Chapter 7

7

“ T hank the Heavens Auggie and everybody else are okay?"

“You can say that again.”

"And that everything went back to normal as soon as She Who Will Not Be Named went back to whatever rock in the corner of the Underworld she crawled out of."

"Amen! But I still can't figure out why Cheveyo and Momma Maybelle have no memory of where they were before Dasan and Elan found them."

"Me neither."

"Well, I guess it's a puzzle for another day."

“Have I said thank you yet?”

“Only about a hundred times,” Syd chuckled. “And just like I said all of those times, it was my pleasure.”

“Did you know you could do that?”

“The flaming arrow or the whole ‘Dragon in my head’ thing?”

“Well, both,” Abbie snickered.

"Shavon told me that my birth parents were human but from the Original Mage's bloodline. She and the other Oracles showed me where to find everything that had ever been written about it–me–and we were all pretty sure I would at least have some Ancient Dragon Magic and maybe some of their abilities, but I never imagined…"

“Dude, are you gonna be able to Shift?”

“No clue.”

“And the flaming arrow?”

“Well, the best I can figure is that I am somehow related to the Celtic Goddess Maeve, and that means…”

“That means we’re really sisters now!” Abbie squealed. Jumping up from her dressing table, she crossed the room as fast as she could and wrapped her best friend up in a big hug.

Feeling like the last piece had fallen into place, the redhead loosened her arms and stepped back. “Well, I mean sisters by marriage and a little removed because…”

“Because the Dragon King who shares his soul with your hunka–hunka–burnin’ love is the only remaining Winged Warrior from the Clan of the Goddess Maeve?”

“See? You know me so well.”

Gently bopping the tip of her nose, Sydney giggled, “Just remember, we have been sisters of the heart since the first moment we met.”

“I could never forget.”

Waving her hand in the air, Syd tried to pretend to be irritated as she arched her right eyebrow and shooed, “Now, get your happy heiney back over to that dressing table and let me finish your hair. You don't want to keep that sexy Mate of yours waiting any longer than you have to."

"You are so right." Hurrying back across the room, Abbie sat down as Sydney grabbed the brush from the table and attempted to tame her unruly curls. "Just pull and tug all you have to. Since my 'Becoming,' as Cheveyo and Momma Maybelle keep calling it, my hair has been damn near untamable."

“Do you know why?”

“Nope, but I bet you do.”

"Let's just say I think I do."

“So, spill.”

Watching a million thoughts pass through Sydney’s expressive blue eyes, Abbie waited, praying for a few answers. Thankfully, the wait wasn’t long as the blond nodded and began. “So, I told you that for the last ten years Shavon and the Oracles have pretty much had me researching anything and everything about my heritage, the Dragons, and any other phenomena the Earth hasn’t seen in centuries.”

“Yep, I remember,” Abbie concurred. “That’s how we met. Down in the basement of the old library in Dallas.”

“Absolutely.”

"Those archives were so dusty and disorganized. Thank the Heavens you were there before I got trapped under an avalanche of books that weighed almost as much as me."

“For real, that whole ‘there are no coincidences’ always seems to come into play, doesn’t it?”

“Damn sure does,” Abbie chuckled. “Now, get on with it. I want to hear this story.”

“Okay,” Syd laughed. “You are always so impatient.”

“Yeah, well, this time I actually have a reason,” Pointing to her neck, she winked, “I gots to have that Mating Mark, or I'm gonna be an invisible member of the People Who Will Live Forever, and that is not something I want to be.”

“Girl, you are not gonna be invisible. You have already ' Become.' The Mating Mark and the… ahem… consummation…" She waggled her eyebrows. "…are just formalities."

"Formalities are exactly what I need," Abbie stressed the last word, pretended to swoon, and then laughed so hard Syd had to stop brushing her hair.

“Oh, stop, Girl, You’re gonna make me blush.”

