“Not exactly. I have arranged for us to have a gathering with both of our families to wrap up the final plans on our ceremony. I failed to mention it to you. Forgive me?”
She smiled adoringly at me and I felt my arms reaching for her. I had a need to soothe both her and myself. Voldruk’s callous remark had shaken and angered me, which was another reason I sent him on his way.
I pulled her toward me and melted in her arms.
“Oh, Annalise, how you make me feel! If I could remain wrapped in your arms for eternity, I would be the happiest of males.” My heart was on fire for this female. I leaned back so I could look into her exquisite eyes. “I am so sorry he treated you thus. I never expected him to be so disrespectful toward you.”
She traced my lips with her fingers and finally said, “Words cannot hurt me, my lord. Especially coming from someone who said them in jest. It is not necessary for you to overreact where I am concerned. I know you love me, Rowan, but you must think before you act, my love.” She touched her lips to mine and I was lost in her.
I wanted to lift her in my arms and carry her away, but that was not possible. I reluctantly broke our contact, saying, “Your lips are swollen from our kiss and it makes me want to kiss you even more. You have enchanted me, Annalise.”
Her heartwarming smile was bewitching. “Come, let us talk with our families.”
Two months later, on a splendid summer evening, Annalise and I were officially united in true Vesturion fashion. She was wearing the traditional Vesturion garments made of the softest creamy suede. Her tunic came to her thighs and her legs were encased in body-hugging pants of the same material that softly pooled at her bare feet. What allured me most was her tunic, which draped from her shoulders to her waist, leaving her back bared. She looked stunning. Her blond tresses had been woven into intricate braids, forming a coronet upon her head. She wore no adornments except the solid gold armbands that bore the Yarrister family crest and a jewel-encrusted belt that loosely hung around her hips. The belt was exchanged during the ceremony for a different one, indicating she was now united with me. Her wrists were bare, but during the ceremony, she was given the marks of Vesturon that declared she was now officially a Yarrister.
As I waited for her to make her procession down the aisle, I marveled at the beauty of the setting.
How appropriate!
The sun was sinking on the horizon, casting everything in its golden hue, while the craggy mountaintops looked masterful in their stately elegance. The gardens and terrace were dripping with tiny white blossoms, intertwined with sparkling lights. The setting looked ethereal. But it paled in comparison to Annalise, when she appeared at the foot of the aisle, on her father’s arm.
My breath caught in my throat and my heart began its usual fluttering. I felt my body diffusing with warmth as I gazed upon her loveliness. I had never seen her look this radiant. She positively glowed.
Will I ever tire of looking at her? Seriously, Rowan, are you kidding? She is unmatched in her beauty and elegance.
The smile spread across my face and when she reached me, I placed her hands in mine, and against all things Vesturion, I pulled her to me and kissed her soundly. The “oohs” and “ahhs” finally broke into my head, forcing me to release her. I gazed at the crowd sheepishly, and everyone broke out in unanimous applause.
Afterwards, at the celebration, we danced beneath the stars and I vowed once again to love her forever… my Annalise, who was anything but common.
Epilogue
Many years passed and we were blissfully happy throughout all of them. I cannot say there were never any bumps in the road, but that is what makes life interesting. That and, of course, the making up part is not bad either!
Annalise proved to be my perfect mate and the feelings were always returned. I was blessed by the Deity when she showed up in the cafeteria that day long ago. We were also blessed when they Deity gifted us with six lovely and healthy children: five strapping boys and one troublesome little girl rounded out the Yarrister clan. Our family was a lively one, with never a quiet moment. Annalise was, and remains the perfect mother and mate, forever mine.
Thank you for reading this ebook. If you enjoyed Beginnings, please leave a review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, iTunes or wherever you downloaded this.
Beginnings is the prequel to the series
The Guardians of Vesturon
You can read more about The Guardians in
Survival,
Book 1 and
Resurrection
, Book 2
(YA Paranormal Romances)
Book 3 will be making its appearance this summer
You can also visit me at:
http://www.amhargrove.com
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