Adamant Spirits, page 9
Running her fingers through the curls of her mahogany hair, Rosemary frowned slightly. “I don’t understand why you had to curl my hair. This isn’t practical.” Her purple-twilight eyes appeared more purple than normal with the muted makeup she’d done that enhanced her features and the purple lace cap-sleeved dress that she wore. She paced in front of the bed while running her hands down her stomach, clearly uncomfortable.
I mashed my lips together to prevent a laugh from bubbling up. I almost felt bad for putting the warrior angel through this, but she was just as much my family now as Sterlyn and Sierra. There was no way that I wouldn’t have invited her to our small gathering. And she’d said yes in her typical Rosemary way. Her words came back to me from the night that I’d asked. I have no choice but to say yes to your sentimental human request. Otherwise, others will point out that I was being rude and inconsiderate. I had a feeling that, if she’d known what was involved—curled hair, makeup, and a dress—she might have said no and dealt with the repercussions.
“That’s the point. It’s not supposed to be practical.” Sierra rolled her eyes as she stepped behind me, placing her hands on my shoulders. “Beauty is hard work. Not to mention there will be no fighting today, so you don’t have to be battle-ready. You’ll be fine. Besides, that last battle was so bad it should last us for a while.”
Her words were a punch to my gut. I’d killed my biological father, who happened to be a half-demon, not even a week ago, and though he’d given me no choice—he was going to harm Eliza and Annie—taking his life had changed me.
“And you say I’m inconsiderate.” Rosemary dropped her hands and narrowed her eyes. “Even I know better than to bring that up today.”
Sierra cringed and turned toward me. “I’m so–”
That would only make this worse. “It’s fine. Let’s drop it.” I didn’t want to talk about fighting, killing, or anything violent today. Today was about Alex and me.
The day soulmates became husband and wife.
When did I become such a sap?
But I already knew the answer. It was the day that I met Alex. That damn tug couldn’t be ignored, and now I was grateful that we’d both succumbed to it.
Annie chewed on her bottom lip. “Do you think that the silver wolf who protected me will be here today?”
She’d been asking about Cyrus–Sterlyn’s twin brother–every so often. My guess was that she wanted to tell him thank you because he’d carried her to safety on that night that we weren’t going to talk about.
“No, he won’t.” Sterlyn frowned. “Surprisingly, he wanted to come, but we can’t risk revealing the existence of the rest of the silver wolves. At least, not yet. It’s best if no one knows our numbers.”
‘Right.” Annie laughed an octave higher than normal. “Of course. That makes sense.” Her eyes darkened a little in what could only be construed as disappointment.
I’d just opened my mouth to ask what was going on when there was a soft knock at the door. When the signature scent of a root beer float drifted into the room, I knew exactly who it was–Alex’s sister Gwen.
During the past few days, she’d tried to help with wedding plans as much as she could, but she had her hands full helping Alex handle the death of their brother and the transition to Alex as the rightful vampire king. Alex hadn’t liked not being as involved in the wedding planning as he’d thought he would be, but he didn’t want to postpone the ceremony either. So we’d agreed to divide and conquer.
“Come on in,” Eliza said and cleared her throat. She rubbed under her eyes quickly, but the slight salty scent of tears hit my nose.
My foster mother had been crying.
The door opened, and Gwen sashayed inside. As usual, she displayed an effortlessly sexy elegance. Her five-inch black stilettos matched the color of her low-cut maxi dress with crocheted sides that showcased her pale skin. Her chestnut brown eyes were lined heavily with dark eyeliner, and she wore her usual cranberry lipstick. Her shoulder-length, ivory-blond hair was messy in a sensual way. She radiated sexual energy like no one I’d ever seen.
“Are you all about ready?” She scanned me and smiled. “Ronnie, you look gorgeous and exactly like a queen.”
Queen.
That was the most surreal part of it all. Within minutes, I’d be the queen of the vampires, a position that made my skin crawl. It was a huge responsibility, and I planned to work hard and sacrifice whatever was necessary to take care of Alex’s—and now my—people. “Thanks.”
Not wanting things to be awkward between us, I walked across the large room and hugged her tight. She stilled as if surprised before she returned the embrace.
“Oh my gods!” Sierra clapped her hands. “You walked in your heels without tripping this time.”
The urge to smack her almost overwhelmed me. She’d been hell-bent on me wearing a pair of three-inch heels to make me closer to Alex’s height for the day. I’d informed her that heels and I didn’t get along and that I was wearing this dress only because I loved Alex that much, but heels were pushing it. I was at high risk of twisting an ankle.
She’d sworn that, since I was now a supernatural, it wouldn’t be a problem.
She’d soon learned how wrong she was.
I pulled away and smirked as I lifted the bottom of my dress and revealed my solid white sneakers.
“No!” Sierra gasped and glanced at Annie for support. “Tell your sister she can’t wear those. This is a wedding, not a square dance.”
Of course she’d ask Annie for backup. Annie was the trendiest of us all. Though she hadn’t been quite as focused on fashion ever since we’d rescued her from the rogue vampire Eilam, despite her memories of him being erased. Some things fundamentally changed people even if they didn’t remember why.