As soon as she could breathe again, she motioned with her hand and promised, “Okay, okay, I’ll behave. Tell me what you know.”

“Okay, so I read about the People Who Would Live Forever and the One True and Natural N?nn?’h? Warrior, and that brought up a lot of questions. So, I called Momma Maybelle, and she referred me to…”

“…Emma Evilhawk and the Sisters of Wisdom.”

“Girl, you are too smart for your own good sometimes.”

"Nope, just in awe. I thought about going to their Reservation, but honestly, I was scared of what they would tell me." She inhaled, exhaled, and then whispered, "Is it true that with one look, they know everything about you?"

“Yep, and a lot more.”

“A lot more?”

"For sure," Sydney nodded, her eyes wide. "Emma met me at the gate, and before I could say hello, she told me all about my parents, why I had to go to the Citadel, and well… more shit that I ever thought I wanted to know.”

“Damn.”

"Yep, and I promise to share it all, but right now, I'll tell you what she told me about the True and Natural N?nn?'h? Warrior and how I know you are the best– the only person for the job.”

“Dude, if you make me cry and my mascara runs, I will make you tell Cass and Cheveyo why I’m late for the Mating Ceremony. ”

"Oh, hush," Syd chuckled. "I'm not goin' into detail. We're both criers and now is not the time."

“Thank the Heavens.”

Snorting with laughter, Syd started to French braid Abbie’s hair as she explained, “Okay, so I know you know that the whole N?nn?’h? thing is hereditary and matrilineal.”

“Yep.”

“And that’s why you still share your soul with Faye, but you’re not a Shifter.”

“I do.”

"Well, there is a part that is so you. I swear the writer knew you when they wrote, "The next True and Natural N?nn?'h? will be pure of heart. She will love and protect those she recognizes as Family with all that she is and protect them with her life. She will nurture the Spirit of Nature in all its forms. And she will know the man the Universe made for her with her heart and soul before her eyes behold him."

She was speechless. Abbie simply didn’t know what to say. It did sound like her–even if it was a little flowery and verbose for her tastes.

"Then, when I talked to Emma, she went further. She explained the Everlasting Hope, the union of you and your Dragon, and that's when I knew the Universe really does not make mistakes. You were meant to be the True and Natural N?nn?'h? Warrior, and you and Cass are the Everlasting Hope. With y’all in the world, the good guys have the best chance of keeping the baddies at bay.”

“Well, shit,” Abbie sighed. Then smiling, she winked, “I can tell there’s more, but I’m guessin’ you either don’t have time to tell me, it’ll make me cry, or you’re still lookin’ for answers. ”

“Right on all three accounts,” Syd nodded. “But I promise I won’t stop until I have the answers.”

“But first, you’re gonna find your hunka-hunka-burnin' Dragon love, make him all better, and get hitched, right?"

“I am.” Smiling, Syd fastened the bottom of Abbie’s braid with the pearl barrette that had been her momma’s. Then she added, “And I’m gonna find out who the Master is that the Uya was talkin’ about, too.”

“Just another reason I love you.”

“Well, good.” Patting her on the shoulder, Sydney kept going,” Now, let’s get you in your momma’s gown and out there to that garden before Cass comes up here and hauls you out over his shoulder.”

“He would do it, too.”

Laughing as she slid the white lace dress over her head, Abbie looked at herself in the mirror as Sydney snapped the pearls lining her spine. Remembering what the photos of her mom looked like in the old-fashioned prairie style gown, the tips of her fingers brushed the intricately embroidered flames of light blue Barbara MacAllen and her cousin, Auggie had added to the square neckline.

The bodice fit perfectly and showed off her ample breasts that she knew from recent experience her Mate appreciated more than a little. Her cheeks heated with a blush as her hand swept over the slightly flared skirt where it sat on her curvy hip, and she remembered Cass saying, "Don't you dare lose a pound, Mo ghràdh. I love each and every one of your amazing curves and plan to properly worship them as soon as we are officially mated, and there's no danger of you becoming invisible."

