Chapter 39
T he scales against my belly felt tight as I leaned back against my chair in the most delightful food coma. Music drifted from the tablet in the middle of the table. At one end, Zoriato and Dax talked intensely to themselves. To no one’s shock, Aurelio and Samani chatted like two long-lost friends. They hadn’t even come up for air as their hands dramatically flourished in the air every minute or so. Dad and Reneah were having a very different kind of conversation altogether, one that I noted brought a blush to her face on occasion. And it would seem Draevyn had one too many glasses of faery wine based on his very public display of affection that included him pulling me closer to him and placing sweet kisses just below my ear. With the faery wine coursing through my veins, I hardly had the will to push him away.
It was only when Draevyn rose from his seat that the public display of affection stopped. Or so I thought.
He drummed a knife against his wine glass several times, encouraging the rowdy group to quiet down. “If I can have everyone’s attention, please,” he said over the low hum of dying conversations—everyone’s attention shifting to him. His delicious dimple emerged as he began speaking. “I’m sure it’s no surprise that those of you who are dear to Asherah and me are here today.” He reached down, taking my hand and pulling me up to stand—his strong arm looping around my waist. “It was important to have all of you here to bear witness to my oath.” Dax whistled, and Reneah shushed him before returning her doe-eyed gaze to the both of us. “This beautiful, smart, warrior female swept into my life and helped me to see the world through her eyes, a different world with so much hope. As much as I tried to resist the call, I couldn’t. It was damn near impossible,” he said, with his gaze locked on mine. My throat began to tighten.
“It is why, before all of you, it is my honor to announce our intent to present ourselves to the Bohiti at Guake’te.”
Cheers and whistles erupted around the table as Draevyn’s mouth crashed to mine, my laughter pressed against his lips. Our joy was so potent, so tangible it could almost be seen. I had never been so happy. I never dared to dream of it.
“This calls for some dancing!” Samani called over the table.
“To Asherah and Draevyn. May their bond live for eternity,” Dad bellowed.
Clanks from the wine glasses sounded as Samani raised the music on the tablet. Draevyn brisked me onto the open area Samani had miraculously cleared for dancing—pulling me into his body and swaying to the upbeat tempo. He leaned down, bringing his lips an inch of mine. “I love you, nanichi ,” he whispered.
“And I love you, my mate.” The corners of my mouth lifted in a smile as we kissed, interrupted by more whistles and clapping around us. Draevyn’s deep timbre laugh warmed my soul.
By the time all the wine had been drunk and everyone had their second helping as a midnight snack, my cheeks hurt from all the endless smiling. Eventually, the patio emptied as everyone succumbed to their exhaustion, heading to the second-floor guest rooms.
And as the sun’s first rays began filtering into the room with Draevyn snoring softly in my ear, I finally drifted to sleep, knowing no matter what tomorrow held, I’d have my mate at my side.