Resurrecting Her Dragon (Dragon Guard Series Book 13) Page 13

  “I did, but I don’t remember any mention of escorts.”

  “Well, they’re coming and from what Kyra and Audrey said there are more surprises along the way,” Gabby added over the rim of her mug.

  “Well crap. Guess I better shake a tail feather,” Claire snickered and ducked when Tilly threw a half-eaten muffin at her and laughed.

  “Really? Tail feather? You really suck, Claire.”

  Two and a half hours later, Claire’s hair was up in a loose bun with curly tendrils around her face and her cousins had so perfectly applied her makeup that she had to look twice in the mirror to make sure it was her own reflection looking back at her. Tears that she refused to let fall filled her eyes from the gratitude and love she felt. The phoenix turned her chair and said, “Thank you guys so much. I couldn’t have done any of this without you. I love you all to pieces.”

  For one of the only times she could ever remember, not a one of her cousins had a quick comeback. Instead they all said they loved her too and hugged her. She felt more tears coming and absolutely refused to mess up her makeup so she ended up being the one making a joke. “Okay, okay, okay, enough feelies for today. If we keep this up, I’m gonna ruin your gorgeous makeup job.”

  “Oh no, you’re not.” Karleigh pretended to push everyone back with her hands. “Back it up y’all. We do not have time to redo the face.”

  They were all giggling like schoolgirls when the doorbell rang. Running down the hall, Olive yelled over her shoulder, “I got it.”

  “Yeah, we got that,” Ettie teased.

  Olive reappeared just a few minutes later carrying a large, white gift box bound with royal blue satin ribbon and a beautiful matching bow. Her cousin set the box on the bed and squealed, “Open it. You know I can’t stand unopened presents.”

  Walking to the bed, Claire carefully untied the bow, lifted the lid, and stood speechless, completely overwhelmed by the gorgeous silk gown delicately folded within. With shaking hands, she lifted the gift card with her name perfectly scripted across the front and gasped as she read, Dearest Claire, you are not just my life, you are my everything. Forever will never be enough. All my love, Rory.

  Lifting the garment from the box, Claire was overwhelmed by the attention to detail in the beautiful garment. The baby blue fabric shimmered in the sunlight. The same sunlight that highlighted the royal blue flames exquisitely embroidered in a sporadic pattern the entire length of the skirt. Looking in the full length mirror while holding the dress in front of her, Claire was once again stunned by the beauty of the garment. It had thin, satin straps delicately sewn into a sweetheart neckline with a corset type bodice she was sure would show off her full bust to perfection.

  Yep, that’s my mate.

  “Cinderella, party of one,” Karleigh sing-songed behind her.

  “You’re gorgeous, girlie. Now, stop holding it and let’s get you dressed. I’m sure Rory won’t mind you showing up in your undies, but I’m thinking those old Elders might lose a scale or two,” Gabby giggled.

  Reality set in as Tilly zipped her into her dress and wrapped the thick royal blue ribbon around her waist. She really did look like a princess. If anyone would’ve ever told her this was how her life would turn out, Claire would’ve laughed in their face. But here she was, and dammit if she couldn’t be happier.

  One quick look in the mirror and a swipe of lip gloss was all she had time to do before the doorbell chimed again.

  “This one’s all you.” Delilah kissed Claire on the cheek as she walked by, as did each one of her cousins, before she walked down the stairs to answer the door.

  Claire was surprised to find Royce and Kellan on the porch dressed like they’d stepped right out of a Knights of the Round Table movie. It made sense. That was where it had all started for the dragon shifters.

  Rory’s brother and best friend’s black pants were tucked into the top of their polished knee-high black boots that Claire was sure she could see her face in if she dared to kneel down. Their long-sleeved black undershirt gave the perfect backdrop for the brilliant blue of their surcoats that were an exact match to the color of Rory’s dragon’s scales. Silver braiding trimmed the top and sides, but it was the dragon in the throes of battle embroidered on the front that made their uniforms magnificent.

  “Are you ready, Claire?” Royce asked.