“Ya’ know I can hear your thoughts, right?” Syd giggled. “Not that I mind, but I thought I should remind you to practice shielding unless you want the Chief to get all the details.’

“Oh, shit,” Abbie snorted. “That would not be good.”

“But it would be funny.”

“Yeah, it damn sure would.”

Laughing with her best friend as she slid her feet into the white moccasins Momma Maybelle had made for her on her eighteenth birthday, Abbie took a final look in the mirror just as the clock in the hallway chimed eleven.

“Time to get this show on the road.” Giving Syd a hug, she leaned back and reassured, “Sorry you can’t be here for this one, but you better be back for the Dragon Ceremony in January.”

“Oh, I will,” the blond assured. “Right now, I’m gonna try to get back to Mom, Dad, and Baby Orla while it's still Christmas Eve."

"You can do it." Winking, Abbie added, "It'll be the best gift in the world."

Giving her a final hug and a kiss on the cheek, Sydney stepped back and smiled. “Now, go get hitched, and I’ll see you in the new year.”

“Thank you for everything, Syd,” Abbie beamed. “I love you, Sis.”

"I love you, too." And with that, she shimmered out of sight.

Turning towards the door, Abbie put one hand on the knob and the other on her momma’s necklace. As always, the silver Triqueta– a triangular symbol made of three overlapping arcs resembling a three-cornered knot–enclosed in a golden circle engraved with the words Hope is the belief that anything is possible , felt warm to the touch and filled her with love.

Opening the door, she looked over her shoulder one last time and whispered, “I’m leaving this room a single woman and coming back with the love of my life. Sometimes, things really do work out.”

Across the threshold and down the hall, she was outside and flashing to Momma Maybelle’s garden in less than two seconds. Reappearing outside the gate, she shifted from one foot to the other repeating the words, “Just breathe. Just breathe. Just breathe.”

Lost in thought, she almost jumped out of her skin when a warm hand touched her shoulder. Spinning to the right, she was overjoyed by Jed Thorntree’s quick reflexes, which kept her from hitting the ground.

“Oh, shit, I am so sorry,” he gasped. “You okay?”

“Yep, I’m good,” she chuckled nervously. “Just lost in thought.”

“I bet you are.” Grinning, he handed the long-stemmed red roses she hadn’t seen in his other arm until that very moment. “These are from Cass.” Chuckling, he added with a wink, “But I bet you guessed that.”

“I did,” she snickered. “Unless there’s something you need to tell me.”

"No, ma'am, just that there's a note, and I'm gonna walk you down the aisle.”

“Oh, I thought it was just gonna be Cass, me and Cheveyo.”

“It is,” the Stallion Shifter nodded. “I’m just getting’ you where you need to be.”

“Gotcha.”

Pulling the small, ivory envelope from the center of the bouquet, Abbie’s eyes filled with tears as she read Cass’s words. Today, we become one as it was always meant to be. They say we're the Everlasting Hope, but you, my dear Abbie, are my everything. All my love forever, C .

Inhaling deeply, just barely keeping the happy tears from flowing, she turned back to Jed and nodded when he asked, “You ready to go, kiddo?”

“I was born ready.”

"That you were, Abbie, my girl. That you were."

Slipping on the light blue shawl over her shoulders, also from her mom, she wrapped her arm around his. Giving a single nod, she stood perfectly still until Cheveyo walked to the center of the garden and stood in front of the fountain. Dressed in the original ceremonial clothing of the Cherokee, his long dark hair was pulled back in a thick braid that hung down the middle of his back. Shining in the light of the Yuletide Full Moon, the single grey chunk was front and center and the only hint of the Chief's age.

With her heart ready to pound out of her chest, Abbie was sure she was about to pass out, and then he appeared. Striding from the opposite side of the garden, he looked like a Knight from the Round Table and Prince Charming all rolled into one.

