend. Sarah smiled and buttoned her shirt until only the tops of her breasts were showing.We spent the rest of the day exploring the grounds and having sex whenever the mood struck her. Which was quite often. Sarah said, 'It wasn’t sex, it was fucking. Delicious fucking.' The last time we had sex, I turned and let my wolf have his mate. We returned to the house a little after sunset. Sarah wanted to soak before dinner. I took a shower. However, when I left the bathroom, she was still in the bathtub and I could hear her singing softly to herself.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Sarah
After dinner, I followed the boys out to the patio. They all stopped to grab a bottle on the way out. I didn't say anything. Tonight, was sort of Iain's bachelor party and I just let them be. My Aunt and Analise actually followed us out and it wasn't until we got out to the patio did I understand why. The patio was lit with criss-crossed strands of lights like in the party scene in "Roman Holiday". Aedan was in the corner fussing with his phonograph. When he turned, he smiled at me and held out his hand. I giggled and took it. Thankfully, it was only the Foxtrot. Iain apparently knew the steps as well and decided my Aunt was going to dance. I buried my face against Aedan's chest to stifle my laughter. Aedan took the opportunity to bury his face in my hair. Analise knew the steps, but only the lady's part. She attempted to teach Mark. I couldn’t decide which was more hilarious, my Aunt dancing with Iain or Mark attempting to dance with Analise.Analise and Mark retired rather quickly. Aedan and Aunt Ivy danced together for a few more songs, but then they disappeared, too. Leaving Iain and I alone."Tomorrow, you will be my wife." I smiled."Tomorrow, you will be my husband." Iain's face lit up."I’ve been trying to imagine your gown." I giggled. "Give me a hint. Lavender? Blue? White?""Does it matter? I could show up in my bathrobe and you’d still be willing to marry me." He laughed."I guess it really doesn’t.""We could go Skyclad." Sarah giggled."What?""Some Pagan rituals are performed nude. It's called Skyclad." Iain snickered and buried his face in my hair. I chanted the spell that no longer hid my scent. He growled against my neck. My entire body was covered with goosebumps."Where do you want to go first? I have some ideas, but I spent most of my life here.""I don’t know. There are specific places I have to go and I need to be there at a specific time.""You said Inverness in six days. Would you like to see the Globe Theater? We could head West to Bath and then, on to Cardiff. We could head North to Cambridge, then to North Hampton or Gloucester. We could skip all of that and catch a flight to Edinburgh.""Ooo, I like the idea of flying to Scotland. We should fly into Edinburgh. We can drive and explore. Then, fly from London to Paris.""Would you like to see Ireland?""I don't know yet. Can we decide that after Scotland?""Anything you like." I smiled and kissed him."You're not supposed to see the bride before the wedding." I giggled. "I should go."Iain laughed and we walked inside. Everyone had gathered in front of the fireplace. Mark grabbed my hand and kissed it. I left before I started crying. I went back to our room, gathered my things and begrudgingly took them to my Aunt's room.
Iain
"Did Sarah go to bed?" My father asked."No, she went to move her things to Ivy's room." "Not to be rude, but she doesn’t want to stay with you."Mark said without making eye contact with Sarah's Aunt."Why?" Analise asked."I made the mistake of trying to talk to her about her parents.""I’d think she'd be bursting with curiosity about them." Analise said in a lilty, but slightly slurred tone."You don’t understand Valkyrie." Mark sighed and shook his head. "When a Valkyrie's fire dies, she dies. Sarah's mother died of despair--""Despair? I don't understand.""She was devastated over the loss of Rowyn and within two weeks of Sarah's birth, she had passed." Ivy said without emotion."Sarah tries not to think about the fact that she wasn't enough."I took a long drink."I still don’t understand." Analise got denser and denser with each passing century."Her mother died leaving her newborn an orphan because she couldn't handle the loss of her mate. The needs of her infant daughter were not enough to give her a reason to fight through the pain and continue living. Most orphans feel abandoned, but in Sarah's case, it's far worse. She tries not to think about the fact she wasn’t important to her mother. She refers to herself as the nameless product of fated genetic engineering. She doesn't want to know anything about them and would rather close the door on the subject and move on." Mark said firmly."Why does she refer to herself like that?" I could tell Mark wanted to take a swipe at Analise, but so did my father."That's Sarah's way of referring to the prophecy. She says, it's why she exists. She doesn't see her life as her own. She views herself as a Tool of Fate, a servant. She's meant to fight a war that’s not hers and is required to bring forth others, who's lives will not be their own. She says, she's nameless because she doesn't know if her parents named her Sarah or if that was the name the mortals chose for her." I could hear the tears in my father's voice. He didn't like how Sarah viewed herself any more than the rest of us did."Do you know her given name?" Mark asked Ivy softly."My sister passed before I could reach her. I already knew Sarah's lineage and that she needed to be hidden. The woman I left her with, her youngest son had just married and his young wife was barren. She desperately wanted a child. When the woman looked at the infant, she said, she looked like a Princess and should be called Sarah. Sarah means 'Princess' in Hebrew.""You left Sarah with her grandmother, didn't you?" My father asked Ivy and she nodded."What should I say to her?" Ivy's eyes were bright blue. I noticed she was still wearing the amulet Sarah gave to her."I told her, you really didn't know how to interact with people and that she was your only family, too. That you were trying to connect with her, but didn’t know how." Mark tried to soothe Ivy and she nodded. "I also told her, if she couldn't stay with you, to return to our room." She nodded again."Sarah’s highly skilled at hiding her emotions, but she has a tell. When she's faking happiness, her shoulders slump slightly and you can see a hint of a frown at the corners of her lips, even if she's smiling." I added."If I notice it, I will kindly send her back to you." She gestured to Mark.Ivy collected herself and left the room. Analise wiped the tears from her cheeks, finished her scotch and followed Ivy out.
Sarah
As I was getting out of the bathtub, I heard my Aunt come in. I quickly dried off and put my non-sexy night clothes on. Tonight, they consisted of the t-shirt Iain wore the night before and a pair of flannel shorts. I sat down on the sofa, where I’d made a bed for myself. My Aunt was just sitting on the bed silent. When I listened to her thoughts, all I could hear was chaos. I decided to tune her out and read. "You don’t have to sleep on the sofa. The bed is big enough for us to share.""I didn't want to assume.""You don’t have to stay either.""I see, they said something to you.""Your well being is very important to them." I sighed."Sometimes, I wish they’d just keep their damn mouths shut." I tried not to growl, but there were sparks of electricity in the room."I won't tell you about your parents. I understand now, why you don’t want to know about them.""Ignorance is bliss." I said sarcastically."They really weren’t bad people and you shouldn’t harbor ill will towards either of them.""Gee, my father was murdered to make sure I didn't exist. I can't really be angry with him over that. I’m sure he would’ve preferred to continue living, but my mother. Oh, my mother died because she let the loss of her mate consume her. Nevermind, the infant daughter who needed her. If I hadn't transitioned, would I have ever found out about any of this? Would you have even come to look for me? You had seventeen years to do so and not one peep. Not even a fucking birthday card. Fuck the child you could’ve taken in. No, because you were pissed off at your sister, you threw away the only family you had. If her own mother didn’t value her, why the Hell would you? Add to that, my adopted family. So yeah, not gonna happen. I'm really good at just closing the door on painful, unpleasant memories and moving on.""Mark said that, too. He also mentioned that he told you, I didn't know how to interact with people. He's not wrong. I don't really know how to interact with people on a personal level.""You have no friends at all? I would’ve thought over the years, you must have at least formed some kind of relationship with the others you live with.""Once I stopped going out on nightly raids--"“Nightly raids?""Valkyrie may free the fallen, but before the wards were set in place, we were charged with protecting the mortals.""From like demons and vampires?""It depended on where your Coven was located. The Covens in New Orleans always saw the most action.""Given the city's history, I'm not surprised." We both laughed. "That wouldn't be so bad I guess.""It wasn't, but I grew beyond that phase. Once I did, I spent less and less time with the others in the Coven. I was surprised how well you handle yourself.""I had to find a way to channel my violent urges or I would've killed my adopted father and brother. I worked out three hours a night. Among other things.""Other things?""Tai Chi, Yoga, magic practice, Zen Meditation, reading. Pretty much anything I could do quietly. My mother was a light sleeper.""Do you miss her?""For many years, I protected and took care of her. I made sure they did not abuse her. I nursed her through several surgeries. I cooked and cleaned. I abandoned her. Left her there at their mercy. I was left with no choice.""You feel guilty?""Uh, duh." I exhaled loudly."Do you want to go back to Mark's room?""Part of me wants to just throw my hands up at the situation and be done with it, but I know that’s wrong. I was raised as a mortal and have a hard time understanding where you're coming from a lot of the time. I remind myself, you're family--""Is that such a horrible thing?""No, not in itself, but I'm a half blood and you're a pure blood. Yes, we’re both Tools of Fate, but we’ll never view the World the same way. I hate that you’ve been judging me since you got off the plane--""I have not been judging you.""Liar. You think, I’m pathetic and weak. Not worthy to be called Valkyrie. Well, probably, not so much anymore." "At first, when I saw you standing there next to Iain, I took pity on you--""And scolded me for having emotions. Like, I shouldn’t be happy to see you." I growled."Don’t take that tone with me." She growled back. "Aw, man. Yep, definitely related." I laughed. It took her a moment, but then, she started laughing, too."I have something for you." I raised an eyebrow and she laughed. She got up and pulled out a beautifully wrapped box about the size and shape of a large pizza box. She set the box down on the sofa in front of me and then, sat down on the floor next to me. I untied the lavender bow and carefully, tore through the silver paper. When I opened the box, I was shocked into silence."I had it made out of silk chiffon. Aedan said, your gown was silk." I carefully removed the delicately embroidered veil. “He told me, your bouquet was light pink roses. I thought, you'd like them as part of the handmade lace.""This is beautiful." I whispered.I stood up and carried the veil to the floor length mirror. My Aunt helped me place the comb in my hair. She smoothed out the back before laying the veil over my face."It's not too long is it?""No, it comes to my fingertips. Definitely, not too long." I smiled at her."Aedan said, you were not planning on wearing a veil.""No, I had planned to have the hair stylist weave flowers into my hair, but this is... I love it." I turned from side to side and looked at myself. Finally I felt like a bride. My Aunt helped me carefully place the veil back in the box."Did you want to see my dress?" I nodded.My Aunt unzipped a hanging bag. She pulled out a soft lavender silk chiffon dress with light beading and corset lacing down the back. The strapless sweetheart neckline was a bit surprising."Aedan asked me, to wear a low heel." She held out her shoes. They were flats. I giggled and bounced on the bed."I think you'll look beautiful, but you gotta let your hair down.""Why? I happen to like my hair up." She hung up her dress. "Oh my god, where to begin." I pushed her over to the vanity and made her sit down. I took the pins out of her hair. I realized her hair had lovely bouncy curls and it wasn’t from being up in a perpetual bun. Her hair was silver blonde, not grey, like I thought and came down past her shoulders.I ran my fingers through her hair and made sure there weren't any tangles and then, took a portion from the crown and fluffed it up. I grabbed one of my clips and pulled it back into a soft flip. "With some gel eyeliner, a little eyeshadow and mascara. Oh and lip stain, closer to your skin tone..."While I talked, I quickly did her makeup. I turned her around to face the mirror and her jaw dropped. I giggled."No more school marm." I laughed."A what?""A school marm. An older unmarried woman who's a school teacher.""How did you learn to do this?"She fussed with her hair and looked closely at her face in the mirror."I have a fashion obsession. For me, it's a form of expression.""You'll have to teach me how to do this." I giggled."Happily."We spent the rest of the night laughing, as I taught her how to put on makeup and style her hair. You'd think as old as she was, she'd know how to do some of this stuff, but I guess Valkyrie needed a makeover every millennia or so.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mark
"Good morning." Iain, Aedan and Analise were already seated. They nodded as I sat down. “Did you make sure Sarah wasn’t coming to breakfast?""I checked in on her and her Aunt before I came down. They’d already moved to the master suite and were laying out Ivy's things.""Good. I was worried.""I'm impressed they survived the night together." Iain laughed."After breakfast, I'll be joining them." Analise smiled."So, what are we going to do while Aedan micro manages all the details?"I looked at Iain and Aedan laughed."I saw a billiards room and it’ll probably take us at least an hour to get dressed." We both laughed."When will our hair stylist and makeup artist arrive?" Iain was laughing so hard he snorted. Aedan gave me a look. I think he wanted to stick his tongue out at me like Sarah does.Iain and I finished breakfast and wandered off. I noticed all the curtains were drawn on one side of the manor. I was tempted to go outside, but I decided I wanted to be surprised too.
Sarah
"Hey Analise. How are you this morning?""Very well and how’s the bride?" I giggled."Do you know where the boys are hiding out?""You're not going anywhere." My Aunt stated firmly. "I'm not going anywhere." I stuck out my tongue at her and she laughed. "I just wanted to know what they were up to.""They mentioned something about a Billiard’s Room.""Awesome. Was Aedan going with them?""I’m sure he will be in and out until the ceremony."There was a light knock and then three women came through the door. The first two each had a large case on luggage wheels. The third had two huge cases of her own she was trying to muscle through the door. I started laughing. She set everything down, "Hi, I'm Melissa." She shook my hand. "I'll be your personal assistant and this is Marie and Kerrianne. Marie will be doing your makeup today and Kerrianne your hair. Would you like to start off with some champagne?" Melissa trilled."Umm, we don’t drink." I said, as I pointed to myself and my Aunt. "Analise does, but we don't." "Oh, I didn't know that. I brought coffee and pastries too.""Out of the three of us, Analise is the only one that eats.""I don't understand." Melissa said, thoroughly confused.Marie saw our eyes turn the unmistakable shade of Valkyrie blue and started laughing."Okay, now, I do." Marie laughed. She stretched out her hand to me, "I've never met Valkyrie before.""We get that a lot." I laughed and shook her hand. "So wolves?"I gestured at them and all three nodded."Is there anything I can get for you?" Melissa asked, trying desperately to hide her frustration. Kerrianne and Marie were attempting not to laugh."Actually, there is something you can do for me." I handed her a large, heavy box wrapped in navy blue paper with a silver bow. "Can you locate the boys and give this box to Iain? Analise said, they went to the Billiard’s room.""I can show you where it is, dear." Analise ushered Melissa out. She was also trying not to laugh.As soon as we knew, they were out of earshot, we lost it."Aedan didn't tell you?" I asked Marie."When Lord Faelduir called to book services for the wedding, we were contracted through Melissa and she assumed you’d all be wolves, too.'' I giggled."So who's first?" Kerrianne asked with a smile.
Iain
I saw a young woman wander past the door. She was carrying a large, cumbersome box. "I think one of your staff has run astray." My father saw her pass by again and chuckled.He walked out into the hall. The girl sounded exasperated. I heard her frantically apologizing and my father attempting to soothe her. He returned with a smile on his face and a very large box."What was that about?" I asked."That was Sarah's personal assistant, Melissa. Sarah asked her to deliver this to you."He set the very large box on the coffee table in front of me."What do you think it is?" I mused."There's a card." Mark pointed to an envelope tucked under the bow. I opened it.I figured you'd all be drinking before the ceremony, so I thought I'd find you something worth drinking. Quinn and Forest helped. Enjoy! Love, your wicked little Valkyrie.I laughed and handed the card to Mark. He read it and handed it to my father."I can actually hear her laughing as she wrote it." Mark laughed."So what did she find?" My father was anxious.I ripped through the paper and into the box. There were four carefully wrapped bottles and two wooden boxes. Plus, another note.
I couldn't find 372 year old whisky. The oldest I found was 100 years old. It was found frozen in the Arctic and that just seemed a little weird to me. Oh and tell Aedan, those are my favorite kind of cigars, but I think you might like them, too.
I laughed and handed the note to Mark and the box it had been attached to, to my father."These are vanilla sugar cured Cohibas." My father laughed and took one from the small humidor. He held it up to his ear and rolled it between his fingers to verify its freshness. He smiled. There was an elegantly carved box built within it that contained a cutter and a compartment with matches."I've never smoked a cigar." My father cut the one he’d been holding and handed it to Mark."The key is to not inhale the smoke into your lungs. Take small puffs from it and hold the smoke in your mouth. Savor the taste and then, exhale." My father laughed. "Let's look at these. Glen Livet 1940...""That was a very good one if I remember correctly."My father took the bottle from me. "Glenmorangie Signet Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.""I like the bottle." Mark took it from me."anCnoc Rutter Peaty.""Interesting." My father set aside the first bottle and took the new one from me."What's the fourth bottle?" Mark asked and I picked it up. There was a sticky note stuck to it.
Can't go wrong with Johnnie Walker. Usually, I'd go for Johnnie Walker Black, but I liked the Blue Label. Have fun. See ya later! I'll be the one down in front in white.
I laughed and set the bottle aside. I opened the second wooden box. It held three crystal glasses, resting in molded velvet. I took one out and looked at it. It had Mark's name etched into the glass in an elegant font. I started laughing."This one's yours." I handed the glass to him."She had our names put on them." I laughed and nodded."This one's mine. So, this one must be yours, Father." I handed it to him and he turned a bright shade of red. Only Sarah had ever managed to make my father blush."What's wrong?" Mark asked as he filled his glass.My father held out his glass and I nearly dropped the bottle I was holding.His glass read 'Big Daddy'."I'm willing to bet that was Quinn's idea." I laughed. I filled my father's glass and picked up the cigar he cut for me."How do I do this?" Mark held up the cigar.My father handed him a match."You always light it with a match." He said."Why?""Lighter fluid ruins the flavor." I struck the match and held the cut end over the flame. As I puffed on the cigar, I caught a familiar taste. When I looked up, Mark's and my father's eyes were amber and their canines had erupted. I scented the cigar and smelled Sarah's aroused scent. I started laughing."She sincerely has a wicked sense of humor." Mark grinned.My father and I started laughing when we put it together."Yes, yes, she absolutely does." I snickered.
Sarah
Melissa returned slightly disheveled."Did you find them?""I did.""Awesome. Thank you."Kerrianne was working on my hair and Marie was doing my Aunt's makeup. My Aunt kept stopping her, so she could ask questions. I tried not to giggle. I sat with my eyes closed while Kerrianne worked her magic. "Okay, what do you think?" Marie asked. I opened my eyes. She had finished my Aunt's makeup. "Oh, you look beautiful." Analise exclaimed. She really did. She actually bordered on hot."Do you really think so?" My Aunt looked in the mirror. It was the contouring of her bone structure that threw her the most. Marie had softened my Aunt's sharp facial features and accentuated her positive ones. She looked, well, she looked feminine and kind."I think you're going to be hired for another gig." I laughed. "Ever been to Castle Faelduir?" Marie and Kerrianne laughed.Someone knocked on the door. I assumed it was Aedan and shouted come in. An overly chipper man in a fashionable grey pinstripe suit and a purple tie came in."This is for you, Miss Green." He handed me a box. He smiled and bounced out of the room. Once he left, I wasn't the only one who couldn't help bursting out into laughter."What is it?""No clue. So, y'all weren't in on this?" I looked at my Aunt and she shook her head.I opened the box carefully. There was a small card laying on top of something wrapped in silver tissue paper.
I thought this would make a lovely family heirloom. Love, Aedan.
I handed the card to my Aunt. She read it aloud. I pulled the tissue paper back and found a tiara. I held it up and gasped, "Oh my god." Aedan found a headband style tiara. It was decorated with delicate clusters of flowers made from diamonds and amethysts. The band looked like it was made from silver but, knowing Aedan it was platinum. "That will be the perfect finishing touch under your veil." Kerrianne quickly took it from my hands and went back to fussing with my hair. "Perfect." She announced proudly.I turned to the mirror. I was shocked. I looked like a real medieval lady. My hair was curled into beautiful waves. Kerrianne had pulled sections of my hair back, away from my face, and had woven them into an intricate braid. She wove and pinned strands of the curls around the band to hold it in place."Time for makeup." Marie woke me from my daze. Kerrieanne and Marie switched places. I almost stopped Marie from applying my makeup. I’d thought about doing it myself, but I decided what the Hell. Since Melissa was pretty much useless in any other capacity, she decided, she would paint my fingernails and toenails light pink. I spaced off, but was brought back to reality by another knock at the door. Analise answered the door this time. She returned with another package for me. This time it was a small box.I opened it and found a little card on top of something wrapped in shiny purple tissue paper.
'For my dear one.'
I smiled.It was a gift from Mark. I pulled the item from the tissue paper and found a delicate silver chain that had a pearl dangling through a silver heart."That's beautiful. Let me put it on you." Marie practically ripped it out of my hands. She brushed my hair aside and fastened it for me. "You didn’t tell us who it was from." Kerrianne said as she sprayed hairspray on my Aunt's hair."It's from Mark." I smiled. "It's your turn, Analise." I giggled and ushered her over to the chair.I disappeared into the bathroom to put on my corset, thigh highs, panties and half-slip. When I came out there was another knock on the door. I kept expecting someone to bring in Nita's gift, but no one had.Melissa answered the door. It was the florist with my bouquet and the orchid corsages for my Aunt and Analise. The roses in my bouquet were a soft delicate pale pink. The stems were wrapped with light pink satin. Over the satin was a band of lace. A butterfly brooch was pinned about halfway down. The wings and its body were beaded in such a way that they looked like stained glass. The bouquet also came with a card.Melissa took the bouquet from my hands and placed it in a special holder to keep it up right until it was time for the ceremony.I opened the card and nearly started to cry. The note was in Audrey's handwriting.
Have a beautiful day! We love you.
The large card was covered with handwritten well wishes. It looked like the whole pack signed it. "Who's this one from?" Analise asked."What?" She knocked me out of my head. "Umm, our pack."I showed them the card. Analise sighed and dabbed her eyes."It's time to put on your shoes and gown." I hadn't noticed everyone was dressed, but me.My Aunt led me by the hand and I sat down. Analise put my shoes on. As they dressed me, I felt like I was having an out of body experience. Marie handed me my bouquet and I woke up. They herded me toward the mirror. My Aunt and Analise put my veil on. I gazed in the mirror and didn't recognize myself."Are you ready to get married?" Melissa chirped."What?" They erupted in laughter. Melissa took my hand and we left the suite. The photographer positioned me in different places and took several pictures. I took a few with my Aunt and a couple with Analise. Afterwards, I was guided to the door that I was supposed to walk through. Everyone knew where we were going, but me. Nita's gift hadn't shown up and I was starting to panic."I have Iain's ring," my Aunt reminded me. "Let me lay your veil over your face." I turned to face my Aunt. "You look beautiful." She squeezed my hand. I could tell she wanted to say more, but chose to smile instead."You look beautiful, too." I smiled and squeezed her hand.
Mark
I left Iain to finish dressing. I walked to where the ceremony would take place and my mouth fell open. Aedan grinned proudly. I knew that was the effect he sought to achieve. There were flowers of every type everywhere, all in soft pastel colors. I recognized the hydrangeas, irises, and obviously, the roses. The flowers brought Spring to an early Fall evening. The path Sarah would walk was covered with red rose petals. It was flanked by vases of roses with candles. The aisle ended in what looked like an Oak gazebo. The gazebo was decorated with tons of roses and other flowers. The wood was carved to look like climbing roses. The ceiling was composed of light pink silk and carved wooden beams. Strands of orchids and silk hung freely from the back and sides of the structure. The entire area scented of jasmine."If Valkyrie could faint." Aedan laughed. "What is this?" I pointed to the gazebo."It's a Chuppah.""A what?""Jewish wedding ceremonies are conducted beneath a Chuppah. Once your home is built, this structure will become a part of a gazebo.""Wow." I looked at it closer. "Sarah’s going to love this." Aedan smiled.I went and sat down on one of the marble benches next to the fountain. Aedan went back inside. The photographer was walking around taking pictures. We had about a half an hour before Sarah would appear.
Iain
"It's time." My father smiled and straightened my tie. "This is from Sarah." My father handed me a small box and a card. I opened the box. Sarah's gift was a set of cuff links and a tie tack. My father helped me put them on."What does the card say?" He asked.I opened the card and it simply read, 'I figured out what the stone was.'. I was stunned silent."Well, what does it say?" He took the card away from me."She figured out what the stone was in her mother's ring and had cuff links and a tie tack made for me." I whispered. My father smiled, "It's time."I followed my father out into the garden. I was shocked. The entire garden was filled with flowers and lit candles. My father led me to a structure that was made from carved wood. It was draped in flowers and pastel silk. I gave my father a strange look.He smiled, "It's a Chuppah. Jewish wedding ceremonies are held beneath them. I had the structure carved from Oak. Once your home is built, it will become part of a gazebo." I didn't know what to say. It was beautiful. Sarah was going to love it. My father continued to smile proudly. I was distracted by the appearance of Ivy and Analise. They carefully walked down the aisle that Sarah soon would. They both looked beautiful.When the doors opened, music from the string quartet began to fill the garden. A moment later, Sarah made her appearance.Sarah's hair was in long loose curls. It sparkled like rubies in the setting Sun. The gown she wore was perfect; simple, elegant silk with roses scattered along the dress. I could see her navy blue shoes peek out with every measured step.I saw the necklace that was Mark's gift and the amethyst and diamond band my father found for her. He thought it would make a wonderful family heirloom. I could see our daughters wearing it when they wed. Sarah had decided to wear a veil after all. The lace had light pink roses embroidered into it. It fit with the light pink roses she carried. As the music played, Sarah walked slowly towards me. She positively glowed with joy. It hit me how truly blessed I was. Analise stood next to Sarah's Aunt on the left side. She didn't appear upset over no longer acting as the officiant. My father, Mark and I stood on the right.As Sarah walked, there was a brief flash of light and a slightly distorted shadow came into view a few feet in front of her. Sarah started giggling. Nita walked the rest of the way down the aisle in front of Sarah. Analise looked like she was about to faint. Sarah just giggled. I saw something gold in Nita's hands. I assumed it was the rope she would use to bind us. When they reached the Chuppah, Nita stepped beneath it, turned to face us and we joined her.
Mark
Sarah was stunning. More beautiful than I could possibly imagine. I saw she chose to wear my necklace which made me smile. She squeezed my hand as she passed me. For the first time, we all saw Nita. I wasn't as shocked as the others. When she said, she’d considered performing the binding ritual herself, I knew that she intended to do so. I wasn't sure how that would change things.Nita was... Beautiful wasn’t the correct word to describe her. Frankly, I wasn't sure there was a word that could. The closest phrase I could come up with was ‘ethereal timelessness’. Which honestly, barely scratched the surface. The layers of the luminescent ocean blue gown she wore, floated on a non-existent breeze. She didn’t appear to be walking, more gliding along the path. Her skin was nearly translucent and her eyes were the same ocean blue. Some of her hair was piled high upon her head, held up by an odd silver band. The rest fell in golden waves almost to her knees. I heard her humming as she passed us and walked beneath the Chuppah. Sarah handed her Aunt her bouquet and followed Nita.Nita said, "Le grá agus áthas, a iarraidh mé leat, Iain."I heard in my head, "With love and joy I ask you, Iain." Sarah was translating for me. Actually, I think she was translating for everyone. I assumed Nita was speaking Gaelic. It made me wonder if she spoke Gaelic in Sarah's dreams, too."A ghlacadh a lámh dheis i do chlé.""Take her right hand in your left" Iain took Sarah's right hand."Agus a ghlacadh a lámh chlé i do dheis." "And take her left hand in your right." He did as asked. She laid the golden rope over Iain and Sarah's joined hands."Athuair Iain mo dhiaidh.""Iain repeat after me." Iain straightened up, "Mo maité, grá mo chroí." "My mate, love of my heart." He repeated it, as Sarah translated it."D'fhear céile Beidh mé a bheith" He said after Nita.
"Your husband I shall be."
