First And Last (4 page)

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To my total disappointment, Haven decided that Kyden and I should spend the night apart. She wanted to make this as much a traditional human event for me as she could. I thought it sweet and all, but I needed to see him. It killed me to be away from him. I just needed to make sure he was okay and safe.

After Haven dozed off in my bed, I gave myself a little healing to sober up. Just a bonus of being a Spirit Witch—hangovers was a thing of the past. I slowly crept out of bed and made my way to her place.

Kyden and the guys had a much calmer night of watching UFC with some beers—that’s more of a Kyden thing. Mine too, but I didn’t exactly have a choice in the matter.

I reached Haven’s residence in no time. At the door, I slowly opened it, then closed it as I stepped her living room. Kyden slept soundly on the couch, one arm raised over his head. I froze. I couldn’t wake him, he looked so peaceful. He was safe, which was my concern first and foremost. Warmth rushed through me. We survived this and would be together forever. Love can conquer it all. We had proven that.

I spun around quietly. Just as I reached the door, Kyden’s warm body pressed against mine. “Where do you think you’re going?”

He turned me to face him, and I smiled. He wore only his silver shorts, and those
Manhattan Men
had nothing on Kyden. He had a thick build, every muscle sculpted as his bronze skin gleamed in the moonlight that shone through the window. “I didn’t want to wake you.”

He arched a brow. “You do realize you’re breaking the rules?”

“I just had to come and see you.”

He leaned in closer. Before he kissed my lips, he said. “I know the feeling and I’m glad you did.” He scooped me up, carried me to the couch and laid me down softly. “This isn’t a stirring from your night out, is it?” He laughed.

“Please, you stir me all your own.”

He brought his lips back to mine and kissed me so softly, but oh so hungrily. Kissing him now, there was more, it was deeper. Each swirl of his tone curled my toes and had me on the verge of begging him to take me.

Slowly, he removed my clothes as I reached helped him out of his shorts. Once he was free, I couldn’t help but notice, the strippers had nothing on him in that department either. Kyden wouldn’t have been a boy scared to change in the boys changing room. Gifted, he surely was.

He came back over top of me, began to kiss his way down my stomach as I ran my hands over his shoulders. When he reached my warmth, he glanced up at me, surprised. “What is this?”

“A present for you. Like it?”

He traced the neatly trimmed heart with his fingers. “I do.” He gave the patch of hair a soft kiss before he came back up to my mouth and kissed me until my mind erased any thought but the warmth that was building inside of me.

Kyden hadn’t missed a single part on my body—almost as if relearning what was so close to being taken from him. He didn’t waste the chance to touch any part of me and his hands were everywhere, as were mine.

Before I was about to burst with erotic need, I reached down to grab his head where it was nestled between my thighs and pulled him back up. In a slow movement that was so perfect, he slid inside of me.

My back arched at the fullness of it. He locked my head between his arms as he gazed deeply into my eyes, and moved with long, steady strokes. I wrapped my legs up around his hips, held him closer, needed him as near as he could get. I met his every thrust, intoxicated by the rightness of how it felt to make love to him.

His strokes quickened and I was sure this lovemaking wasn’t going to last very long. Not after all we’d been through. The need, the love I could see in Kyden’s eyes, declared his need for release. Yet, I knew he waited, as always, unselfish and not wanting to finish without me.

Thankfully, I was nearly there. The need to keep quiet so the others didn’t hear became difficult. The added restriction just made the sensitivity stronger. With each thrust, my body tingled with pleasure. He never stopped gazing down at me—never tore his adoring eyes from mine as he began to work harder.

My body responded with pleasure as my climax built around him. He groaned deeply, as his own was taken to higher limits by my constricted warmth. With our eyes glued to each other, he gave a few hard, demanding thrusts before the world faded away to heavenly bliss.

Kyden hadn’t even stopped trembling and my breath had yet to return when the door slammed open. “Nexi, you are in big trouble.” Haven stood at the door, her arms folded across her chest, completely irritated.

“Now you’re in for it.” Kyden chucked as he squirmed and pulled the blanket from the back of the couch over us.

