Chapter 32
Tessa woke and stretched, her body still sore protested in pain. Today was Damon and Nicole’s wedding. The day of the bar incident was still fresh in everyone’s mind. Kenny had gotten away which put a damper on the celebration. But the biggest disappointment was Pam disappeared also. So far the Warriors were unable to locate her and that put everyone on edge not knowing if Kenny had her or if she escaped and ran from possible repercussions from the Council.
“You okay?” Jared leaned over her, his hand tilting her face toward his.
She shrugged her shoulders. “How’s my face looking?”
“Beautiful.” He kissed her nose then chuckled at her frown.
“No it doesn’t.” She huffed. “I’m going to look terrible for Nicole’s pictures.” She poked at her face wincing at the bruising still there.
Jared’s face turned serious. “Be my mate Tessa.” Jared kissed her knuckles. “If you become my mate and share my blood I can take your pain away.”
Tessa looked away. She had waited for those words for what seemed like forever, but he had barely touched her since the bar. She looked back at him. “Do I disgust you now?”
“What the hell kind of question is that?” His eyes swirled darker as he sat straight up glaring down at her.
“Just a question.” She held firm. “Do I?”
“No you do not disgust me and I should blister your ass for even thinking that.” Jared took her lips carefully then backed off.
“But you haven’t touched me.” When he cocked an eyebrow at her she sighed. “I mean you haven’t….you know…touched me.”
Understanding lit his face and he carefully grabbed her up and held her. “Tessa it has nothing to do with what happened. I swear to you. I just don’t want to hurt you.”
“I’m not made of glass Jared.” Tessa said in his neck. “I won’t break. I want you. I need you.” She kissed and sucked the side of his neck.
“Are you sure you’re ready?” He groaned with hope in his voice.
“I’ve been ready, Warrior.” She sighed.
He gently pushed her back on the bed kissing her as he went. She ran her hands down his back wrapping her legs tightly around his waist. His hand ran up under her shirt.
“Make me your mate first.” She stopped his hand, turning her neck for him.
Jared prayed for control as his eyes spotted her throbbing vein. “Jesus.” He leaned down and licked the vein. “I love you.” He whispered before his fangs sunk into the thin skin of her neck as his cock found the softness of her center.
Arching up Tessa floated on the sensations of Jared pumping into her while feeding from her neck. Who knew how incredibly sensual it could be. “I love you more.”
His fangs slid out of her neck gently, his black eyes found hers. “Never.” He grinned down at her tiny frown. “You taste so f*cking sweet. In order to make it complete you need to take my blood Tessa. Are you ready for that?”
“Yes.” Tessa moaned when he stilled inside of her. She watched mesmerized as he bit into his own wrist, opening his skin for her. Blood seeped from the small wound.
“You have to take my blood freely.” Jared’s voice was husky and dark.
Grabbing his hand without hesitation, Tessa brought his bleeding wrist to her lips. Her eyes held his as she took his blood willingly, lovingly. She raised her hips to urge him to resume his love making.
“You have made me the happiest damn man in the world Tessa Pride.” Jared felt the bond as he pulled his wrist away and pumped into her. As their climax peaked so did their mating bond. It was done. She was his forever. “You are mine as I am yours….forever.” “Forever.” Tessa whispered against his lips.
********
The church was crowded with friends and family. Tessa stood waiting for her queue to start walking down the aisle. She turned to look at Nicole who was biting her lip nervously.
“Did he take off yet?” Mitch stood next to Nicole a grin on his face. “I tried to warn him.”
Tessa rolled her eyes. “Stop it.” She looked at Nicole who was staring at her waiting for the answer. “He’s still there Nicole. That man loves you more than anything in this world. He isn’t going anywhere.”
Nicole elbowed Mitch in the side for worrying her then let out a loud sigh. “If I start crying blood and ruin my dress I’m going to be so mad.”
Tessa handed her more Kleenex. The older woman who was playing the organ gave her a nod. “That’s my queue.” She turned and winked at Nicole. “You look beautiful. He is going to fall in love with you all over again.”
“Thank you.” Nicole sniffed. “Dang it Tessa, you’re making me tear up.”
“Sorry.” Tessa chuckled as she turned the corner and made her walk down the aisle. Her eyes found Jared right away and didn’t waver from him.
“Wow.” Damon grinned leaning toward Jared who was his best man. “You made her your mate. Congrats brother.”
Jared smiled still watching Tessa make her way toward them. “I was hoping to keep that secret until after your wedding. This is your day buddy.”
“Well she doesn’t have a scratch left on her so that means she’s either a very fast healer or she took your blood.” He slapped Jared on the back along with Sid and Duncan who also noticed Tessa’s quick healthy appearance.