"Mo chroí agus mo ghrá a thabhairt liom ribh go dtí deireadh an ama."
"My heart and my love I give unto you until the end of time."
Iain stumbled a little over the words. I could hear the tears in his voice. Sarah smiled.A portion of the rope wrapped around both of their hands, but one side continued to twine itself up Sarah's right arm."Sarah, Athuair tar éis dom."
"Sarah, repeat after me."
Sarah smiled brightly, "Mo maité, grá mo chroí."
"My mate, love of my heart"
She repeated it as Nita said it, but still translated it."Do bhean chéile beidh mé a bheith"
"Your wife I shall be."
"Mo chroí agus mo ghrá a thabhairt liom ribh go dtí deireadh an ama." Sarah said softly and smiled.
"My heart and my love I give unto you until the end of time."
As Sarah said the last few words, the remaining length of rope wrapped itself up Iain's right arm."Do bhean chéile beidh mé a bheith."
"Please repeat these words together."
"Do fola de mo fola, agus cnámh mo cnámh."
"Your Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone."
"Mé a thabhairt duit mo Comhlacht."
"I give you my Body."
"Go bhfuil muid a Dó d'fhéadfadh a bheith hAon."
"That we Two might be One."
"Mé a thabhairt duit mo Spiorad."
"I give you my Spirit."
"Go dtí go mbeidh ár n- Saoil a dhéanamh."
"Until our Life shall be Done."
As Sarah and Iain spoke the last words, the rope flashed a deep green and melted into their skin. Before she faded, Nita actually bounced and clapped.Iain lifted Sarah's veil and kissed her, "Gráím thú.""I love you, too." Sarah kissed him again. For a moment, they became lost in each other.Aedan cleared his throat, "Rings." Aedan took a small, carved wooden box from his tuxedo pocket and opened it for Iain. Iain retrieved the ring from it and took Sarah's left hand, "Let this ring be seen as a sign of our coupling." He slipped the ring onto Sarah's finger. I noticed her engagement ring was missing from her hand.The ring Iain selected was made of Oak. I saw a delicate rose gold rose with a small pearl in its center. As the ring caught the light, I also saw the inner band was rose gold. Sarah smiled and kissed him.Ivy opened a small velvet box for Sarah.Sarah took the ring from it and held Iain's left hand, "Let this ring show, you're mine." Everyone laughed as Sarah giggled maniacally.The ring she chose for him looked like it was silver, but I was sure it was platinum. It shimmered white. She had enchanted it for him. The ring had four stones; a ruby, an emerald, a diamond, and a sapphire. They were evenly spaced, like the four points on a compass. The stones sat flush in the band. It took me a moment to realize each stone represented an element; ruby for fire, emerald for earth, diamond for air, and sapphire for water.Iain placed his hand on Sarah's cheek and kissed her. All through the entire ceremony, the photographer had been taking photos. I was sincerely curious, how Nita would show up in them. We all posed for pictures. I heard Iain's stomach grumble and Sarah giggled."So Aedan, wasn’t there supposed to be a reception or something." Aedan laughed,"Follow me."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Iain
Sarah took my arm and we followed my father down a short hallway and through an archway. Suddenly, Sarah stopped and covered her mouth to keep from squealing.There was a long rectangular table setup in the arboretum. From nearly every branch of every tree, hung a candle lit lantern. A few of the trees had strings of white lights wrapped around their trunks and branches. The table was covered in a layer of lace over a light purple table cloth. There were several small flower arrangements intermixed with candles down the length of the table. Each of the six chairs were decorated. Sarah's and my chair were dressed as a bride and groom. The rest were decorated with ribbons, lace and flowers, all in soft pastel colors. The seating arrangement had Sarah sitting between Mark and I and my father between Ivy and Analise.Mark set up the music for us before he sat down. He had created playlists for different parts of the reception.Sarah's personal assistant, Melissa, appeared from thin air and took her bouquet and veil.I helped Sarah to her seat and my father helped Analise and Ivy to theirs.The wait staff began to serve dinner while cello music quietly played in the background. My father chose an excellent five course menu. Three of the five courses were red meat, but there would be no wedding cake until the reception.When dessert was served, a tray of champagne flutes were brought out with it. Mark felt Sarah's heart sink and he looked at me. The glasses were passed out to the four of us, but two small trays were brought out for Sarah and her Aunt. On the tray were four shot glasses. Each filled with the whisky Sarah from her groom's gift. As the tray was set before her, Sarah was giggling manically. "What’s this?" Ivy asked, confused."They want to see if you can drink, too." Sarah smirked."Sarah bought Iain four types of whisky as a groom’s gift. Since we know she's able to drink. We thought, if it was in a small enough amount, you may also be able to consume some.""Do you remember which is which?" Sarah asked. I pointed to each and rattled off its name. "Okay, here goes. We'll try the peaty one first.""Wait, my dear, we should toast."We all held up our glasses, "To Sarah and Iain." Everyone clinked their glasses together. We all paused patiently while we waited for Ivy and Sarah to drink.Sarah slammed the shot down, "Eh, I like the stuff you normally drink more." She made a face and giggled. Ivy tentatively held the glass to her lips."The worst thing that’ll happen is it’ll hurt a little, but the alcohol numbs that away." Sarah smiled. Ivy nodded and swallowed the shot. For a moment, she sat there frozen."What's the verdict?" Sarah asked."It's the strangest sensation. I’ve never consumed anything before." She took the second shot glass and slammed it back, "Wow." She laughed."You should try giving head. Now, there's something to swallow." Sarah let out a wicked giggled. Analise blushed while the rest of us laughed. I tried to poke Sarah in the side, but she caught my hand and kissed it."Head? I don't understand." Ivy looked confused."Did you miss out on the whole birds and bees talk?" Sarah drank the third shot, "Ooo, I like this one a lot. What was this one again?""GlenLivet.""Awesome. Gotta remember that one.""Birds and the bees?" Ivy asked."How the Hell are you as old as you are and not know about this?" Sarah’s Valkyrie was coming out. Ivy blushed crimson. Which I didn’t think was possible. I could tell Sarah either showed her some images or told her telepathically.We finished dessert and Ivy and Sarah finished their shots. Ivy was actually giddy. Mark got up and changed the playlist. We each looked through Sarah's collection of music and selected our own song. Since the song I chose would become our song, I selected the one she often sang to me while we danced alone in our bedroom, 'I'll be your baby tonight' by Norah Jones. My father selected,"They all laughed." It was a George and Ira Gershwin piece. Not a traditional song for a father/daughter dance, but it was one of their favorites to dance to. Mark also selected a song she sang to him when they danced alone together, "Dance me to the end of love" by the Civil Wars. He told me, when they were both mortal, it was the song he wanted played for the first dance at their wedding.My father walked over to Sarah, "I know, I’m not the Father of the Bride, but it’s traditional for the first dance..." Sarah nodded and took my father's hand. The music started and Sarah started laughing. My father grinned at her.Sarah and my father didn't really dance. They laughed and played together while they moved to the music. I think it made Sarah feel better about not having a traditional father/daughter dance. It also illustrated perfectly the relationship they shared. She was right, they were the same.As the last few bars of the song played, I stepped next to my father. Sarah smiled at me. She placed her hand on my shoulder and I took her right hand in my left. Normally, I would have put my hand on her lower back, but I let it slide between her shoulders pulling her against me. She sighed softly and her hand drifted to the back of my neck."You look beyond beautiful." Sarah blushed. "So, it was white." She giggled."Surprised?""A little.""But I wore navy blue shoes." She kicked her foot out for me to see."I saw your shoes as you walked toward me.""I love my ring.""I hoped you would. I thought you might appreciate something a bit more organic.""I would've loved whatever you chose." I couldn't help myself. I kissed her. Our lips parted and she laid her head against my chest."What would you like to do tonight?" She giggled."You mean, you don’t know?" I laughed. "Did Aedan forget to have the talk with you, too?" She giggled.I twirled her around and dipped her, making her squeak. Thankfully, no glass broke."How did you find out what stone was in your ring?""Research." She stuck her tongue out at me and giggled."The whisky was excellent.""I thought you might like that. They didn't taste half bad. Well, the peaty one kinda did, but that could just be me.""You left my father speechless." Sarah smirked."Quinn and I couldn't decide if we should have his name etched into it or what--""Ah, it was Quinn who came up with 'Big Daddy'?""No, actually, that was Becky." We were both laughing."You really do look amazing." I kissed her again."Awe, I bet you say that to all the girls."She batted her eyelashes at me."You clean up pretty good yourself." She giggled.
Mark
The song that they were dancing to was slowly ending. I was unsure if I should cut in and dance with her or leave them be. I decided I needed my moment with her.I walked over as Iain's song ended. He smiled at me and stepped away. Sarah smiled and I took her in my arms. The song I chose was the one I wanted to be our first dance at our wedding. She pulled me close to her and laid her head against my chest. I brushed the curls from her face and lightly kissed her lips."You--""Please, just hold me." She whispered.I heard the tears in her voice.I felt the energy build between us and her sorrow. Iain was important to her, but I was just as important. I couldn't believe I consciously decided to bring another to my bed. To willfully harm the loving creature I held in my arms. I’d put her through Hell and yet here she was.As the song ended, Aedan started to dance with Analise and Ivy with Iain. After a few songs, he and his father traded partners. Iain let me dance with Sarah as long as she wanted. Eventually, he did cut in. I helped Aedan blow out all the candles and the four of us slipped away; leaving Sarah and Iain to dance beneath the starry night.
Iain
"Everyone's gone." Sarah whispered."Did you want to head to our room?""One more song.""Okay.""This was perfect." Sarah smiled."I'm glad." We had stopped dancing and started trading kisses."Maybe, we should go to our room instead." She laughed softly.I walked over and turned off the music. I picked her up and she laughed."You don’t have to carry me.""Oh, hush." I kissed her.I found my way to the master suite and Sarah opened the door. The room was filled with vases of pink roses of every shade. White candles lit the room and our bed was covered in red rose petals. "All we’re missing are chocolate covered strawberries and champagne." I laughed and Sarah smiled. "Help me with my gown. I want to get out of my corset.”I undid the buttons and helped Sarah out of her gown. I pulled the pins from her hair along with my father's present. As I did, I couldn't resist nibbling on her neck. She took off her half slip. I marveled at the beauty of the woman that was now my wife. She shook out her curls and smiled."Uh oh, you’ve got that look in your eyes." She smirked."What look is that?""The you're a hungry wolf and I’m dinner." I snickered."It has been several days since I've tasted your flesh.""But I’m supposed to be sweet and innocent." She let out a little girly giggle. Sarah kicked off her heels and ran across the room. I took chase. She jumped on the bed and threw a pillow at me. I tackled her. She rolled us over so she was on top. She undid her garter straps and bent forward; offering me a lovely view as she unfastened the busks down the front of her corset. She tossed it next to the nightstand."Hmm, maybe, I should let you get undressed." She laughed. "Or I could just tease you." She stroked her claws down my throat and I groaned."You are a wicked little minx. Your trick with the cigars." I shook a finger at her and Sarah just smirked.She let me up and I quickly divested myself of my clothing. She had taken off her stockings and panties. As soon as I was undressed, she took off running again. I tackled her on the sofa and she squealed with laughter. it rocked back and forth, hitting the wall before it settled itself. We were both laughing.I kissed down her neck, through the valley of her breasts, down her stomach and settled between her thighs. Sarah breathed in a sharp breath, as I spread her lower lips with my fingertips and lightly blew air across her clit. Her scent of arousal was maddening. She wiggled and squirmed beneath me. I barely touched her clit with the tip of my tongue several times and Sarah grunted in frustration."Quit teasing me." She growled."I have been thinking about how you taste since my first cigar this morning." She giggled. "I think you deserve a little teasing." I licked the edges of her gateway and savored the taste and scent of my mate. She wiggled trying to push my tongue inside of her, but I pulled away. I took her clit between my lips. I licked and sucked it the way I knew she liked it, but only for a few seconds. When I stopped, she shrieked in frustration. She pushed me down onto the carpet, but did not pin me down with a spell.Once on the carpet, she mounted me and my length slid deep inside her, pushing through her hymen with ease. It was a sensation I always enjoyed. It reminded me when I found her she’d been untouched. I growled as she dug her claws into my chest. I dug my claws into her hips and rolled us so I was on top. If she wanted a rough romp, I’d give it to her.I threw her legs over my shoulders and pinned her hands down. I hammered into her, lifting her body from the carpet with every thrust. Soon, we both were grunting and moaning. Sarah cried out louder than usual when I sank my canines into her shoulder. As I pierced her flesh, I felt my body ripple with electricity. We both started to reach our peak together. I jerked and spasmed as her internal muscles clamped down on my prick. Her body shook as she reached orgasm.I rolled off of her to catch my breath, "I do believe that was the quickest..." She giggled."Oh god, I needed that. It had been too long." She kissed my hand."What would you like to do next?""Hmm..." She rolled on to her side. I already knew what she wanted and I was more than happy to oblige. "Can I have my wolf?" She asked with a smirk.
Sarah
When I woke up, Iain was asleep. After we came undone, he’d carried me to bed. I carefully slipped out of bed. I took a rinse off shower, packed a bag and put on a nightgown. I slipped out into the hallway and headed toward Mark's room. Quietly, I undressed and climbed into bed with him."Sarah?" Mark mumbled half asleep. I kissed him and he pulled me close.We didn't have sex. He held me against his chest and we drifted back to sleep. He woke up when he smelled bacon cooking. His stomach growled and I laughed. I sat in the middle of the bed and watched him pack and dress. As he walked past, he’d stop and kiss me. I decided not to control my emotions. I let myself feel. I let myself be whole."When you come back to collect your bags, I'll be gone.""I know.""I'm sorry. I can't watch you go.""When I get home, I'll text you, but I'm not going to call you for a few days." I nodded. "But I expect pictures of hairy cows." I laughed. "I appreciate you allowing yourself to feel your emotions.""I don't think I could stop them if I tried.""Are you going to swim laps?" I nodded."I left Iain a note, asking him to apologize and to say goodbye for me."Mark sat down on the bed next to me, "You don't need to apologize." He wiped the tears from my cheeks, but they were quickly replaced by fresh ones."I'll see you soon." He lightly kissed my lips. "You'll be so caught up in your adventure that you won’t have time to miss me and by the time you do, you'll be home." He wrapped his arms around me and kissed me again. I didn't want to let go.Mark's stomach growled again and I giggled."Go have breakfast. I'm going to go swim laps. Have a safe trip and I'll see you soon." I tried to smile."I love you, my dear one.""I love you, too."Mark got up and left. I just sat there for a moment, then got up and put on my swimsuit and cover up. I made sure the hallway was clear before I left his room and went downstairs to the pool. I swam until I couldn't stop myself from crying. I decided the water wasn’t helping and I needed to be outside.I took a rinse off shower. I hadn’t realized there was a whole locker room setup complete with a workout room near the pool area. I got dressed and headed outside.I found a tree I liked and climbed up. I sat and let my mind wander. I didn't bother trying to control my emotions. It wasn't long before I felt everyone leave and Iain begin to wonder where I was.
Iain
I woke up to a note from Sarah.
I went to say goodbye to Mark. I needed to do it here and not at the airport. I need to disappear for a little while this morning. I'll be outside. Please apologize to everyone for me being rude and not seeing them off. Tell my Aunt, I love her and it was wonderful to spend time with her and I look forward to seeing her at the reception. Tell Analise, it was a pleasure to meet her and I hope she will be attending the reception, too. You don’t have to tell Aedan why I'm missing, he'll know. I don't want to stay here tonight. Maybe, we can find a little inn or even, just a hotel near the airport. I want to leave for Edinburgh tomorrow. I love you, Sarah.
I was already prepared to give Sarah her space this morning. I knew that she needed to say goodbye to Mark and that it would be difficult for both of them. I knew she wouldn’t be able to control her sky effects and she shouldn’t have to, but upset Valkyrie and airports didn’t mix well. I got dressed and went to breakfast.My father had a silly smirk on his face. I knew he heard us last night. I’d be surprised if everyone hadn’t heard us last night."Where's Sarah?" Analise asked."She went to swim laps. By now, she's probably found a tree she likes.""A tree?" Ivy asked."When Sarah isn’t okay, she goes into hiding. Often, I find her curled in a ball in a bottom cabinet in her closet.""I’ve cleared out one in my closet for her, as well." My father added."Normally, I wake up to a note from her. Sarah rarely sleeps through the night." Ivy nodded. "The note she left this morning asked me to apologize to you for being rude and not seeing you off. She said she loved the time she spent with you Ivy and looks forward to seeing you at the reception. She also said she enjoyed meeting you, Analise and hopes you will be able to attend the reception, as well.""I still do not understand why she would go into hiding." Ivy said."When Sarah can’t control her emotions, she hides." I tried to explain."She couldn’t watch us leave." Mark's voice was monotone. I nodded. My father's eyes turned amber. He knew exactly why Sarah went into hiding. That was about the same time we started to hear thunder. It was loud enough that the window panes began to vibrate. We finished breakfast in silence. Everyone went back to their rooms to gather their luggage. I walked them out. My father had made arrangements to cover the damages to the property and to Analise's car. We put all of their luggage into one of the rental cars. Analise and Ivy hugged me. I patted Mark on the back, but he actually hugged me. I watched until their car was no longer in sight. Shortly after, the rain started. Sarah felt them leave.I went back to our room and packed. Sarah was already packed. She’d left out clothes to change into. My father took all of our wedding clothes home with him. He would have Sarah's bouquet dried for her and her gown preserved.I sat down and surfed the web until I found a hotel near the airport with a bathtub Sarah would love. I booked a flight to Edinburgh for tomorrow. I also booked lodging and made a reservation for a rental car.
Sarah
I came inside and went directly to the bathroom. I was drenched and cold. Iain didn't say anything. I ran a hot bath and soaked until the water was lukewarm. I felt better. I came out of the bathroom to find Iain reading."Are you okay?""Trying to be." I sighed. "It's not fair to you and I’m sorry for that." He pulled me down onto his lap."I know how hard it is to leave you. Every time I do, I can feel the pain it causes you. I booked our flight for tomorrow and a hotel near the airport for tonight. I made sure it had a nice bathtub." I laughed and kissed him.We loaded up the car and left the manor in the woods. Tomorrow, we would be in Scotland. Little did Iain know it was where our real adventure would begin.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The Honeymoon
Iain
"Sarah, how is it you know where you're going?" I asked in a strained whisper."Shh, just keep a lookout." She whispered back.Sarah crawled into a small opening that led into the foundation of the ruins of an old church We'd arrived in Edinburgh two days ago and this was the seventh place we’d visited, but none had anything to do with sightseeing.Moments later, I saw two books being pushed out from the hole. Sarah wiggled out after them."Sarah, what are these?" She picked up the books and smiled."Grimoires.""How did you know these were here?""My visions.""How many other places are we to visit in Edinburgh?""Uh, two. I think."Sarah mumbled as she dusted herself off."No, three. They're near some hills or something.""You mean the Seven Hills?""Yeah. Yeah, that's what I saw, but there were specific ones.""When did you see this?""Uh, first, we might wanna get the Hell outta here." Sarah sprinted back to the car and I quickly followed her."Tell me or we go no further." I said firmly before I started the car."First off, you know, I'm gonna get to the other places one way or another, right?" Sarah had a hint of Southern in her tone. I sighed. I knew she saw this as a mission and not a desire. I wouldn’t be a proper husband if I let her go at it alone and she knew I wouldn't let her go alone. "I have seen these places in my dreams. I've seen them all several times." Sarah pulled out a book, bound in soft purple leather with roses embossed on the cover, and flipped to a page where she had drawn a map. She handed me the book. I quickly put together this was one of her journals. There were several maps, all of them hand drawn."When did you have these visions?""The nights I slept in the garden. Since we were here, I decided to follow them first.""What about Inverness?" I reached the pages that were the maps of three of the Seven Hills. I was quite familiar with all of them."We have to leave here in three days. That's why we've pretty much been going non-stop. I’m actually meeting someone in Inverness. A librarian. He has several codexes and grimoires for me. Oh, we should start shipping these home.""Sarah, some of these places, you're not going to be able to get anywhere near them without being noticed.""That's why I intend to go in at night." She smiled. "Yes, we can go back to the hotel." She answered my unspoken question. "I know you're hungry and want to rest, but I’ve gotta hit Calton Hill tonight. Tomorrow, Craiglockhart Hill and Blackford Hill. I didn't think those two would be much of a problem during the day. We'll have one day of rest. Then, on to Inverness.""And after Inverness?""London, then Paris.""So after Inverness, I can take you to see my home.""Yes, I would love that." Sarah looked up from her new found treasures and smiled.When we made it back to the hotel, we took a shower together. As she bathed me, she sucked my prick. Instead of picking her up, I let her swallow. She was out of the shower before I was. I tried to talk her into coming to bed with me, but she was far too excited about her new finds. When I fell asleep, she was on the floor surrounded by books, humming to herself.
Sarah
Once Iain was asleep, I called down to the concierge and requested shipping materials. While I waited, I put together an all black ensemble and packed my excavation kit.I met the bellboy at the door. I didn't want his knocking to wake Iain. I collected the shipping materials and asked if the packages could be posted today. He told me, unfortunately, they’d go out first thing tomorrow. He said to ring the front desk and he’d return to collect the packages. I smiled, tipped him and thanked him. I packed everything up. It took four boxes. I marked each in a secret manner to let me know if the box had been opened or if any were missing from the shipment. I let Iain sleep until late afternoon. I decided if I woke him by sucking his cock, he might be slightly more amenable to tonight's adventure. Before I climbed into bed with him, I called and ordered room service. It would arrive just before sunset. By the time he was finished with dinner, it’d be time to leave.
Iain
I woke to the sensation of Sarah nursing my prick."What a wonderful way to wake up." Sarah giggled."I thought you might like it. Room service will be here in about an hour and a half.""What did you order?""Red meat, of course.""What time are we leaving?""After you finish dinner.""I see you have already laid out your cat burglar attire.""I think it's best if you stay in the car for this caper.""You realize, if you get caught, the Faelduir name may not save you.""I don't plan on getting caught." Sarah smirked.I rolled us over and rubbed the length of me against her center."No torture. Please." She whimpered."I will torment you until you tell me what you're after and why.""All I know is it’s a small wooden box with Runes carved on the top.""What's inside?""Amulets and artifacts.""What for?""No clue. I only know that I'm supposed to retrieve the box."Satisfied with her answer, I decided I wanted to make love to my wife. If I were to judge by claw marks and love bites alone, then, I would say Sarah enjoyed herself thoroughly.When I was getting out of the shower, dinner arrived. Sarah ordered two of everything. She didn’t want anyone to wonder why she wasn’t eating. I wasn't about to complain about having seconds of the succulent medium rare t-bone steak.
Calton Hill
While I ate, Sarah got dressed. Once I was finished with dinner, I got dressed. I knew Sarah had spells to hide herself, but I didn’t like what she was about to do. She was literally walking into a high security area, but there would be no sense in arguing with her. If she had to, she'd call a taxi.Sarah braided her hair into a crown and grabbed her bag."Ready?""For the record, I think this is a bad idea." She was looking at the map in her book, "duly noted. I think you’ll need to park somewhere along Regent road.""There are security patrols through that area.""Then, park here at this church.""Where exactly are you going?""I saw a tower with a cross on top and this weird rectangle thing that had columns that was building like, but wasn't really. It's near the tower. In my research, it looks like there's a lot of tree cover. I should be okay." "And all you have to do is dig up this box?""Yep." I sighed. We went out the back. I didn't want anyone to see Sarah in her caper attire.As, I drove us to the church. I could feel Sarah vibrating with energy. She was wearing one of her amulets, but I didn't know exactly what it did. I heard her mumbling several spells as we drove."If you're not back in forty-five minutes, I'm coming after you.""I shouldn't be that long, but make it an hour. Oh and put this on.'' She handed me one of the opal amulets we wore during the attack. I knew it would hide me. She patted my hand, "I'll be right back." Before Sarah left, she touched the car and mumbled a few words. I think she was hiding the car, too. In a blink of an eye, Sarah disappeared into the night.
Sarah
I knew Iain was worried, but I had a theory about the box. I figured it was something that would help us, but also something I needed to prevent from falling into the wrong hands. So, classic witchy paraphernalia.I ran through the forest until I saw the tower with the cross in the distance. I had to duck two patrols to get there. Despite being less than an arm's length away, their dogs weren't even alarmed by my presence. I crossed Hume Walk and the outer loop of Regent Walk. I ran back into the trees between Regent road and Green side path to the tower.From the tower, I walked five paces South, turned left and walked seven more. I felt a faint pulse of energy beneath my feet. I crouched low and took out my tools. I carefully removed the layers of grass and dirt until I reached the box. It was larger than I thought. I tucked my tools and it into my bag. I carefully replaced the grass and dirt. I doubt their gardener would even notice. I cleared my mind and listened for any mortals or dogs in the area. I heard a patrol approaching. I waited until they passed. Then ran back to the car. When I got in, I spooked Iain."Did you get it?" I could hear his pulse hammering."Of course. Let's get out of here."Iain sighed a sigh of relief and drove us back to the hotel.
Mark
"Where have you been? I called and texted you several times. I even called Iain, but both of your phones went directly to voicemail. I was seriously starting to worry."I heard the shower in the background."Oh sorry, we were underground and had no cell service.""Underground? What the Hell have you two been doing?""Collecting artifacts and books. Today, we went to the last two places in Edinburgh. Tomorrow, will be a day of rest and then, on to Inverness. Oh, I've been shipping things home. Four boxes are on the way and I'll be sending a fifth tomorrow.""And Iain has been okay with all of this?" "Kinda. He was mad at me for last night's caper. One of the places we went to today, he insisted there were no caves. Well, until we fell through a not so solid part of the hill into a cave. You should have seen it. It was awesome. I took pictures. I'll send them to you.""I'm still quite entertained with your digital teases." Sarah giggled. Since we parted, I’d been receiving an erotic email from Sarah three times a day. Some were movies. Some were just pictures. All quite tantalizing."No chafing?" She chided and I laughed."After the wedding reception, be prepared to spend several nights, days, and afternoons in our bed." Sarah giggled. "What are your plans for tomorrow?" "I think Iain needs a breather or at least, I'll let him choose the day's activities.""No shopping?""Maybe. After the last few days, I think his nerves are shot. He's almost done in the shower.""I'll let you go. Be careful. I love you, my dear one.""I love you, too. Goodnight."
Iain
Sarah ordered breakfast for us. It wasn't quite as delicious as her cooking, but it wasn't bad."What would you like to do today?" I asked between bites."Anything you like.""You're done collecting?" She nodded. "I think you might like the art museums, Edinburgh and Holyrood Castles. Beautiful architecture and they also have very nice shops.""I want one of the yummy wool sweaters.""I’d wait for Inverness for those.""Art galleries sound good. Nice and calm." She giggled. I wanted to stick my tongue out at her. "I also want to go to Saint Giles Cathedral and Saint Margaret's Chapel. They both are supposed to have beautiful stained glass." I was a little surprised Sarah wanted to visit churches, but I knew how much she loved stained glass and churches were the best sources.Sarah chose a very simple, but beautiful dress to wear. It was navy blue with long sleeves and it came down to her knees. It was lace, but lined with a skin tone fabric beneath. The neckline was interesting. It was high but wide. Essentially it was made up of the edge of the lace. Honestly, all I could think about was taking it off of her. I almost suggested we stay in and spend the day in bed.While I dressed, she packed her bag. I came up with a loose itinerary based on the distances between the places I wanted to take her.