  “Yes, I am.” She smiled at both men, who turned until their backs were to her, crooked their elbows, and looked over their shoulders, returning her smile.

  She placed her hands on their arms and the Guardsmen escorted her down the steps toward three gorgeous Appaloosas. Tears once again filled her eyes as she immediately knew Rory had arranged for these exact horses after she’d told him the story of Homer and the wild Appaloosa she’d helped the old Choctaw chief break. She marveled at the tiny blue flowers woven into each horse’s mane and the horse’s blue saddle blankets that exactly matched the Guardsmen’s uniforms.

  Royce and Kellan helped Claire onto the most decorated of the horses and stood by while she got situated to ride sidesaddle before climbing upon their own mounts. Their ride to the ceremony took them through the woods behind Rory’s house and past the house her cousins were staying in. Each tree along their path had been decorated with a royal blue ribbon and bow holding six red roses. It was absolutely stunning and so much more than she’d imagined when she’d read about the dragon mating ceremonies.

  As they exited the trees, Kayne, also in dress uniform, stood holding a bouquet of at least three dozen red and yellow roses. Her horse slowed. She felt Kayne speaking directly into the horse’s minds and winked in his direction.

  The demi god approached with a huge smile, handed her the roses, and bowed before returning to his post. She thought about teasing him for being so formal but couldn’t bring herself to ruin the majesty of such a special day. The card attached read...You’re almost here, mo banphrionsa fiery. Today we start our forever. I love you more than you will ever know. Always and forever, Rory. She sat still for only a moment, feeling overwhelmed and so blessed words failed her even in her own mind.

  When their horses started to move again, they circled a flower-filled meadow where hummingbirds and butterflies danced from blossom to blossom before stopping at the base of the mountain she knew to be special to the dragon clan. Royce turned in his saddle and said, “I know you’re an expert rider, just wanted to let you know we’re headed to the first ledge.”

  Claire’s eyes followed his gesture to a narrow path carved into the side of the rock and she nodded. “Lead on.”

  Grinning, Royce turned forward, made a clicking sound to signal the horses, and led the way up the side of the mountain. The trip was slow but extraordinarily beautiful. Not only was the natural scenery breathtaking, but royal blue bows with red roses just like those from the path had been attached to vines and outcroppings that grew along the trail. Rory had thought of everything.

  It wasn’t long before they stopped on the landing that led to the mouth of a huge cave. Royce dismounted and moved to the side to help her down while Kellan held the reins. Once her bare feet touched the light blue carpet strewn with red and yellow rose petals, the Guardsmen escorted her to the cavern opening. Her hands slid from their arms and Kellan presented her with her bouquet and then he and Royce disappeared into the cavern. She knew from talking to Stefan they would be part of the ceremony, so she waited to the count of three before following.

  Entering, Claire stopped and stared, overcome by the splendor. She was no stranger to caves having lived her life on a mountain, but none of them could compare to this one. The raw power of the cave vibrated around her. Their combined power flowed back and forth, recognizing her as the matriarch of the Clan of the Sun and sharing its secrets with her.

  The minerals, rocks, and gems embedded in the rock sparkled and shined in the light of the candles hanging in sconces all over the cave walls. There were huge stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the floor stand
ing guard, protecting the sanctity of the ancient power filling the cavern. Walking on the blue carpet, Claire followed the sound of a stream flowing into a pool.

  Straight ahead, the phoenix saw an entrance brightened by several candelabras. Following the scent and feel of her mate, Claire stepped over the threshold and the water flowing down the wall, tinkling like little bells as it made its way into the lagoon. Looking around the grotto, she saw huge Grecian planters filled with enormous bunches of the red roses. Four chairs resembling olde world thrones sat upon a raised platform beside the pool and an archway decorated with blue ribbons positioned in the center of a circle of red rose petals sat in front of that.

  Claire saw the small white chair she was to occupy sitting to the side of the platform and made her way to it. As soon as she was seated, the Elders she’d met over the last week appeared on the platform. Rian was first as the Leader of the Clan and the Head Elder. He gave her a nod while the others—Niall, Stefan, and Marcas—all smiled in her direction. A rustling to the right drew her attention as the Guardsmen of the Aherne Force appeared.

