Page 50 of Fated to the Damned
“Shh, just a moment,” he soothes, brushing my hair from my damp brow. I lean into him as he licks the blood clean on my neck. “There,” he says, pressing a kiss to the sealed wound. “Better?”
“Much,” I moan, but his venom is still working its way through me. My entire body is sensitive, and I think he can tell I’m not ready to be done.
Gently he rolls me on my back. “Let me get you some water.” He kisses my forehead and then pulls back with a smirk. “Then I’ll make you scream again.”
And I’m not going to protest against that.
28
NIKOLAI
I’d never pictured my mating day. I guess I never thought I’d have one, but now that I have found my mate, I can’t believe I ever felt that way.
“When you said today, I thought you were joking.” Jessa laughs, and I lean against the doorframe of our room as she spins around, watching herself in the reflective glass.
All morning Alina has been fussing about Jessa, making sure she looks perfect despite the bruises and bites marring her body. I got many withering glares over that – and the short notice to get Jessa ready.
I eventually had to shove Alina out of here, declaring that my mate was perfect as she was and I would have no more fussing over it. I really just want to take her in.
“You’d be surprised how infrequent a mating ceremony is.” I lifted a shoulder, feeling restricted in my dress tunic and pants. They are cut closer to my body than I care for, harder to move in, but the way that Jessa looks at me, her eyes sweeping down my frame, makes it worth it. “The vrakken love a reason to celebrate.”
Since we are above ground, we decided to have a night ceremony. That way anyone could come, regardless of their level of magic. Especially since our base won’t be the only one attending.
I sent word to Soren and Raziel this morning when I went to get Jessa water. It took a few hours before their winged scouts returned with a reply. They both agreed to attend tonight.
“I guess it’s something I’ll have to get used to.” My dazzling bride smiles at me as she says it. I can see the excitement basically pouring off of her.
Not only are we mating today, but she will be Changed tonight. And when she survives, there will be a celebration tomorrow all through the night.
I’m not worried about Jessa’s survival, though. Many humans can’t take it, but Jessa is stronger than most. With our mating bond and our blessing from the god and goddess, I know that she will be blessed just as I was.
“Are you ready to go?” I ask her. “It’s nearly time.”
She sucks in a deep breath, and I can hear her heart racing from here. I don’t blame her, though. Even I am full of adrenaline for what’s to come.
“I’ve never been more ready for anything.”
I offer Jessa my arm and she takes it, pressing her delicate frame close against my side. I can feel the rapid flutter of her pulse and hear her excited intake of breath. Together we make our way out of the cool, dim halls of the base and across the moonlit courtyard beyond.
The rich scent of the forest envelops us as we pass beneath the softly swaying boughs. A light breeze teases Jessa's dark curls and brings the perfume of night-blooming flowers. In the distance, the lyrical rush of the river serenades the night.
Across from the sprawling base, we approach the temple – our place that brought us together through our faith and devotion. Intricate symbols of blessing adorn the pillars, and vines crawl up their flanks, reaching for Jessa as we pace through. Her connection with nature is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
I wonder how it will change as a vrakken.
From within comes the low murmur of gathered guests awaiting our arrival. But all I can focus on is the radiant woman at my side.
We pass through the carved arched doorway, Jessa's gown whispering over the ground. She gasps softly at the sight.
The temple has been utterly transformed for our union. Rows of carved wooden pews line either side of the aisle leading to the front. Candles set in intricate sconces line the way, flames dancing and flickering.
At the end stand altars carved with swirling symbols to honor our deities. On one rests an ornate silver basin filled with crystalline water, sacred to Akeldama. The other holds twin golden chalices encrusted with red jewels, a tribute to the First. Perfect symbols under which to bless our mating.
"It's so beautiful," Jessa whispers reverently, eyes shining like stars in the candlelight. She turns to me, hope and trust written in her delicate features. "I can’t wait to be mated to you."
I lift our joined hands and fervently press my lips to her knuckles. Then we proceed together down the aisle, our steps perfectly matched, to seal our souls as one as it was intended.
We proceed arm in arm down the aisle, guests turning in their carved wooden pews to reverently watch our approach. Their murmured voices and the occasional shuffling wings fade away as all attention fixes upon us. I can feel Jessa's pulse racing where her hand grasps my arm.