Castle Edinburgh
Sarah
"Hey, this place’s close to where we were last night." Iain nodded."The grounds are far lovelier in the daylight." I stuck my tongue out at him and he laughed. For a while, we just wandered around. The stained glass was beautiful. There were several portraits and statues. I loved the carvings in the Great Hall. I knew grand parties had taken place there in the past. We listened to a guided tour on mp3 players. I thought that was a nice touch; a wander at your own pace kinda deal. I took tons of pictures. I was a little bummed about not being able to have tea in the tea room. Iain bought a brooch with a gold colored stone and a beautiful knotwork barrette made from copper for me. I bought a few bottles of whiskey for Aedan. I had them shipped home directly from the shop. I knew if I didn't Aedan would never drink a drop. As I expected, there were lots of unskinned residents. I didn't try to talk to any of them and they didn't try to talk to me. Most of them seemed to be concentrated in and around the chapel. When they saw me, they merely dipped their heads. Reminded me of what the wolves did when they saw the Alpha. "Art gallery, cathedral or castle?" Iain's stomach growled."I'm thinking, we need to feed the beast." I giggled. Iain wrapped his arms around me and kissed me. It was a slow passionate kiss that made me nearly suggest we head back to the hotel instead. He felt the goosebumps spring up on my skin and smiled against my lips. Iain found a pub where he could have lunch. I didn't know how the Hell he knew it was a pub. To me, it just looked like a weird house. I decided to shop while he ate.There were lots of lovely shops in the area. I bought a few gifts for everyone. I found gorgeous fine gauge wool sweaters. I bought one for me, Becky, Audrey, Elizabeth and Mark's mother. I found postcards of hairy cows for Mark. As I left the third shop, I decided I should rejoin Iain. However, before I did, I put what I bought in the car.I walked into the pub and found Iain. He was drinking what I assumed was some type of beer. Since, I discovered I could tolerate alcohol, I smelled it, and had a sip. I gagged."Oh my god, that's just..." I gagged again."Beer's a bit different from whiskey." He laughed."How can you drink that stuff? It's...bleh." He was still laughing."It's an acquired taste.""If that's what beer tastes like, I'll pass.""There are different types of beer. The ones here have a tendency to be a bit thicker than the ones in the U.S. I think you'll like Meade."I wrinkled my nose."Okay, so cathedral and wasn't there another castle.""The cathedral is closest to where we are.""Works for me."Iain paid his tab and we headed out to the car. He happened to catch sight of the six bags in the backseat. "Shush. I bought stuff for everyone."Iain laughed and shook his head."I found very lovely wool sweaters that I plan to give as Christmas presents." I stuck my tongue out at him. He was still laughing. Once Iain finally recovered, we drove to Saint Giles' Cathedral. I’d been looking forward to seeing all the stained glass. When we arrived, I realized we could’ve just walked there.I stepped back and took a picture of the facade. It really was breathtaking. I pulled my white lace mantilla from my bag and covered my hair before entering the Cathedral. Iain was dawdling. I knew churches weren't his cup of tea.As I entered, I stopped myself from looking for the Holy water. I walked along admiring the stained glass and the architecture. As I moved through the cathedral, I took several pictures."Did you know you were humming the 'Ava Maria'?" I was caught off guard by the thick Scottish brogue. When he realized he startled me, he laughed. I was just thankful I didn't squeak."No, I didn't. I'm sorry, Father. I didn't mean to disturb you.""Ah, Catholic and no, lass, I wasn't disturbed by your humming. It's quite soothing." I saw Iain coming my way. He felt my panic. When he saw me standing with the clergymen, he calmed down."I sang in the choir at the Carmelite High School I attended. As I looked at the stained glass in your cathedral, the song just sort of floated to the surface.""Carmelite. Most certainly Catholic, but I’d never heard of female parishioners covering their hair when within a Catholic church.""Force of habit." I smiled."Will you sing?" "Sing?" I asked, trying to feign shock."Please, the 'Ava Maria' was my mother's favorite.""She's been gone for two years now?""Yyyeess.""I will sing for you." I smiled.Actually, I was singing for her. He didn't need to know, she was unskinned and followed him wherever he went. At first, I sang softly. As the song began to build, I let my voice fill the space. It had been awhile since I sang in a Cathedral. The echo reminded me of singing in the bathroom, just multiplied by a thousand. It was rare that I was able to weave so much energy with my voice alone.People both skinned and unskinned began to gravitate toward me. By the time I was finished, the man was in tears. I actually got applause. Which was really weird."Your voice." He smiled. "You have the voice of an angel." I wanted to say, 'Yeah, like an Angel of Death'. He took my hands and kissed the backs of them."You must sing during Sunday's service." "I'm sorry, Father, but I leave for Inverness tomorrow. Afterwards, my husband will take me to his ancestral home."Iain joined me and took my hand."We're on our honeymoon." I smiled. "Oh, the necklace with the Saint Gabriel medal. You've been looking for it. The one your mother gave you. It's behind a dresser, I think. It has a large mirror with carved edges above it. There are figurines sitting on top. It’s in a corner." The Father's face became pale and the unskinned laughed. His mother nodded at me."How did...""It's just me." I smiled. Iain held my hand tighter and started to pull me along with him before I could cause any more trouble."Thank you." The man stuttered and half waved.Once we were out of earshot, I giggled. "I know, can’t take me anywhere." Iain laughed. "Castle next?" I grinned.
Holyrood Castle
Iain
Between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood. The palace was my favorite. When we parked, I walked ahead of Sarah to inquire about the tour. I left her on her own to say hello to the plants and take pictures.I was nearly to the main entrance, when I felt this high pitched screech rip through my head, followed by an intense energy explosion. I nearly shifted. I could tell the energy release affected the mortals, too. Some ducked as if we were being attacked from above.I ran toward Sarah. She wasn’t hiding her scent, so, it was rather easy to locate her. She was near Saint Anthony's Chapel. I could see the electric sparks flying around her. I knew that meant she was being attacked, but I couldn't see by what."We need to go." She grabbed my hand, "NOW!"She started to run with me in tow. We got back to the car."Drive. Doesn't matter where. Just get us outta here." Sarah was looking around. Before I could start the car, it started to rock violently."I can't leave if you won’t let me." Sarah said loudly. The car stopped rocking instantly. I started it and as quickly as we could, we left the grounds."What the Hell was that?" I asked. Sarah was taking slow deep breaths. When she looked at me her eyes were bright blue."That was the resident unskinned." The air around Sarah teemed with electricity."What?""They didn't want me there."She got out between deep breaths."Why?""No Clue. They kept screaming 'poison' in Gaelic.""Poison?""Apparently, that's how they view me. Weird, but whatever." I could feel Sarah slowly calming down."Back to the hotel?""Yeah, I need to soak. It wasn't a major attack, but it still was an attack." Sarah laid her head back and closed her eyes. When we got back to our hotel room, Sarah started stripping off her clothes and put them in the trash bin. Once she was in the bathroom. I touched her dress and felt the same high piercing screech rip through my head again. I saw clusters of unskinned men attacking her with swords and pitchforks. As Sarah ran from them, the unskinned women threw rocks at her. I didn't understand why they attacked her, but I did understand why she disposed of the dress. It was a shame. It was a lovely dress.Sarah was in the bathtub for a long time. I heard her refill it twice. When she came out, she put on one of my shirts and laid down. She was asleep within moments. Whatever happened, it took a lot out of her. I believe not hurting them was what drained her, not the other way around.
Sarah
I woke up to the smell of meat. Iain had ordered dinner. I hadn’t intended to sleep as long as I had. I still wasn’t completely sure what happened. Maybe, Valkyrie offend them. I could have forced them to ascend, but I figured that wouldn't have been very nice."You're awake.""Sorry, I sort of passed out on you." I laughed."It's okay. When I touched your dress, I saw what happened.""Yeah, I think it was a Valkyrie thing.""It looked like they were protecting something.""All I can tell you is, it sucked."I shook my head and laughed without humor.Iain pulled me onto his lap, "What would you like to do tonight?""I don't suspect Edinburgh has much of a nightlife.""I think we should stay in.""After this afternoon, I can live with that." I smirked. "You've got that wicked look again." Iain laughed."Come take a shower with me and we will spend the rest of the night doing whatever you like." I giggled. "Yes, I’d be happy to make a wolf snack out of you."Iain carried me to the bathroom. He set me on the counter and started to unbutton the shirt I was wearing. I unbuttoned his pants and pushed them far enough down to reach his deliciously thick cock. I lovingly stroked his rapidly hardening member. I wrapped my legs around his waist and pulled him into me. It was rough and fast, but it was what I needed to ground me.We got into the shower and my scent renewed Iain’s erection. I dropped to my knees and reveled in Iain forcefully fucking my throat. I wasn't exactly sure why I enjoyed it so much. Maybe, it was a hold over from being Catholic; sinful debauchery.We spent the rest of the night deeply engrossed in the delights of the flesh. We literally went until we both passed out.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Iain
"Sarah."I shook her shoulder."Sarah.""Hmm...what?" She answered half asleep."When did you say you needed to be in Inverness?""Day after tomorrow."She rolled over and stretched."Why?""We sort of slept a little longer than we thought." "WHAT?" Sarah sat up in a panic.Objects in the room were vibrating."Oh god, we have to go. I have to be at the library at 3:41 tomorrow." The Sun had already slipped below the horizon."Why such a specific time?""Librarians are eccentric."Sarah was running around packing her things. She left out the clothes to wear."Relax. It's a four hour drive at most." I tried to bring her back to bed. "We could leave tomorrow and still easily make it.""We needed to leave today." She broke free from my grasp and headed to the bathroom. "Call for food. Pack. We leave after you eat." She screamed from the bathroom. I heard her begin to run a bath."What's wrong with leaving tomorrow?" I walked into the bathroom."We needed to leave today. Call for food. Pack. We leave after you eat." Sarah repeated in her commander tone. The hotel had already charged us for another night. We could have just stayed and left early in the morning. I wanted to yell at her, but I knew that wouldn’t have accomplished anything.I called for room service and packed everything except what I planned to wear. Just as room service arrived, I heard the water draining in the bathroom. Sarah came out with her hair up in a towel and a towel wrapped around her body."I'm going to take a shower before we leave.""Okay." She pulled me down to kiss her. "Sorry, evil, panicky Valkyrie came out.""It's okay."I swatted her on the butt as she walked past."Hey!"I laughed at her mock protest and headed into the bathroom.
Sarah
"What do you mean we took a wrong turn?"I tried not to growl."It's the fog." Iain said, forcing himself to remain calm."But you lived here!""It's the fog." "Fine. Now, what?"I sighed in frustration, crossed my arms and started to pout.It was after eleven."We will find somewhere to stay the night." I didn't miss his unspoken words, 'Like the hotel we just left'."That one's on you. I can't tell what half the damn buildings are around here."Iain parked near a building that could've been yanked straight from the pages of Canterbury Tales."This is an inn?""Yes.""How the Hell can you tell?""The sign." Iain pointed to a faded sign that once read, 'Something something tavern and inn'.I went to the trunk to get my bags. It had begun to rain and it wasn't even my fault.Iain had already gone inside to see if there was a vacancy. I came in to find him and whom I presumed was the innkeeper talking and laughing. They both turned and saw I was drenched and looking incredibly displeased with reality. I pretty much looked like a wet, pissed off cat, who may, hiss and take a swipe at you."Sar--""Shush."I clamped my fingers shut to silence him."Let me get your bags for you, Miss." The man started to walk around the counter.I raised my hand, "I'm fine. Just point me in the direction I need to go.""Up the stairs. Third door on the left." "Thank you."I walked upstairs and found a rustic, but well kept guestroom. However, there was no bathroom. Just as I began to lament over my desire for a hot bath, there was a knock at the door."Here you go, dear. I brought you some fresh towels. I thought you might want to get out of those wet clothes." My mood started to soften. "Bathroom’s at the end of the hall. We don’t have any other guests tonight, so it's all yours. Is there anything I can bring you from the kitchen, dear?" I shook my head. "If you need anything, I’m Mae." I mumbled, "Thank you. Sorry."I dug through my bag and found my robe. I took two towels and wandered down the hall to the bathroom. I decided that even a hot shower would be better than being cold and wet. When I opened the door, I was shocked. Yes, there was a shower, but there was also a large copper bathtub. I was so happy, I started to cry.I started the water in the tub and began stripping off my wet clothes. There was a knock on the bathroom door. I almost growled, but I took a deep breath before I spoke."Yes?""It's me. Can I come in?" "Yeah." Iain entered cautiously."Sorry, I growled at you. I hate being cold and wet.""I'm sorry, we got lost. We’ll make it on time tomorrow.""It's fine. I should have just listened to you and stayed where we were. For once the rain wasn’t my fault."I laughed without humor."I'm going to take a hot shower. Then, I'll build a fire in the fireplace in our room." I perked up at the thought."A fire sounds yummy." Iain smiled.
Iain
When I returned to our room, I found Sarah practically sitting in the fireplace. She may not be able to catch a cold, but she was from a warmer climate and more sensitive to the cold than I was. I’d have to remember to teach her how to build a fire in a fireplace.Sarah was wearing my favorite navy blue silk nightgown. I sat down in the armchair in front of the fire. She scooted towards me and rested her back against my legs. Her skin was several degrees warmer than mine. I picked her up and cradled her in my arms."We can leave after breakfast tomorrow." Sarah said in a sleep laden voice. I kissed her forehead."Do you know where we need to go tomorrow?""I have a map." Sarah yawned and closed her eyes. "Can I see the map?""Hmm..." Her eyes fluttered open, "Oh, it's in my bag."She moved her hand slightly in its direction before her eyes closed again and she started to snore lightly. As I put her to bed, I tried not to disturb her. When she mentioned the map was in her bag, that meant the map was in her journal.I opened her bag and found the purple leather bound book. I took note of where it had been in her bag so I could return it to the exact place I found it. I sat down and opened it to the pages where I knew the maps were from our adventures in Edinburgh. There were a few blank pages in between the maps I had seen and the ones I hadn't. Where she needed to be tomorrow happened to be the oldest library in the area. Which wouldn’t be difficult to locate and made complete sense why that would be where 'The Librarian' had taken up residence. I was shocked to find detailed maps of my ancestral home with specific locations marked. To my knowledge, she had never seen even a photo or painting of my home. There were two maps for the London area and four maps for places in and around Paris.I paused and thought for a moment, before I could convince myself to put it back, I flipped to the front of the journal.The first page was a beautiful ink drawing of a house with a large flower garden, a small path that led to stairs and a wrap-around porch. The facade of the house was beautiful. When I finalize the blueprints for our home, I would take it into consideration.On the path was a little girl and her cat. I wasn't sure if the picture was from a vision or an idealized version of what she wanted her childhood to have been. To be honest, it looked like a painting I’d once seen, but I couldn't place it.I turned the page and found several pages that looked to be a list of all the books she’d read. Each entry was dated. By the length of the list of books, my mate read far more than I did. The presence of the list confirmed this was her personal journal and not the one she kept for her research. It dawned on me that the dates next to the titles correlated to the period of time the journal's entries covered. I flipped through the pages of book titles. The first date listed was after the Full Moon in May. The last entry had yesterday's date.I sat there and thought again about what I held in my hands. What if I read something I didn’t like? Or worse, made me angry? What if I stumbled upon something I really shouldn’t have known? This book was full of thoughts and memories, she wanted to keep only for herself. This was a significant breach in her privacy. Far worse than being able to see her dreams.After about ten minutes of deliberation, I flipped to the first dated entry and began to skim them. There were several entries I had to skip. She seemed to enjoy writing about her sex life. She at least referred to my father as Aedan. I quickly noted all the entries related to her sexual encounters were written in different colors.My father's entries were written in red, Mark's in green and mine in blue; each in our favorite color. I found it amusing that on some days, all three colors appeared. I read a few of the entries about Mark and my father. Just to give me a few ideas, but I learned a few things I really didn’t need nor wanted to know. I’d never thought about tying Sarah up, but apparently, my father liked to.One of the longer passages, where all three colors were present, was her birthday. Her descriptions of the events with each of us were detailed and highly erotic. Apparently, she had a very good birthday. The edges of those pages also scented of her arousal. As I read different entries, I realized all of the entries were color coded.The ones in black ink seemed to be about a day's events and her thoughts related to them. Entries in purple were about Kitty. Anything in hot pink was something that hurt her or made her angry. There were descriptions of violent outburst or the anger she had repressed during that day. I was particularly drawn to entries written in a bizarre rainbow pencil. Those happen to be about her visions. Her little doodles and designs in the margins were adorable.I jumped around, reading about the events of different days. I went back to the entry about her first sexual experience. After the tenth entry I read, I wanted to wake her up. By the seventeenth, I carefully returned her journal to her bag and crawled into bed with her. I pulled Sarah against my chest and wrapped both arms around her. She sighed in her sleep, "love my wolf." I nibbled lightly on her shoulder and she arched into me. I licked my fingertips and cupped her quim in my palm. I slipped my fingers between her lower lips and started to stroke the cleft between her thighs. She sighed my name in her sleep. I lined up the head of my prick with her downy center and entered her with ease. While I thrusted, I teased her nipples and clit."Oh, my wolf." Sarah gasped and moaned. She dug her claws into my hip. "I want to feel you deeper inside of me." She purred.She arched her hips and I thrust deep into her womb. As I felt it happen, I shivered. Not that my wolf didn’t find the sensation, but every time it happened, I was concerned it caused her pain and she only did it for my enjoyment. She reached her arm behind her and tangled her claws in my hair. Her hips met every thrust. I felt my cock nudge against something and realized I had gone as deep as I could. "Let go." She whispered.In a flurry of thrusts, I met her request. Her orgasm began as mine did. As we came down, Sarah's breath became slow and even. Then, she started to snore softly. She fell right back to sleep. I focused on her scent and floated to sleep on a cloud of endorphins.
Sarah
I stretched against Iain to let him know I was awake. It was about fifteen minutes before the alarm was set to go off. He grumbled as he became aware it was time to get up."Hey, you're the one who woke me up in the middle of the night to have sex." I giggled and kissed him. "After we see the librarian, the rest of our time is ours to spend however we like and I certainly do not mind spending a few days in bed with you." I smirked and Iain snickered. "Shower time." I bounced off the bed and hardened my shields to keep Iain from pulling me back into bed. He grabbed towels for both of us, put on his robe and headed to the shower. I packed everything and picked out clothes for both of us.Last night, when I checked the weather report, it said today's high would be fifty-nine degrees. I dug out my black opaque thigh highs, dark blue velvet A-line skirt that came to mid-thigh and my black chenille sweater. During my little shopping excursion in Edinburgh, I bought a pair of black velvet ankle boots with a one-inch platform and a five-inch stiletto heel. I decided they were perfect for this outfit.I left my hair down for Iain. I thought about wearing Mark's wedding present, but I chose to wear my grandmother's Algerian love knot instead. I kept my makeup light and skipped the perfume. I didn't want to risk annoying The Librarian. Some of them, really were that eccentric.I left out a pair of khakis and two shirts for Iain to choose from. I also left out the pair of boxers and the socks that I knew were his favorite.I took off my nightgown, put on my robe and went to join Iain in the shower. Iain parked in the lot across from the oldest library in the county. It was pretty easy to locate and surprisingly, not a far drive from where we’d stayed the night before. As we stood in front of the elevator, I pulled out my journal and found the entry with the directions and the map of the building. I looked it over and then, pushed the book back into my bag."Okay we're headed to the reference library.'' I ran my finger down the placard next to the elevator and located the correct floor. Basement. Sort of made sense that it would be The Librarian's home. I hit the down button.'There are some things you need to know about Librarians. They’re very eccentric. If not, downright strange. Often, they're Fae, but not always. I’ve met one half blood demon and a couple centaurs. Which was totally as weird as it sounds.' Iain snickered. 'Never eat or drink anything they offer to you.''I would think that should be a given.' I nodded.
'Don't stare and don’t touch anything, no matter how curious you are. Try not to piss them off in general.'
'Not that I would attempt to upset The Librarian, but I don't understand why they’re so high strung.' The elevator arrived and we stepped inside. I hit the button for the basement and the doors closed.'They’re charged with the task of caring for grimoires, artifacts, relics, etc. Remember, when you touched the clothes and saw a memory.' Iain nodded. ‘Some of these things can do that or they can make you feel something instead. You have no idea how you’ll be affected. So best not to touch anything.'
'Noted.'
'And this sounds really rude and I'm sorry in advance.'
Iain gave me a strange look.
'You can't be wolfie.'
'Wolfie?'
'Possessive, protective and short tempered. I've been greeted... By some... Hmm... Well, one was sort of a make out hello.'
Iain stifled a laugh. I think I might've been blushing.
‘I've been attacked several times. One even had a fucking riddle.'
Iain finally started laughing. I shook my head and sighed.
'I nearly told you to I had to go in alone--"
"But you knew, I’d never allow that?" I nodded. Iain stroked his fingers through my hair and kissed me softly. I stepped away from him. We were almost to our floor. 'So... Don’t attack them for any reason. Don’t touch anything. Don’t eat anything. Be prepared not to react to how we’re greeted. If they get out of hand, let me point it out. Umm... Pretty much, I think we should go with you not talking at all. They either ignore or are annoyed by anyone who can't wield magic or anything that isn’t of magical value. Here, put this on.' I handed him one of the opal amulets. I didn't think we’d be attacked, but I wasn't taking any chances.The elevator announced our arrival. Then, the doors opened. The air was cooler than it had been upstairs. The room smelled of books. The scent always gave me goosebumps. A room filled with books was heavenly. For a moment, we paused in front of the elevator to make sure we wouldn't be attacked right off the bat.I looked at my watch. We had about fifteen minutes until my alarm would go off. I quickly followed the directions to the place where we needed to be.
'Stand here.'
I pointed to where Iain should be.I scanned the shelves and located the books I needed. This particular Librarian had a rather odd security system. It was a combination lock based on the locations of specific books. I wasn’t sure what would happen if you got it wrong. As soon as my alarm went off, I started to quickly move the books into their appropriate places. I placed the last book and there was an audible click. I pushed on the bookshelf and it opened like a door. Iain was just standing there, staring at the doorway. I grabbed his hand and tugged him along.The door closed behind us. The room was silent. It looked like no one was home. Usually, that meant The Librarian had some strange welcoming ritual. 'Steel yourself, but don’t attack.' Iain nodded slightly.The lights flickered and a dark figure dropped from the rafters above us. They uncurled themselves into an attack stance. His skin was pale and he had no scent. He was very tall and moderately attractive. I felt Iain repress his urge to attack the blood drinker. The blood drinker smirked, "How depressing I can't taste either of you." He laughed and I giggled. Iain looked confused. 'Why?' Iain asked me.
'My blood will cause him to ascend or become seriously sick depending on his age. You’ve ingested enough of my blood, that he’d run the risk of getting very sick if he fed from you. Plus, there’s the whole vamps never feed from lycans faux pas.'
'I thought that was a myth.'
"Too bad indeed."I smiled wide and flashed my fangs. He laughed again."So Miss Shieldmaiden, I have lots of goodies for you." He wandered toward his stacks. He grabbed a carpet bag on the way. As he moved, he began to fill it with books. He disappeared from sight, but I could hear him muttering to himself, trying to decide what books I needed. He returned and set the bag down. He walked over to a table that was covered with small boxes and pouches. He pulled out a large finely carved wooden box and began to fill it with objects from the table. When he was satisfied, he added it to the bag."Now, there’s the little matter of my payment.""What's the bottom line?" I asked."How about the amulet your mate is wearing? It conceals his presence. That could be useful.""It also holds a protection spell. Not sure how they’ll stand up against sunlight, but it does prevent Valkyrie from disturbing the neighbors." I fished two out of my bag. "The spells are permanent.""Simply wonderful." He laughed. I dropped them into his hand.Once it touched his palm, the door behind us opened. I grabbed the bag and we made our exit."Come back anytime."I heard him call out as the door closed.I set the bag down and placed my hands on it. I began to chant. First, a spell to defuse any magic he may have cast on it and then, a spell to protect and hide the bag.I picked it up, 'Let's get the Hell out of here.' We quickly made our way back to the elevator.'I didn't know blood drinkers could wield magic.' Iain said.
'He's a half-ling like me. Pretty rare. He just likes to channel his inner blood drinker and uses his magic when it suits him.'
The elevator was waiting for us. Iain hit the button for the ground floor and the doors closed. When the doors opened again, we were back in the mortal world."What now?" He asked."It's your show." Iain smirked. I knew that meant the rest of the day would be spent in bed.
Iain
Sarah stopped at the concierge desk and asked, if shipping materials could be sent up to our room. I also ordered room service.When we got back to our suite, Sarah headed straight to the table. She began to unpack the bag. Occasionally, I heard her chant while touching an object. I let her work and decided to do a little of my own.After about an hour, room service and Sarah's packing materials arrived. She took the boxes and started to pack them. I sat down and ate. As I finished eating, she’d finished packing the boxes. I called down to the concierge and asked to have the boxes picked up and posted.I laced my fingers around Sarah's waist and buried my face in her hair. She reached back behind her and threaded her nails into my hair. As I slowly slid my hands up from her waist and over her breasts and she purred.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Sarah
I pulled out my journal and my pastel pencils. Iain glanced at me. I caught the smile that tickled the edges of his lips. I forget he’d never seen any of my artwork. I worked in pastels, watercolors, charcoal and sometimes, glitter ink pens. I had these really cool watercolor pencils, but I loved my pastel pencils. Oil pastels were my favorite medium, but they were not very practical for travel. My pastel pencils acted as a viable substitute. "How far is the drive there?" I asked."It's about a six hour drive. We’ll be arriving about when dinner’s served. I already called ahead. They’ll have my room ready for our arrival.""Your room? We’re staying in the room you grew up in?""And lived in, on and off for about two hundred years.""Wow. Is it weird to go back?""No, it was always a place I enjoyed living. There’s a functioning farm on the property. The pack’s quite large. I’ll be given grief for not bringing you home before we wed.""I don't get it.""I may be an only child, but there are people here I grew up with and qualify as my extended family.""Like Marcus and Elijah.""Exactly. Be prepared for an in-depth interrogation." I started laughing."I'm guessing I should let the Valkyrie out and hide the witch?""Maybe a seventy-five, twenty-five balance between the two, favoring the Valkyrie." I giggled."I can manage that." I let my eyes turn blue. Iain laughed and shook his head. I looked out the window for a glimpse of scenery that was sketch worthy.
