Chapter 37
M y nerves were like bees buzzing in my veins as we approached the beautiful Eliron home—the canoa listing from side to side as it rolled up the driveway. Dad sat ramrod straight on one side of me—his fingers drumming against his knee—while Draevyn sat on my other side, his leg jiggling against the floorboards. We remained safely within the confines of the cabin—tiny glimpses of Sabana peeking through the cabin door along the way. Bright orange, pink, and yellow begonias grew in plethora, spilling out of window flower boxes. My nose detected a whiff of rosemary beneath the smell of freshly baked bread. Myles, Aurelio, Dax, and Reneah opted to sit in the open air. I kind of wish I had as well. If Dad understood what this trip was about, he hadn’t let on. He’d simply agreed to the invitation Draevyn sent on his parents’ behalf.
But Dad wasn’t a fool.
He’d seen how Draevyn was with me and vice versa. Having already been a mated male—formally mated—it was impossible for him not to know.
When we came to an abrupt stop, Draevyn rose from his seat, helping me to stand. His smile was genuine, but his gaze held a hint of nervousness. “Ready?” he asked.
I squeezed his hand. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
The group descended the steps of the canoa. I couldn’t help but notice the special attention Dad gave Reneah, his hand lingering a little longer in hers. Something seemed to pass between them, his eyes searching.
How curious .
Just then, Samani and Zoriato emerged from their home; Samani’s wide and infectious smile was like a calm aura settling over the group. She made a beeline for me, wrapping me in a fierce hug. I giggled as she squeezed. “Miss me?”
Samani leaned back, surveying me with a smile. “Of course I did.” She shifted her attention over my shoulder. “Welcome, everyone! I hope you all had a nice swim up the Shingu.” When her gaze found Dad, she instantly dipped in a low curtsy. “Your Highness. My name is Samani.” She gestured to Zoriato, who stood stoically behind her. “This is my mate, Zoriato.”
In Zoriato fashion, he stiffly bowed at the waist. “Your Highness.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Samani continued—her dark hair tied tightly at the back of her head, causing her cheekbones to stand out prominently. “Asherah has had nothing but wonderful things to say about you.”
Dad smiled warmly and gave a nod. “The pleasure is all mine. And may I commend you on raising such a wonderful son. Draevyn’s been an excellent addition to the Guard and a brilliant mentor to my daughter. You must be very proud of him.”
“Don’t compliment him too much,” Dax cut in with a smirk, his arms crossed. “His head’s already big enough as it is.”
Draevyn rolled his eyes. “You’re one to talk.”
“I’ll take that compliment,” Samani said proudly. “Thank you.”
“Well, let’s not daddle out here. There’s plenty of drink and food inside,” Zoriato motioned to the entryway. “Come along.”
A flurry of glasses filled to the brim with wine, savory snacks, and casual conversation ensued. I naturally migrated to the patio, sliding into my favorite spot by the outdoor fireplace. The fading light of day painted the sky in shades of deep orange and yellow as a subtle chill spread across the patio. I shivered in response, which hadn’t escaped Draevyn’s notice. He began loading wood in the fireplace, starting a fire that grew from small to roaring within seconds. I let the cushions envelop me as I sipped on my faery wine. “Perfect.”
Draevyn chuckled, his body providing more warmth as he sat beside me. The telltale sign of shuffling feet and growing conversations reached our ears as the rest of the group gathered outside with drinks in their hands and heaping trays of food. Dad stood at the edge of the patio gazing out at the grape vines planted in perfect rows—Zoriato joining him to admire the view. “This is stunning,” Dad proclaimed.
“Thank you.”
“And the wine is fantastic, too. You must have centuries of experience for the taste to be this extraordinary,” Dad complimented.
There was an absolute look of pride on Zoriato’s face. Dad was always the charmer, even when faced with someone as grumpy as Zoriato. He pointed at my father’s glass. “That’s one of our most prestigious. It’s an award-winner three decades running. Every harvest, the neighboring wineries attempt to take the top spot. They can’t figure out our methods, and my crew remains loyal to our family. They’ll never sell my secrets.”
That brought a laugh out of Dad. “Then, I strongly suggest you do everything possible to keep them. It’s tough to find a dependable crew. It took me centuries to find a team of Guardians I could trust.” That was news to me. Dad gestured to the closest row of vines. “Care to show me a bit?”
“I’d be honored. Now, these here are the oldest on the entire estate. My great-great-grandfather planted…” Their voices faded into murmurs as they slunk their way down the row.
“It’s not polite to eavesdrop.”
I twisted to Draevyn, his mischievous grin making me smile. I shrugged. “Couldn’t help it. I wasn’t sure how your father would react to mine.”
Draevyn’s line of sight went over my head, his eyes narrowing. “Cathan can get just about anyone to have a conversation with him. It’s impressive.”
I lifted my wine glass. “Something he didn’t pass on to me.”
Draevyn pushed my hair behind my shoulder. “You have other extraordinary qualities, ones that I’m very, very fond of.”