  Watching the men file in, she noted the slightly different hues of blue of each man’s surcoat. Kellan’s was midnight blue; so dark it could’ve been mistaken for black. Brannoc’s was the blue of the ocean and Lennox’s, the exact opposite of Kellan’s, so light the blue was barely discernable. Declan’s primary blue matched the straightforward man she knew him to be. Lastly, there was Pearce, whose surcoat had an iridescent glow added to its cobalt color that made her wonder how brightly the scales of his dragon would shine in the sunlight.

  She wasn’t surprised to see Maddox in his deep blue surcoat, Royce in royal blue with faint green highlights, and Kayne in a gold so bright it had surely been fashioned with cloth made of sunshine. Smiling at Kayne, she let him know how much it meant that he was there.

  Rory appeared from the same direction as the others, looking way better than a man had a right to, and when he smiled and winked at her, Claire felt it all the way to the bottom of her soul. When her dragon took his place in front of the other Guardsmen, Claire stood and waited as butterflies danced in the pit of her stomach. The anticipation of mating the man of her dreams was exhilarating.

  After a few seconds of silence, Rian began to speak, his voice ringing out loud and clear in the cavern.

  “Long ago, when knights and dragons fought side by side for King and country, it became apparent that dragon kin was no longer safe from those who would expose and destroy them. They sought to join with the knights who had so valiantly fought by their sides during so many battles. Thus, through magic and the will of both dragon and knight, the Dragon Shifters were born.

  “In the infinite wisdom of our Founding Elders, clans were set up, one for each color of the Dragon Kings whose soul we carry within our own. Each assigned a region in which to make their home and to protect. Over time, some have flourished, some have ceased to exist, and others have been born from the joining of many. As the Leader of the Blue Thunder Clan and brother to Rory, it is an incredible honor to stand among those of not only my own clan, but my brother, Royce from the Golden Fire Clan. And let us not forget our distinguished guests, Maddox MacQueen and Kayne MacGréine. Thank you for your presence and your blessings. We are brothers in blood, brothers in battle, and brothers in loyalty.

  “Gathered in the place so sacred to our kin, I can feel how accepted the matriarch of the Clan of the Sun is by our ancestors. They continue to bless us with extraordinary mates for the best among us. Every one of us that finds the light of his soul knows how sacred she is. It is an honor to witness the power of what the Universe put into place at our inception. Tonight, in this holiest of places, we acknowledge and bless the mating of Rory Michael O’Reilly to the one the Universe made for him, Claire Analise Featherstone. Will those seeking to witness this union please step forward?”

  Kellan stood with his long dark hair covering the scarred side of his face and addressed the Elders. “We, the five of the Aherne Force of the Blue Thunder Clan, wish to witness and offer our blessing to one born of our blood and the mate of his heart. May their lives now and forever be a testament to all we hold dear...love, honor, and loyalty. As you are one, let your strength see you through many years and the children of your children’s children smile upon you.” He smiled at them both and then returned to his place with the other Guardsmen

  Royce then stepped forward and faced the Elders. “I am here from the MacLendon Force of the Golden Fire Dragons and wish to witness and offer my blessing to the union of these two souls, two halves of the same whole. May they live long, fight hard, love harder, and produce many young to flourish when their souls have gone to the heavens. I ask this blessing for my brother and the mate of his soul.” He smiled, stepped back, and bowed his head.

  Kayne and Maddox both stepped forward. It was Kayne who looked at Claire when he spoke. “It is with the power of Lugh, the Celtic God of the Sun, that I offer the blessing of this union. May the sun always light your path, chase away the darkness, and shine upon you and yours all the days of your lives and theirs.”

  Maddox then added, “From the oldest among us to the youngest, I stand a testament to the power of the dragons and offer this blessing from the ancestors who have gone ahead to prepare us a place in the Heavens. Live long, love often, and never look away from the light of your soul. The universe does not make mistakes. She has given you both life that you may share it. Be happy, as that is Her fondest wish for all her children.”

