Chapter Ten #2
I looked around the room to see that thankfully everyone was distracted, but I still lowered my voice. "Well, you said that I could come to you with questions about...you know…sexy stuff."
His lips spread into a predatory grin. "Ooh, my favorite subject. Hit me with it."
"Okay, so, Callum and I have... been together.
" He flicked his eyebrows and nodded for me to continue.
"But tonight is so special and I'd like to do something special for him.
You know…" What did he call it again? "Kinky.
" Bastian choked across the room and Milo thumped on his back.
Shit, they can all hear me. But I didn't take it back; I wanted to know, and Sam looked more than eager to help.
"Don't you worry, I've got just the thing.
" He picked up the end of my tie and held it up for me to see.
"Tonight when Callum is undressing you..
.wait, scratch that; tonight, undress for Callum.
Don't let him touch you until he looks like he's gonna shoot in his pants.
Then take this tie, put it in his hands, and tell him to tie you to the bed. "
I blinked at him. "Are you teasing me again?" I'd been tied up, and it was no fun.
"I never tease when it comes to fucking," he replied seriously. "Trust me on this one. There's nothing like showing your men - well, man in your case, poor thing - that you trust him, and letting him take over your body."
I trusted Callum with my life, and I did like when he took the lead. Maybe it could be fun. "I'll try it. Thanks for the tip."
"The tip's the best part," he replied with a wink.
Two seconds later, Flynn and Fletcher were at Sam's sides. "You're so fucking sexy when you talk like that," Fletcher rumbled in his ear, not even trying to mask his volume.
"Now I can't stop picturing you tied down for us while we destroy that perfect little hole," Flynn added in his other ear. Jesus . Okay, he knows his shit.
Sam wrapped an arm around both of his men. "There's no way your old house is occupied already; let's go give every room a proper goodbye." Flynn and Fletcher both nodded quickly.
"You've got fifteen minutes," Ben informed them, tapping his sparkly watch.
"I only need ten," Sam said confidently. "Okay; whose turn is it to carry me?"
"Mine," Fletcher answered, but Flynn gave him a shove on his shoulder.
"No way, ye radge wee shite, it's my turn!"
Fletcher scowled and shoved him back. "Like hell it is, ye clarty bampot!"
"Easy boys," Sam interrupted, fanning himself. "You know I hate it when you fight over me." Dante scoffed and Sam sent him an irritated glance. "I think it's Fletcher's turn to carry me, and Flynn can stare at my ass on the way."
"Works for me," they both answered with a shrug. Fletcher heaved Sam onto his back and Flynn played his arse like a drum all the way out the door.
"I'm surprised they made it so long before sneaking off," Milo mused. "I think it might be a record." Bastian and Ben nodded their agreement while Dante just rolled his eyes.
We fell into light conversation until the trio returned with proud smiles and flushed cheeks. Sam bragged that they'd visited every room, and that all three of them finished before their deadline.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Fletcher said as he and his brother approached me. "Flynn and I got you something." I smiled at the gesture before I even knew what it was; just the fact that they thought about me warmed my heart.
Fletcher unsnapped his sporran and pulled out a roundish metal object.
I held out my hands and he dropped the item in my palms. It was a silver stag set inside a metal circle.
"It's a brooch which depicts a symbol of our clan.
" He lifted it again and pinned it to my lapel.
I rocked it back and forth, studying how it caught the light.
"You're a Duff now," Flynn added. "Wear it with pride."
"I will." I threw an arm around each of them and squeezed. "Thank you so much."
They both answered, "You're welcome," before cuddling back up to Sam, who wore a proud smile.
"Okay, Brodie," Ben said excitedly as he took my hand. "Are you ready for your big moment?"
I took a deep breath and nodded. "So ready."
*****
Callum
I smoothed out my jacket as I eagerly awaited Brodie's appearance. I was dressed in my most formal attire; a black sporran was settled onto the front of my gray and black tartan kilt, a matching fly plaid was pinned to my Prince Charlie jacket, and a small dagger was tucked into my sock.
Lachlan patted my back and gave me a nod of encouragement. He was performing the ceremony at my request. Ordinarily, as Coven Master, I'd be in charge of the proceedings, but I couldn't think of a better man than my best friend to oversee this ceremony.