Tessa blushed when she noticed all of their attention was directed toward her wearing huge grins. Jared winked at her and mouthed his love. Taking her place she turned to watch the doorway as everyone waited for the bride.
********
“You ready for this Callahan?” Mitch grinned down at her.
“Totally ready.” She smiled at him. “Thank you for giving me away.”
“I’ve been trying to do that ever since you walked into my damn office.” He teased then squeezed her hand. “It’s good to see you happy Nicole. I really mean that. I wish the best for you and your Warrior.”
“Thanks Mitch.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek.
“Guess we better go before the organ lady has a stroke.” He chuckled making Nicole laugh.
A buzzing noise sounded from Nicole dress. Nicole stopped in mid step reaching into the front of her dress searching for something.
“What the hell are you doing?” Mitch averted his eyes. Hearing the buzzing again he looked. “You have got to be kidding me Callahan. You have your cell phone on you.”
“Hey, just because I’m a little busy getting married to the man of my dreams doesn’t mean the world stops.” She flipped open the phone. “Kids may need help.”
“Oh for shit sake.” Mitch slapped his palm to his forehead. “I hope to God that vampire knows what he’s getting himself into.”
“He knows exactly who I am and what he’s getting.” Nicole frowned. “Just give me a second.”
Mitch peeked into the church then backed away. “The organ lady looks like she’s about to have a heart attack and Damon is ready to head up here.” He turned to see Nicole’s eyes well up with….blood. Damn he couldn’t get use to the fact she was a damn vampire.
“It’s a text, from Pam.” Nicole shut her phone, which Mitch grabbed and shoved in his pocket. “She wanted to wish me luck and…to apologize for not being here. She must be free of Kenny.” Nicole knew Pam was innocent in what happened at the bar, she never should have doubted her friend and felt terrible that she had.
Mitch sighed in relief. “Thank God for that.” Nicole had filled him in on everything. “Now can we go before the whole church comes out here to see what the hell is taking us so long?”
As soon as Nicole and Mitch hit the doorway everyone stood in one swift movement. Nicole’s eyes focused on Damon who looked so handsome in his black tux it would have stilled her heart if she still had a beating one. His long hair flowed around him making him look like the true Warrior he was. Not able to wait any longer Damon met them halfway down the aisle.
“Couldn’t wait until we hit that first pew huh?” Mitch teased placing Nicole’s hand in Damon’s.
“I’ve waited long enough.” Damon’s eyes stayed on Nicole, even when Mitch kissed her cheek. “You are stunning.”
“So I’ve been told.” Mitch joked, but when they both frowned at him, not finding him funny, he walked away to find his seat.
“And you are very handsome.” She smiled. When the minister cleared his throat and the wedding guest chuckled Tessa looked around his shoulder. “I think they’re waiting for us.”
“I don’t think I’m ready to share you with anyone yet.” His eyes roamed her face, her hair with tiny purple flowers playing hide and seek and down her body. The gorgeous white wedding dress left her shoulders bare, dipping low showing plenty of cleavage, the tight corset beaded with tiny beading created. The corset flowed into a beautiful embroidered skirt that trained out behind her.
Nicole giggled when Damon growled at the minister who cleared his throat again. “I’m ready to become Mrs. DeMasters.”
Damon kissed her softly before leading her in front of the minister. The ceremony was short and sweet as they proclaimed their love for each other the human way. Before the minister could announce them to the waiting wedding guests Damon held up his hand. “If I may.” The minister nodded with a small smile.
“Warriors.” Damon called out.
Everyone watched as Warriors stood making their way to the front of the church. Jared, Sid and Duncan made their way to the middle in front of Damon. They made a straight line across. Damon stepped away from Nicole and stood two steps down from her facing the guest. “It is a Warrior’s way to pay tribute and vow protection and loyalty to another Warrior’s mate. With my wife’s, my mate’s, permission I would like to honor my brother’s mate as well.”
Nicole’s eyes widened as she looked at Tessa. Nicole laughed clapping her hand. “Really.”
Tessa shook her head. “Oh, no please Damon.” She whispered looking at the Warriors and the guest. “This is your day.”
Damon grinned at her. “We would be honored to share this with you and my brother.”
Nicole reached over grabbing Tessa’s hand. “Please.” Nicole pleaded. “This is the best gift to us.”
Tessa looked at Jared as she was being pulled toward Nicole looking as shocked as she felt.
“Are you sure man?” Jared looked at Damon surprised. The Warriors had begun chanting stomping one foot in perfect time.
“Never been more sure in my life.” Damon pulled him over and they both faced their women.
