Chapter 53
Baldwin stood behind me at my vanity in the bathroom, his fingers finishing the final delicate braid in my hair. There were dozens of them woven around the crown of my head, and the rest of my hair hung in loose waves down my back.
He’d done something magical to my eyes, too. The smoky liner made the green of my irises burn brighter and my eyes themselves appear larger.
Baldwin’s hands dropped from my head to my shoulders. “Now we just need to get you into your dress.”
I met his gaze in the mirror. “I’ve never felt more beautiful.”
It was true. Even still in my fuzzy, oversized robe, I felt like a queen.
Baldwin sniffed. “Been dreaming of this day for my boys. I couldn’t imagine a more worthy partner.”
My eyes burned. “Do not make me cry after you spent hours on my makeup.”
He laughed, but there was a forced quality to it. “Come on. I got a dress for you a few weeks ago, thinking this day might be on the horizon.”
Warmth spread through me at Baldwin’s trust in me. His belief in my bond. I hugged him tightly. “I don’t know how I got so lucky to have you in my life.”
“I feel just the same, cherub.”
I let out a long breath as I released him. “Let’s see this dress.”
Baldwin led me into my closet, moving the section of evening dresses I’d never truly perused. He pawed through them until he found a garment bag at the back. He pulled it out and hung it on a hook. As he unzipped it, I gasped.
This wasn’t a dress. It was a work of art.
The fabric was a deep blue and purple, so dark it was almost black, but it wasn’t. And overlayed on it was what looked like a sheath of fine diamonds. The effect was what looked like a night sky.
“Baldwin…”
“It’s perfect, isn’t it?”
I nodded, reaching out to skim my fingers over the creation.
“Let’s get you into it,” he said, moving quickly.
We worked in tandem, getting me into the gown. As he zipped me up, I looked down in awe. “It fits perfectly.”
Baldwin grinned. “I know my girl’s measurements.”
I laughed. “You and Colt and your creepy stalker ways.”
A knock sounded on my bedroom door.
Baldwin let out a breath, and some of the smile slipped. “Are you ready?”
“I’ve been ready since the moment I met them,” I said honestly.
“Then, let’s get you bound.”
We crossed to my bedroom door, and Baldwin opened it to reveal Cillian standing there in a black suit. He was devastating in his Cillian way. His gaze was hard, but there was a gentleness to the set of his mouth.
“I’d like the honor of escorting you to your mates,” he rasped out.
My eyes burned. “I’d love that.”
Baldwin wiped at his eyes. “I’ll be downstairs.”
He hurried ahead of us as Cillian offered me his arm. “You look beautiful, Princess.”
The corner of my mouth kicked up. “Thank you.”
“But your strength and bravery are even more beautiful.”
“If you make me cry, my mates will kick your ass.”
He chuckled. “Fair enough.”
We made our way down the stairs and toward the back door. The ceremony would take place on the back lawn under the moonlight.
Cillian paused at the door. “Ready?”
“More than.”
It was the truth. I wanted to be bound to these five men in every way possible. And for all eternity.
Cillian pushed open the door, and we stepped out.
A gasp slipped from my lips. I didn’t know how they’d done it, but flowers and candles littered the backyard. Deep purples and pinks and blues lined my path. The blooms were only punctuated by the glittering stars above.
I was absently aware that Saoirse, Delphine, Darius, and Baldwin were there. But I only had eyes for the five guys in the center of a flower circle. Their gazes bored into me as I walked.
Sheer joy rippled through me as I took them in. I could feel their love, even from here. No matter what was to come, I would cherish this moment forever.
By the time Cillian and I reached the altar of sorts, all my guys’ eyes were glowing, and I could feel the energy pulsing between us.
Cillian kissed my cheek and released me to my mates, sharing a look with his brothers.
Trace stepped forward, his fingers skimming along my back. “You steal my breath, Little Bird.”
I turned, pressing a kiss to his shoulder.
All five of my mates were clad in navy tuxes that did devastating things to my insides.
Dash moved to us, lifting a hand to cup my cheek. “Mon Coeur, the greatest honor of my life, loving you.”
Declan linked his fingers with mine. “You gave me a home.”
Ronan placed a hand on the small of my back. “You healed me.”
Colt moved in last. “You’re everything. To all of us. And you make us one.”
My throat constricted, and my nose stung. “It’s you. All of you coming together, you’ve made me feel more loved than I could ever imagine.”
A throat cleared, and Saoirse smiled. “Then let’s bind you as you always should have been.”
I swallowed hard and nodded.
She motioned for me to stand in the center of the circle.
I did so, and the guys took up positions around me.
Delphine smiled gently as she began to chant in that language Dash spoke. As she did, Saoirse wove a silver cord from me to each of my guys, creating an intricate design.
When we were all joined, Delphine’s chanting increased in volume. She lifted her hands up to the sky, and lightning cracked the heavens.
The cord began to burn with heat. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from crying out. And then the pain was gone, the cord with it.
Saoirse bowed her head. “Bound through this life and the next.”
The guys were on me in a flash. Lips on my neck and forehead. Caresses and strokes.
“I love you,” I whispered.
And then a siren tore through the night.