“Get up,” Haven shouted. “We’re going back to your room. Right now!”

Finn entered the living room rubbing his eyes, looking far beyond tired. “What the hell is going on?”

“That.” Haven pointed to me. “Look at that.”

Finn glanced at Kyden and I wrapped in each others’ arms and laughed.

Haven flew through the room, and grabbed my clothes off the floor. “Let’s go.”

Kyden grabbed his shorts, which rested on the coffee table, and put them on, then wrapped the blanket around me so I could stand. I leaned up and kissed his lips softly, before Haven latched onto my arm to drag me away.

“Nexi,” Kyden said just as I got to the door.

I glanced over my shoulder at him. “Mmm?”

His smiled was full of pure love and adoration. “That was just a warm up for tomorrow night.”

Yum!

The mirror couldn’t lie. I looked beautiful—more than I had ever looked in my life.

Haven had designed such a beautiful wedding gown. A strapless chiffon, floor-length dress, an empire line waist and a bust that held a deep bank of silver embroidery that looked very similar color to my sword. The deep ivory shade was a stunning contrast against my skin and I appeared almost tanned. Not an easy task since I was usually pale during mid-summer.

After about an hour on my hair, by the time she was done, I stood bewildered to say the least. If she wasn’t a witch, she’d be a hairdresser. Two French braids ran alongside my hairline and left the rest of my long dirty-blonde hair in loose messy curls.

Lastly, she finished off with my make-up. Earthy tones layered my lids, long black lashes defined my hazel eyes, soft peach cheeks gave a permanent glow, and shimmering lip-gloss glittered brightly along my lips.

“It’s time,” Haven said softly. I glanced at her through the mirror to see tears slide down her cheeks. She lunged at me and wrapped herself tight around my back. “I’m just so happy. I know we’re not supposed to talk about it, but I’m so thankful everything worked out.”

I reached up and held her hands that lay across my chest. “I know, Haven, me too.” I took a deep breath, determined not to cry. Haven hadn’t spent all this time making me pretty only to have me wash it all away.

“Come on, Haven,” Zia said as she entered the room. “Everyone is waiting.”

Haven gave me a quick kiss, as did Zia, then they left. I glanced down and ran my hands over the dress. The soft fabric tickled my hands, when a sudden gasp caught my attention. I spun around to see Valor walk into my bedroom.

The Patriarch. To werewolves he was their leader. The Alpha of all Alphas. To me, he was just Valor, my dearest and closest friend.

He stepped forward, eyes wide. “Kyden is extremely lucky, Nexi. You look absolutely stunning.”

I blushed. Sure, we were close, but he had never given me such a compliment before. It was strange coming from him. Supes weren’t overly affectionate, but that only solidified how close we’d become. “Thank you.”

He continued toward me and pulled me into a very warm hug. “I wouldn’t have missed this night. What a wonderful celebration.”

“I’m so glad you came.” I tilted my head so it rested against his chest.

Valor had special meaning to me and having him here for the ceremony came pretty close to having a family member here.

That thought had been on my mind constantly throughout the preparations for tonight. God, did I miss my parents. This night would have made them all so happy and it did hurt that they weren’t here to share in it.

“I…” he hesitated, reached into his pocket and drew out a necklace. He held it up, a wolf head pendant on a chain dangled from his finger. “I got this for you.”

I gasped, not caring that it was a very girly sound at that moment. It was extremely beautiful. He chuckled and spun me around, clasped the necklace around my neck. He turned me back around again, then smiled sweetly. “There, perfect.”

I reached up and touched the necklace. “It’s so pretty. Thank you, Valor.”

He nodded and held his arm out to me. “I know I’m in no way a replacement for who should be doing this for you, but it would be my greatest honor to lead you to the ceremony.” He offered, his gaze sweet and tone shaky, as if overcome with emotion.

Without hesitated, I wrapped my arm in his, my heart full. “I wouldn’t want anyone else.”

In no time, we headed down the hall and out of the castle toward the Witches Meadow. “So…is it crowded down there?” I asked hesitantly.

