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Chapter Eleven
Dressed in mother’s elegant, floor-length gown made of cream-colored silk and decorated with tiny platinum and glittering black crystals to honor all that she and Creed were together, Alex felt like a princess. Walking out of the house her Mate called home on the legendary Isle of Skye, she stood at the edge of the most beautiful garden she’d ever seen and inhaled deeply. Everything was perfect – the weather, the flowers, even the scent of the sea on the breeze.
Standing under a white picket archway decorated with the platinum blooms of the silver bells flower and dark, velvety deep purple Queen of the Night tulips that shifted to an almost black as they danced on the wind with ribbons to match, she prayed the breeze didn't blow her long, dark curls into her face as she waited for her Mate and his brethren to arrive. Eyes trained on the stone Dragon fountain in the middle of the garden, she smiled as Kayne entered from the side wearing a bright golden surcoat, tight black pants, and knee length high polished black boots.
True to form, the Demi-God gave her a cheeky grin and jaunty wink as he took his place in the center of the dais. Gripping the bouquet of silver roses that had been delivered to her room at the very crack of dawn, Alex smiled so wide her cheeks hurt as she remembered the words on the note written in Creed’s steady, practiced hand,“Together as one – Dragon and Black Fairy. May we fly high, loving one another as only two Beings of the Light ever could. Always and forever, you hold my heart and soul in your hands. Love, Creed.”
Gripping the stems so tightly she wondered if they might snap but unable to relax her fingers, she finally breathed a sigh of relief when she caught sight of Stone, Sable, Lex, Gunnar, Stix, and Mal. Striding in like they owned the world, the men her Mate proudly led all stood tall, smiled in her direction and took their places at the far side of the garden in front of the dais.
Just barely holding back her laughter as each and every one of them turned in her direction, bowed deeply then popped their heads up and winked, Alex’s heart skipped a beat when Creed appeared. Dressed like the others in a surcoat just like King Arthur’s Knights had worn, her Dragon was nothing short of awe-inspiring. He made her weak in the knees, her heart beat double time, and Verity swoon.
Everything was perfect. Even the fabric of her Mate’s surcoat was an ideal match for King Alastair’s scales, brilliant platinum with just a touch of ebony. Perfectly tailored, the hem, neck, and shoulders of his ‘jacket’ were decorated with black corded trim that defined everything proud and exacting about the Paladin Dragons and their values.
“Damn, you look fantastic,”she breathed into his mind, loving the sexy wink she got in reply.
Shifting from one foot to the other and back again, ready to get to her Dragon and say the words that would bind them together for all eternity, Alex’s eyes finally landed on the fantastic needlework on the front of Creed’s surcoat. It was unbelievable, a perfect replication of her Mate’s Warrior Dragon amid a fierce battle.
Looking back when Kayne cleared his throat, Alex took one step and then the other. The sparkling white runner leading to the fountain tickled the bottom of her bare feet as she drew closer and closer to the man the Universe had created just for her.
Stopping next to Amy, she reached for her sister’s outstretched hand. Looking into the younger Fairy’s eyes, Alex smiled brightly as Kayne asked, "Do you, Amaryllis Mariella MacAskill, sister to Alessandra Maria MacAskill, willingly and with all the love in your heart, give your Blessing to the union of your one and only sister to this man?”
“I, as the voice of all those Blessed enough to call the MacAskill Frolick family, am honored to give my Blessing to my sister and her Mate. May they know the joy, love, and happiness that our parents and grandparents found for all their days on this Earth and beyond.” Pausing, Amy leaned over and gave Alex a kiss on the cheek, whispering, “I love you, Sis. Be happy, ‘cause there’s nobody who deserves it more than you do,” before standing tall and placing her hand in Creed’s.
Smiling at her new brother-in-law, Amy added with a wink and a chuckle, “Treat her right. I know where you live, and so does the Morrígan.”
After the lovely laughter died down and Alex was almost able to breathe, Kayne nodded as he began again. “The Universe, the Goddess of All, Fate, Destiny, and even my dad – Lugh, the Celtic God of the Sun, hear your Blessing and wish nothing but the best for you and yours. In this place, our rightful home and place of inception, in this world we’ve been given, we are all family, all loved, and all welcome.”