In one motion the Warriors stopped chanting and every foot stopped in unison. Both Damon and Jared kneeled on one knee in front of their mate as the rest followed again in perfect timing. Their right arm crossed placing their fist over their heart. Heads bowed they began chanting in a language Tessa had never heard, but she didn’t care. She felt their loyalty without knowing their words. She had never been more touched in her life. She looked over at Nicole and knew she felt the same.
All the Warriors stood except for Damon and Jared, who remained kneeling with heads bowed to their mates. One by one they stopped in front of Nicole stating their name, vowing their loyalty and then in front of Tessa repeating the same. After the last one Jared stood, walked to Nicole and stated his full name, made his vow to her before turning to Tessa.
“I, Jared McKinley Kincaid, vow to keep you, Tessa Marie Pride, safe forever and always.” He kissed her lightly on the lips before stepping away whispering his love with a wink.
Damon stood and repeated his vow to Tessa before standing in front of his bride. “I, Damon Nathaniel DeMasters, vow to keep you, Nicole Rose DeMasters, safe forever and always. I love you my bride….my mate.”
The guest went wild as cheers and chants floated on the air. The minister announced them as Mr. and Mrs. Damon DeMasters, but it was lost in the cheers.
As the bride and groom stood in front of everyone, a lone figure silently made their way out of the church only looking back once in a silent goodbye, a single blood tear fell seeing the love that will never be for the last time.
********
The wedding reception was in full swing. Adam walked up to Tessa giving her a hug. “Where’s Gramps?”
“Sydney took him home. He was so tired, but can still dance like you wouldn’t believe.” Tessa laughed, her face beaming with a happiness that had never been there before. God bless Sydney. He was a Godsend and Gramps really did well with him. Jared had done very well picking out her grandfather’s new caregiver.
He smiled down at her. “I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks Adam.” She could see the sadness in his eyes. “Angelina still won’t talk to you?”
“She’s talking to me.” Adam sighed. “I’ve hurt her though. I’m working on making it right. She had to work tonight and really hated to miss the wedding.”
Tessa nodded wanting so much to help, but knew her brother needed to work this out on his own. “Don’t give up on her.”
“Not in my vocabulary.” He grinned, then punched Jared in the arm when he walked up grabbing Tessa around the waist.
“What’s your problem breed?” Jared teased.
“What are your intentions toward my sister?” Adam tried to keep a straight face. “I’d hate to have to kick your ass.”
“I’d like to see you try” Jared tossed back.
“Treat her right cause there will be no trying to it if you hurt her.” Adam walked away. “I will kick your ass.”
“Punk.” Jared smirked then whipped Tessa out on the dance floor.
“What are your intentions Mr. Kincaid?” Tessa wrapped her arms around his neck loving the feel of his body against hers.
“Did Sydney take Gramps home?” A wicked gleam flashed in his eyes when she nodded. “Then why don’t we sneak out of here and I’ll show you what my intentions are Ms. Pride.”
Laughing Tessa broke away from him pulling him off the dance floor and out the door.
********
Duncan sat watching the activities swirling around him without really seeing anything. His hand reached into his jacket pocket pulling out the letter he had found there this morning. He had read it so many times since then. He really didn’t know why he was reading it again. He knew it word by word. Opening it slowly his eyes caressed the familiar handwriting.
Duncan,
I just needed to tell you that I’m sorry. So many times I wanted to come to you, to tell you everything, but I couldn’t. Too much was at stake and too many lives were on the line. Please believe me when I say I have never broken any laws or put any children that were in my care in danger. I only recently found out what Kenny was doing. I tried to stop it, but things went so very wrong. I hope that you believe me when I say your care for me meant everything and kept me going when I wanted to give up. It broke my heart to turn you away when all I wanted was for you to hold me. Please know that I never meant to hurt anyone, especially you. If only we could have met under different circumstances. With Kenny still out there it would be safer for everyone if I disappear. He will not stop until he finds me and I’ve hurt enough people as it is. Again I am so sorry for everything and pray that you can forgive me.
Love always,
Pam
Duncan folded the letter placing it back in his pocket. With a heavy sigh he looked back across the dance floor to see Damon and Nicole dancing their first dance as husband and wife. Knowing what he had to do he stood and without a word to anyone headed out the door.
“Where you going?” Sid stepped in front of him.
“Who are you? My mother?” Duncan tried to get past him, but Sid stopped him again. “Back the f*ck up Sid.”
“You okay man?” Sid eyed him. “You seem on edge. Anything we need to know about?”
“Fine.” Duncan growled. “I’m f*cking fine.”
“Well you better be back for pictures or Nicole will have your ass.” Sid stepped out of his way watching as Duncan slammed out the door. He knew without a doubt Duncan wouldn’t be back. “Good luck brother.” Sid sighed before heading back to the festivities.