Valor winked. “Not too many.”

When we arrived at the meadow, I gave him a look that said he was a lying jerk. He chuckled. Not only was everyone from the Otherworld here, but everyone from the Underworld too.

I didn’t focus on that for too long since the meadow took precedent. It looked exquisite. Obviously, magic played a part here because it never looked this beautiful. It always took my breath away, so that was really saying a lot. The trees were all the same, but tonight, beautiful white dahlias adorned them everywhere. It made the meadow look so alive.

In addition, it wasn’t just that. Thousands of candles were everywhere. It was by far the most elegant and romantic setting I had ever seen. Haven did an amazing job—she took over the plans the moment she heard Kyden and I would be bonded. Trusting her was never a mistake. This was perfect and more than I was capable of dreaming up.

As we came into view, the entire crowd gasped, and low murmurs spread throughout.

My cheeks flamed as all eyes focused on me. “Why are those of the Underworld here?” I whispered to Valor as we started down the hill.

He angled his head down and whispered in same hushed tone. “They have come to witness the ceremony of their leader. It’s only proper.”

One by one, as we passed by members of the Underworld, they all bowed. “Oh, will you just stop that,” I snapped.

Valor chuckled.

However, my annoyance immediately ceased when Kyden stepped in front of my willow. Haven got that right on the money. There was no other place in the world that I would want to do this than under my favorite tree.

My breath caught as I took him in completely. He was beyond gorgeous. He wore a kilt tonight that was similar to Talon’s. Its detailing was superb and fit his body tight. He also had glitter along his body. Apparently, it was a ritual in the Otherworld since Haven had put it on me too. Boy, oh boy, did I appreciate it on him more. It made his sleek body look that much more appetizing.

Valor stopped when we met up with Kyden. He leaned down and kissed my lips.

“Enough of that.” Kyden laughed, as did the crowd. He was never threatened. He knew the love Valor and I had for each other was entirely platonic. If anything, I knew it warmed him that we were close.

Valor leaned back, tears glittered in his eyes. Clearly, he hadn’t expected such an emotional outcome, but his face showed just how much joy it brought him that he was here to witness this ceremony. In fact, it showed on every face present.

Kyden took my hand and led us beneath the willow. When we stopped, his gaze ran the entire length of me, then met my gaze again. “Gods, Álainn, you’re lovely.”

I smiled at the compliment, and then glanced out to the crowd a little. Everyone was here. Haven, of course, was bawling. Even Talon looked a little teary-eyed. Briggs and Rynn gave me a little wave, as did Isla and Dante who stood beside them. Briar smiled bright. Thalia, the Mistress of the Mid-West, and Hayes nodded a hello. Brax, Master of Weres and Zade, Master of Vampires, looked proud. Misa and Azar appeared outrageously happy.

Zia drew my attention as she took our joined hands in hers. “Welcome. This is a night for us to rejoice in the bonding of our two friends.” She smiled down at me. “As in our ways of the Otherworld, please recite words of adoration to each other to state the reasons for your bond.”

She looked at Kyden, gave him a nod to begin.

He sighed deeply, looked to the ground, then met my eyes again—so much emotion displayed in them. “Since you came into my life it has been filled with nothing but chaos.”

Huh?

“Not a day passes that I do not fear for your safety, fight against others or battle for your honor.” Again, he sighed, even deeper. “Even your personality has been nothing but trying to me. Your unwillingness to let me help you, your hard headedness and your smart mouth are a constant pain to me.”

What in the hell? I snorted a loud sound of unhappiness. “It better get better than this.”
Seriously, he is on the verge of losing a limb.

The crowd laughed in response.

Kyden smiled, gave me a wink. “On a nightly basis, I feel frustrated, irritated, and aggravated with you.”

I scowled at him. What type of non-romantic shit was this?

He laughed, rubbed away my frown lines with his fingers. “That night…” His smile drifted away as he swallowed deep. “That night, I would have died for you. I would have given my life for yours because, as much as you drive me to the high moons with your independence, it’s for all those reasons that you have captured my heart.”

