Chapter 26
Igiggle as Luc twirls us around the dance floor. Today has been the best day, aside from the little run-in with Annabelle. But even that could have ended way worse.
Her unexpected confrontation could have caused trouble in my relationship with Luc. In reality, the situation seemed to solidify his feelings for me.
After professing our love to each other, I’m floating on a cloud, smiling from ear to ear with a whirlwind of warm fuzzies blanketing me. I don’t think anything could ruin this day.
Over Luc’s shoulder, I spot Maggie wrapped in Viktor’s arms, swaying to the music.
Next to them, Dad has Lily perched on his feet as he rocks from side to side.
Her little hands are clutched in his and her head is thrown back on a belly laugh.
Since taking his sabbatical, he’s fully embraced his role as Grandpa and seems happier than ever.
Of course, Mom has slipped easily into her shoes as Grandma and is close by, capturing every moment with her phone camera.
Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is close to the best day of my life. And I’ve lived a lot of days.
Luc shifts, slowly spinning us away from my family. He’s surprisingly light on his hooves for being so broad. Arms wrapped around his sturdy neck, I brush my chest against his. “You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?”
His hands flex on my waist, fingers curling around my back. They’re dangerously close to my ass cheeks and spark a low hum between my thighs. Like always. “What do you mean?” The corner of his mouth tips up, like he knows exactly what I mean.
I can’t help but laugh again as he breaks our embrace. In a move smoother than silk, he spins me out and twirls me back in like a yo-yo. “That is what I mean! Where did you learn to dance like this?”
Once I’m nestled back in his arms, he shrugs, guiding us to the center of the wooden floor.
The music slows, and we sway gently to the new, softer beat.
“When I was a kid, after all the farm chores were done in the evenings, Papa would put on old records. He and Mama would dance and dance late into the night until I could barely keep my eyes open.” His eyes glaze over, like he’s replaying a memory.
“I remember falling asleep on the couch to him waltzing around the living room with her. They’re laughter filling every room in the house. ”
“So your dad taught you?”
He smiles. “For a long time, I just watched. Once Papa’s heart started causing issues, I took his place, dancing with Mama when he couldn’t.
After he died, it was the only thing I could think to do to pull her out of her grief.
I kept that happy memory alive for her. And, I guess, my body never forgot all the steps he taught me. ”
“That’s beautiful, Luc.” I cup his face, stroking my fingers through the graying hair on his temples. “You have such a beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing it with me.”
His answering smile is small and almost bashful. “It’s because of you, Ness.”
On reflex, I roll my eyes. “I can’t take credit—”
A single thick finger presses on my lips.
“Not what I meant. But you bring out a side of me that I’d kept buried for a long time.
Sure, people like Maggie and Roman got glimpses of it.
With you, I feel safe enough to let the softness and the goofiness out all the time.
I’m free to be my whole self with you. My mate. ”
“Same for me, big guy. You let me be independent and focus on my dreams without making me feel guilty or that I’m ignoring you. And speaking of mates… We still need to solidify our bond.”
Luc tips his head to the side. “How do we do that? Minotaur’s have a ceremony similar to a human wedding.”
The logistics of our bond have been at the back of my mind for the past few days.
As soon as I had an inkling that this was permanent, I pestered Viktor about how he and Maggie managed.
“Well, I’m immortal and you’re not, so that’s a little problem.
Viktor was able to sync his lifespan to Maggie’s with the help of some pixie magic—”
Like his hooves are encased in cement, Luc stops. Luckily, his strong chest is there to catch me. “You can’t give up your immortality for me, Vanessa. That’s too much.”
“What if there was a way for you to become immortal? Would you?” Hope inflates my chest as the question lingers between us.
“And spend forever with you, mon soleil?” A winning smirk takes over his handsome face. “Abso-fucking-lutely.”
Laughter spills from my lungs, and a set of purple wings on the edge of the dance floor snags my attention.
Threading my fingers through Luc’s, I tug him toward her.
“And there’s the pixie we need.” My finger lifts, and I point to Maria.
Her husband, Phil, towers over her and twirls her in a circle.
For a big orc, the guy’s got serious moves.
“Maria!” I shout, still pulling Luc behind me. I’m sure he has no idea what’s going on.
