Chapter 21 #2
When I see she’s close, I sink my teeth into her inner thigh, letting my venom rush through her veins and push her over the edge while her sweet blood washes over my tongue.
“Arran,” Audrey cries as she holds my face to her cunt.
I hum in acknowledgement and don’t change anything in my rhythm or pressure, coaxing one more climax out of Audrey before I help her out of the shower.
When the sun kisses the sea and the sky shifts into its golden hour, we head back to the festival.
Everything looks even more enchanting in the fading light of the day.
Clouds of purple, pink, and orange streak across a deepening sky, their colors mirrored on the tranquil ocean in the distance.
From across the plain, scents of home-cooked dishes drift on the wind, inviting us closer. Around the long tables, the ancient trees cast lengthening shadows, the lit lanterns strung between them bathing the tables in an ambient glow.
Audrey deposits the dish she made for tonight’s dinner on one of the tables and then we meander through the various booths, toward the area prepared for the highlight of tonight’s festivities.
The scent of all the wildflower baskets scattered throughout the plain is refreshing, and a thankfulness for Annamae fills me. The dryad truly outdid herself with all the plants she grew for today, but nothing is as impressive as the floral garlands draped around the wedding ceremony arbor.
Audrey and I walk closer and stand in awe of the variety of blooms in whites, oranges, blues, and purples bursting from the curved arch.
Behind us, the rows of chairs adorned with lavender quickly fill with the many guests who want to share this special occasion with Shinsu and Nori.
Audrey straightens out my shirt and smiles up at me. “Don’t be nervous, my laird. You were born to do this.”
“Aye, my lady. Only because of you am I standing here today.”
We say a quick goodbye, then I watch the love of my life as she pads over to the tent where Nori is waiting.
Shinsu, clad in a crisp white shirt and with horns freshly polished, joins me by the arbor, Bodin and Ren serving as groomsmen on his other side.
“It’s a good feeling to be in love and know you’re equally loved in return,” Shinsu says as he takes in my expression.
Smiling, I say, “That’s a line you should save for your vows.”
“Maybe I’ll try to add it in there.”
Not long after, Audrey gives me the signal and I nod at Marisol to start up the processional piece.
Tilly, Maisie, and Audrey slowly make their way down the aisle, my heart beating faster and faster as the woman I get to call mine approaches.
Dark hair swishes across Audrey’s bare shoulders with each delicate step she takes. Her red lips tilt up into a soft smile as she comes closer, her gaze never leaving mine until she’s right in front of me.
I barely breathe.
I’ve never been someone who has desired to get married or have a claiming ceremony, but seeing Audrey like this is making me reassess that. She’s made me reassess many things in my life and I’m all the better for it.
Like she can sense where my mind is going, Audrey shoots me a quick wink, then takes her spot with the other bridesmaids.
The music shifts and everyone stands as Nori appears at the bottom of the aisle.
Shinsu gasps, his hand flying to his chest, as he lays eyes on his bride for the first time.
Nori looks beautiful in her pale-blue dress, the same shade as Shinsu’s horns and his dragon’s scales. A delicate lavender crown circles her long curly hair, and a verdant bouquet of coastal flowers are clasped between her hands.
I discreetly hand Shinsu a handkerchief when his lips start to tremble.
Once everyone takes their seats, I swallow down all my nerves and start my opening remarks.
“Meeting the right person can change your life. Sometimes we have to overcome our own pride or prejudice to be able to see what’s right in front of us,” I say, blinking up at Bodin and Tilly.
“Other times we’re lucky enough to stumble upon them in the middle of a tangerine grove. ” My gaze flits to Ren, then Maisie.
“Some have to wait decades for that special person to appear, for others like myself, it took centuries.” I pause and meet Audrey’s eyes.
Shifting my focus back to the bride and groom, I continue, “Shinsu and Nori were fortunate enough to meet when they were barely seven years old, but their connection was so strong then, that even after being separated for decades, they knew they belonged together. Today we get to celebrate the start of their journey as husband and wife, and officially wish them a happily ever after.”
The rest of the ceremony passes in a happy blur as vows are exchanged and tears are shed. Once I officially pronounce Shinsu and Nori as husband and wife, the party shifts toward the waiting dinner.
The ceremony chairs are carried over toward the bountiful tables and we take our seats as the stars blink into the sky above.
The music shifts into something livelier and I notice Marisol being doted on by her pack at the table next to ours. I’m glad the siren is getting some rest after playing most of the afternoon and throughout the ceremony.
When everyone is seated, all the dishes are uncovered and plates are filled as the feast begins.
Tilly takes the chair next to me, Bodin on her other side with a sleeping Orion and Calliope strapped to his chest.
“That was a very special ceremony,” Tilly says. “Thank you, Arran. I know it means a lot to Nori and Shinsu that you did that for them.”
I lean over and lower my voice. “Don’t tell anyone, but I kind of enjoyed it.”
Tilly laughs. “Oh shit. Don’t let Audrey hear that. She’ll sign you up for every public speaking event from here on out.”