“I’ve learned that shoes aren’t worth the battle with her.” Annie winked at me, swinging her support my way.
“Those are good shoes.” Rosemary nodded. “They provide arch support, and no one can see them under the hem of her dress.”
“Oh, gods.” Sierra exhaled. “Gwen–”
“Nope, I’m not getting involved with this.” Gwen shook her head. “I know better than to get on the wrong side of my queen and sister.”
Sister.
My heart warmed. I’d always wanted to be part of a family, and that had finally happened. “Please, don’t call me queen. However, I really like the sister part.”
“You’d better get used to queen. You’ll be called that from here on out.” Gwen patted my arm and took a step toward the door. “Alex is beyond ready to get the ceremony going, and so is Griffin. He’s been complaining it’s not fair that he can’t see Sterlyn since they aren’t the ones getting married.”
Almost as if he’d heard his sister, Alex connected, Please tell me you’re ready and aren’t getting cold feet.
Never. I breathed the word as my body tingled. I’m ready to be yours in all ways.
Warmth flowed into me as he responded, Good. I’m heading to the living room with the others.
“He’s getting into place,” I said a little too eagerly.
“It’s time, people!” Sierra shouted. “The time is here!”
“There’s no reason to shout.” Eliza tsked.
Sterlyn grabbed Sierra’s arm and dragged her to the door to follow Gwen. The alpha wolf chuckled. “Let’s get out there so the ceremony can begin.”
At first, I’d been torn about how big the wedding should be and whether we should have bridesmaids and groomsmen. Alex and I finally settled on having a very intimate gathering, not wanting it to be a spectacle but something we would share with those closest to us. Because of that, we opted to have Gwen officiate the wedding as his sister and the vampire princess and to have only those we deemed family in attendance.
There was only one thing I had been adamant about. I wanted Eliza to give me away because she was my parent in every sense of the word.
One by one, the group exited the room, each giving me a hug, even Rosemary. Soon, Eliza and I were left alone.
I bounced on my feet, nervous energy filling me.
“Are you okay, child?” Eliza asked as she side-eyed me.
“Yes, I’m just ready to say I do.” That was the truth. I wanted to claim Alex in every way that I could, and this was the last act to do it.
She nodded as a sad smile filled her face. “I remember that feeling all too well.”
Some of my happiness evaporated. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset–”
“Stop.” She cupped my face with her hands. “That is a happy memory, and I’m honored to be here with you on your special day. You don’t need to apologize for anything. I’m thrilled that you get to experience the same type of love that Sparrow and I had, and I hope yours lasts for far longer. Forever. You and Annie both deserve all the happiness that the world can provide, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that you get it.”
My eyes glistened, and my throat burned. Eliza was sometimes hard to read, and for her to express any sort of sentiment was rare. Her blessing meant more to me than she would ever know.
Everyone is ready for you, Alex connected. Especially me.
“They’re ready,” I murmured. The moment was real, and my body started shaking.
“Then let’s not keep them waiting.” Eliza opened the door to the large hallway that led to the living room where the wedding ceremony was being held. The cool grey walls soothed my nerves as we walked down the hallway, my sneakers squeaking on the dark oak wood floor.
I forced myself to breathe and calm down. Otherwise, I’d be dragging Eliza down the white carpet that separated the simple row of chairs with three on one side and four on the other.
White roses lined the sides of the chairs, and their white petals sprinkled along the carpet, looking elegant and filling the room with their floral scent.
When I entered, the piano played All of Me. The song described Alex and me perfectly, and when he heard it, he agreed wholeheartedly. I noted a vacant seat in the chair closest to the carpet on the left side of the aisle with Sterlyn in the middle seat and Griffin on the far-left end. He had his arm over Sterlyn’s shoulders and looked comfortable wearing a dark gray suit that molded to his body. As usual, his honey-brown hair was swept to the side and gelled in place, but his usual golden scruff was gone. The golden flecks of his eyes were brighter as he nodded at me.
On the right side, Annie sat in the seat closest to Alex. Sierra sat in between Annie and Rosemary with Killian on the far end. He didn’t look nearly as comfortable as Griffin, and he fidgeted, tugging at the sleeves of his navy blue suit. When his dark chocolate-brown eyes focused on me, he gave me a small smile as he ran his hand through his cappuccino-brown hair.
My stomach fluttered. All eyes were on me, including Gwen’s as she stood in her place as officiant… and Alex’s.
You are gorgeous, Alex connected through our bond, and my eyes locked with his.
The rest of the world disappeared. All I could focus on was him.
My soulmate.
His soft blue eyes darkened to the color he saved only for me. The waning daylight shining through the large open window made the golden highlights in his sun-kissed brown hair even more brilliant. He wore a black suit that fit his athletic body like a glove. One that I wanted to peel off him right then and there. His maple syrup scent filled my nose, and my body warmed even more.
“Oh, gods. I thought I’d get a pass on that smell for at least the ceremony,” Killian’s deep voice murmured, bringing me back to the present.
Rosemary exhaled. “I don’t know why you’re so uncomfortable with the scent of arousal. They are mates. What do you expect?”