Iain
We pulled into the long drive about an hour before sunset. Sarah had nodded off. "We’re here."I squeezed her thigh to wake her. I was bursting with joy.Sarah opened her eyes. It took her a moment to shake off her nap. She smiled at me."Do you want to know how many unskinned live here? I can already feel them." She smirked."I think I’d prefer you keep that information to yourself." Sarah giggled manically."Okay, I won’t tell you. So, what did they do, just crank up the generator and pull the sheets off the furniture when you called? I laughed."No, there's a full staff that occupies the residence and a thriving pack that lives on the property.""So, it's sort of like home.""Very much so, but the wolves here are quite tied to the old ways.""Joy.""It won’t be as bad as you think.""Oh my god! Are they all like lined up to greet us? I'm not dressed for this." She squeaked.Sarah didn't try to control her emotions. There were two ground lightning strikes along with the flurries in the sky. The rumbling thunder made several of the staff jump. Without realizing it, Sarah did exactly what she needed to. She let the pack and the staff know she was a Valkyrie, not a wolf.I stopped the car a little beyond the front door. Sarah opened her door and was out of the car before anyone had a chance to step forward and help her out. A few started to move toward her, but when they saw me shake my head, the stopped and stepped back in line.I handed off my keys and walked after Sarah. The staff hadn't moved from their places. I smiled and nodded. When Sarah looked at me, she smiled. They saw her smile and breathed a sigh of relief. It’d been several decades since I’d returned home and most of the staff didn’t know me personally."Eamon, good to see you." For the last century, Eamon had been the head butler and was one of a handful of wolves on the staff. "Always a pleasure to have you here, Lord Faelduir.'' I smiled and shook his hand. "I would like you to meet my mate." "Lady Faelduir, it is a pleasure to meet you." As Sarah extended her hand, she smiled wide and showed her fangs. There were a few gasps. I could tell she was trying not to laugh.Sarah looked around, "This place’s wonderful." "Please, you've been traveling, let me show you upstairs." Eamon ushered Sarah inside. I could hear whispering from the women behind us. "Wow, this place's like a time capsule." Sarah said as she walked into my chambers. "Wait, do I want to know how many women you've brought here?" "Honestly?" She nodded. "Two.""Hmm, are we going to run into either of them?" I didn't say anything. "I’ll take that as a yes. Should I expect a challenge?"“I’m not sure.” She sighed and flopped on the bed.“Yeah, I'm not up for dealing with any of those bitches until after lunch.”“Fair enough. I would prefer it if you didn’t wander alone.”She rolled her eyes at me.“I’m not healing anyone. They attack me, they can suck it.” She smirked and I laughed.“How about a bath?”“Do you have a nice bathtub?” “Go and see.” I laughed as she sprinted to the bathroom.“Oh my god. I want one.” I heard her exclaim.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Iain
"Good, you're awake."Sarah kissed me. I tried to pull her back into bed, but she hardened her shields. "We need to go." She threw the covers off of me, grabbed my ankles and pulled them off the bed, forcing me to sit up."Where do we need to go?" I yawned. Sarah was already dressed."Dunfermline.""Why do we need to go to Dunfermline?""Because that's where we need to go. We're already packed. I left clothes out for you. Brunch will be here in twenty minutes. I told our host where we needed to go and he gave me directions.""Sarah?""No time for dilly dallying."She pushed me towards the bathroom.I’d never seen Sarah so determined to go somewhere before. Especially, when that somewhere was random and insignificant. I took a shower and got dressed. Brunch arrived when she said it would. By the time I was done eating, Sarah had loaded up the car and settled our bill. Our hosts were Woodland Fae and in lieu of payment, Sarah healed the arthritis in his knees and hands, ripened his vegetables, and brought his wife's house plants back to life. The innkeepers happily offered us lodging anytime we were in the area.
Sarah
"You're not driving." Iain grumbled."Okay, I'm not driving, but we need to be there by three.""Where's there and why do we need to be there by three?" "Please just trust me. We need to go. As it is, we barely have enough time to get there."Iain stopped asking questions and decided to just drive. At the moment, we didn't have time for me to explain the dream I had, but I was positive I had found Quinn's mate. It was the second time I had seen her in my dreams. When I saw her the first time, we were staying at the same inn. I figured that meant she lived nearby or would be nearby."Make a right down that road. Oh, there; park over there."I pointed to an open space near the small pub I saw. At least, I thought it was a pub. I was still having difficulty determining the nature of certain establishments. I got out and started walking. Iain followed me."You should go in there and get a table or whatever."I pointed to the pub."I'll be right back."He gave me a weird look. "I know. I know. Trust you."I smiled wide and showed him my fangs."I'll be right back. "Where are you going?""To the wooded area over there."I pointed to the trees a little ways away."I should come with you.""No, please. Just trust me. Please."Iain hesitated, but then, headed inside.I saw the flower vendor I was supposed to buy a dozen yellow tulips from. As I left, he gave me a huge smile. I think I gave him too much money.I got to the wooded area, followed the overgrown, rough cut path, located the huge oak tree with three burls in a slight curve on its trunk, made a right and started walking. I found the ruins of the small forgotten ancestral chapel and graveyard. I could feel everything humming around me. The unskinned smiled and waved at me. I smiled and nodded in acknowledgement. I think they knew why I was here or at least knew what I was."The Shieldmaiden with two marks, you've finally arrived." I smiled at the unskinned woman. She was wearing a brown Hell's Gate, an off white long sleeve under dress and an off white scarf over her hair. I think she may have been a nun."Sorry, it took me so long. My dreams only show me the what. Never the when or why. "When you call her mate, your other must join you. You will need to visit Aine together. Tell her, 'It's time'.""Okay." I smiled.I tried to pretend I didn't know she was referring to the Priestess of my father's clan. I think she knew, if I followed my dream here, then, I knew what she was talking about. However, that didn't mean that I'd go unarmed.Just as I saw in my dream, the woman was standing before a weathered gravemarker with a triskelion chiseled into it. I took the yellow tulips out of their wrapping and wove them into a ring."Augustinia. That's a beautiful name.'' I said as I stepped next to her.I placed the ring of yellow tulips at the base of the headstone and made an 'X' in the center with the remaining two. You know like 'X' marks the spot. "She was my grandmother." Her accent was rather thick and lyrical.The unskinned gathered around us. They were all smiling. I was used to the unskinned being drawn to me, but they were coming from all over to be present for this event. I saw the bench under the tree where we were supposed to sit."I'm Sarah."I offered her my hand. I caught confusion in her thoughts and she hesitated. Where we were standing wasn't on a map and would only have been known to the members of her clan. She quickly shook it off, reached out and took my hand. "Ianna." She was a true ginger; beautiful copper hair, green eyes and pale skin. She even had freckles. Which she probably hated, but they were absolutely adorable. Her accent sounded Irish, but I had a hard time telling the difference and I didn’t want to offend anyone by asking.The unskinned herded her towards the bench. I followed, like I thought nothing of it, and sat down with her."Please don’t think this is weird, but may I talk with you for a few minutes?"She hesitated, "Okay.""I'm from The States. I'm here on my honeymoon.""Congratulations." She smiled. I caught a brief flash of loneliness in her eyes."Thanks." I patted her hand and our bond was sealed immediately. My dream was right."You’re marked by two wolves?" I nodded. "But you’re not a wolf?""No, I'm not, but you are." She nodded"Your scent is strange."She didn't bury her face in my hair, but got close enough to scent me."I'm a Valkyrie." She laughed. "I've never met a Valkyrie.""I get that a lot." I giggled."How’s it you are marked by two wolves?" She was dumbfounded."I’m the Shieldmaiden who wears two marks." I smiled. "I know. It's weird." She laughed. "Okay, so that's not the weird part. Because of my lineage, I can see bonds between people.""I don't understand.""Hmm, how to explain it? You know about fated mates?""Of course.""The bond between fated mates is very strong; only the one between a mother and her child is stronger. Anyway, I can see bonds between people, both mortal and immortal. It's something I inherited from my mother. Think of the bonds like gold threads that connect people.""Okay.""I have a friend. He’s a wolf and I know this may seem strange, but I think you're his mate.""Why would you think that?" She had inadvertently moved closer to me. The unskinned had made a ring around the tree and were humming. They were weaving energy for me. The union between these two must be very important to them. Why the Hell they couldn't get them together sooner was beyond me."Like I said, I can see bonds between people and I just have this feeling. Before we left, I asked him to give me something that had his scent on it. I didn't know if I’d find his mate, but I wanted to be prepared. Would it be totally out of place to ask you to scent what he gave me? I know it’s weird, but if you are..." I smiled. "Oh and you should know, it's not like I've been roaming the countryside asking wolves to scent it. There's just something familiar about you."She hesitated, "Okay." I heard her wonder if I was crazy and tried not to laugh."He gave me one of his shirts." I pulled out the ziploc bag that held Quinn's shirt. She gave me a strange look. "I didn't want my scent or the scent of my mates to taint the scent on the shirt. So, I put it in a ziploc bag." I smiled.I handed it to her. She opened it and hesitated before she held the bag up to scent it. Immediately, her eyes turned amber, she grew claws and her canines erupted. She buried her face in the bag. When she pulled her face from it, she resealed it and smiled at me."Was I right?""Yes." She growled. I squealed and the trees around us shook with a gust of wind. I was making an effort to hold on to my witch, but I was so excited."What's his name?""Quinn Darrow.""Do you know where he is from?""All I know is he's Scottish.""Can I meet him?""Of course." She buried her face in the bag again. The unskinned around us were laughing. "Okay, we need to go back to where I left my mate. He's getting worried.""How do you know?""I just do." I smiled.We walked back to where I left Iain. When he saw me, he lit up, but looked confused when he saw Ianna.
Iain
Sarah walked in with a woman, who I immediately scented as another wolf. She was carrying a ziploc bag with some fabric in it. Sarah smiled brightly and sat down with me."Ianna, this is my husband and mate Iain. Iain this is Ianna, Quinn's mate.""That was why you insisted we come here?""I had the same dream twice. The first time we stayed at the inn, she popped into my dream. Last night, we were staying at the same place and I saw her again. I knew it wasn't a coincidence. So, I looked online and found the church. Since I'd seen it from across the street from the woods, I knew that was where I was supposed to go. I walked to where I saw the oak tree with the three bumps, turned right, walked a little further and found the overgrown graveyard and ruins of the chapel and she was there. I gotta call Quinn and then, you can tell him where we are."Sarah got up from the table and went outside."Dream?" "My mate's quite unique.""She said, it was because of her mother, she could see bonds between people.""Sarah's a Valkyrie, but she's also Fae. Her mother was a Valkyrie healer and her father was a warrior of the Fae, but also a mage.""Wait, that's really her. She's really the Shieldmaiden who bears two marks. I thought she was a myth.""No, she's very real and my mate." I smiled proudly."But her mother was supposedly a goddess?"Ianna shook her head in disbelief."Yes, Sarah's mother was." I laughed. "The Fates truly blessed me when they sent me my mate." Ianna smiled.
Sarah
"Hey Sarah. How's my favorite Valkyrie? Enjoying the honeymoon?""I'm good. Iain has taken me to see some very beautiful places. How are you?""I was actually on my way out for a run.""Do you have a few minutes to talk?""Sure.""Okay. Umm... So something weird happened. I had a dream and then, I had it again. I followed and well, I sort of found her.""What?""I'll let Iain tell you where we are because I'm not entirely sure where Dunfermline is. I just knew this was where I had to be. We got lost in the fog, stayed at this inn. I had a dream about a woman standing in front of a headstone with a triskelion on it. The graveyard was really old and the stone building there was all crumbled with no roof. I didn't think anything of it. Last night, we stayed at the same inn and I had the dream again.""You really found her?" He whispered."In the dream, I made a wreath of ten yellow tulips, laid it down on the grave and then, made an 'X' in the middle with the other two." I heard recognition in his thoughts. "The unskinned there identified me immediately. Anyway, I had her scent your shirt. She buried her face in the bag." He laughed. "Okay, so Iain is going to tell you where we are." I walked back inside and handed Iain my phone. "Can you tell Quinn where we are? Oh and can I have your phone? I need to call Mark. The unskinned nun said he needs to come here." I was sure Iain already knew why."The unskinned nun?" Ianna asked."We'll get into that in a bit."I smiled wide and showed my fangs.Iain handed over his phone and I went back outside.
Iain
"Did she really find her?""I believe she has.""Okay, I'm on the next flight to Edinburgh.""Mark and my father will be joining us. The Fae have requested Mark's presence.""What do you get the woman who finds your mate?"All I could do was laugh."If Mark hasn't woken Aedan yet, I'll be happy, too." Quinn laughed. "We'll be on the next flight out."Quinn hung up. I think he wanted to squeal like Sarah does. I was unable to see bonds between people, but I had to admit Ianna somehow felt familiar. I was starting to think she was the copper colored wolf from Sarah’s dream."Is he coming?" Ianna asked."Quinn went downstairs to wake my father. One of them will call back with flight information. My father will be concerned about the Full Moon--""Oh, you can most certainly run with us.""Sarah will run with Mark this Full Moon--""She runs with you on the Full Moon?""Yes, being a Valkyrie, she enjoys our wolf side quite a bit and loves running with us. However, we were married here after the Full Moon in August and our wedding reception will be held over the upcoming Full Moon at home.""Oh." She nodded.
Mark
"Hi.""Sarah?" I wasn't sure if I answered the phone or if I was having a dream."I'm sorry for waking you. The time difference thing is annoying, but I needed to talk to you. I'll give you a few moments to wake up and then, I'll tell you why I called." I set the phone down and went to the bathroom. I grabbed it on my way to the kitchen. I poured myself some root beer and sat down."Okay, mostly awake. What's up?""I need you to come here.""Where's here?""Umm, not totally sure.""Why?""An unskinned nun said so. Oh and I found Quinn's mate.""What?" Now, I was awake."Yeah, we stayed at this one inn run by Fae and I had a dream. I didn't think anything of it. Last night, we stayed at the same inn and I had the same dream. It was an old ancestral chapel or something and there was a woman standing in front of a grave. I bought yellow tulips and wove ten into a wreath and then, made an 'X' in the middle with the last two. It's a symbol or something. I'll have to look it up later. Before we left Quinn gave me a shirt and I put it into a ziploc bag. She scented it. It was hilarious, she buried her face in the bag." She giggled. "Obviously, he's coming here. The unskinned woman I talked to said you needed to come here, too.""Umm, okay.""You have to leave today.""Okay.""So, you really think you found her?""I better have or this is gonna suck. I love you.""I love you too. I'll see you soon.""Can’t wait." Sarah giggled and hung up. When I came back inside, I smiled at Iain. I sat down next to Ianna rather than Iain. For a second, he pouted, but I figured Ianna might be slightly overwhelmed."What was this dream? And unskinned?" Ianna asked."Umm...you'd call them ghosts, but really they're not. Everything they were when they had skin passes with them as they become unskinned.""You said there was a nun?" Iain asked."Yeah, she was wearing a caramel brown Hell's Gate and an off white long sleeve underdress. Pretty simple and an off white scarf around her copper brown hair. She had beautiful green eyes. Oh and a really long necklace. The pendant was some kind of knotwork." Ianna looked like she was going to faint."What?""That wasn't a nun. That was my grandmother.""Oh, god. I didn't know. I'm sorry.""Can I see her?""That's up to her, not me. She scolded me because I should have come for you sooner, but I came as soon as I figured out what the dream was trying to tell me.""How did you know yellow tulips were her favorite flower?""I didn't. That's what I did in the dream. For me, the dreams are like my Internal Northstar. They can be about anything from the mundane to something major. I think in this case, I had the dream again because you were going to be nearby.""Yes, tomorrow, I am leaving for home. I live in London.""We were actually headed to London tomorrow, too." Iain smiled."So, I guess it was good I followed the dream." I giggled.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mark
When I saw my Sarah, I couldn't help myself. I ran and picked her up. She wrapped her arms and legs around me. I felt the energy spark between us and begin to surge. I felt her joy and love. We ignored everyone and everything else. I kissed her and buried my face in her hair. She softly moaned when she felt my canines on her neck."I missed you, my dear one." "I can tell." She giggled. "Mmm, I missed you, too." Sarah nipped at the hollow of my throat and I growled. She purred as I kissed her. I had to consciously restrain myself, but so did she. I had truly missed my mate. Iain and Aedan were laughing. I put her down and we joined them.Quinn and Ianna locked eyes. They walked toward each other and stopped about three feet apart. I caught a flash from Sarah. I saw the gold thread between them solidify. From the look on Aedan and Iain's face, she had shown them the same image. They moved closer to each other. He buried his face in her hair and she buried her face in his chest, they both growled. I took that as a sign that Sarah had been correct."M’eudail, I have waited for you for so long.""I thought I would never find you."They started kissing and touching. He almost bit her. Aedan cleared his throat to remind them, we were in an international airport terminal, crowded with mortals. They restrained themselves. Sarah was giggling hysterically."Yay! I was right." She bounced and clapped. Quinn picked Sarah up and kissed her on the cheek. She was still giggling."I'm not quite sure what you get the woman who finds your mate..." He laughed. Quinn squeezed her and made her squeak. The glass behind them shattered. At that, we decided to make our exit post haste.
Iain
We picked up their luggage and drove to the hotel. Obviously, Quinn and Ianna had their own room and so did my father. Mark, Sarah and I talked about it. Sarah decided, since we were on our honeymoon, we would stay together. Given how much they missed each other, I knew she felt awkward about Mark staying alone. We decided not to pressure her.As soon as we got to the hotel, Quinn and Ianna disappeared. My father, Mark and I went down to the restaurant and Sarah went up to our room.When I got upstairs, Sarah had left a note letting me know she needed to talk to Mark and she would be back in a little bit. In the interim, I went to get some work done.
Mark
"You're in my room." I smiled at Sarah. She ran at me and wrapped her arms around my neck. She pressed her body against mine and sighed happily. I picked her up and she wrapped her legs around my waist. I sat down on the sofa. She was so excited to see me, the objects around us were vibrating and there were sparks of electricity in the room. I pulled her close to me and held her tight.She kissed from my collar bone to behind my ear and then, across my jaw before giving me a toe curling kiss. As she continued to kiss me, I felt her claws dig into my shoulders. Her scent was driving me crazy. I wanted to take her to bed."You already shielded the room, didn't you?" I got out between kisses."Of course, silly. I can't stay, but you deserved a proper greeting." She let out a breathy giggle.I slid my hands up her thighs and beneath her dress. She felt my claws dig into her hips and she squirmed and moaned against my lips. I was fighting the urge to slip past that thin piece of silk. It would be a hard, fast romp and I knew that wouldn't be enough for either of us."I missed you.""I missed you, too." I kissed down her throat to the tops of her breasts. Her sighs were quickly becoming ragged moans. "I can't stay and you know why. It wouldn't be fair to either of you.""I know. I'll have you all to myself after the Full Moon.""Iain suggested we maintain the rest of our schedule. In a few days, we'll leave for Paris and will make it back just in time for the reception." I smiled. We went back to trading kisses. I could feel how hard she was fighting to restrain herself. It was nice to know she missed me as much as I missed her."So, we have a trip to take tomorrow.""Aedan said, he'd give us directions, but we had to go alone."Hmm, us driving alone in the English countryside, now, there's a recipe for trouble if I ever heard one." Sarah slipped off my lap and I pulled out my laptop."According to the map, it's not far. About an hour and a half drive and it's off the main road.""Yeah, I still have little faith." She giggled. I set my laptop aside and pulled her back onto my lap. She snuggled up to me. I buried my face in her hair and took a deep breath. She held her hand to my cheek and kissed me softly."I've got to go.""I love you, my dear one.""I love you, too. I'll see you in the morning." She gave me a soul warming kiss and slipped off my lap.
Iain
I heard Sarah come in. I thought about taking a shower, but decided to wait and take one with her. She found me in our suite's study working."Mmm, my wolf." Sarah sat down on my lap. "I was hoping you waited to take a shower." I kissed her. "Can I steal you away or are you busy?""Give me about fifteen minutes.""Okay.'' Her kiss was loving and persuasive. She giggled and hopped off my lap. I heard her singing to herself in the other room. I knew she was laying out her clothes for tomorrow and picking out a nightgown for tonight. Every night, we were in a hotel, she wore one. The first night, I protested, but she said because we were not at home she thought it was a good idea not to sleep nude. I agreed with her logic and slept in boxers with my robe nearby.I wrapped up what I needed to and found Sarah laying nude across our bed reading. She looked up at me and smiled. Occasionally, it hit me that not only was she my mate, but she was my wife, as well."We can skip the shower." She giggled. "And yes, I have already shielded the room." I smiled. I knew she had the moment we got here.I climbed into bed with her. Tonight, we took it very slow.
Sarah
Our hotel had a very nice heated indoor pool and I was looking forward to making use of it. Any hotel we stayed at, Iain made sure they had a bathtub, but also tried to select ones with an indoor pool. For our honeymoon, I brought my new swimsuits. The one I chose to wear this morning, I would call a bathing beauty swimsuit. It was still the normal length of a one piece swimsuit, but my entire torso and hips were covered which I knew was something Iain and Mark appreciated. However, it was still something I could comfortably swim in. The pool was amazing, Olympic sized and heated, but the room was the best part. It was all glass, including the roof. The sunlight spilled in from every direction. I set my things down, took off my cover up and dove in. I swam until my only thoughts were about the water and the sunlight.As I moved to get out, I felt someone watching me. I thought about ditching my stuff and just heading upstairs, but I reminded myself I was no shrinking violet. I got out, dried off and laid out on a lounge chair in the Sun. I closed my eyes and tried to ignore everything, but the sunlight.On the way back to my room, I ran into Aedan in the hallway and he pulled me into his room. We had not seen each other since the wedding. As soon as he locked the door behind us, I was in his arms. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled myself up."I have missed you." He pressed me against the wall. I tangled my claws into his hair and wrapped my legs around his waist tight. His kisses were gently needful. His claws dug into my thighs and I squirmed against him. "I've missed you, too." I sank my fangs into his neck and channeled an electric pulse through my skin. He groaned hoarsely and pressed me against the wall harder. He kissed down my throat to my shoulder. He wanted to bite me, but he knew he couldn't. I heard him wondering if he could take me to his bed."I don't think that's a good idea. Your room is shielded, but with both Iain and Mark here. Plus, the whole honeymoon thing.""I know you're right, my dear." He sighed."We will have time together soon. I know that doesn’t change the fact that you'd like to keep me in your bed for the next week, but we will have some time together soon." He laughed and kissed me. "I need to vanish. Iain’s awake."
Iain
When I woke up, I found Sarah's note. I started the coffee. Sarah had already laid out clothes for me. I wasn't quite sure what my father and I would do while Sarah and Mark were off on their clandestine adventure.Last night, I spoke to Quinn long enough to make them promise to join us for brunch and dinner. For the duration of our stay, my father had reserved the private dining room in the hotel's restaurant for the two meals.I sat down with my coffee and the paper. I turned on my computer and checked my email. I had a bit of work to do this morning. I decided to wait for Sarah and take a shower with her when she returned.I heard Sarah come in. By the time I got to the bathroom, she'd already turned on the water in the shower and was stripping. I scented my father on her through the chlorine. I knew he had missed her. For him, it was more than just the physical need, he truly did enjoy her company and I knew the same was true for her. "Good morning.'' I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her on the top of her head."Mmm, my wolf. I'm glad you waited for me." I helped her unbraid her hair. Then, I picked her up and got into the shower with her. I loved when we were able to shower together in the morning. It was the perfect way to begin the day. However, often, it made me want to take her back to bed.I was out before she was. Once I was dressed, I went back to study. I had kept my promise to her and worked no more than three hours a day. Most days, it was less than that.When I looked at the clock, it was almost time for brunch. I went back into the bedroom to check on Sarah. She was standing in front of the mirror putting her makeup on. She chose to wear an adorable navy blue cotton sleeveless dress with a low round neckline. The skirt was pleated. It was the kind of skirt she said swished. It had a belt in a lighter shade of blue that tied in a bow in the front. She was wearing her light flowery perfume and her favorite diamond earrings. She had very little makeup on, but she was wearing a light dusting of blue eye shadow.Once she had her makeup on, she started braiding her hair. When she felt me watching her, she smiled at me in the mirror. I wrapped my hands around her waist from behind. I felt the bones of the corset she was wearing and growled, causing her to giggle."You look beautiful." She smiled at me and I nipped at the nape of her neck."You're going to make us late for brunch." She turned around and I bent down to kiss her."Sorry, if we're supposed to be out traipsing about the countryside, I opted for flats.""It just means I have to pick you up." I lifted her off her feet and kissed her."We should head downstairs."
Mark
Sarah and Iain showed up just after Ianna and Quinn. She sat down between Iain and I. She leaned against me. I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her lightly on the lips. She leaned her forehead against mine and sighed softly.Aedan had already ordered. Not long after Sarah and Iain sat down, the wait staff brought in serving dishes with eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, cinnamon rolls, pancakes, french toast and fruit. They also brought in orange juice and coffee. We served ourselves family style. While we ate, Sarah got up and visited the plants. Ianna was watching her closely."You don’t eat?" Ianna asked when Sarah sat back down."No. I haven't eaten anything in nearly a year. It’s a Valkyrie thing." Sarah let herself be whole. Her eyes turned bright blue and her claws extended. She rubbed them together so Ianna could see the sparks rain down from them. Her thunder shattered the silence. It caused the panes to rattle in their frames. There were visible electric sparks in the room."Wow." Ianna whispered."Yeah and that's just me being nervous.""You should see what happens when she gets pissed off."I laughed and kissed Sarah on the cheek. She stuck her tongue out at me."I try to keep it under control."Sarah's eyes were violet again."We were discussing what to get you." Ianna said, nonchalantly."Outside of clothes, there really isn't a lot Sarah wants."She poked me in the side."Well, actually, I had an idea, but I wasn't sure how you would feel about it.""What was that, my pearl?"Iain kissed Sarah's cheek."Quinn recently joined our pack and I know he likes where he lives. I'm not sure about your situation, but I was thinking you could come join our pack." Quinn and Ianna looked at each other. "Hmm, maybe, I should have asked Aedan first.""No, I think that's a splendid idea." Aedan smiled."I don't have any family here any longer. My sister lives in the States and our parents are both gone." "Where does your sister live?" Sarah asked."Mesa Verde in New Mexico."Quinn made a face and Sarah giggled."What do you think?" He asked her."It's a beautiful place. Lots of trees and a stream. We're out in the middle of the forest. The only mortals that live among us are the ones that work in the community. No one hides there. Not even me." Sarah smiled. "Did you want to--""I think that sounds wonderful." Ianna didn't even let Quinn finish his sentence."YAY!" Sarah bounced and clapped. She covered her mouth before she squealed and giggled instead. However, she was so happy, she made all the flowers in the entire restaurant bloom. Which only made her giggle more."You did that?" Ianna whispered in shock."Sarah's gifts are quite unique, but you'll get used to them." Quinn laughed."Oh and they are looking for another school teacher." "How did you--"Quinn stroked his hand down Ianna's back."Quinn already knows and I don't like lying to people. So, I'll tell you upfront that way you're not surprised later. I can track people, feel them and hear them.""Hear them?""I catch loud thoughts and sometimes images. When I was telling you about where we live, you were thinking about a cabin your family used to go to that was by a stream and then, you thought about leaving your students." Ianna's face lost all its color. "Oh, don't worry. I try not to listen. When I get nervous, sometimes, I forget, but honestly, I try not to.""She tells me, at least, she'll always know what I want."Iain took Sarah's hand and kissed it."She can make it go both ways." Aedan added."What do you mean?""This is where we live." Sarah projected a series of images of home for all of us to see."Wow.""I figured I would tell you now, rather than frighten you later. I only share my gifts when necessary. You are among a small handful of people who know about this particular one." Sarah smiled. Quinn kissed Ianna. We all could scent her fear and I knew Sarah could feel it."Can I ask how you made the flowers bloom?" Ianna spoke slowly, trying to hide her fear."It's something I inherited from my mother.""The goddess?""Iain told you."She poked him in the side, but he trapped her hand and kissed it."My mother was the Norse Goddess of Mercy, Peace and Medicine. I didn't know her. She died shortly after I was born. I grew up in the mortal world.""Can I ask how old you are?""I'll tell you, but only if you tell me." Sarah smirked."Okay." Ianna nodded."I turned eighteen just before the last Full Moon. Physiologically, I will be seventeen for the rest of my existence." Ianna laughed."I’ll be four hundred and nineteen in September.""Ooo before or after the 22nd?""September 1st.""You're an Earth sign. Not important. Just interesting.""You really can hear us." Sarah nodded."What do you teach?" Aedan asked."Currently, I am a fourth grade teacher, but I have taught at the middle school level, too. My focus is art and music. However, I am certified to teach all subjects through the eighth grade. I can expand beyond that if needed.""Excellent. Once you’re settled, we can sort everything out." Aedan smiled and nodded at Sarah."Okay, so can someone explain where the Hell we are supposed to go?" Sarah sighed in frustration."Aedan seemed to know." Mark said. I looked at Aedan."I wrote out the directions, but beyond that, there isn't much more I can tell you.""Can't tell, won’t tell, or don’t know."Aedan hunched under Sarah's glare and Quinn snickered."I don't know." Sarah sighed and shook her head."Well, I guess, we should get this show on the road. What are you going to do while we're gone?" Sarah asked Iain."I am undecided.""Okay." Sarah kissed Iain and slung her messenger bag across her body. "I don’t know how long we'll be or what this is about. So don’t worry. I'll call you if we'll be gone overnight."He pulled her down onto his lap and kissed her."I won't worry."He buried his face in her hair."I love my wolf." "I love my sweet pearl."He kissed her again."Okay, I'm driving." Sarah giggled as we left.