Her chestnut waves swish over her shoulders, and her wings flutter against her back as she turns toward us. “Vanessa! It’s so good to see you!” She wraps me in a warm hug, which is a little awkward with our height difference. I end up bending down to meet her and she has to rise onto her toes.
When we part, Luc and Phil are shaking hands and introducing themselves.
“It’s good to see you again, Luc.” Maria smiles and waves at him.
Luc tips his head, horns lowering in acknowledgement. “Maria.”
“We actually need your help,” I say as Luc’s big arms band around my waist and pull me into his warm body.
“Sure. What can I do for you?”
As I explain that Luc and I are mates and we need something similar to what she did for Viktor, we move to the bar area where it’s quieter and more secluded.
“Oh! This is so exciting!” Maria claps her hands. “I would be happy to help. We need an object—something of significance—to house your bond.”
I pat my skirt, but the only items I have on me are my phone and my lip gloss. Crap. What signifies my relationship with Luc? Why can’t I think of anything? Does this mean we’re doomed from the start?
Luc’s deep voice cuts off my spiraling thoughts. “Will this work?”
From his fingers dangles a glass snowflake. The fading daylight spilling through the open side of the tent hits it and projects a kaleidoscope of colors across the wooden bar top.
My hand flies to my mouth as I gasp. “Is that…”
“Oui.”
“You’ve had it all this time?” My heart threatens to burst.
Luc dips his head, cheeks flushing cherry red as he scratches the back of his neck.
My feet blur as I propel myself at my mate.
It’s as if he can predict my movements because he catches me in one arm, the snowflake safely clutched in his other hand.
Cupping his cheeks, I pepper his face with kisses.
“You sweet, thoughtful, beautiful, amazing man. Have I mentioned how much I love you?”
A deep chuckle undulates my body, and Luc settles me on my feet. “Not as much as I love you, mon soleil.”
There’s a sniffle to our right. When I pull my gaze from Luc, Maria brushes a tear from her face. “Oh, I just love love!” She extends a hand to Luc. “Shall we get started?”
Luc opens his hand, and the snowflake falls, landing in Maria’s palm. She turns to the bartender, a purple-haired… demon—at least that’s my assumption, based on the horns on her head and spade-tipped tail wrapped around her waist.
“Syn! I didn’t know you’d be here today. Phil and I have been meaning to stop by.” Maria’s amethyst eyes swing to her husband.
The bartender’s lips peel back to reveal a row of sharp teeth. Definitely a demon. Voice smooth and sultry, she says, “You know you’re welcome at the Taproom anytime. What can I get you to drink?” Her dark eyes scan over us.
Maria produces a small leather pouch from… I’m not actually sure where it came from. She sets it on the lacquered bar top, along with the snowflake. “Celebratory drinks once I’m done. In the meantime, could I trouble you for a plate?”
Syn slides a small white ceramic plate to Maria before settling her elbows on the bar to watch.
Placing the glass ornament on the plate, Maria opens the pouch and grabs a pinch of whatever is inside. Some sort of glittery powder. Pixie dust, if I had to guess.
My eyes widen, and I squeeze Luc’s hands where they rest against my lower stomach.
Maria’s eyes close. Her lips move, but the whispered words are too soft even for my vampire ears. When she sprinkles the fine pixie dust over the snowflake, light sparks from within the clear glass, illuminating it.
Once the light dims, the carefully sculpted ornament has shrunk to the size of a golf ball, and a thin silver chain loops from the top.
“Give me your hand, Ness,” Maria instructs.
Bringing my hand between us, I uncurl my fingers.
Maria plucks the necklace up by the chain and gently settles it in my palm.
As she curls my fingers around the delicate glass, she says, “Fill it with your blood.” She raises her chin to meet Luc’s gaze.
“And you wear it.” Her vibrant purple eyes swing to me.
“Then the mate bond will be complete, and Luc will be immortal.”
I bring my hand to my chest, resting it against my galloping heart. “That’s it?”
“Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Now how about those drinks?” With a wink, she turns to Syn and orders a round of champagne.
“One drink, then we’re going home so I can fuck your sweet cunt until you’re boneless and don’t even know your own name. Then I’ll officially make you mine.” Luc’s hot breath puffs against my ear when he leans down, speaking a proclamation for me and me alone.
His claiming words force an earthquake of hunger down my spine, and when I peek over my shoulder, his normally clear blue irises are darkened by a promise of something primal and raw. I can’t fucking wait. “One drink.”