My face burned because I had a feeling Eliza could hear everything.
As I stepped closer, the glorious sunset reflected off the large balcony in front of us, infusing the room with reds, oranges, and pinks. Outside, in the streets below, the white buildings that made up Shadow Terrace offered a crisp backdrop to the large group of vampires who appeared to already be celebrating the ceremony that they knew was currently taking place.
Eliza’s hands shook as she handed me to Alex. She said loudly, “She is yours in all ways now.”
“And I’ll cherish her forever,” Alex vowed as he took my hands, pulling me close.
My skin tingled from his touch, and the two of us stared at each other, unable to look away.
I heard Eliza sit, and Gwen began to speak, but I couldn’t make out anything that she said. All I could focus on was him.
My life.
My everything.
Alex cleared his throat as he took my golden wedding band from his sister. As he slipped the ring on my finger, his words floated over me. “Ever since I met you, you’ve changed everything for the better. I finally understand happiness and what it’s like to have someone to confide in. You drive me crazy in the best of ways, and I’ll never have enough time with you even if we live for eternity. You are my perfect half, and you make me not only want to do better but to be a better man. ‘I love you’ doesn’t even begin to describe my feelings for you, and I’ll make a point of showing you just how much I love you with each breath that I take.”
He slipped the ring onto my finger, and my breath got lodged in my chest as a stray tear escaped and trickled down my cheek.
“Your turn,” Gwen said as she held out the solid gold wedding band I’d chosen for him. It was traditional, understated, and very much Alex.
I took the ring and slipped it onto his ring finger as my voice shook with emotion. “You were a pain in the ass from the very first moment I met you.”
Sierra snorted. “Gods, I love her.”
“Really?” Alex arched an eyebrow, a grin slipping across his face. “That’s your vow?”
“Let me finish.” I wanted my vows to be honest and thoughtful, and I valued truth, so that’s what he was going to get. “And, I realize you challenge me in ways that I’ve never had before. You protect me but aren’t easy on me. You let me stand up for myself and do what I think is right. You encourage me to be myself, and you always have my back, which is exactly what I need in a partner. I love your traditional ways and how you see me. There is no one else in the entire universe I want by my side. You’re my perfect fit, the person I’m enraptured with even when you frustrate me. I love you so much it hurts, and now you’re mine in every way that counts—body, soul, and I’ll be taking your name now.”
He laughed aloud, and I heard a few sniffles. He sighed, “I really like the sound of all that.”
“Without further ado, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Kiernan,” Gwen said happily. “You may kiss the bride.”
And when Alex’s lips touched mine to seal the promises we’d made to one another, everything was perfect.
Prelude To Possession
Heat Level: ☕︎☕︎☕︎
Tana Stone
Tana Stone is the international bestselling author of sci-fi romance featuring sexy, growly aliens and spirited women. Her favorite superhero is Thor (with Aquaman a close second because, well, Jason Momoa), her favorite dessert is key lime pie (okay, fine, all pie), and she loves Star Wars and Star Trek equally.
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This story is a prequel to the Raider Warlords of the Vandar Series.
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Prelude To Possession
Astrid
I drummed my fingers on the smooth surface of my console and studied the navigational read-outs. “I’m never going to get this.”
Glancing around the bridge, I let out a relieved breath that I was the only one who’d returned from the outpost early. The rest of the dull-gray consoles were empty, as well as the swiveling captain’s chair covered in well-worn black leather. I was grateful for the solitude and the soft hum of the life support system while the engines were powered down. Usually, the freighter echoed with the sounds of crew members rattling along the corridors or the aged machinery simply rattling, but now it was blissfully quiet.
Even though our supply run on Gedarven Prime was supposed to be a short one, almost the entire crew had taken the opportunity to grab a few drinks at the canteen, including my sister, Tara, the ship’s captain. As supply runners for the Zagrath Empire, we welcomed breaks between our typically uneventful journeys and were grateful for time spent not traversing the cold darkness of space. A bustling outpost like Gederven Prime that drew aliens from all over the sector and boasted a busy market and eateries that filled the air with rich, savory scents was a nice change from our small crew and the old, creaking ship we called home.
I shook my head as I thought about the last glimpse I’d gotten of Tara and the rest of the crew before sneaking out of the smoky canteen and escaping the chaotic din. My sister had been eyeing a hot Neebix who’d seemed just as into her. I might not be experienced with males, but even I knew that the Neebix—with their long tails and nubbed horns hidden in their curly hair—were insatiable. Tara would be occupied for a while, which meant that I had time to practice my navigational skills before we took off.
“No more mistakes,” I whispered to myself, twisting a strand of blonde hair around one finger as I tried to figure out the numbers and the coordinates I needed to plot our course.
I’d been recently moved to navigation after one too many mistakes in communications, but I had a feeling this position wasn’t going to be a great fit either. Spaceships just weren’t my thing. It didn’t matter how many times my sister moved me, I always got distracted and messed up. It wasn’t that I didn’t try, but I didn’t get ships and flying the way my big sister did. She was a natural in space. She always had been. It was only one of our many differences.