Iain
"Is it strange having to share her?""At first, it was challenging. Mark is young and has had difficulty with the situation."My father attempted to keep his emotions out of his response."He put her through Hell." Quinn growled."How do you know?"Ianna was shocked over his reaction."Sarah and I are actually fairly good friends.""Yeah, only after she nearly ended you." My father laughed."Nearly ended you?""I challenged her and lost. She could have ended me, but she healed me instead." She gave him a look. "As Sarah put it, he messed with the wrong feral warrior nymph." I laughed."I should tell you now, in most wolf circles, I do not have a very good reputation. It's why I lived and ran alone for many years. When I met Sarah, I attempted--" He paused. Quinn didn't want to tell Ianna he wanted to take Sarah as his partner. If she would agree, he still would. I understood why, but it didn't change the fact that he should tell Ianna."During the Full Moon, Sarah's scent becomes more potent and her marks disappear. We don’t know why, but he didn’t know she had been claimed.""You tried to bed her?"Ianna didn't want to say it, let alone think it."I had third degree burns and deep gouges on my side and back. I could barely breathe. I had not lost to anyone in centuries, but this little girl nearly killed me in under five minutes. She could have finished me off, but a Shieldmaiden spared me.""Wow.""Lots of wolves lost a lot of money on the bout." My father laughed."Before she stepped in the circle, she took the petticoat off, but left her corset on." I added and laughed."And we've been friends ever since.""But she's so tiny." Ianna said with disbelief."Don’t let that fool you." My father shook his head."She’s proficient with bow, staff and sword. Plus, several martial arts styles. She will train you if you ask." Quinn smiled at Ianna."I like that idea." Ianna smiled back.We all laughed.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Sarah
"According to the directions, you want to stay on this road.""Okay.""What do you think this is about?""No clue." We both were well aware what this was about."Why do you think it was her grandmother who told you?""No clue.""We could find somewhere secluded and see if the trunk is the right height."He slid his hand up my thigh."On the way back."I squeezed his thigh. I needed his touch just as badly as he needed mine.We drove for about an hour before we turned off the main road. From there, we were quickly moving away from civilization and deeper into the forest. I could smell water in the air. I knew there was a river nearby. We drove for another forty minutes before we found the next turn. Our directions said drive to the end of the road. When we arrived, for a moment, we just sat in the car."You know this is how horror movies usually begin." Mark said nervously. "But we're not out of gas nor are we getting it on in the backseat." I giggled and he rolled his eyes at me. We got out and Immediately, I slung my bag across my chest. I located Mark's protection amulet. This may be how horror movies began, but in this case, I could give any serial killer a run for their money."Now what?""Put this on.”I handed Mark the amulet and he put it on. “Strap this to your forearm." I handed him a bracer that held small iron coated knives meant for throwing. I had them designed with blood grooves for maximum penetration. "Put this in your boot." I also handed him an iron coated K-Bar. He secured everything and nodded."I smell water." He said."Me, too."I grabbed Mark's hand and pulled him closer to me. We walked into the forest and towards the scent of the water. As I neared them, I felt the trees start to hum. We were not alone, but I knew that when we got out of the car.“Augustina said to come. She said, 'it's time'."I felt movement around us and I didn’t like what I felt. I pulled out my oak wand and it extended into a staff. I had modeled it after the folded white canes for the blind, but I used my lightning to bind it into the form of a staff. As I pulled my lightning into it, there were sparks of electricity. When I moved it through the air, electricity crackled around it and us. I felt three coming towards us. I knew the amulet would keep Mark safe no matter what, but I moved into an attack stance. "The Shieldmaiden who wears two marks, you have come.""Why the Hell can't you people just call me Sarah?" They moved out of the shadows."Why are you armed?""You haven't earned my trust.""We don't mean you any harm.""I'll be the judge of that."A fourth appeared. She was older, much older."The spell that protects your mate is very interesting."She bowed before me. "Forgive me for not being ready to receive you." She smiled."And you are?""I am Áine."I let my staff retract back into a wand and put it back into my bag. When he saw me nod, Mark put his amulet in his pocket. "You're the one I'm supposed to tell 'it's time'. Whatever the Hell that's supposed to mean.""It's alright children, you can come out." We were instantly surrounded by Water Fae. I felt like we had been dropped into Oz and Glinda was telling the Munchkins to show themselves."Why are we here?""To be bound together of course." "What?""Come, we must ready you."Mark and I followed the woman. We were followed by several Fae. Well, not so much as followed, more herded. Most looked our age, but I knew they weren't. "All of you live here?""Some do, but we knew you were coming, so everyone is present today." A group of female Fae separated me from Mark. They tried to touch me, but I let my shields come up and the contact was met by a shower of sparks."You are far more powerful than anticipated. That is wonderful." Áine smiled. "Your father would be so proud," was the last thing I heard before I was taken into what looked like a bears' den. It turned out to be quite a lovely little house hidden amongst the trees. The moss and grass masked the reddish brown stone beneath. Immediately, I thought of Hobbits. I was sure Mark thought the same.They saw the corset I was wearing beneath my dress and the women giggled. Some were filling a bath, while others took down my hair and undressed me. I was trying really hard to maintain control over my Valkyrie. One tried to touch my necklace and I hissed at her. She jumped back and wouldn't come near me again.After I was bathed in lavender scented water, the women braided flowers, beads, and shells into my hair. I was dressed in a nearly sheer deep blue silk robe. It made me think of water. It was held closed with a beaded belt. It looked like it was made from beach glass. They painted what looked like runes on my skin and a crown of flowers was placed on top of my head.When we left the dwelling, I saw Mark. He was dressed in something similar, but his was deep green with a leather belt. He was wearing a wreath of Ivy leaves on his head.We were both being led into the center of a grove of trees. It reminded me of the circle of rowan and oak trees at home. The Sun had already set, but it hadn’t felt like an entire day had passed. There was no Moon, but the sky was full of stars. However, the constellations were not familiar to me. There were strange torches scattered about. They were the only source of light. I could smell cooking fires beyond the circle of trees.Everywhere my bare feet touched flowers sprung up. The Fae who walked with me tried to hide their shock, but I could hear it in their thoughts. Mark saw me and smiled. The Fae led us to the High Priestess. She was standing in the center of the grove. I felt the stream flowing beneath the ground. The water came up to meet my bare feet. I sighed and squished my toes in the silken mud. The sight caught the Priestess off guard. When I glanced around us, we were surrounded by at least a hundred Fae, of all ages. I didn't know where they came from. I hadn't felt them. I knew this was my father's clan. The High Priestess stepped close to us and began to speak, but she only spoke Fae. As she spoke, I projected the translation to Mark."Blessed daughter of Rowyn." She bowed to me. "Blessed son of Gregory." She bowed to Mark. "We gather beneath the New Moon to revel in the binding of your paths." Cupped within her hands was an acorn. It pulsed with a heartbeat of light and color; gold, then silver, deep green, then dark blue, dark purple and red. The color blended into the next as it pulsed."Our hands share our souls. Our right hand draws in energy. Our left hand allows the energy to flow out. Son of Gregory, daughter of Rowyn offers to you her left hand. Will you willingly accept it?"Mark took my left hand with his right."Daughter of Rowyn, son of Gregory offers his left hand to you. Will you willingly accept it?"I took Mark's right hand in my left and the High Priestess smiled. "The acorn holds hope to become a mighty oak. Let the energy flow between you. Allow the acorn to take root. It is the seed of beginning. It will flourish within and you will grow together as one."She brought our joined hands together, placed the acorn within them and closed them around it. At first, nothing happened. She looked worried. I felt her panic. Then, I felt warmth begin to spread across my palms. I saw the branches of a sapling begin to grow around our hands and up our arms, binding us together.She said something even I didn't understand. When she did, the branches turned a vibrant green and melted into our skin. All that was left was a thin shimmering band around our left wrists. It looked like a river of glistening water flowing beneath our skin. She bowed to each of us."We will leave you now. You may stay for the feast or you may return. Your clothes and things are with your car." Mark growled and some of the young girls giggled. I saw his canines and claws. The Moonless sky was lit by my lightning and the silence was shattered by my thunder.I had never felt such a powerful need for him. When he kissed me, there was a surge of energy between us. Far more than ever before. This felt like a flood. It didn't take very long before we were entwined together in the grass.
Mark
Sarah rested her head on my chest. We were both still trying to catch our breath."So, that was a Fae wedding." Sarah nodded against my chest."They're my father's clan. You're still lost elsewhere aren't you?""I am somewhere between wanting to investigate the scent of the cooked meat and taking you again.""Hmm, tough call."She poked me in the side. I laughed and pinned her down. I tickled her until she squealed. "I wonder what time it is."Sarah took a long slow breath."I was wondering the same."I brushed her hair from her face."Would it be rude not to stay for the feast? I don't want to offend them. I mean, their family, I think." I kissed her and coaxed her into another round in the grass before she insisted we get dressed and head back to the city. I didn't want Iain and Aedan to worry about us either. When we got back to the car all of our things were there. Sarah was still paranoid and went through her bag. Nothing was missing. We redressed in the clothes we came in. I hadn't realized Sarah had been wearing a corset. She elected not to put it back on. Sarah still had flowers, beads and shells woven into her hair. She looked like a mermaid. Sarah folded what we had been wearing neatly and put everything in the backseat. It was then that we noticed the hand tooled dark grey wooden box with silver hinges. It didn't look like any type of wood I had seen before.When Sarah opened it there was a spark of light. Inside was a collection of items inside. There were several leather bound books. They looked like the ones that told of the immortal realm and the beings that lived within. I assumed they were from the same source. There was a ring in a small pouch. When she touched it, it shimmered like the band around our wrists. One of the more interesting things was a small box that held a collection of feathers inside. I remembered her father was an archer.Sarah closed everything up and we got into the car together.We followed the road back through the forest and out towards the highway. As soon as we cleared the trees and saw the sunshine, Sarah stopped the car. "That's not possible.""How long were we there?""According to the clock, we were never there."I looked at my watch. It read quarter past Midnight, but the clock in the car said it was a little after two. We looked at each other. Sarah shook her head and sighed. She got back on the main highway and we drove back to the hotel.
Sarah
"I'll see you later." I kissed Mark before he went into his room. He wanted to pull me in with him, but honestly, all I wanted was a hot bath and a nap. Oh and to scold Aedan. He knew what all of this was about. I had half a mind to skin me a silver wolf.I knew Aedan was alone in his room. I waited until I felt Mark otherwise occupied before I knocked on Aedan's door."My dear." As soon as he saw the look on my face, he stepped aside and let me in. He locked the door behind me and I sat down on the sofa. He sat down next to me, but did not move to pull me onto his lap or kiss me."You knew." When I glared at him, I narrowed my eyes and he hunched a little. Which only made me want to giggle."I'm sorry I didn't tell you, my dear.""Does Iain know?""Yes.""That was why you wouldn't say anything, wasn't it?""I was not sure what effect their binding would have on the mated pair bond.""My spell?" He nodded and I sighed in frustration. "Fabulous.""You look beautiful." He stroked the back of his fingertips across my cheek. I closed my eyes and leaned into his touch. "I can't stay. Iain already felt me.""How long were you there?""Mark's watch read quarter past Midnight, but the clock in the car still read the same time as when we arrived. There was no Moon visible either.""Time passes differently in the other realms." He smiled."I sort of picked up on that." I scrunched up my face and stuck my tongue out at him. He laughed. I bolted before he could attempt any one of the schemes that were bounding about in his head.
Iain
When I heard Sarah come into our suite, I ended my conference call. She was in the bedroom picking out clothes. She was covered in a variety of scents."My pearl." I wrapped my arms around her from behind. She crumbled as soon as she felt my touch. I caught her before she hit the floor. She started to cry. I carried her to the sofa and wrapped my arms around her tight."What's wrong? Did something happen?" All she could do was cry. I started seeing flashes of where they went and what happened. She looked beautiful in her gown with the crown of flowers. She still had flowers, shells and beads in her hair.I saw the binding ritual. I knew about them, but I had never been present during one. Outsiders were not welcome. To them, Mark was part of Sarah and therefore not an outsider. It made sense why my father said they had to go alone.I saw the Priestess panic until the branches began to grow around their hands and up their arms. Then, they seep into their skin. I looked down at her wrist and saw the swirling band of color."Sarah, this doesn't change anything between you and I. You know that right?" All I could feel from her was overwhelming fear.She looked up at me, her eyes were brown. I saw the scared girl, who didn't know where she belonged. She had been claimed by the mortals, by the Valkyrie, by the wolves and now by the Fae.She once told me, 'I'm lots of little pieces of things, all smashed together to create an unnatural freak.' "She said my father would be proud that I am more powerful than anticipated. Like, I was engineered." She gasped. "All anyone sees is this thing that exists to fulfill some prophecy. To fight some war that has nothing to do with me.'' She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Worst of all, I am here to bring more warriors into this world to fight a battle they didn't ask to be part of either." She sobbed. "You're the only one who has ever asked me what I wanted." I kissed her. She cuddled against me and I held her until she stopped crying. "I need to take a bath." She said softly."Do you want me to run the water for you?" She nodded.I kissed her and went to run her a bath. I added her favorite jasmine scented bubble bath. Sarah had followed me. She was standing in front of the mirror trying to remove the ornaments from her hair. The objects around her began to lift off their resting places and the lights started to flicker. She began to rip out her hair trying to rid herself of their weavework. She screeched in frustration and the mirror shattered. I saw her eyes flutter closed and, before I could catch her, she collapsed to the floor. When she lost consciousness, everything fell to the floor. She had a pulse and was breathing. I picked her up and put her in the bath. I was hoping this was a just case of her overextending herself. She felt the water and stirred. Mark was pounding on the door. He felt her unrest. I made sure she was propped up and wouldn't slip beneath the water. Then, I went to get the door. I turned the knob just enough to open it before I ran back into the bathroom. Sarah was still slumped over the side of the tub. Mark saw the shattered glass and the balls of her hair on the floor. The fear in his eyes mirrored mine."What happened?" He whispered."She said she is back to being a thing.""She felt betrayed by them." I nodded."They didn't ask her what she wanted.""Does she not want--""This has nothing to do with you." I sighed."What should we do?""First, I think we need to remove all their weavework from her body. There are some scissors in my briefcase." Mark returned with them. "Do you want to cut hair or wash the paint off her skin?""Umm.""Her hair will grow back in a couple of days.""Okay, but if she doesn't like it, I'm telling her you did it." We both laughed quietly. Mark carefully removed each shell and bead from her hair. He tried to preserve as much of the length of her hair as possible. I pulled out the flowers and washed the symbols from her skin. She came to when she felt me rubbing the wash cloth against her skin."I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I panicked." "It's okay Sarah."Mark kissed her on the forehead. "I think we might need to go hat shopping." She giggled softly.It was good to hear her laugh."How bad?" She asked."How would you feel about a visit to the hotel's salon?" I asked."Can't be worse than what I did when I was experimenting with my immortality."She touched her hair surveying Mark's handiwork. "You know I've always wanted to try one of those pixie razor cuts." She giggled. "Aedan's at the door.""I'll get it." "I really am sorry." I kissed her."You have every right to be upset.""You should go talk to Aedan. He's worried and Mark is not doing a very good job of calming him down.""Will you be okay?""Yeah, can you call the salon and see if they have an available appointment for today?" She laughed.
Mark
"Is she alright? I heard the scream." Aedan was frantic."She's okay. Her scream shattered the mirror in the bathroom. We'll need to deal with that and any other objects that broke.""What happened?" Iain came out of the bedroom. "Should you leave her alone?"Aedan was ready to push past Iain to go see for himself."She's conscious and mostly fine. She asked me to call down to the hotel salon to see if they can fit her in." I laughed."Hairdresser is definitely not my true calling." Mark laughed."Why would she--""She ripped out their weave work.""She ripped her own hair out?" Aedan was shocked. Iain nodded, "Just before she lost consciousness.""I don't understand.""She's back to being treated as a thing.""No one asked her." Aedan lamented and Iain nodded again."What should we do?" I asked."We need to remind her who she is, not what she is." Aedan said firmly."We need to remind her, she's Sarah." Iain added. "I'm going to find her some clothes.""I'll call the salon. It's the least I can do." I laughed."I have a hat." Aedan said on his way out the door.
Sarah
I soaked in the tub until all the bubbles were gone and the water was lukewarm. I was embarrassed over my behavior. She saw the spell. Her spell wouldn't take hold until she removed mine. Now, I was bound to the man and the wolf. I decided I was done. I wanted to make my own decisions. If I can change the outcome of one battle by making decisions, why couldn't I change other things, too? I refused to be at anyone's mercy any longer.I got out of the bathtub, but didn’t pull the plug. I took one of the glasses from the counter and filled it with cold water. I saw myself drinking water in a few dreams and I knew that was the way to start preparing my body to eat. Iain didn't want to wait to have children. I decided it was time. Maybe, if Megdn and Eoghan were older, maybe, all this shit would end sooner or better yet, not happen at all.The little voice of reason in my head started screaming and I sat down to think. I was also a little scared. Once I started eating again, I would have a cycle and I was not exactly in a monogamous situation. Even if I took Aedan out of the equation, there was still Mark. To be honest, I would rather take him out of the equation than Aedan. Which is a bit twisted in itself. I was sure Freud would have a field day with that one. I wasn't quite sure how it would alter the path either. Maybe, I was overreacting. No, I knew, I was overreacting, but I was starting not to care. "I brought you--" Iain was carrying a dress and panties, but saw the glass and stopped mid-step. He dropped the clothes and ripped it from my hands. "What did you do? Did you drink any?" He growled. I just looked up at him. He dropped to his knees and held my cheeks between his palms. "Sarah, please tell me you didn't drink any of the water." I felt his claws on my cheeks and pushed him away."Why shouldn't I drink it? It's just water. I absorb it through my skin when I swim, take a bath or shower.""You know what will happen if you drink it.""What if I decide I want it to happen?""Sarah.""I don't see why it should matter. It's what you want.""Sarah, not like this.""Not like what?""What about Mark?""He has his two little wolflets. I'm sure Aedan will let them join the pack.""I think he needs to be in on this discussion.""I don't see why.""Because this affects all of us.""How do you figure? It's my body. I'm the one that will be dealing with all the discomfort. You didn't want to wait and I've decided I agree with you.""What if you try to heal someone?""Internal shielding. I figured it out a while ago."Mark knocked on the bathroom door. "Aedan dropped off a hat." Neither of us acknowledged his knock. So, he knocked again. "Sarah? Iain? Is everything okay?""Get dressed."Iain threw my clothes at me, picked up the empty glasses and left. I gathered what was left of my hair and pulled it into a ponytail. He had brought me a black sundress with spaghetti straps and black lace panties. I could hear the three of them arguing and then, I heard the front door close. I took a deep breath and left the bathroom.I came out of the bedroom and Mark and Iain stopped talking. I sat down on the sofa and waited. Iain sat near me, but not next to me. Mark sat down in the chair next to Iain. I was fine with that. I didn't care if they didn't like it. I decided I wanted control over my life. It was mine after all."Sarah, did you drink any of the water?" Mark asked calmly."Does it matter?" They both had claws and canines. They both barely had control over their wolves. I decided to let my Valkyrie out, too."Yes, it does." Iain growled."I don’t see why. I won’t spontaneously conceive because I took a sip of water." I purposely slipped into menacing calm. I made sure they felt the waves of electricity that emanated from my form. The lights began to flicker around me. I could hear my thunder. The residents of London were in for a random lightning storm. At least this time, there were clouds and not blue sky. It made me wonder how many Valkyrie were in the area."Sarah, it's not time and you know that.""I think I should be allowed to decide.""I decided I wanted to wait.""I'm fucking tired of my life being dictated by others." I sighed. "From the conversation I overheard, the salon is expecting me in fifteen minutes." I grabbed my bag, put Aedan's hat on and slammed the door behind me.As I walked past, Aedan grabbed my wrist and yanked me into his room. I consciously allowed him to touch me. I thought about pulling my lightning into my skin and letting him have a nice third degree burn on his palm, but I was nicer than that."What the Hell is wrong with you?" He barked."Aedan, that tone has no effect on me. Push me and I’ll remind you why." "You are acting like a child." He growled."Technically, my immortality froze me at seventeen, remember?" I hissed at him."You know perfectly well what I speak of." He took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. He pulled me to the sofa and down onto his lap. He wrapped his arms around me."Why should my life be dictated to me? Why should I not be allowed to make decisions like everyone else? Everyone else has free will. They are free to fuck up and make stupid mistakes. Even Mark and Iain have that right. Why should I be any different?" I dropped my head to his shoulder and he pulled me closer to him."You're not like anyone else, my dear. Yes, you can make decisions, but don’t make them in hast. You're angry and hurt. You feel out of control and you're fighting to regain it. This is not the way."He stroked his hand down my back."I'm tired of the puppet strings.""I know, my dear. I only ask that you act judiciously."I sighed and shook my head. "Besides, it means you would lose your playmate."I poked him in the side and he laughed."That is purely a selfish perk."He gave me a toe curling kiss. "Did you drink any of the water?""Not yet." I smiled. "I have to go. I'm hoping I have enough hair left for a cute nineteen twenties bob, but I'll settle for a pixie razor cut." I giggled. "Thank you for the hat. I've always loved fedoras. So sexy." I kissed Aedan and fled.
Iain
There was a knock at the door and then, my father poked his head in. I motioned for him to come in. "She didn't drink any of the water."He sat down and exhaled loudly."Good." I sighed."She does have a valid point and she hissed at me, so I know she feels quite strongly about this." We all laughed. "I am unsure how her actions or how theirs will change what she sees." My father was calming down."Have you seen any of her dreams recently?" Mark asked."A few salacious ones that I had been forced to wake her up from, no." I grinned. "Outside of seeing Ianna twice, she hadn't mentioned any of her dreams.”"A witch and a Valkyrie and a healer and Water Fae." Mark sighed heavily."And eighteen." I added."No wonder the poor girl is having an identity crisis." My father shook his head."And I want her to add mother on top of all of that." I sighed."Honestly, that may help." We both just looked at Mark. “No, hear me out. It would quickly put everything into perspective for her. Granted, we would have to discuss a few things, but I don't think telling her what to do is a good idea right about now.""As long as she's hurt and angry, she shouldn't make any decisions."My father was right."I agree." I nodded.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Sarah
"Sarah?""Yes." I smiled and followed the stylist back to his station."So, what can I do for you today?""I need a little help." I took the hat off."Oh dear Lord, what happened?""Would you believe fairies?" I laughed."Was there a direction you wanted to go?" His voice cracked. He was trying to recover from the trauma that was my hair."I was thinking maybe a soft, shaggy bob. I definitely want some color." I pulled out my phone and showed him some of the pictures I had found on the internet while I waited."Ooo, I really like some of these. There are a lot of different colors we can go with." He smiled."Hmm, how about a deep shade of violet with some shocking purple highlights?""I can work with that." He was nodding and smiling."Oh, we're going clubbing tonight." He laughed loudly."I think I can work with that." I giggled.He took another look at the pictures and then, went to gather his supplies. I wasn't worried. In about three days my hair would be back to its normal length, but I might see if I can manage to maintain the color. The thought of deep violet hair sounds like a nice place to start exercising a little free will.It took about an hour and a half before he was done. I didn't pay attention to what he was doing. I figured I would let him work his magic. He asked if he could do my makeup as well and I was fine with that."What do you think?" He turned my chair around to face the mirror. I covered my mouth to keep the squeal in."You are amazing. I love it." I giggled. I hugged him and kissed his cheek.He gave me exactly what I wanted; a soft, shaggy bob with beautiful shades of purple. It was classy and totally Valkyrie chic. I was sad it wouldn't last as long as I would like, but for the moment, it was awesome.I followed him to the front and he gave my information to the woman behind the counter."Have fun tonight.""Thanks." I smiled.I paid the bill and added a sizable reward for his magic trick. Now, I need some clothes to go with my new London look. I giggled to myself. "Hey Ianna. It's Sarah.""Hi, how are you?""Good-ish. I'm surprised you answered the phone.” She giggled. "So, you live here, do you know of any decent clubs?""You mean like night clubs?""Yeah.""Of course.""Do you like to dance?""It's been awhile. I'd love a night out. I can call some of my friends to join us. I think a little celebration is in order." She laughed. "I should check with Quinn first.""He can handle clubbing. Same with Aedan, Iain and Mark.""You'll have to tell me about that some time." I giggled."I have a strict policy. If you're gonna lurk, you're gonna dance." She laughed so hard she squeaked."Let me call some of my friends. I know exactly where we should go. The party usually starts around nine.""Perfect. Enough time for dinner. Wanna come shopping with me?" I giggled."I'll meet you downstairs in fifteen." She laughed and hung up.
Iain
"Do you think it's a bad sign that Sarah's not back yet?"I heard the panic in Mark's voice."I'm sure she's fine." We’d broken out the whiskey. My father was pouring another round when we heard the knock at the door. "It's open." I called out."Hey, Quinn." My father grabbed another glass, filled it up and handed it over."Since, your girl stole my girl, I thought I'd come see what you were up to.""What?""Yeah, Sarah called and asked Ianna if she wanted to go shopping.""Sarah was supposed to be at the hairdresser.""Why would she be at the hairdresser?" Quinn asked with a raised eyebrow."It's a Fey tale." Mark laughed at his own joke. I stepped out of the room to call Sarah."Hey.""How's the hair?""Good. It's cute. It will do for the next few days." She giggled. "Quinn came by. He said you and Ianna went shopping.""Yeah, she's from here. So I knew, she would know where to go.""You should've called me.""Why? I didn't plan on being long and I promise, I won't eat or drink anything.""Sarah.""What?""Tell me, where you are and I'll meet you.""Iain, you're being ridiculous. We'll be back before dinner. Oh and we're going out tonight.""Sarah.""It's just clubbing. She knows where to go and she's calling some of her friends. You can come if you like." She giggled. "I'll see you before dinner. I love my wolf."She hung up.I resisted the urge to throw my phone. I walked back into the other room, grabbed an unopened bottle and sat down."That bad?" Mark asked."They went shopping.""I'm missing something here."Quinn refilled his glass."The Fae sprung a binding ritual on us this afternoon or night, whatever. Time is weird in Faeland. Sarah's not happy.""I was wondering why the lights were flickering.""Yeah, she sort of had a meltdown. They had woven shells, beads and flowers into her hair as preparation for the ritual--""Wait? Water Fae for certain?" We all nodded."Sarah ripped the weavework out of her hair."I downed the rest of my glass and refilled it."Ripped it out?" I nodded."She expended so much energy in her panic, she passed out." I sighed."Whoa."Quinn’s eyes were amber."We put her in the bathtub. I washed off the symbols they had painted on her skin while Mark cut out the rest of the beads and shells.""Hairstylist is not my true calling.""When I talked to her, she liked her hair and said it would do for the next few days.""Will it have grown out by then?" Quinn asked and I nodded."She also mentioned that Ianna was calling some of her friends and they were planning on going out tonight." I snickered."Clubbing?" Mark grinned and I nodded."Oh my." My father sighed and Quinn laughed at the look on his face."She said, we can come along if we want." I tried not to growl."She knows very well we were not going to let her go alone." My father sighed and shook his head."Should we draw straws?" Mark asked and we laughed."Where my mate goes, I follow." Quinn grinned. "But you have to tell yours no more claws or fangs." He laughed. "I don’t mind, but Ianna might."Mark reached over and grabbed a bottle from the case, "If we're going out tonight, I'm going to need my own bottle." The room erupted in laughter.