  Demi god and the mad dragon nodded to the Elders and then returned to their spot next to Royce. After the moment of silence following Maddox’s blessing, Rian again spoke. “Your witness and blessings have been acknowledged and accepted Aherne and MacLendon Forces, Kayne, Son of Lugh and Maddox, Keeper of the Ancients. It is truly a blessed event to have such honorable clans and guests together. Rory O’Reilly, you may go to your mate. Please escort her to the Sacred Circle before the Elders assembled here.”

  Rory’s ever present swagger was even more pronounced as he walked toward her. His heart, mind, and soul were opened fully to her, just as hers were to him. They shared everything completely, just as she’d always been told it would be. He was her dragon warrior for all time. Just the thought made Claire believe she could fly without her wings.

  Her mate took the flowers from her hands, placed them on the seat beside her, and gently slid his fingers through hers. Slowly walking backwards, he led her to the rose petal circle in front of the Elders. Claire blushed for the hundredth time since meeting her dragon as they shared images of all the ways they would be together for all eternity.

  Once they were in place, Rian spoke again, “The blue dragons were born of sea and sky. They are symbolic of the vastness of our existence and the infinity of our souls. They possess the ability to experience life from all aspects. They are highly protective and incredibly magical. Blue dragons are known for their patience and loyalty. The blue of their scales symbolizes the boundless sky and the deep calmness of the waters. Blue dragons will see every advantage, protect home and family with their very lives, and welcome the rising tide of change with calm acceptance. To mate a blue dragon is to accept all that they are and honor the power shared between mates.”

  “As the matriarch of the Clan of the Sun and the mate of the Dragon Guardsman before you, do you, Claire Featherstone, accept this man and his beast as not only your mate, but also that of your phoenix?”

  “With all that I was, all that I am, all I will ever be, and all that we are together, I accept this man and his beast into my heart and my soul. I will share everything that I am with him every day of our lives, both here and in the Heavens.”

  “Thank you, Claire, we are honored to call you sister. Now is the time of the marking. May the Universe continue to bless you and yours all the days of your life.”

  The Elders and the dragons left the platform, leaving Claire blissfully alone with her mate. Looking at the man she could not imagine
her life without, Claire was caught in the depths of his deep brown eyes. Rory was amazing and absolutely perfect in every way. He smiled that cheeky grin that made her weak in the knees and she said, “You know how much I love you?”

  “Not nearly as much as I love you.” he answered before saying, “I have a surprise. We’re not sharing the mark here.”

  “What?” she asked out loud.

  Winking, he took her hands and simply said, “Follow me.”

  Walking back through the cave hand-in-hand, Rory stopped as they reached the opening and turned to face her. “I wanted to take you to your mountain for the marking, but after talking to Olive, I realized it would take too long and I’d get descaled for missing the reception the girls have worked so hard to throw us, so I’ve got the next best thing.”

  He paused and walked them out of the cave onto the ledge then once again turned to face her. “I want us to both transform and fly to the peak of this mountain. I have something special planned. Will you do that with me, mo chroi’?”

  Her heart filled with so much love for the glorious man standing before her, all Claire could do was nod frantically and throw her arms around her mate. “Absolutely!” Placing kisses one right after another all over his face, she used mindspeak to tell him how much his gesture meant to her. “Thank you so much. I didn’t think it was possible to love you any more, but you just keep amazing me. Rory O’Reilly, I love you, all of you, in every way possible for all time.” Then she laid her lips on his and kissed him until she wasn’t sure where she ended and he began.

  Pulling back, Rory sighed. “If we keep this up, neither one of us is making it up this mountain.”

  “Okay, okay,” she chuckled. “Let’s do this.”

  Stepping back to allow for Rory’s magnificent dragon, Claire looked into Rory’s eyes and as one, they called their beasts. Magic filled the air. Claire marveled as her sexy mate turned into the most beautiful beast she’d ever seen.

  “You’re not so bad yourself, mo banphrionsa fiery.”