My frustration dissolved and tears welled up in my eyes. My chin started doing that thing, the little quiver that let you know you were about to burst out into sobs.

“I would never change a thing about you.” He reached up and wiped my tears away. “Nothing—not one piece of who you are.” His hand cupped my cheek. “That night, I knew I was going to die, but I never feared it because if I only had a few short months to love you, then that was enough. I would have died fulfilled, with a need for nothing more.”

Tears ran down my face.

“It’s for those reasons that I chose this bond. If I have the chance to love you longer then I will do it, fully and completely. And will always be entirely grateful that I have been given that right.”

The crowd was silent enough to hear the wind rustle through the trees. After many quiet moments passed, Zia finally stepped forward, wiped her own tears.

Kyden’s eyes never left mine as she handed him a ring. I stayed locked in his gaze while he glided the ring over my finger. When it popped over my knuckle, I glanced down and my eyes went wide.

Valor’s diamond looked tiny compared to what was on my finger now. It was a sparkling fancy pink diamond. On either side of the cushion-shaped diamond sat shield-shaped diamonds, all mounted on a Victorian inspired platinum band.

It wasn’t normal to do a ring exchange at a bonding ceremony in the Otherworld, but I needed it. I liked the idea of having a symbol for our ceremony. Maybe there was a little human in me after all.

“Nexi,” Zia’s laugh was loud next to me. When I glanced up to her, it was obvious she’d said my name a couple times before I responded.

Kyden chuckled.

I took a long deep breath to stabilize myself. “I’m never going to get through this without being a blubbery mess.”

Low laughs ran through the crowd.

Kyden took my chin and our gazes locked. “It is you and I. Nothing else.”

I gathered every ounce of control on my emotions. I took another long breath, before I looked back at him. “When I first came here, my world had been shattered. My heart was broken until you loved me. You fixed my heart and became an undeniable part of my life.”

I gave him a small smile. “You might be possessive and a bit of a pushover.” The crowd laughed in response. So, I was getting him back a little. He smiled at the attempt. “But I understand the reasons behind it. You’re right. We are in constant battle with the world around us. The odds are always stacked against us. Loss has become something that I’ve grown to accept as part of my life. But nothing, no loss I’ve ever felt, compares to what went through me when I stared at you lying on the ground, lifeless.”

Zia burst out into tears in front of us and I could hear Haven’s deep sobs behind me.

As much as I could have fallen to pieces, I needed to get through this. He deserved to hear it. “When I lost my family, it was hard.” I sighed again. “So hard, but I knew once I met you, that it’d be okay. I could be happy again and would recover. But that night, I saw for the first time I couldn’t. My life held no meaning anymore. My world couldn’t exist if you weren’t in it.”

A tear fell down Kyden’s face and Talon behind him was in a similar state. I reached up and wiped away the tear as I cupped his cheek. “Since coming here, I’ve been in danger constantly. Every night seems to bring more scary stuff that I wish I could avoid, but I wouldn’t change it, not for anything because it brought me you. You have been, and will continue to be, the reason I want to keep going no matter how crazy life gets. That’s why I chose this bond, because there’s nowhere I’d rather be than right here in your arms.”

Still crying, Zia handed me his ring. I had chosen a platinum tungsten carbide band. The contrast between the warm hues of the platinum against the cooler shade of tungsten carbide made for an amazing looking ring. It was a thick band and perfect for him, masculine in every way.

After I placed the ring on Kyden’s finger, he wrapped his hands around my face and took me in a brilliant kiss. His tears tickled my cheeks, as I was sure mine also did his.

He backed away. Zia was still bawling. I glanced to her and smiled. “Pull it together.” I laughed.

She smiled, wiped her tears, and took a few deep breaths. Haven was just a big ball of mess in Finn’s arms but I loved her for it. She loved me unconditionally and my happiness overwhelmed her. All I felt through our bond was happiness that never needed to explanation and just utter joy.

“Let’s continue.” Zia said as she glanced between Kyden and I. “As we’ve heard, you’re being joined tonight to fulfill your lives together, to enter into a new journey. Is this your wish?”