Mark
As I was leaving her room, I saw Sarah coming up the hallway with Ianna. I was going to take a shower and lay down before dinner. "Hey." She kissed me. Ianna laughed and kept walking. I ran my fingers through Sarah's hair."I have never seen it so short. I like the purple." We kept kissing as I slowly pulled her towards my room."Me too. I'm going to try to keep the purple. I'm also going to get braver about cutting it." She smiled.When we got to my door, I pulled her inside. I took the bags from her hands and set them aside. When our lips met again, I felt the river of energy surge between us. I slipped the straps of her sundress off her shoulders and it fell to the floor. She wasn't wearing anything, but black lace panties and black leather kitten heels. I scented her arousal and growled.She wrapped her arms around my neck. I picked her up, carried her to my bed and quickly stripped. She giggled and pushed me down onto the bed. She used her magic and pinned me down. She kicked off her heels and straddled me. Her kisses were rough and as she pulled away she bit my lip."I need my mate." She growled. She ran her claws down my throat and continued down my chest. I growled and she wiggled against me. With her scent and being away from her, she didn't need to push very hard for my wolf to take over. Their ritual changed something between us. Every kiss, every touch, even when she reached orgasm, it was more intenseWe spent the rest of the afternoon in bed together.
Iain
I didn't feel Sarah or hear her until I heard the water draining from the bathtub. I knew she had a rough day and was acting out, but I was angry with her over it."Where were you?" I growled. When I got near her, she scented heavily of Mark."I went to the salon. It's weird that it's short, but I love the color. I called Ianna and asked if she wanted to go shopping. She took me to some awesome boutiques. She talked to her friends and they liked the idea of a night out. When I was coming up the hall, Mark caught me." "Why didn't you call me to let me know you were okay?""I told you I would be back before dinner and I'm back before dinner. I wasn't aware I needed permission to go places." She snapped."Sarah, I don't like this. I don't like how you are behaving.""I didn't do anything wrong. Outside of running into Mark, you knew where I went, who I was with and when I would be back. You could have called." She sighed in frustration."You wouldn't have answered.""Yes, I would have. I didn’t want you to worry about me. Which is why I told you, who I was with, when I would be back and where I went.""You're not going out alone tonight.""I wasn't planning on it. If you're not up for dancing, Mark said he would be tagging along. I think Aedan is going to give the outing a pass, but I know Quinn is coming along, too. Plus, her friends. They’re all wolves. Some of their mates are joining us. I already told Ianna about my minor torture of Quinn and she found it amusing. She said, she didn't really care either. Not like I'm going to set out to torment him. That's her job now." She giggled and sat down on the bed. "So can we be done with the lecture now?""This is not a lecture." I sat down on the bed next to her."Then, what is it? Because it certainly sounds and feels like one." She rolled her eyes at me."This is your husband expressing his displeasure with your behavior.""Okay, express away." Sarah said sarcastically."I understand you did not like what they did. I understand you want to reclaim control of your life, but you do share that life with me. Yes, you told me where you were, who you were with and when you would be back. Given what you have been through today, I know you can understand why I am feeling--""Over protective?""That was not the word I would use, but that may be how it feels to you. I am worried and even a little fearful." She climbed onto my lap and I wrapped my arms around her."Iain I get that. I am sorry you had to deal with the aftermath this Afternoon. To be honest, even though, I would prefer to hide things like that from you and have moments like that alone, it's probably better that I don't. I understand your concern and Aedan was right. I can make decisions, but I should not make life altering one's when I'm angry or hurt.""I do like the hair."I lightly bit her neck."I like the color."I ran my fingers through her hair."Mmm, me too." I nuzzled against her neck and she moaned softly. "If you don’t stop, we're going to be late for dinner and even if we miss dinner, I'm still going out." I laughed."I know.""It will be fun." She laughed at the look on my face.
Mark
When I arrived for dinner, Iain and Sarah were already sitting with Aedan. Ianna and Quinn were right behind me."Wow." Quinn gasped.Sarah and Ianna giggled. "I'm going to try to keep the color. I don't know what it will take to maintain it. I'll have to see.""Definitely different." Apparently, Quinn liked what he saw and was having a hard time hiding it. Iain nodded at me when he felt my territoriality flare."I took Aedan's hat off and the stylist about had a heart attack.""I think the color looks lovely on you, my dear." Aedan smiled at Sarah."Ooo, so where are we going tonight?" Sarah bounced and clapped."I think you'll like the place a lot. My friend Allison's mate, Peter, is the DJ at the club.""If there's dancing, Sarah will love it." Iain laughed."I'm looking forward to Paris." Sarah smiled. "Paris?" Ianna asked."We were planning on spending the last few days of our honeymoon in Paris."Iain squeezed Sarah's hand."Oh my god, shopping."Sarah squeaked and the vase in front of her cracked. She covered her mouth and giggled. "Okay, so I know Quinn's in and so is Mark." "You're not going without me." Iain tried not to growl.Sarah laid her hand over his and smiled."Aedan?""I think I will pass this time my dear." Sarah giggled maniacally and Aedan blushed. "I'll get you to come clubbing with me again. Just you wait."Sarah smiled wide and showed him her fangs. Aedan laughed and shook his head.We finished dinner and Sarah ran upstairs to go change. I wasn't sure what to wear. I almost asked her to pick something out for me. I went with black jeans and a t-shirt.
Sarah
I almost asked Iain if he wanted to dress me, but I decided against it. I also decided to be less of a brat. I didn't like it when Iain was angry with me. I didn't like it when any of them were angry with me, but when Iain was, it made me feel alone. Ianna took me to some very posh boutiques. I found a lovely Valkyrie chic outfit for tonight. I was wearing a black leather a-line skirt with hemline a little below mid-thigh and a black silk tank top. The way the fabric draped, it reminded me of a silk handkerchief. The hem came to a point in the back and front with a deep 'V' neck. The straps came together in the back in the shape of a 'Y'. It added an interesting shape and movement to the fabric, which was what caught my eye. Plus, it was silk. I decided to wear my black leather over the knee boots. They had six inch heels with a one inch platform.I was pretty sure Iain wouldn't have a problem with what I was wearing. It wasn't tight and it wasn't too short.Iain came into the bedroom while I was touching up my makeup and hair. Since I shattered the one in the bathroom, I had to use the mirror in the bedroom. He smiled when he saw me and I immediately felt better. He wrapped his arms around me from behind and sunk his canines into my shoulder. My body shuddered and there was a flurry of sparks in the room. I reached behind me and wrapped both arms around his neck. I arched my back and rubbed against him. He stroked his hands down my silk covered chest and felt my nipples harden beneath the fabric. He slipped his hands beneath my shirt and cupped my breasts. He gently flitted his fingers over my nipples, making my entire body tingle. I could already feel him poking at me."These boots make you the perfect height." He half thrusted against me.I knew exactly what he was up to. We would be around other wolves and he wanted to mark me with his scent. I didn't object.His hands slid past my waist, down to my thighs and beneath my skirt. He began to slowly raise the hem. I placed my hands on the dresser and bent over slightly. He growled as he caught my scent. He slipped his fingers between my thighs and pushed my panties aside. I felt two fingers dipped inside of me and I shivered. I slowly pushed back and forced them deeper."Your scent has changed." He breathed in my ear. "It has?" He withdrew his fingers and I whimpered. I saw him lick his fingers clean in the mirror."Your marks are visible, but you scent like you do during the Full Moon."I heard his zipper and felt his claws dug into my hips. I wailed in sheer delight as he filled completely with one long, slow thrust. We stood still for a moment. He groaned as he felt the tremor of contractions within my body as it expanded to accommodate him. He ---------------. We started to move together. His pace hastened. ----------------------. Reluctantly, he let go of me. He wanted to take me to bed and skip going out, but he knew I wouldn't let him.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Iain
When we got to the club, Ianna introduced us to her friends. Apparently, Ianna and Sarah had talked about Sarah's music obsession because her friend's mate invited Sarah to come up to the DJ booth with him. She looked to me for permission and I nodded. I wasn't very happy about it, but I knew she would love it. The rest of us headed for the bar. "What was Aedan up to do tonight?" Mark asked."Probably reading." I laughed."We should get him a girl." Ianna suggested and Mark laughed.Ianna ordered drinks for us. She insisted we drink something other than whiskey. We were joined by six couples and four of Ianna's single female friends, all wolves and all from her pack.I watched Sarah dancing up in the DJ booth. I could feel waves of electricity radiating from her. "I am surprised you let you go." Quinn cocked his head towards the DJ booth."Telling Sarah what to do right now wouldn't be a good idea." Mark answered Quinn's comment."Valkyrie do not yield. As long as she's fighting for control and really isn't causing too much havoc, I am inclined to let her have some space. She's a weaver and one of her chosen mediums is music." I shrugged and smiled."A weaver?" Ianna asked."Sarah sings like an angel. She can use her voice to have an effect on things or cast spells. She sings when she does any energy healing." Mark explained."It's closer to lyrical chanting." Quinn commented."Why?" Ianna asked."It makes it so she uses less energy to heal the injury." I said and Mark nodded."When she healed me, I do remember her chanting, but it wasn't in a language I knew. I think it may have been Hebrew.""Interesting."Ianna was still having trouble believing Sarah was real."Is she really a Valkyrie?" Allison asked. "Yes." I smiled."I've never met a Valkyrie before." "She gets that a lot." Mark and I laughed.Sarah had taken over the music. Her joy was causing visible electric sparks in the room and they were not going unnoticed. "Is that her?" Ianna asked and I nodded."It's her lightning.""Her lightning?" Allison was watching Sarah."Sarah has several unique gifts. She is able to control her Valkyrie nature. However, when she is happy or angry, her lightning becomes visible sparks in the room.""It looks like fireworks." Ianna couldn’t take her eyes off of Sarah.Quinn and Ianna left us to go dance. Her female friends followed. "I need to drink more." Mark said. I nodded and laughed.
Sarah
I think I missed my calling as a DJ. Weaving sound and energy on that level was remarkable. Peter was watching me dance. I felt several other people on the dance floor watching me, too. When I felt the music, I couldn't help moving to it. I quickly picked out all of the immortals. "Thanks for letting me play, but I'm going to go dance.""You're welcome to come back up any time." Peter smiled at me. He was trying to hide his canines and claws. I giggled and kissed him on the cheek.I bounced down the stairs from the DJ booth to the dance floor and danced my way to nearly the center of the floor. I blended in with the sea of writhing forms. I closed my eyes and let the music flow through me.I felt Ianna brush against me. I opened my eyes and smiled. She smiled at me and I saw her canines. Every time she and I touched, I caught a flurry of graphic images from Quinn. It was almost too much for him to watch us dance together. I found it amusing how wolves responded to the sensation of my claws, even female wolves. She knew it was dancing and flirting, but she made no effort to cover her thoughts when she thought about kissing me or how I would taste. I wasn't sure how Iain would feel about that. "You can’t steal my girl." Quinn wrapped his hands around my waist from behind and pulled me against him. I snaked my arm around his neck and tangled my claws in his hair. I rubbed against him and he groaned. We started to move together."It was mutual stealing." He laughed. I turned in Quinn's grasp and let my claws slide down his chest. "I'm not supposed to torment you anymore." Quinn smiled."What fun would that be?" I felt his canines brush against my throat. He heard me whimper and growled."Mmm, I'm already in enough trouble with mine. Let's not get you into trouble with yours." I moved away from him and Ianna slipped in between us. I decided to be naughty and went back to dancing with her. We were joined by a few other female wolves. We had an audience of guys dancing around us. Oddly, most were either wolves or Fae.I started projecting some of the images I was catching from the people around us and Ianna giggled. I sort of felt like I was in over my head, but I decided not to think about it. I let the music flow through me and kept dancing.Ianna got brave and kissed me. I didn't stop her. I didn't stop her when she did it a second time either. I kissed her and she growled. She smiled at me and I saw her canines. I smiled back and showed her my fangs."Dancing and flirting?" I felt her canines on my neck and didn’t stifled my reaction."Always." I let my fangs brush against her throat. We continued to dance and brush against each other.I kissed her and ran my claws along the arch of her neck and down her chest to the neckline of her dress. She growled and I growled back. She kissed me again and I channeled a pulse of electricity through my skin. She moaned against my lips."What was that?" She gasped in pleasure."My lightning." I smiled wide and showed her my fangs. I decided it was time to stop playing with Ianna. I started to move away from her and an arm curled around my waist. As our skin touched, I felt a little shock and arched into them."I think that particular sight will keep me going for some time." Mark growled and I laughed."Yeah, that was a new one for me, too." I rubbed against him.He buried his face in my hair and sunk his canines into my shoulder. The shower of fireworks caught the others around us by surprise. I heard Quinn laugh.When we brought the bands on our wrists together, there was a brief flash of white light and I felt my body melt into his.
Iain
Mark came and rejoined me at the bar."I'm not sure how I felt about that." I half smiled."I wasn't sure if you caught that or not. Those two together are going to be trouble." Mark grinned."I do believe you are correct." I smiled."I have to say it wasn't a horrible sight." We both laughed. Ianna and Quinn joined us at the bar."That girl has infinite stamina.""She's fed by electricity--""And we're generating it." Ianna laughed and I nodded. I decided to join Sarah. She smiled at me and danced over to me. We were hidden in the shadows at the edge of the dance floor."Hey." I wrapped my arms around her. She ran her claws through my hair and then, wrapped her arms around my neck. "I was missing you." She kissed me passionately. Her scent was overwhelming. "I was just about to drag you away from the bar." She was still moving to the music. "You're mad at me, aren't you?""No.""I'm sorry, I let her kiss me. I won't let her do it again.""It's just dancing and flirting." She nodded. "Quinn about lost it." I laughed. "He told me I couldn't steal his girl." She giggled. "What she did was totally unexpected and sort of weird.""Weird?" She nodded."Wasn't bad, just weird."She pulled me out of the corner we were in and we spent the rest of the night dancing together. Mark came and joined us on and off. I could tell she felt self-conscious about dancing with both of us. I knew Mark felt it, too. We caught a cab back to the hotel. Ianna and Quinn had already disappeared. I wasn't surprised that they had.When we got back to the hotel, I went directly to our room and gave Sarah some space to say goodnight to Mark. I was sitting in the study, answering emails when I heard her come in. "I was hoping you might like to come take a shower with me." She slipped on to my lap."I would love to. Let me finish this last email and I will meet you in the bathroom." She kissed me roughly and bit my lip as she pulled away. She smiled and slipped off my lap.I heard her singing to herself in the bedroom. I decided to save the email as a draft and joined her. She was pulling things out of the bags from her shopping trip. I wrapped my arms around her from behind and kissed her on the top of her head. I was trying to ignore the fact that all she was wearing was a black lace thong. I took the dress from her hands and dropped it on the chair. I picked her up and took her to the bathroom with me. We made it to the bathroom, but not to the shower before we both gave into our mutual need. Dancing with her was always foreplay. We went another round in the shower. When we got out of the shower, I dried her from head to toe and then, carried her to bed.The neverending day finally seemed to have found its end. After everything that had happened, I knew she needed to feel connected to me. I knew how much she hated it when I was angry with her. When we argued, I could always feel her fear hiding beneath her anger.We moved slowly, savoring the sensation of the other's touch. As she kissed me good night, she projected how she felt about me. I felt love, need, safety and time. She laid down on her side and pulled me as close to her as she could. I buried my face in her hair and breathed her scent in. She started to mumble and when she sighed 'love my wolf', I let myself fall asleep.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Sarah
While we were dancing, Aedan caught Iain's attention and I saw him nod.“Alpha stuff?"“I’m sorry, my pearl. Tonight, should only be about us--"“It's okay. I get it. Go do your Alpha thing." We stopped dancing and he wrapped his arms around me tight. I felt us being watched as he kissed me. We both restrained ourselves from deepening the kiss. I gently ran my claws down his throat as our lips parted. I giggled at the growl that emanated from him. He buried his face in my hair and took a deep breath.“I’ll try to make it brief." He whispered against my neck and I sighed softly.“It's okay. Go do your Alpha thing. Love my wolf." “Love my sweet pearl." He gave me one last kiss before he walked off in the direction Aedan had. I decided to take a moment to breathe. There were so many people and all of them were demanding our attention. It wasn't a bad thing. They wanted to wish us well, but my body was in another time zone. All I wanted to do was soak and pass out.I thought about drinking some of the jet lag remedy I made. It had a bit of caffeine along with other herbs meant to rejuvenate. It worked really very well for my boys, but I really wasn’t in the mood to vomit.I walked out to a hidden edge of the patio and tried to center myself. The crisp night air helped. I hadn’t noticed how cold it was while I was dancing with Iain. It made me think about running with Mark tomorrow night. Being cuddled up against a furry wolf should keep me warm, but I knew it would be my last Full Moon run of the year. I already knew they were going to try to talk me into staying in my treehouse tomorrow night, but I was looking forward to running with Mark.I took a slow deep breath and exhaled. The gardens were beautiful in the Moonlight. I missed their beauty. I missed the scent of home. Fireplaces added another layer to the scent of the night air. Which was amazing.Almost all of the leaves had fallen and I knew that meant the rains were not far behind. I wanted to walk barefoot in my forest and get lost in the sounds of the night. I reminded myself, I was wearing a silk gown with a sweep train and six inch heels.“I saw you in the hallway with another wolf.'' Anna said with haughty disdain. She knew I was the one who took her playmate away.“I am confused as to your concern."When she so boldly stepped next to me, I didn't even bother to turn and look at her. I was annoyed she chose to invade my moment of respite. I knew the Alphas would turn our wedding reception into an impromptu gathering. It was unavoidable, annoying and unfair, but unavoidable.“I could tell the Alpha what I saw." I laughed. “You're not afraid for your mate, your husband to know you were with another?" She tried to steel her tone, but I felt her fear. It was her righteous indignation coupled with her fear that made me laugh.I glanced at her, “Are you Anna or Chelsey?"Her look of shock almost renewed my laughter.“Anna." She whispered.“First, may I ask a question, Anna?" I smiled at her. I kept my tone light.“Umm." “Do you know anything about me beyond that I am the Alpha's mate and wife?"“You're the Valkyrie." She snorted.“Yes I am 'the Valkyrie', but I am also half Fae. For some reason this intensifies my scent and causes my marks to fade as the Full Moon--"“Marks?"“Yes, I wear the mark of two wolves."“But you married the Alpha?"“Yes, I did."“Wait, how do you know my name?" I smiled. “He's your mate?" She covered her mouth in shock and I nodded. “And you know?” I nodded again. “Oh my god. He didn’t tell us. I swear. I am so sorry. If we had known..." She bared her throat to me as her pleading rant started to sputter.I held up my hand to silence her, “My dear, he merely had to say, 'I have a mate', but he chose not to. Am I thrilled about your extended stay in my mate's bed? Hardly, but with youth comes drama and I knew he was acting out." I sighed and patted her hand before I looked back out at the gardens.“How could you know and do nothing?" “Sometimes life requires you to pick your battles."“I don’t understand. He--"“I could’ve made a scene. It is well within my station to have you and Chelsey barred from attending any social events held here indefinitely, without recourse. I could’ve spoken to your Alpha and demanded to meet you both in the circle or had you both removed from your pack, along with him from ours, but what would any of that have accomplished?"“Nothing." She said under her breath.“Precisely. If you feel the need to press the matter, I will make it clear to Aedan and your Alpha, you and Chelsey are not welcome here. This will extend to anyone related to you by blood or marriage." I paused to let it sink in. “Or you can accept the second chance I am willing to extend to both of you."“Second chance?" She tried to hide her shock. I looked at her, “Unfortunately, you entered into a situation where you did not possess all the facts. From experience, I’m quite sure it was an enjoyable romp and I do sincerely understand your desire to share his bed again, but I will say, it's not in your best interest." “And if he chooses to again?" Anna retorted with a sarcastic hiss.“He’s free to do as he wishes, but I do not believe he will." I continued to keep my tone light and even. I tried not to stray from the calm hostess. I knew she expected me to be angry and snarling with jealousy, but I wouldn’t forget my station nor would I embarrass Aedan.“Why not?" She snapped. Her immaturity was showing. I half expected her to stomp her feet in frustration and start screeching at me.“See this band on my wrist." I said softly. I held out my arm for her to see. I ran my fingertips over the thin band of flowing water that shimmered beneath my skin.“Yes." She stared at it.She reached out and touched it.“Mark has an identical band. Do you know what this is?" She shook her head. “This is a Fae wedding band." Her fingers brushed over the band. As I let her see the memory of that moment, her eyes glazed over. “While we were away, the High Priestess of my father's clan bound us. A Fae binding is similar to the shared consciousness wolves experience during mating, but this goes far deeper--"“Anna?" Mark's voice cracked. She heard her name and squeaked. When I looked up, Mark was white as a ghost. I pretended not to notice and smiled warmly.“I didn’t realize you knew each other." I smiled at Anna. “I saw her and remembered her dress--"“I told her housekeeping took care of it before we left.'' She looked at me and tried to smile through her panic. “The reception’s beautiful and I love your gown. Thank you for inviting my pack and congratulations, Lady Faelduir." I nodded. “You can call me Sarah and the reception was mostly Aedan. He likes to plan parties." I giggled. “And your pack's always in our home." I smiled and showed my fangs.Anna quickly walked away. As she fled, she didn’t even spare a glance in Mark's direction as she fled. I was doing my best not to laugh.“I came to see if you wanted to dance?" Mark was trying to keep it together and hide his emotions, but I could still hear the fear in his voice. “Always." I smiled and took his arm. “Are Aedan and Iain still Alpha-ing?" He nodded.
'Mmm, that means, I’ll have more time with you.'
'Have you thought about our trip?'
'At the moment, I’m wondering if we could sneak away. I can't wait for tomorrow night.'
I giggled and brushed my fingers through his hair. He was already holding me closer than he should.
'Given that this is your wedding reception, that may not be the best idea.'
'You're right.' I sighed. As it was, he was barely keeping it together. I was enjoying tormenting him far too much.
'I know you have your heart set on the beach, but maybe we can find a nice place on the property...'
'If we stay here, we won’t have the uninterrupted alone time we deserve.'
'The beach then.'
'The beach sounds nice. Laying in the Sun. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves.'
'I have us flying into LAX and the hotel has its own stretch of beach.'
'It sounds wonderful.' I sighed.'What's wrong?' I didn’t say anything. ‘Kitty?'
'How did you know?'
He laughed and pulled me closer. I started to sing softly to him while we slowly danced to the band.
Iain
“I sincerely detest having to play judge and jury over such idiocy." My father muttered into his whiskey glass.“I’m not fond of the petty backbiting. I know the situation would never escalate to the level it may have in the past. Although, I would be interested to see how they would manage to hide an all out offensive from the mortals in this century." My father started laughing.“That would be a sight."“I venture the battle would involve lawsuits and attempts to destroy each others' businesses rather than out right combat." “Shouldn't you be getting back to your wife?" My father said with a smirk.“I asked Mark to check on her."“Have you told her when you have to leave?"“I was waiting until after the Full Moon. Mark and I agreed they deserve their own honeymoon, but he doesn’t want to leave the property--"“She’s safer here, but she’ll protest." I nodded.“In our last conversation, he planned to find a beach where she could lay in the Sun."“She would love that. California would be the closest." I nodded. “Although, I could see her drawn to Disney World." We both laughed.“When are her Aunt and the other Valkyrie departing?"“Tomorrow morning." My father sighed. We were both relieved they chose to depart before the Full Moon.“Probably for the best." I laughed.“Indeed." I finished my glass and left to find my wife.I walked out to the veranda and saw Mark and Sarah dancing. She was a vision of beauty and elegance. She felt me watching her and she smiled at me. She leaned in and whispered something to Mark. He smiled before he kissed her cheek. She skipped towards me giggling all the way.“Hey." She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me.“You could have finished your dance." We held hands as we talked. “I could've, but my body’s in another time zone and I thought it might be a bit odd if I just disappeared--" “But if I carried you off." I picked her up and she squealed with laughter. She curled her arms around my neck.“You beast, whatever will I do with you?" I laughed.“Anything you like." I whispered to her.Our departure was met with laughter. I carried Sarah upstairs. Once inside our apartment, she headed to the bathroom. She started the water for her bath and then went into her closet. I followed her.“What would I have to do to convince you to take a shower with me?"“I may not look it, but I'm running on fumes. I really just want to soak and sleep. I’m sorry I’m not up for sex."“Who said anything about sex?" I smiled.I helped her out of her gown. While she finished undressing, I shut the water off in the bathroom and went to my closet to undress. Sarah was already in the shower. She was leaning against the wall with her eyes closed, letting the hot water run over her. She turned away from me as I closed the shower door. I brushed her hair away from her shoulder and started to rub out a knot. That was when I realized she was crying.“What's wrong?" She shook her head and started to bathe me. Sarah pushed me toward the stream of water to rinse my hair and then, left the shower. I saw her wrap a towel around herself and leave the bathroom. I finished up, wrapped a towel around myself and went to find her.“Why did you leave?"She was slipping on one of her silk nightgowns.“I’m just tired." I heard the tears in her voice.“Sarah, this is about more than you being tired. You've locked down your emotions completely. I can't feel or scent you." I tried to turn her around to face me, but she fought me.“I want to know what's wrong and I want to know right now." I barked.When Sarah looked at me her eyes were filled with tears, but her eyes were brown. Every time I saw tears in her brown eyes, I was reminded she was still just a girl. I picked her up and carried her to our bed. I did my best to dry off. I grabbed a pair of boxers and joined her. I pulled her to my chest and she started to cry uncontrollably, but there was no thunder or electric sparks in our bedroom.“Sarah, please, tell me what's wrong?" I whispered. I rubbed my hand down her back and pulled her closer. “Did something happen with Mark?" I caught an image of her showing a girl the band on her wrist. “Sarah, I don’t understand." She didn’t answer me. I stopped and thought about it. The image coupled with the fact that something happened with Mark, I pieced it together rather quickly.“The girl was one of the girls he’d been with." She nodded. The admission started another fierce jag of crying. I started to feel a stream of emotions flooding through our bond; guilt, hate, rage, pain. They were all quickly melting into despair.“He knows I know." Sarah whispered. “The girl threatened to tell you. When she realized he was my mate, she freaked." Sarah said between gasps for air. “I told– I told her I could’ve easily taken this matter to the circle, banned them from all social events here or had them removed from their pack, but you know I’d never embarrass Aedan that way." Sarah took a deep breath. “She was shocked when I offered her a second chance--"“A second chance?" Sarah looked up at me and nodded. She took another deep breath. She was actively trying to calm down.“I explained to her that she entered into a situation without all the facts. Mark could have easily said, 'I have a mate'." Sarah took a deep breath to stop herself from losing control again. “But he chose to act out and I understood that. I didn’t have to like it, but I understood his motivation." Sarah took another deep breath. “She got snotty with me when I told her, he’d never ask them to his bed again. That was when I showed her the band on my wrist. That’s also when Mark showed up. She elected to take me up on my offer and quickly left. As she fled, she didn’t even look in Mark's direction."“Smart girl." “Yeah, well, doesn’t change the fact that now, I have to deal with him." Sarah yawned.“I think we should sleep." I kissed her forehead.“Sleep sounds good." Sarah rolled on to her side and pulled me close to her. I kissed her shoulder and slipped my arm beneath her head. I pulled her to my chest and wrapped both arms around her. I felt her sigh in relief. I knew she needed to feel safe and loved. Holding her this way while she slept was one of the things I discovered helped her the most. She cried softly until sleep overtook her. I didn’t close my eyes until I heard her sigh 'love my wolf'.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mark
When I finally made it out of bed, I wasn't sure what to do. So, I dragged my hung over ass to the shower and then, drank a pot of coffee. After Iain took Sarah upstairs, I called my father. when I told her why it happened, he told me to be honest and apologize to her. He impressed upon me that my future actions needed to illustrate how sincere I was in my apology, but above all, 'Stop fucking up.'I’d apologized to Sarah so many times. I needed to do far more than that this time. I shuddered at the thought of what exactly Anna said to her. I’d endure the ire of her wraith in whatever form it manifested. My wolf dropped into the background knowing that, despite his protests, I made the choice to stray.Before I saw Sarah, I decided to talk with Iain. I could have talked to Aedan instead, but I had a feeling Iain would be slightly more rational about the situation. Once I was dressed, I went to see if Iain was in his office. “Come in."I opened the door slowly.“I was wondering when to expect you."I came in and sat down.“You know?" He nodded. “She cried herself to sleep and had her hotel nightmare."I hung my head.“Last night, I called my father. He said, to apologize and let my actions reinforce my words. Sarah said, we were beyond apologies. I don’t know what to do."“To begin with, you need to talk to her."“I’ll be lucky if I'm not hit with a lightning ball on sight." Iain laughed.“You know she’d never do that. She’d hate herself for it. However, my father and I would love to give you a good ass beating. Quinn and Chris would certainly want in. Not sure about Stephen or Elijah. Becky, maybe. If anything, she’d do it in Audrey's stead." Iain was still laughing.“I don’t understand."“Sarah’s known since it happened."“What? How?"“Quinn and Becky told her. Quinn saw you in the forest and Becky saw them enter your apartment."“Oh god. Everyone knows." Iain nodded. “And no one said anything?"He took a sip of his coffee, “Sarah asked us not to. She couldn’t handle knowing."“She buried it." He nodded. “This was why she needed my wolf to take over when we ran together. She wanted to attack me." He nodded. “What did Anna say to her?"“I have no idea. She wouldn’t tell me anything. The note she left said, she went to swim and tend her garden." He glanced at his watch. “She's probably finished swimming by now."“I don’t know what to say to her." I sighed.“Be honest and prepare for the worst." I nodded.