My heart leapt when I saw Dante, Ben, Bastian, Milo, Sam, Flynn and Fletcher appear over the hillside; my mate wouldn't be too far behind.
My friends took their places amongst the crowd of the entire coven.
Dante and Bastian bowed their heads in respect, and the rest gave a mix of smiles and thumbs up.
I watched the cusp of the hill in anticipation, waiting for my Brodie.
Our ceremony was taking place on the very spot where I revealed my identity, we bonded together, and made love for the first time.
My mate's endurance was growing by the day, so the hike no longer winded him.
I couldn't think of a more perfect place for such a blessed event.
The skirl of a single bagpipe's tune pierced the air and butterflies took flight in my stomach; it was Brodie's cue.
I reminded myself to breathe, and my jaw dropped when Brodie appeared on the hillside.
He was dressed in a stunning black suit that fit his trim body like a glove.
His curls lay perfectly on his forehead, and his smile gleamed, even in the low light of the evening sun.
"You're beautiful, m'anam. You take my breath away."
His grin stretched even wider. "Thank you. You look so handsome. I swear you get more gorgeous every day."
I chuckled under my breath as he walked the last few steps to meet me. I took both of his hands in mine and kissed his knuckles. It was then I noticed the stag brooch shining on his lapel.
"Flynn and Fletcher gave it to me," he explained without me even having to ask.
I looked into the crowd to the smiling ginger twins, who bowed their heads.
Their gift was incredibly special; they accepted Brodie as a friend and fellow coven member, and respected him as the Master's mate.
Because no matter where they roamed, they'd always have kin here, and be Scotsmen at heart.
"Good evening," Lachlan addressed the crowd. "Today we gather together for the most solemn and joyous occasion; to celebrate the bonding between our Master and his one true mate." I squeezed Brodie's hands when they trembled in mine; he was overwhelmed by nervous excitement and love, as was I.
"For centuries, Callum has led our coven with wisdom, loyalty and fairness. He rules with respect, and always makes sure his people are taken care of and their needs are met. He's proven time and time again that he is the epitome of what it means to be a good man and good friend."
I released one of Brodie's hands to cross my arm over my chest and bow my head to Lachlan in a show of gratitude and respect. He did the same before giving his attention to my mate.
"I've known all along that it would take an incredible man to be worthy of our Master, and you proved me right. Brodie, you have shown strength and compassion in your battles, and grace to those who wish you harm. Your kindness and intuition are gifts to this coven, and we are blessed to have you."
Brodie placed a shaking and to his chest and lowered his head as I'd done. Lach copied his actions before pulling him into a warm embrace. A noise from the crowd drew my attention, and I turned my head to find Ben sobbing into Dante's chest as the prince smiled and Sam patted his friend's back.
"Brodie, I ask that you now recite your vows to Callum and present him with your token," he said as my lover stepped back to me.
Brodie took a deep breath and I filled him with love and encouragement.
He smiled and began, "Callum, before I give you my promises, I need to give you my thanks; you've saved me so many times.
I never knew happiness or peace until you came into my life.
You showed me kindness and love and gave me safety.
You showed me what life was supposed to be.
And now instead of fear, I meet each new day with excitement.
Thank you for giving me a life worth living. "
I squeezed his hands as my eyes prickled with unshed tears.
"So my promise to you is to do all I can to make your life as wonderful as you've made mine.
I promise to share adventures, laughs, and tender moments.
I'll always be proud to hold your hand, and I'll never let a day go by without showing you how deeply and fully I love you. "
He reached into his jacket pocket for his token. Several days ago, Brodie asked me to take him to Lachlan's place, and my friend helped him order something for me. Since it arrived in the post, Brodie had been guarding it closely so that I couldn't get a peek.
"You gave me my first piece of jewelry and I wear that bracelet everyday.
I wanted you to have one too." He opened his hand to reveal a silver chain with a rectangle plate in the center.
On that plate was engraved 'C+B' in unsteady letters.
"I wrote that," he told me mentally, and pride swelled inside me until a tear finally escaped.
"I can't imagine anything more special. Thank you for this perfect gift."
I held out my hand and Brodie clasped the bracelet around my wrist. "With this token, I seal my vows."
"Thank you, Brodie," Lachlan announced. "Callum, please recite your vows and present Brodie with your token."