Waiting until Amy had taken her seat, the Demi-God continued, “Creed and Alessandra are here with family and friends. Gathered under the beautiful sky with the wind kissing their cheeks and the sun shining brightly upon them, this couple wishes to profess not only their love for one another but their commitment to walk side-by-side and hand-in-hand for all eternity. It is the greatest wish of the Goddess of All, the Universe, and the Powers That Be for these two Blessed souls to be happy, whole, and one in heart and soul."
"They've chosen to combine Fairy and Dragon customs for an extraordinary Mating Ceremony that shows the blending of two souls meant to be together for all time. Their sincerest wish is to honor every step, from the beginning and into the future, of their journey as Mates. I stand before you, Kayne, Son of Lugh and proud Dragon Guardsman, to give the blessing of the Celtic Gods.”
“Alessandra Maria and Creed, may the sun always shine upon you, may the Blessings of the Gods always be in your favor, and may your love for one another grow deeper and profound with every passing day.”
“May love and laughter light your days and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. May all life’s passing seasons bring the best to you and yours.”
Stepping forward, Kayne laid his hands upon the couples' and, while looking at Creed, whispered, "I told you finding your Mate was going to be the best thing you’d ever experienced, and I can see by the twinkle in those silver eyes of yours that you know I was right. So, be happy, my friend, and take care of your Mate – or I’ll send Pearl to kick your ass."
Smiling at Alex, Creed winked. “I most assuredly will, K. You were right, Alex is my world. I love her so bad it hurts and damn it all, I never want it to stop.”
Stepping back, he looked out at everyone in attendance and began, “For we Dragons, these ceremonies are usually only open to the Elders of the Clan and the Guardsmen of theDrake’s Force. In this case, I’m most certainly overjoyed to have good and faithful friends witnessing this blessed event. So, without further ado, I’m gonna get this show on the road.”
"Long ago, when Knights and Dragons fought side by side for King and Country, it became apparent that Dragonkin were no longer safe from those who would expose, exploit, and destroy them. Seeking to remain hidden but also continue the mission of the Universe to preserve not only their species but humankind, they sought to join with the Knights who had so valiantly fought by their sides for so very many years. Thus, through powerful Magic and the will of both Dragon and Knight, the Dragon Shifters were born.”
"In the infinite wisdom of the Universe and our Founding Elders, Clans were set up, one for each color of the Dragon Kings whose soul we carry within our own. Each was assigned a region in which to make their home and to protect their families. Over time, some have flourished, some have ceased to exist, and others have been born from the joining of many.”
“The Paladins were appointed by the Universe Herself to be the long arm of the Law for the whole of the Paranormal world. Each was given Magic from Her essence and Powers from Her very being to bring Justice to Her world. Paladins are an entity unto themselves. Paladins are not a race, nor a sect, not even a species. It is a creed, a belief, a religion that can only be defined by three words - strength, honor, and loyalty.”
“For that reason and many others, Alex and Creed truly were made for one another. Both believe in the good of others, that light will always prevail over darkness, and true duty is something you are born with.”
“As not only a friend, but as a brother in all the ways that matter to Creed, it is an incredible honor to stand here today on the land that bore the Shifter race, that brought life to the Dragon Guard, and made everything in our crazy, mixed-up, and wonderful world possible. We have all lived our lives on a simple principle – keep the Universe, Family, and Love at the center of our world, and we can never fail."
“Gathered in the place so sacred to us all, I can feel the Universe’s unconditional acceptance of one of the truest, most loyal, and infinitely remarkable Fairies to ever embrace her gifts. She is always the first to defend those she loves and never backs down when in the face of controversy. She has carried out the title ofSìthiche Dubh– the Morrígan’s Assassin – for one thousand years without fail and already proven herself to be more than capable of saving Creed’s butt.”
Laughing along with everyone, Kayne waited until their guests were once again silent before he went on. “Not only does Alex have wings of her own, but she is a true Warrior and from this day forward shall be known as a Paladin.”
Closing the distance between them, Creed laid his hand on her shoulder. Gasping as King Alastair’s Magic reached for Verity, she couldn’t hold back the giddy giggle that bubbled from her lips when he welcomed,“Never has one so deserving been welcomed into our Force. You and your Black Fairy are formidable, wise, and clever beyond compare. Live long, fight well, and love with all you are, Alessandra, for today, you are Paladin.”
Applause filled the garden as tears ran down her cheeks. She'd known it was going to happen, had paid close attention to everything Creed told her, but nothing would ever compare to actually feeling it.