Sarah
I heard someone knocking on the wall about ten feet past my door. I guess my spell really did work. I laughed quietly to myself. I had a strong desire to ignore the intrusion. Then came another knock. This time, it was closer to the door. I already knew it was Mark.“Sarah, I can hear the music. Please open the door."For a moment, I thought about it. What if I decided to ignore him? I could run with Iain tonight. He’d probably seek me, but I could just pin him down or knock him out with an energy slap. I sighed. It was a nice thought, but I knew as much as I hated it, it was time to put on my big girl panties and deal with his dumbass. I’d put it off for as long as I could.I put away my garden tools and took my apron off. I opened the door and sat down in one of the arm chairs. “Thank you." Mark closed the door behind him and sat down on the sofa near me.“I don’t know where to start." He said slowly.“Tell me a story." “You’d left with Iain after Natalie attacked you." He said quickly, but then, fell silent. “I didn’t believe you. I was convinced you didn’t want me. The girls--"“Anna and Chelsy?"“I’d ask how you know their names, but Iain told me that Quinn and Becky saw us and told you. What I don’t understand is why you didn’t say anything to me?"“I told you about my visions. However, I was far too subtle. I was sure you understood why Vincent appeared and disappeared from them--"“Vincent? That's my grandfather's name." I nodded and laughed. “What good would it have done for me to tell you I knew about your secret tryst?" I snapped at him. I was trying not to let my emotions get the better of me, but I was failing.“YOU'VE KNOWN FOR TWO DAMN MONTHS!" He snarled.“DO NOT TAKE THAT TONE WITH ME." I hissed and twirled a lightning ball in my hand. I let the electricity reabsorb into my hand. I could smell his fear. “Should I have said, I didn’t appreciate you and Chelsey licking whiskey off Anna's body in the forest? Or that I wasn’t fond of how much you enjoyed having one on your cock and one on your face? Should I have mentioned my displeasure over how long they took up residence in your bed? Or how you hid from them while the Moon was high in the sky? Or when you tried to hide their scent on your bed, but didn't get rid of the pillows. The look of panic on your face when I caught Anna's scent was priceless.”His eyes went wide. I laughed and shook my head.“I knew you were acting out. I didn’t have to like it, but I understood the reasons for it."I was starting to wish I had some vanilla scotch.“Was this why you cast the Fae binding spell?" Mark asked softly.“I did it for a few reasons. The most important one, I needed it. Within my heart and mind, I needed to move beyond my anger and fear. I knew the depth of emotion I felt for you was being strangled by our past. I wanted you to feel what lay beneath the layers of anger and fear. It didn’t matter what you’d done. I loved you with every ounce of my being.”He heard the past tense of ‘love’ and flinched.“Outside of letting you feel me, I didn’t know how else to make you understand, but even that wasn't enough for you, was it? Then, I found the Fae binding spell and decided to cast it. I also needed to know what effect the spell would have. I had to know whether or not I needed to circumvent the binding from being sealed."“This whole time you knew, but chose to look past all the things I’ve done to remain by my side?" I shrugged. “Do I want to know what Anna said to you last night?" “She threatened me." I laughed.“Threatened you?" Mark growled. His wolf heard that and shifted to the front of his mind. I nodded and laughed again.“She threatened to tell Iain. Then, she figured out you were my mate. We had a brief conversation. She was put out when I said you most likely wouldn’t ask them back to your bed. She asked if you did, what would I do about it. That was when I told her about the band on our wrists. Then, you showed up. By the way, I knew being with them was why you asked me if I’d be willing to allow another woman to join us in bed." I laughed at the look on his face. He thought he‘d fooled me, but as I predicted, in the end, he was the fool.Mark sat there, silent. He sat silent so long, I nearly got up and went back to working in my garden.“I know we’re beyond apologies. I can tell you I want you and only you, but you've seen two paths. When you showed me the images from your dreams and the joy I heard in your voice when you spoke of our son, I vowed I would never take your happiness--"“So then, why were you planning to spend last night and today with them? Deluding yourself into thinking your absence would go unnoticed. Oh and why were you planning to have them visit while I was gone? Or why were you fantasizing about them while you slept? How many times did you jerk off to the memories? Better yet, why did you panic when you missed your Skype date with Anna while you were with me in our bed? Given, you'd been talking to her all day and thought a little cybersex was in order.” “How did..."I rolled my eyes at him. “Right, stupid question. Just as the Fae binding changed things within you, it had done the same for me."“You forget, I cast the spell in July and you were making these plans after I gave myself to you under the August Moon. After I showed you his face and told you how special, my little wolf would be to me. Yet, none of that meant anything to you. I considered inviting them to stay while I was gone; giving you an out from attending the wedding, making it possible for you to remain here with them. I nearly asked Aedan to invite them to join our pack. There's a vacant apartment around the corner. I would've even had it remodeled for them. If that was what you needed to be happy and feel wanted, I wouldn’t stand in your way. I would’ve also broken our bond to allow you to take one or the other as your partner." His face turned red. He was making it hard not to laugh. “You know very well how hard it is to hide things from me and the Fae binding has made it twice as hard. So tell me, why should I trust you ever again? Why should I continue to cry over the things you do?"“There’s nothing I can say to you to make you trust me, I can only allow my actions to speak my intentions." He pulled me from the chair and onto his lap. I consciously allowed him to touch me. I so badly wanted to pull my lightning into my skin and fry his ass. “I love you, Sarah." I laughed and he kissed me. “The binding may help, but you have no idea how much what you did hurt and how truly angry I am."“When I walked through the door, I half expected to get hit with a lightning ball."“You know I’d never do that."“Yeah, but you thought about it." I laughed.He wasn’t wrong.“Do you want to run with me tonight or does the Valkyrie still want my head?" I laughed so hard I couldn’t breathe. He shifted me on his lap. He didn’t want me to feel the erection growing beneath me.“To be honest, I’m not sure." He kissed and nibbled his way down my neck. I forced myself to sigh in pleasure. “I don’t know if the Fae binding will be negated by the Full Moon or not." “But it was sealed by the High Priestess?"“I don’t think it matters. Fae is Fae." “Your marks have faded and your scent has changed."Mark buried his face in my hair and took a deep breath.“My wolf wants his mate." He sunk his canines into the shoulder that normally barred his bite mark. I cried his name and dug my claws into his chest.“At the moment it doesn’t matter if your wolf wants his mate or not, it's time to head upstairs to dress for brunch." Mark grumbled. Despite how many people were moving about the castle, I let him kiss me before we went our separate ways.
Iain
When I heard the front door close, I was in my office. I set aside what I was working on and went to check on Sarah.As I moved through the apartment, I couldn’t feel or scent her. She was hiding. Kitty walked to Sarah's closet and sat down in the doorway. I walked to the back of her closet and opened the cabinet I usually found her in, but she wasn’t there. Kitty had sat down near a corner in Sarah's closet. I bent down and scratched Kitty behind the ear in thanks. She hopped up on her cat tree.“Sarah, Kitty told me you're in here." For a moment, I focused and heard the faint sound of breathing. I moved the clothes and found Sarah in a tight ball between a cabinet and the wall. “Sarah." I touched her. Her skin was ice cold. “Sarah."I shook her a little, but she was non-responsive. I wasn't sure how to get her out of such a small space. I slowly slid one hand beneath her. When I’d moved her far enough out, I wrapped my arms around her and picked her up. She was unconscious. She was breathing and had a pulse, but her skin was cold and pale.I took her to the bathroom and started a hot bath. I tossed in some of the bath salts she used to recharge after she'd over extended herself. I had a feeling she had done so in an effort to keep from gutting Mark. It was difficult to maneuver with her in my arms, but she remained frozen in a ball and gave no signs of stirring. As soon as the bathtub was full, I lowered her in. I didn’t try to remove the cotton dress she was wearing, I just lowered her into the water. I didn’t dare leave her side. I was concerned she may slip beneath the water.Sarah still hadn’t moved or shown any signs of waking. Her skin color and body temperature had improved, but she was still a statue. I stroked her cheek and kissed her forehead.After soaking for nearly thirty minutes, Sarah began to stir. I was so relieved, I started to cry. Her physical state was indeed the residual effects of having dealt with Mark. Honestly, I was furious over her constant willingness to swallow the pain his actions caused. If it were an option, I’d demand she cast the spell to dissolve the Fated Mate bond.Her eyes fluttered open, “You're awake."“How did I get here?" She asked, confused.“I heard you come in, but I couldn't scent or feel you. Kitty told me where you were." I hadn’t noticed Kitty had followed us into the bathroom. “Am I correct in the assumption that you had just returned from dealing with Mark?" Sarah nodded. “And you curled up in a ball because you're not okay?" She nodded again.“He apologized." Her voice was quiet. “Like that's supposed to make it all better.” She shook her head slightly. “I can't allow myself to feel. There are far too many people here and my station requires me to behave a certain way."When she looked up at me her eyes were brown. “You can allow yourself to feel. You just have to shield yourself."“Not that simple. I can already feel the change happening." Sarah held up her hand. The band on her wrist had begun to fade. “If I allow myself to feel, my Valkyrie instincts will fully manifest and I’ll lose control over my response to his presence. I’d rip him apart and none of you would be able to stop me. Worse, I'd enjoy it." She shook her “Run with me tonight."“If I do, who knows what he'll do in retaliation. I can't handle anymore." “I know. Let me get some towels and clothes. We can lay down before brunch." Sarah nodded.I grabbed two towels from the linen closet and one of my button down shirts from the hamper. I thought she might want to wear it. While I was in my closet, I heard a splash. I assumed Sarah had gotten out of the bathtub and was a little wobbly. When I returned, I found Sarah lying on her back at the bottom bathtub with her eyes closed. I yanked her from beneath the water and turned her on her side. She began to cough up the water that had filled her lungs.“What the Hell--"“I’m tired." She rasped.“You would leave me?"She looked up at me, “I’m sorry." was all she said.“Which artifact allows you to contact Nita?"“What?"“Which damn artifact calls her to you?" Sarah gave me a blank look.“I don’t need Nita's counsel."“I beg to differ." She shook her head, “I’m tired."Sarah got up, dried and dressed herself. She wandered to our bed, got under the covers and was asleep in moments. Kitty jumped up on our bed.“Watch her." I said to Kitty. She meowed and laid down next to Sarah.I left the door open between my office and our bedroom. I was confident Kitty could kick up quite a ruckus if she needed to on Sarah's behalf. I sat down and called Mark. I told him to drag his ass to my office. I called my father to join us. Otherwise, I would’ve ripped Mark's throat out upon sight. My father arrived first. He found me at my desk with a bottle in hand. I handed him an unopened one. He took it, looked at it and sat down.“Sarah tried to drown herself." My voice was emotionless.“What?"My father nearly jumped from his seat. He knew Mark was the cause. He wanted his head as badly as I did. There was a soft knock on my door. “Come in." My father finally said. I couldn't find my voice. The thought of losing my mate was overwhelming. I was not sure if Sarah could actually kill herself, but I wasn’t taking any chances. Mark sat down in the chair next to my father. He saw we were both drinking from open bottles, but he was not offered one.“This is about Sarah." He said.“Apparently, I missed something. By Iain's behavior, I assumed you were the culprit." My father glared at Mark. There was a hint of a growl in his voice. I knew he couldn't bear the thought of losing Sarah either.“Last night, Anna cornered Sarah. She’d seen us in the hallway and threatened to tell Iain. Anna figured out I was also Sarah's mate. I came here to talk to Iain before I saw Sarah. That was when I found out everyone knew. I went to her violet room. After our conversation, I walked her back here. She let me kiss her. She seemed fine."“I heard her come in, but couldn’t feel or scent her. Kitty told me where she was. When I found her, her skin was pale and ice cold. She was curled in a ball in a corner of her closet. She was breathing and had a pulse, but didn’t stir as I picked her up nor when I placed her in the bathtub. After soaking, she finally came to. She didn’t know how she ended up in the tub. She told me she talked to you and you apologized, but she didn’t see how that was supposed to make her feel better. She said she couldn’t allow herself to feel because there were too many people here and her station required her to behave a certain way. When I said differently, she reminded me with her Fae nature fading, she would lose control over her response to you. I asked her to run with me tonight, but she feared what you would do in retaliation and couldn’t take anymore. She seemed better and the water was cold. I went to get towels and fresh clothes. I had put her in the bath fully dressed. When I returned, she was lying beneath the water, flat on her back with her eyes closed. She attempted to drown herself."“What?"Mark took the bottle from my father without looking.“I asked her what artifact brought Nita to her. She said she didn’t need her counsel. All she said was 'she was tired. She's in bed now." I drained the liquor from the bottle I was holding.“What exactly did you say to her?" My father barked at Mark.“I told her the truth. Honestly, I was still angry about you." He gestured at my father with the bottle in his hand. “I didn’t believe her when she said she wanted me. She had the two of you, what the Hell did she need me for. All I've ever brought her is misery. I decided to accept the girls' invitation. I told her the spell changed me too and I refused to take her happiness away from her again. She reminded me, she cast the spell in July and I had made plans in August to have the girls join me here while she was away. She also knew I planned to slip away with them last night and then, spend the day with them. She’d considered inviting them herself and giving me an out from the wedding. She planned to ask Aedan, if they could join our pack. There's an apartment around the corner-- She was willing to break our bond to allow me to take one of them as my partner. If that's what I wanted, she’d give it to me. She asked me why she should she ever trust me again. I told her all I could do was let my actions speak my intentions. She really tried to drown herself?" I nodded. “The band on her wrist has started to fade-- Why hasn’t mine?" Mark held up his wrist.“I think you can figure out that one on your own." My father jutted his chin out at Mark.“If she runs with you, I will seek her."“If she runs with you, I will also. We can leave her here, but I hate to think what she might do."“We could have Audrey stay with her and you both run with the pack." My father suggested.“I’m not sure that would be any better."“I should cancel the reservations for our trip." Mark sighed.“Hold off on that for the moment. Exposure is what helps her heal. The three of us should stay with her tonight. I am sure Elijah, Chris, possibly Quinn and Ianna, and Becky and her mate, would be willing, as well." My father said.“We would have to tell them what happened. I think that would embarrass her further." I pointed out.“If they already know I fucked up, I doubt they’d deny her the care of her family no matter what form we take."“Her Valkyrie will assert itself tonight and you will have to let your wolf take over to prevent her from killing you." Mark nodded.“When she wakes, offer her this option. I will speak with the others." Mark sighed and hung his head. “As for you, your road of atonement will be a lengthy one." My father said and Mark nodded.
Sarah
When I heard Iain's phone ring, I woke up. He was lying in bed next to me reading.“Hmm. Okay. I’ll see. Thank you."“Who was that?" I asked.“How are you feeling?" He dodged the question and was masking his thoughts from me.“Stupid."“You're not stupid. Not to upset you further, but my father suggested, we all stay with you tonight."“You'll all stay with me?"“Yes. my father, Quinn, Ianna, Chris, Mark and myself. Mark’s already aware he will need to let his wolf take over. This will prevent us from seeking you."“Everyone knows?" I sighed.“I’m sorry we told them. When I found you at the bottom of the bathtub, I wasn’t sure what else to do."“It's fine. Everyone would've found out eventually."“We felt being surrounded by your family may make you feel better. Regardless, of what form we took." I nodded.“I should get dinner started."“My father let the kitchen know we would be served in his private dining room."“Great, not only am I pathetic, but I’m fucking useless, too."“Sarah."Iain pulled me close. “You're not useless or pathetic. We all understand you need us right now. Let us do for you what you do for everyone else."“Iain, I’m fine."“I’m not." I sighed and nodded. “I understand that sex is probably the furthest thing from your mind, but with your scent and being unmarked, I need to rescent you."“Maybe, being connected to you is what I need."
Iain
My wolf did not like the way Sarah scented, but she also needed to be comforted. I got out of bed and undressed.I pulled Sarah to me and kissed her softly. She barely responded. I unbuttoned the shirt she was wearing and traced her nipple with the tip of my tongue. I scented her body begin to respond, but she didn't. I kissed down her neck and lightly bit her. I felt her tense before she sighed. I kissed her passionately and let my fingers trail down to the cleft between her thighs. I gently spread the folds of delicate pink skin. I caught the scent of her arousal and felt the dampness within her. Outside of her breath hastening, she didn’t respond.“Sarah?"“Yes."“We don’t need to do this."“I need to be rescented." Her voice lacked all emotion.Sarah wrapped her arms around my neck and drew herself closer to me. She kissed me, but I could feel it was forced. I knew she told herself she had to be willing. She rolled onto her back and let her thighs fall open. I hesitated, but took the invitation.I kissed and touched every inch of her body. She would occasionally sigh or arch into my touch, but outside of her body's natural response, Sarah was non-responsive. When I began to inch my prick inside her, she inhaled sharply. It took a few tries to enter her fully. Which was unusual. She wrapped her legs and arms around me.I opened myself up to her and she reluctantly did the same. She felt empty inside. All the joy and love I always felt within her, had vanished.When I reached orgasm and bit down on her shoulder, she didn’t reach orgasm like she normally would have. Actually, she didn’t reach orgasm once. Instead, she started to cry. I moved from between her thighs. She rolled away from me and curled into a ball.I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her against my chest. As I held her, she began to cry harder. She cried herself to sleep. Once asleep, she didn't make a sound. She didn’t mumble. She didn’t snore. She didn’t sigh. She was silent. I set an alarm and covered us up. I closed my eyes and focused on her breathing. She scented of me now, but the scent of fear and anguish remained.I was drifting in Delta, when Sarah's REM cycle began. I slowed my breathing and braced myself for the hotel nightmare. Every time, he hurt her, her subconscious reminded her why he was untrustworthy.I saw Sarah place a cheesecake into a refrigerator. She was in a kitchen that was unfamiliar to me. I had never seen this dream before either.Sarah was dressed to the nines. She was wearing a black lace dress with a deep v-neck. It was knee length and molded perfectly to her every curve. Her hair was curled. Her stiletto heels matched her dark red lipstain and nail polish.As Sarah closed the refrigerator door, she looked up. She stepped into the living room just as Mark appeared from a hallway. He was shirtless and buttoning up his jeans.“Sarah. Hi." Mark's tone was laced with panic and I felt Sarah's rage.“Hello." “I thought you weren't coming until next weekend." He stuttered.“No, Iain's in Chicago this week. I reminded you, when you were home to see your mother during Winter break." “Mark, who's this?" A girl appeared wrapped in a bed sheet. Her voice was strained with jealousy. I knew by the tone of her voice this was not the first time she and Mark had slept together. His eyes were amber and his canines and claws were bared. It quickly became apparent this girl was mortal. She was the mortal that kept haunting Sarah's nightmares. This was the mortal Mark would take as his partner.“I’m Sarah, and you are?" Sarah's voice slipped into the eerie menacing calm tone. “I’m Rachel, Mark's girlfriend. We’ve been together for almost a year. He’s never mentioned you." The girl reached out and grabbed his hand, in an attempt to illustrate her point.There were visible electric sparks in the room and the objects around Sarah had begun to vibrate. The first crash of thunder made the windows rattle. Mark and the mortal both jumped. Sarah was angry and decided to let herself feel it.“Oh, I didn’t know he was seeing anyone." Sarah smiled brightly. She showed her fangs when she did. “His mother will be so happy. Since he lost his mate, he’s been lonely and very upset. It's nice to know, when he went to the city, he found someone to take her place by his side." Mark hunched under Sarah's glare.“Mark, why does she have a key?" The mortal asked.“I have one to her place, too. Just in case either of us gets locked out."“We were supposed to have lunch together. I brought the cheesecake his mother made for him. When I saw her yesterday, she already knew we were having lunch today and asked me to drop it off."“Is she a wolf, too?" Rachel asked in a curious tone.Mark wouldn’t look at Sarah. He had dropped Rachel's hand and moved away from her, too. I felt how badly Sarah wanted to hurt him, but she knew she couldn't with the mortal present.“Oh, good. He explained it to you." Sarah smiled and let her fangs show again.“He told me he's a wolf. Are you a wolf, too?"“No, my dear one, I’m not." Sarah's voice vibrated with electricity. Mark cringed when Sarah used his pet name for her. Rachel gave Sarah a strange look when she did.“But your eyes changed color like his and you have claws and canines like he does. Why are there flashes like fireworks? Oh, but your ears. You're a fairy, aren't you?" “No, my dear one, I’m not. I’ll tell your mother you said hello. When he brings you home for the Twelfth night celebration, I’m sure she’ll want to welcome you to the family. I know she’s always wanted a daughter." Sarah grabbed her coat and smiled as she left.“Cool. Now, I can tell everyone I met a fairy." The girl mused. Mark went after Sarah, but it was a lost cause. I saw her get into my truck. She didn’t start crying until she left the parking structure. Immediately, it began to pour. I saw constant flashes of lightning. I heard Sarah mumble the spell that would hide her, but she was actually mumbling it in her sleep.Sarah pulled into a hotel parking lot. I recognized it as one that was near the airport. As soon as she parked, she began to whimper in pain. However, she was doing the same, softly, in her sleep.She picked up her phone in the dream, turned the ringer off and tossed it aside. She laid her head against the steering wheel and the image started to fade. I opened my eyes. Sarah had claws and I could see where the tears that had stained her cheeks. She was still whimpering. Her skin was pale and I had started to feel a change in her body temperature. Despair was slowly taking root and it was Mark's fault.I wrapped both arms around her and held her tight. I kissed her neck and whispered, “I love you, my pearl. I am yours and you are mine, always." Her subconscious heard me. The sound of her whimpering slowly faded. I stroked my fingers across her cheek and held her. Gradually, her skin warmed, but she remained pale. All I needed to do was remind her, she was mine and that would never change.
Mark
I headed down to Aedan's for dinner. I wasn’t sure if I should or not. Now, that everything was out in the open, no one had to hide how they really felt. I knew if I didn't show, Sarah would see it as me punishing her. It was time to face the music.I knocked on Aedan's front door. It took a moment, but Audrey answered. I was surprised she actually made eye contact with me. Usually, when she was angry with me, she refused to look at me. Her eyes were red from crying. Audrey stepped aside and let me in.I followed the voices to the dining room. When I entered the room, they stopped abruptly. Aedan reached over and handed me a bottle. Sarah was sitting on Iain’s lap. He was holding her close. I sat away from everyone. After I sat down, the conversation resumed.Ianna and Audrey brought in serving dishes. Dinner was always served up family style in Aedan's dining room. As the bowls and plates went around, Sarah tried to slip off Iain's lap and sit in her own chair, but he fought to keep her on his lap. She whispered something to him and he begrudgingly let her go. While we ate, everyone laughed and talked. I was ignored. Which was what I expected and honestly hoped for.About halfway through dinner, Sarah hopped up and went into the kitchen. She returned with a tray of glasses. She gave one to each of us. When she handed me mine, she tried to smile, but she couldn't even manage a fake one. The hollow pain in her eyes made me want to cry. I smelled the drink. It was her Full Moon potion.“So this is supposed to help?" Ianna asked as she smelled it.“Mark was my first guinea pig." Everyone looked at me.I cleared my throat, “It definitely helped."“I strengthened the formula. In your human form, if you were in pain, you would no longer feel it. I think the key is to give it a chance to be absorbed in your system before you shift. If you do, I’m positive it will have a greater effect." Sarah smiled.“Why does it sparkle?" Ianna asked.“I infused some of the ingredients with healing energy. I've seen drawings of the shift. To me, it looked like everything was ripped apart and put back together." Sarah made a face. “I figured healing energy, along with herbs that helped with pain and inflammation would be a good combo. Oh and I added whiskey for flavor." She giggled.“It's not half bad," Quinn said with a laugh. “Did you add vanilla?" Becky asked.Sarah nodded, “Along with some licorice root."“That’s why it's sweet." Ianna took another sip.“Licorice root is a natural sweetener, but it's also a serious anti-inflammatory."Everyone drank Sarah's potion. It made me feel calm, almost happy.Once dinner was finished, Sarah and Audrey served dessert. Sarah recently bought an ice cream maker and had been experimenting with it. She made Mayan chocolate ice cream, a cherry chocolate ice cream specifically for Audrey and salted caramel vanilla ice cream. All three were devoured.“I need to go get my bag. I’ll meet you on the patio." Sarah kissed Iain.Sarah and Audrey left. I assumed Audrey was Kitty sitting tonight.“What's the plan?" Chris asked as he looked at me. His eyes were a dark amber.“As soon as the Moon’s up, Sarah usually casts her spell. Actually, it's not a bad idea if we are all present for it. She says when we sing with her, we help fuel the spell." Iain said.“We go to where we shift and then..." Becky said.“We should shift as a group and then, I will lead you to where Sarah and Iain will be." Aedan offered.Everyone agreed and left. A few looked at me as they did. I waited until the room was empty before I spoke to Aedan.“What should I do?" I asked.“You will join us. We will shift and will stay with Sarah until we feel she's okay. Iain said she had a very strange nightmare. He thought it was a vision."“Was it a battle?"“No, it was of you and a mortal girl."I swallowed hard and looked down at the rug.“You already know what that's about, don’t you?" Aedan asked and I nodded.“Sarah has had two visions. One where we all manage to live together in one house and one where I take a partner and leave. Sarah said, she will be mortal. We'll meet when I move to the city for school."“I see."“It won't happen, Aedan. I’m aware and I refuse to allow it to happen. When we looked for the amulet to contact Nita, I found a tiger's eye amulet. When I touched it, I saw a child with my eyes. She told me today his name will be Vincent--"“That’s your grandfather's name." I nodded.“I have seen him in her dreams. She told me he will be very special to her, ‘her little wolf’.” My breath hitched in my throat, “I will have to wait, but I want this child as much as she does."My eyes began to sting. “Good. Go gather your things." I nodded and left.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Iain
I came in to find Sarah and Audrey laughing and playing with Kitty. I was so relieved to see her smiling and laughing.“Ready?" I smiled at Sarah.“Yep."She grabbed her bag.She hugged Audrey. Audrey held on to Sarah's hand. Sarah nodded at her. Kitty meowed at Sarah and she picked her up.“Now, you be good for Audrey." She cuddled Kitty until she squirmed. Sarah giggled and set her down. “I’ll see you tomorrow." She said as she rubbed the bridge of Kitty's nose.Sarah and I headed out. When we reached the grass, Sarah took off her shoes and put them in her bag. As soon as her feet touched it, instantly, her mood changed. She skipped along singing to herself. The forest greeted her as she did. I knew once she was outside she'd feel better.“So what’s the plan?"“I told everyone, once the Moon rises, that you cast your spell and as we sing with you, it fuels the spell. They went off to shift and will come to our valley in a little while."“Sounds good." Sarah ran and jumped up onto a tree branch. She started running; quickly moving from branch to branch, tree to tree. I started running; attempting to keep up with her. I glanced up and her entire body had become opalescent. She giggled and hopped down from a low branch about ten feet in front of me.“I’m okay, really." She giggled and took off running. I couldn’t help myself, I ran harder trying to catch my wicked little Valkyrie. The sky rumbled with thunder. Sarah was okay or as okay as Sarah ever really could be. I got to the top of the hill that overlooked our valley, but I didn’t see her anywhere. I assumed she'd already reached her treehouse. I started down the hill. From out of nowhere, Sarah dropped out of a tree and landed next to me. She giggled and ran for her treehouse.“Naughty little minx." I growled as I ran after her.I climbed up and found her stripping off her clothes.“What are you do--" Sarah knocked me down onto the daybed and unbuttoned my shorts. Before I could say anything, my prick was balls deep down her throat. Her claws dug into my inner thighs as she vigorously sucked my cock. Waves of immense pleasure radiate through our bond. Once I was fully erect, she sucked hard and released my prick from her throat with a slight pop.“I know you want me to continue until I swallow, but I want you to bend me over and fuck me hard." She said as she pulled off my shirt.I took her request seriously and bent her over the bed. She was so aroused her inner thighs were slick. I plunged into her with one hard thrust. She squealed at the invasion. Her internal muscles clamped down hard in response. I gathered her hair, wrapped her tresses around my wrist and started to ride her rough. Sarah moaned loudly and occasionally screamed my name. She shifted her hips and I felt her cervix grab the head of my swollen prick. I growled and so did she. She always seemed to enjoy the sensation as much as I did. With my wolf so close to the surface, I was surprised I didn’t involuntarily shift. It only took a few more thrusts and her orgasm overtook her. I released her tresses and dug my claws into her hips. I rammed my prick as far into her womb as I could before I reached orgasm. I leaned over her body, wrapped my arms across her chest and sunk my canines into the shoulder. When she felt my bite, her body rolled with another wave of deep spasms. I partially collapsed against her. We were both panting. “The Sun is setting." I growled.I stood up and Sarah leaned back against my chest. We were both still breathing hard. “Mmm, that was delicious. Go shift. I’ll be down once I'm dressed." I turned her around to kiss her and her eyes were shining bright blue. She ran her claws down my chest. I growled as they ripped into my skin. I was regretting that we would not be alone tonight.“You need to go. You can't get all wolfie in here and if you stay, I’m going to have my wicked way with you." Sarah's naughty Valkyrie smirk was painted on her lips.I heard her giggling as I climbed down.