“Ugh, the cuteness overload is real!” Aurelio exclaimed as he plopped in the seat across from us—his face positively gleaming with delight.
“And nauseating,” Dax murmured around the rim of his glass.
“I disagree,” Reneah said, popping a grape in her mouth. “It’s like watching one of my romance novels come to life.”
Aurelio feigned fake outrage. “Oh my, Rennie. I’ve read some of the books in your room. That is quite the… intense compliment.”
Reneah tsked, throwing a grape at him, which he deftly caught. “Don’t act innocent.”
Aurelio brought his perfectly manicured hand to his collarbone. “I would never.”
The group burst into laughter. I couldn’t think of anything more perfect than this: my friends and my father here with my future bondmate’s family, everyone enjoying each other’s company. It felt like my found family, something I didn’t even know I was missing. It was more than I could ever ask for.
I had to wonder when the bottom would give out. I’d been doing my best not to think about the objects, the Hekiti, or the bonding ceremony and just…be in the moment.
When everyone’s voices rose an octave higher than usual, it became obvious it was time to eat—everyone having had little to eat since we departed the Capital that morning. With little in my stomach, I could already feel the effects of the faery wine, my head a little light.
“ Guali , why don’t you fetch your father and Cathan?” Samani asked as Myles helped her set up the outdoor dining area. “It’ll be time to eat soon.”
Draevyn placed a chaste kiss on my cheek and rose into a long stretch. “I’m on it.”
“Do you want company?” I asked him.
He briefly stared in the distance. “No, that’s okay, nanichi . I think I’ll have a chat with Cathan while I’m out there,” he said with a wink.
My knowing smile followed him as he disappeared between the vines.
“I spy with my little eye someone who’s planning on going to a bonding ceremony,” Aurelio teased.
I shifted my attention to Aurelio, who was smiling behind the rim of his glass. Reneah covered up her laugh with a hand.
I gave an ungraceful flutter of the hand. “Oh hush, you two.”
Reneah held her palms up. “I’m not saying anything. I think it’s wonderful.” She sighed wistfully. “Makes me wish I could go, too.”
Aurelio tsked. “Oh, stop, little human. You know you’ll still have fun. The energy of the ceremony can be felt throughout Atlantis.” Aurelio wagged his eyebrows.
I tilted my head. “Why can’t you go to the ceremony?”
“The ceremony’s only for the Fae, sweet Asherah,” Aurelio answered, his lips lifting in a grin. “The humans can still feed off the energy of the ceremony, and they do. But they’re strongly advised to keep to the confines of their quarters for their safety.”
I jerked back. “Why is that?”
“The Fae,” Reneah began, her tone heavy, “they can get a little wild during the bonding ceremony. It isn’t safe for humans to be anywhere near the festivities. Boundaries exist because the humans…well…we don’t have the power to resist the call, and the Fae have been known to take advantage of us.” She stared in the distance. “That kind of power brings you to your knees.”
“Quite literally,” Dax murmured. Reneah sent him an incredulous look.
I pursed my lips in thought. “So, if the humans have to stay in their quarters and the Fae are at Guake’te, who’s protecting Atlantis?”
“Every Guake’te, the Guardians rotate assignments,” Dax informed, taking a sip from his glass before he continued. “The priestess provides them with a potion to lessen the effects of the ceremony. It’s a wild, wild night. We Fae embrace our primal instincts. It would be challenging for anyone with nefarious intent to try anything anyway. The power from the bonding ceremony is too strong. And those of us without mates? The urge to feel, the urge to embrace desire from everyone is a real, real thing.” A devilish grin emerged. “I was on duty last year. Which means this year? I’m indulging. I plan to stay at the temple festival until dawn.”
“Once the ceremony begins, my door stays firmly locked, and Myles stays safely within my confines. I have some wicked plans this year.” Aurelio tapped his lip. “Which reminds me, I’ll need to make a stop at Fae Flings for some provisions.”
“Did I hear my name?” Myles inquired from behind us, where he assisted Samani with the silverware.
My face flashed hot as Aurelio erupted with laughter. “Nothing, darling. Just telling everyone how wonderful you are.”
“Hmph. Somehow, I don’t believe that.”
We moved on to safer topics, but my mind drifted to Dax’s remarks about the bonding ceremony—a nagging desire began heating my core as I thought of losing myself with Draevyn.
“There’s nothing to be nervous about,” Dax said, cutting into my thoughts with a Cheshire cat smile. “You don’t have to be shy about it, either,” he continued when he saw my obvious discomfort. “It’s only natural. You’re bondmates, after all.”
My finger traced the rim of my glass. “Not yet.”
“It doesn’t take the Bohiti’s ritual to see that the two of you are bonded. I’ve never seen him like this with anyone. Being a Guardian had been his only passion until you.” His gaze softened. “Relax, Asherah. The ceremony is a happy event. Don’t fear it. Enjoy it.”
I smiled. And just like that, my worry turned into anticipation.