Forty-Six
CHAPTER
For three days, Zathrian and I had been giddy and secretive as we had yet to make the announcement that we were accepting the Mate Bond.
It was hard to keep it a secret, but it was for good reason. We wanted it to be a surprise, and when we announced it, we wanted everyone to be there for it.
That was exactly why we wanted to announce it at dinner tonight. While we didn’t all gather for dinner everyday as much as we tried to, every Thursday night we always made sure that no matter what was going on, we would all be there. It was a much-needed newfound tradition.
I couldn’t stop smiling. Placing the dishes to set out the dinner table, I knew that not too long from now, Zathrian would make the announcement, and it would become public knowledge that there would be a ceremony. Presumably this upcoming winter, since fall had already begun.
Giddy with excitement to the point I was no longer able to stand or sit still, I turned, nearly dropping a plate. Mateo stood there with his arms crossed. Squinting, he stared me up and down.
I smiled bigger. “What?”
“Something’s up. What has you so giddy, hm? Clearly you aren’t telling me something,” he said suspiciously.
I reached a finger out and bopped his nose. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” I replied cheekily, giggling as I walked past him and around the table to finish placing the silverware.
Mateo rolled his eyes, turning toward the hall. “Aye, Viotto!” he yelled as he exited the room.
Sliding my hands to my hips, I admired how nicely the table looked.
Not just the dinner plates and moonstone-infused cutlery but also the chargers, and the decorative flower pieces, too.
The food looked scrumptious—salad, rolls, and frosted brownies that were already placed on the table, waiting for us to devour them.
Zathrian wrapped his arms around me from behind. His chin rested on my shoulder as he swayed me back and forth ever so lightly. “Mmm,” he hummed, kissing my cheek. “It looks wonderful.”
“Thank you.” I turned my head just enough to kiss his cheek, and my hands slid into his, swaying with him.
“Dinner is almost ready!” Akira called out from the kitchen.
“It’s almost time,” I whispered, leaning in to brush my nose against his.
“Shh. Don’t spoil the surprise.” He pressed his forehead against mine.
I tiled my chin just enough to kiss up his jawline. His lips met mine in a sweet and tender kiss. The others entered the room, bringing tonight’s dishes with them. The food was hot as it was served, and the scent of garlic, sizzling steak, and potatoes filled the room.
I was so hungry, I was practically drooling. But first, we had an announcement to make.
An important one at that.
Zathrian slipped from behind me to beside me, his arm snaked around my waist, keeping me close at his side. Everyone gathered around the table and took their respective seats. While I admired the freckles splattered across his cheeks, Zathrian cleared his throat.
“Okay everyone, settle down, settle down.” His voice echoed, and he used his free hand to gesture for everyone to take it down a notch or two.
The room fell silent as all eyes fell upon us. Mateo sat with his arms crossed, and Viotto had his hand on Narcissa’s. Akira and Celeste were quietly fighting over potatoes. Nevan’s seat was empty. It stung a bit, looking at that empty seat for a moment.
Zathrian’s smile was radiant. I had never seen him look so happy.
“So, Aerilyn and I have an announcement to make. You are all very near and dear to both my heart, and hers. We have been through so much together, some things that I wish we didn’t have to endure, but I wanted you all here because this is so important to us.
And I wanted the most important people in my life to be the first to know…
” He trailed off. His gaze settled on mine with stars in his eyes.
I smiled back, giving him a reassuring squeeze.
Silence lingered for a few moments as we got lost in one another’s eyes. Zathrian’s smile grew, admiring me in the way I admired him.
“We have decided to accept the Mate Bond, officially,” he said with the biggest smile.
My face turned bright red, smiling wide. All our loved ones rose to their feet, clapping and hooting and hollering with excitement.
Zathrian pulled me into a tight and loving embrace. Dipping me, he planted a passionate kiss against my lips. No matter how many times he kissed me, it felt like the very first time.
I felt fireworks, even now.
Joy filled the room. Zathrian and I both had glossy eyes, overwhelmed by the reactions of those we cared for most and the love that filled the room.
All kinds of love at that. I was happy. For the first time in my entire life, I finally understood what it was like to not only have a family of my own, but to love and be loved.