Sarah
I put on a tank top and a pair of loose shorts. I hopped down and saw Iain was lying next to the blanket. He had spread it out before he shifted. I smiled at him.“I've been shifting for the last three hundred and sixty years and that was the first time it was nearly tolerable." I giggled.
“I’m very glad. We'll have to see how the others felt when they shifted."
Iain ran the length of his body against mine a few times.
“I've got to scatter my herbs. You can run and come back when the moonrises."
I wrapped my arms around his torso and buried my face in his scruff.
“I would rather not leave you."
“I’m okay, Iain." I stroked my claws down his back, barely breaking the skin. A low rumble came from within his chest.
“Are you sure?"
“Yes, my husband." Iain licked my hand and I kissed his muzzle. He took off running, howling as he did. I heard his howl answered by several others. I grabbed my bag of herbs and began to scatter them. As I finished, I felt someone watching me. I scanned the treeline and saw Mark trying to hide himself among the bushes.
“You know I can feel you right?"
“I wasn’t sure what to do. I knew everyone would be meeting here, but I didn’t know how you felt about me being here. I can stay where I am. As long as I can scent you, I won't seek you."
“It's fine. You just need to understand, I’m not okay."
“Can we talk tomorrow?"
“What's left to talk about?"
“You tried to drown yourself, Sarah."
“Let's just say, Anna was the straw that broke the camel's back. I’m having a hard time reconciling what I want with what must be."
“And I made it worse by acting out, rather than talking to you."
“Well, we’re two peas in a pod on that one." I laughed out loud.
“Do you want to cancel our trip? We're supposed to leave in a couple days."
“Can I get back to you on that one? I promise to have an answer for you tomorrow. Right now, I’m feelin' a little jingle jangly. Remember, I shift at the Full Moon, too." I heard his wolf laugh.“You're right, you do." I laughed. “Iain said even your band had faded from your wrist. Mine didn’t. Even after shifting, it's still visible."
“Weird that yours didn’t fade. It's probably wolf versus freakish halfling genetics."
“Should I let my wolf take over?"
“Last time, it didn’t really hit me until after I cast my spell. Oh how was the potion?"
“Shifting didn’t hurt at all. It was amazing."
“Wonderful. I’m glad to hear it. Iain said it made shifting nearly tolerable. It sounds like I may need to adjust the dose based on weight."
I laid down on the blanket. Mark was still watching me from the trees, but I ignored him. I let my mind drift as I stared at the sky, waiting for Moonrise. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take a trip with him. If I didn’t, then, I would start the process to begin eating in a few days. If I did, I wouldn’t start until we returned home.I heard howling wolves coming my direction and sat up. I was so caught up in my head, I forgot to watch for the rising Moon. “Hey!!" Becky nearly knocked me over.
“Shifting didn’t hurt at all. You're a genius."
“Nah, I’m a stubborn witch." I giggled. “You need to make large quantities of your Full Moon elixir. It will assist the younger wolves and the children who are shifting for the first time." Ianna added.
“I’d have to leave out the booze. Maybe, replace it with fruit punch."
Becky and Ianna laughed their wolf laughs.
“I have several fourth graders who will shift soon. I think giving them something that will alleviate the pain associated with turning, will quell their fears. Usually, the first time, they shift as a group."
“Aedan should talk to their parents. Even though most of the wolves have accepted me as a healer, they're still a little leery of me."
“I will be happy to do so. Honestly, it reduced the pain significantly." Aedan joined the conversation “I felt nearly no pain." Elijah commented.
“I think I may have to adjust the strength based on weight and possibly take age into consideration. Quinn did the tea help?"
Quinn came and laid down on his belly beside me. I stroked my claws through his fur and felt him relax against me. After he laid down, I realized I was literally surrounded by wolves. Which was nice, but weird.
“I agree you may have to alter the strength based on weight. I don’t believe age played a role. Ianna was in very little pain. I think she was more shocked because she wasn’t in pain."
Iain hadn’t returned and Chris hadn’t shown up yet. I scanned the tree line and saw the two of them with Mark. I decided not to eavesdrop on their conversation. I was pretty sure they were scolding him.
“Tomorrow, I’ll record the results. If no one is weird about it, I’ll need to know everyone's weight so I can adjust the formula for the next Full Moon. I will need some test subjects."
“You scent of sex and the wild." Quinn said only to me. “It's intoxicating." I tried not to giggle.
“Iain bent me over the bed in my treehouse and fucked me hard and fast just before Sunset. Mmm, it was simply delicious. I was surprised he didn’t shift when he pushed through my cervix."
“He reach orgasm while--"
“Mmm, hmm. Drives his wolf mad."
“Now I have a new fantasy."
I poked him in the ribs.
“You've got a mate. Do it to her."
“I’m very happy to have found my mate, but she's not you."
Quinn stretched out and laid his head in my lap.
“You're a silly wolf."
I scratched behind his ear.
“Silly for loving a Valkyrie?"
“No, just in general."
I stroked his muzzle and cheek.
“You're far freer with your affection when I’m a wolf."
“I don’t know why."
“Maybe, I need to seduce you as a wolf."
“Such a brat. Iain and Chris are headed this way, along with Mark. You need to move. I will not have a wolf brawl on my hands."
I swatted at Quinn. He laughed his wolf laugh and went to lay down by Ianna. “Was he being a bad wolf?" Ianna asked. “Iain and Chris are headed this way. I will not have a wolf brawl on my hands." Ianna laughed her wolf laugh.Iain came and sat down on his haunches next to me. Chris sat on my other side. My wolf guard. I tried not to giggle. Mark laid down next to Aedan.
Iain
“Hiding?" I asked Mark.
“I didn't want..."
Chris growled and snapped at Mark. “Chris, back the fuck off." I barked. “He deserves an ass beating for the way he's treated her." Chris snarled.
“I wholeheartedly agree, but Sarah wouldn’t be very happy."
“I love her like a sister." Chris growled. “He deserves to be taken to the circle for the wrongs he has committed against her. He needs to understand pack law." Chris snapped at Mark again. This time Mark growled and I scented blood.
“Enough!"
I sunk my canines into Chris's scruff and pinned him down for a few moments. He shook me off once he’d shown submission.
“Fine. He fucks up again--"
“If I fuck up again, I will lose her.'
“You're fucking lucky you haven't already. She's tired of your nonsense and we're all tired of watching her suffer for it. If there weren’t consequences..." I growled. “Sarah's wondering where the Hell we are. Come on, let's go." The three of us trotted down the hill and across the valley to where everyone had congregated.
Sarah
Before I got up, I rubbed Iain's muzzle and kissed his nose. I scratched behind Chris's ear and felt wet, matted fur. I sniffed my fingers. It was fresh blood mixed with Iain's scent. “Why did you bite Chris?" I asked Iain. “I had to stop him from beating Mark’s ass.” “Oh, okay." Chris laughed. I blew healing energy on my fingertips and healed the wounds caused by my mate's canines. “You're not mad?" Chris asked.
“No, should I be?"
“Mark should be taken to the circle for the things he's done."
“Getting his ass beat will only punish him for past crimes, it won’t solve the issue. It might actually make things worse. You're sweet and I love you for it."
I kissed Chris on top of his head.
“Okay, spell time."
I walked to the center of the valley. The water rose to the surface beneath my feet. I squished my toes in the mud and sighed. I breathed in the energy and relaxed. I realized the energy at home truly did have a different flavor than the energy in Europe. It was cleaner. Which sort of made sense.I closed my eyes and centered myself. I started to sing and a river of energy began to flow through me. As I reached the height of the spell, my family added their voices to mine. I heard howling around the edge of our valley, too. I saw white spots scattered in the trees. Wolves from the other packs had followed Aedan and Iain. Their voices added to the force of my spell. I had never felt so much energy flow through me before. It flooded out in every direction, casting a large visible dome of energy over the entire area. I knew it was time to see what it would take to hide our valley. After the spell had been cast, the energy slowly drained from my body and back into the earth.I giggled and bounded over to Iain, “Can we run now?" I bounced on the balls of my feet and swung my arms like a child. “Don’t you need to rest, my dear?" Aedan asked. “Nah, I’m good. I just stuck my finger in a light socket." I giggled.I got an amused snort from him. I skipped over and kissed him on the muzzle. “Oh, my dear. Your scent." Aedan said to me. He thought about burying his muzzle between my thighs.
“Will you come spend a morning with me before you leave?"
“I have missed your touch, too."
I stroked his cheek and he leaned into my hand. “Quit teasing the old man." Quinn laughed.I turned and stuck my tongue out at him. “Can we go play?" I bounced and clapped.I didn't wait for them. I took off across the valley and up the hill. The wolves made an opening for me. My family ran behind me. The rest of the wolves followed.As soon as I had out-paced the Alphas, I jumped up onto a branch and started running through the trees. “Get out of that damn tree." Iain scolded me while laughing. “Why is she up in the trees?" Ianna asked.“I like trees." I giggled.I hopped down and kept right on running. When we made it to the circle, everyone just sort of flopped. I laid down on the grass giggling. Iain laid down next to me. He was breathing hard. Quinn felt the need to lick my face.“Eww, wolf vavas." I squealed. “What are wolf vavas?" Chris asked. “It's Sarah's nice way of saying wolf saliva." Iain snorted. “I bet you wouldn’t mind it so much if I licked between those lovely--" Quinn said softly to me.
“Quinn, you're naughty."
I swatted at him and he danced out of reach. “If I remember correctly, you're quite tasty." Quinn laughed. “Can I be near you?" Mark asked meekly.
“Yeah, I’m okay."
Mark crawled on his belly toward me. My boys growled as he neared.
“It's cool guys. If he gets out of hand, I’ll pin him down."
Mark laid down next to me. I reached out and petted his muzzle. He licked my hand in return.
“How is it you're okay?"
“I don’t know."
“You don’t want to rip my throat out?"
“It's a thought, but why? It won’t make me feel better. It would only make me feel worse. Plus, you wouldn't learn anything from being harmed physically. You're right we do need to talk tomorrow. I may be able to handle being near you, but I will be spending the rest of the night with Iain."
“I already knew that."
“I don’t think I could handle sex with you tonight."
“We could just lay together."
“Umm..."
“You've crossed the line of need."
“Oh, you have no idea."
“I can scent you remember." I laughed.
“Then, I suppose you do."
I cuddled up to Iain, “Mmm, I need my wolf."
“Are you sure you're up for it?"
“I could just start sucking your cock right here. Now, wouldn’t that be a fine show." Iain snickered. “Well, ladies and gents, enjoy the rest of the night. I liked that y'all came and hung out for a while. It was fun." I giggled.
“Are you leaving with Iain, my dear?"
“Yes."
“I’ll keep Mark with me."
“I already told him I was leaving with Iain."
“I’ll come see you tomorrow and we can talk then."
I climbed on Iain's back and he carried me to our valley.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Iain
I woke up before Sarah. She was curled up against me with her head tucked between my arms. I was surprised to hear her snoring lightly. I kissed the nape of her neck and she arched against me in her sleep. I reached down and cupped her quim in my palm. My fingers slipped within her. She purred softly, but went back to snoring lightly. I adjusted my arms. Slowly, in one long stroke, I pushed my way inside of her. I made lazy circles with my fingertips over her clit as I pumped my prick in and out of her. She woke up somewhere around my fourth thrust.“Mmm, my wolf." I laughed softly.She reached behind her and tangled her claws in my hair. “I love it when you fuck me with your delicious cock." She growled.I thrusted harder and faster. As I sunk my canines into her shoulder, she called out my name. I loved hearing her call out my name in pleasure. She started to make tight circles with her hips as she hit her peak. The sensation was exquisite and she pulled me over the edge with her. My entire body shook as I released deep inside of her. “Delicious is one of your favorite words isn’t it?" I panted.“You just noticed? And yes, you have a delicious, thick cock that I love." Sarah pulled away from me and I felt myself being gently rolled over. I laughed as she began to lick my prick and balls clean. She let the spell go once she was satisfied. I grabbed her around the waist and set her on my face. I didn’t mind the taste of our combined fluids, but licking her clean wasn’t something I often did in my human form. Sarah had another orgasm as I licked her clean, which prompted another round of cleaning. It was a 'delicious' cycle.“Stop, I can't breathe." She laughed as she panted. She crawled off of my face and laid down beside me.“I’m glad to see you doing better." I snickered.“Better? I’m down right fabulous." She giggled between deep breaths.
Sarah
Iain got to the table just as I served breakfast. He pulled me down onto his lap.“Taking breakfast to my father?" Iain tilted his head toward the tray on the counter. He knew Aedan had missed me and we hadn't spent any time together since we arrived home.“I thought I would take breakfast to Mark. Last night, he asked if we could talk this morning."“That sounds like a very good idea."“Can I ask you something?"“Anything."“Would you feel weird if Mark moved closer to us?"“Not at all."“I was thinking about asking him what he thought about it."“I think it will improve your relationship and begin to prepare all of us to share the same living space." Iain kissed me and smiled.“I’ll be back later." He wrapped his arms around me and squeezed me until I couldn’t breathe. I bit him and wiggled out of his embrace.I picked up the tray and headed the back way to Mark's apartment.
Mark
I heard the shower door open and turned to see Sarah. She smiled and pulled me down to kiss her.“I thought I’d bring you breakfast and we could go back to bed until brunch." She smirked.“Are you sure?"“I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t." She poked me in the side and giggled. She bathed me and we got out of the shower. Once we were both dried off, I picked her up and carried her to our bed. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close to me. Our kisses were quickly escalating. “Wait, stop." She pushed me off of her. “Talk first, sex after." Sarah sat up and moved away from me. I tried not to grumble.“First, I wanted to ask you something and you can absolutely say no."“What?"“Would you consider moving closer to us? There is a nice apartment at the end of the hall."“I would love that." I cupped Sarah's cheek and kissed her. Her smile reached all the way to her eyes. “It doesn’t need any remodeling. Well, except for maybe, a nicer bathtub." She giggled.“I’ll start packing. My turn."“Okay."“Do you want to take the trip we planned?" Sarah hesitated.“I do, but just like Iain and I had to figure out how to handle our relationship, we need to do the same."“I know, if I fuck up again, I’ll lose you and get my ass beat."“You wouldn’t lose me as a mate, but I will no longer be part of your life. I think that could cause more serious issues down the road."“I agree."“I know the boys want to take you to the circle, but I don’t think that would be very helpful. Punishing you for the past won’t help us move forward. Granted, in the future, if you've earned it, I’m not going to stop them."“Chris said I needed to learn how the pack worked. He bit me hard." I moved the blanket aside so she could see the healing bite marks and bruises.“Wow, he really did." She ran her fingers over the wound. “It may be petty but I’m not going to heal this."“It's not petty. We need to talk about yesterday."“Alright."“When you said this was the straw that broke the camel's back, what exactly did that mean? Iain said your skin was pale and ice cold. That despair was taking root."Sarah sighed, “The thought of losing you is very traumatic. Knowing that you willingly made a decision to hurt me is one thing. I understood you were angry and you thought your actions would make us even. You did the same thing with Becky. The fact that you planned to be with those girls during the wedding reception because you thought I wouldn’t notice your absence. Then, you invited them to stay while I was away, that was way more than I could handle. You said I’ve known for two months. That's true I have, but before she threatened me, I couldn’t have said anything to you."“Why not?"“It's like what happened in the hotel. All I wanted was to forget and keep moving. I’m good at that. The Fae spell made it easier for me to feel the things I wanted and move past the things that hurt."“But that didn’t solve anything."“In a way it did. It allowed me to be near you and not feel guilty or angry. I need you, too. I got past what you did in June. I could've gotten past what you did in July--"“I should've told them I had a mate, but I was so angry."“Were you still angry after my birthday? You know, when you were making plans for them to come and stay while I was away."“No."“Then, why?"“To be honest, I enjoyed myself."“Ah, dumbass boy shit." Sarah sighed and shook her head. “Quinn tried to explain that one to me. He asked me if I wanted to have both of you at the same time."“Would you?"“It’d be weird. Really weird. I feel like a whore often enough."“But you're not."“There's always this battle in my head between what was beaten into me as a mortal and what I am. Valkyrie and Fae are free, but I wasn’t taught to be free--"“You were taught to serve."“I was taught to serve one man. To want him and only him for the rest of my life. Fae and Valkyrie are not like that. So, I try to live in the moment and make smart decisions as I go. It's why the integration has been so difficult."“I don’t understand."“Remember, right before you turned for the first time, you were constantly dealing with that unrelenting need to follow your instincts, but the mortal kept getting in the way." I nodded.“I thought I was going crazy."“Yeah, well me, too. Valkyrie are violent and volatile. They take lovers when it suits them, but rarely, if ever, do they take a mate. They feel it makes them weak, vulnerable. Valkyrie are the queens of the one night stand." When Sarah laughed, so did I. “Fae have no rules. They may have a mate, but it's not taboo for them to have lovers. They love their mate above all others and are completely committed to them, but their relationships are fluid. Add in the Catholic, one spouse until you die. Oh and being mated to two wolves who are highly territorial. Don’t get me wrong I love that about you both. Even though, sometimes, it drives me a little nuts. It's hard for me to bring it all together and make it work. I can't keep the portions of myself segregated any longer." “The prophecy nonsense."“Yep."“Then, I acted out."“Like, I said I could have gotten over the first occurrence with very little issue. I understood your motivation. I understand the war between the wolf and the man. It's the same between the Valkyrie, the Fae and the Nun, but inviting them to stay while I was away." Sarah shook her head. “It was too much. The boys talked me out of calling the girls myself and inviting them to come entertain you."“You were going to do that?"“That was how much what you did hurt. I decided, if that was what you wanted, I would give it to you. I think you could consider it like a disavow kinda deal. Starting to make sense?"“You're right we need to figure out how to deal with our relationship. Being bound together gives us a stable place to start, but you’re right we need to figure this out."Sarah looked at her hands, “We will be bound to each other for as long as we both exist." She said softly.I heard the tears in her voice. The color from her cheeks and lips rapidly began to fade. I caught an image of a girl wrapped in a bed sheet standing behind me. It was the mortal that plagued her visions. I pulled Sarah between my bent knees and wrapped myself around her. “Yes, we’re bound to each other." I said softly and kissed behind her ear. “We'll take our trip." I nuzzled against her neck. “We'll focus on each other. We'll be silly and have fun." I nibbled on her shoulder. “It will take time for the wounds to heal, but I’ll remind you, you are mine and I am yours." I tucked her head beneath my chin, “Forever." Sarah sighed and pressed her body against mine. I felt her relax.Suddenly, she pushed me over and climbed on top of me, “You're coming on all the rollercoasters with me." She poked me in the side.“During the day, we can lay in the Sun and, as we fall asleep, we can listen to the ocean."“You have this all planned?"“Completely." She giggled.“Okay, makeup sex."I rolled us over and pinned her beneath me. She was still giggling. Sarah was too excited to stay in bed. After breakfast, she took me to see the apartment. She was right, it was perfect. It was literally across the hallway from Iain's office and decorated in my favorite color.After brunch, Sarah roped Quinn, Iain and Chris into helping her move everything. Amazingly, she didn’t have to bribe anyone. I think they were just relieved to see she was okay. Plus, they also knew they were doing something that would make her happy.Chris pulled me aside and reminded me, I was his neighbor now and he had his eye on me. He also made mention of the small army of wolves that could and would descend upon me should I choose to be a dumbass again. He wasn’t kidding when he said he loved Sarah like a sister. Then, he did something I hadn’t expected. He offered me his friendship. Which was not something anyone here had done. The thought of being more than just Sarah's mate or the third wheel was nice. I hung out with Chris and Quinn while Sarah and Ianna organized my new place. We taught Quinn how to play Final Fantasy. Sarah walked by and saw us trying to teach him. She mumbled something about 'dragging his ass into this century'. Sarah literally had me completely moved into my new apartment before dinner.
Iain
I came out of my office and I heard Sarah singing in the bathroom. I heard the bath water running and panicked.“I’m fine. Nothing to worry about." She felt my fear.“I know." I kissed her shoulder. “Could I talk you into taking a shower with me?"Sarah turned around. She had a huge grin on her face. I laughed and pulled the plug on the bathtub. She pulled me into the shower long before the water was hot. She dragged her claws down my chest as she descended to her knees. She licked and nibbled on my balls. Then, she nuzzled and rubbed her face against them. I felt her take several deep breaths. When she growled, I jumped a little. That was new.Sarah didn’t tease me. She wrapped her hand around the base and pumped her hand in time with the bobbling of her head. I bent down to pick her up, but she dug her claws into my hips and growled with my prick deep within her throat. My wolf came to the surface and I felt my knot start to swell. Sarah tongued it gently before she went back to her vigorous oral ministrations. I gave in and grabbed a handful of her hair and roughly forced my cock down her throat. As I did, she moaned in pleasure. While I shoved my prick down her throat, I noticed her working her fingers in and out of her quim. I’d never seen her do that before either.Sarah pulled away with force and looked up at me with her bright blue eyes, “Beg me to swallow." I cupped her chin and stroked my thumb across her lips, “You will do so because it will please your Alpha." She purred and opened wide. I resumed forcing my cock down her throat. I started to feel subtle electric shocks with each stroke. The sensation increased the ---------. Sarah had learned something new. When I reached orgasm, I had to brace myself against the wall. I came so hard my toes were tingling. Sarah saw the look on my face and giggled. She left me in the shower. As I recovered, I leaned against the wall, letting the water run over me. I was actually a little dizzy. “I’ll meet you downstairs." Sarah called out as she left the apartment. I glanced at the clock in our bedroom. It was only a quarter after six. I assumed she went to see Mark. I went into my closet to dress for dinner.
Sarah
I chanted the spell that unlocked doors and entered Aedan's apartment. I heard him in his closet. I found him fresh from the shower with a towel around his waist. I walked up behind him and giggled.“My dear." He gasped and spun around. His eyes were amber. I was still giggling.“I thought I’d come see you before dinner. Don’t worry you won’t be late." I grabbed his towel and pushed down in the arm chair in his closet. I leaned in and kissed him before I dropped to my knees. I licked his cock from base to tip. He groaned loudly and stroked my cheek.“I thought you might like a little...relief." I smirked and he laughed. I heard the growl creeping into his voice. After last night, I knew he'd prefer to pin me down and make a wolf snack out of me.I stroked my hand lovingly up and down his hardening member. He closed his eyes and laid his head back, but his claws were dug deep into the arm rests of the chair.Once he was hard, I proceeded to suck his cock thoroughly. He grunted when I lightly drug my teeth down the length of him and swirled my tongue around the head. He stopped himself several times from threading his fingers into my hair. I tried not to giggle. I thought about climbing on to his lap or begging him to bend me over something, but I didn’t want to reek of sex and Aedan.As he reached orgasm, he forgot himself and slid his hand up the back of my neck. He forced his cock further down my throat and I started swallowing. He growled and his body lurched several times as he came. From the amount of fluid gushing down my throat, I could tell he’d been quite pent up. I pulled away and giggled. I wiped my chin with his towel, checked my hair and makeup and left. When I left, Aedan was still sitting with his eyes closed.I came out of his apartment just in time to hear Mark and Iain coming downstairs. I quickly walked down the hall to the french doors, making it look like I was coming in from outside. They both scented the air, but neither said anything. I just smirked. Aedan was nearly running to the dining hall. It was hilarious.
Iain
My father was actually late for dinner. He caught up to us and we walked in together. I helped Sarah to her seat and caught my father's scent on her. She visited him before dinner. That explained the silly grin on his face. Quinn sat down and started laughing. Sarah stuck her tongue out at him.All in all, dinner was quite uneventful. Most of our guests had already departed and it was only our normal dinner guests in attendance. Agnes and Millie had a thousand questions about our honeymoon. When we got upstairs, Sarah squeezed Mark's hand and he lightly kissed her on the lips. He knew tomorrow morning I would leave her for the first time in a Moon Cycle and she wouldn’t be following him to his apartment to say goodnight.I followed Sarah to her closet and wrapped my arms around her from behind. She purred and leaned her head against my chest.“I want this..." I saw images of us dancing and me slowly making love to her.I carried her to our bedroom. We danced and undressed each other. As we made love, our skin glistened. That had never happened before.I opened myself up to her and she to me. I felt a flood of emotions; love, need, warmth, and time. The intensity was amazingly overwhelming. I decided Sarah had to deal with her anger before her integration could move forward. She was finally on the road to becoming whole.Sarah fell asleep with her head on my chest. I let myself drift until I heard her sigh, 'love my wolf'. After the last few days, I needed to hear it.I was asleep when I felt her claws on my chest and scented her arousal. She sighed my name. I didn’t see any of the images from her dream. However, it was very clear she’d miss me while we were apart.