In a surcoat the exact hue of King Blár's scales, tight black pants, and black boots that shined like a diamond, he was everything she could have ever wanted in a Mate and so much more. His brown curls had just barely been tamed, and he'd left the sexy stubble around his mouth, on his chin, and lining his jaw just as she’d asked. Caspian Thomas MacAllen was drop-dead sexy, and he was all hers.

She watched as he placed the light blue woven blanket over his shoulders, loving the way the well-defined muscles of his arms and chest pushed against the fabric of the shirt under his surcoat. Catching his gaze, she couldn’t help but mouth, “You look damn good, Mr. Dragon Man.” Then, chuckling when he responded by whispering into her mind, “Not as good as you, Mo stór. ”

Walking in step with Jed, Abbie felt as if she was floating on air. She was headed towards her happily-ever-after and never wanted it to end.

Stopping just short of jumping into Cass's arms, she let Jed take the roses and reached for her Mate's hand as he reached for hers. Closing the distance, she pushed on her toes and tenderly placed a kiss on his cheek. Loving the feel of his smile against her lips, she whispered directly into his mind, “Merry Christmas Eve, Hot Stuff.”

“Happy Birthday, Gorgeous.”

Before she could answer, Cheveyo cleared his throat and then chuckled, "You kids know the quicker we make everything official, the sooner you get to be alone, right?"

“We do,” they answered in unison, both laughing at the other.

"Okay then," the Chief chuckled. "Since y'all wanted to keep this ceremony small and intimate, I'll skip with the welcome speech and get right down to business. Let us pray."

Waiting until they’d bowed their heads, Cheveyo reverently began, “Now that you have found the one made for you by the Universe and the Great Creator, you will feel no rain, for you, Cass, and you, Abigail, will be shelter to each other. Neither will you feel cold, for each of you will be the warmth to the other. There will be no more loneliness, for each of you will be a companion to the other. Now you are two bodies, but there is only one life, one heart, one soul, one love before you. Soon, you will go to your home to enter the days of togetherness. May your days be good and long upon the earth. May you love with everything you are and always be what the other needs.”

During the following moment of silence, Abbie felt the las t

glittering silver thread of her soul weave itself around Cass's. It was almost complete. They were almost one in every way they were meant to be.

Looking up as Cheveyo began again, Abbie was shocked to see Owen MacAllen, Cass's uncle, standing beside the Chief. Why was he there? Her Mate had said he would be officiating their Dragon Ceremony. But…

"Abigail and Caspian, please remove your blue shawl and blanket."

As soon as they complied, he continued, "As you have discarded the blue of yesteryear, so have you left the past. As you go forward, do so feeling lighter with the love you have found in one another."

“I guess, it's my turn," Owen chuckled. "And I can see you're surprised, Abbie girl. Well, good, ‘cause this is my present to you. Tonight, you and Cass will be one in every way intended by the Universe, the Great Creator, God, and The Powers That Be.” Pulling a note card from under the tail of his bronze surcoat, he held it up and added, “I even have the Blessing from my boys. No, this doesn’t mean we’re not gonna have a huge reception at the house after Christmas, cause my wife might kick me in the shins and make me sleep in the barn. It just means Cass here wanted you to have it all on your birthday, and who am I to deny y'all this special gift."

Looking up at her Mate with more happy tears in her eyes, Abbie knew if she spoke aloud she would cry, so instead, she whispered directly into his mind. “Thank you, Dragon Man. Thank you for everything.”

“Anything for you, my love.”

“Okay, so, if y’all are ready, I’m gonna get right to it,”

“Yes, sir,” Cass answered for both of them because she could not .

"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, exploit, and destroy them. Seeking to remain hidden but also continue the mission of the Universe to preserve not only their species but humankind, they sought to join with the Knights who had so valiantly fought by their sides for so very many years. Thus, through the Magic of the Original Mage and the Ancient Dragons, and by the will of both Dragon and Knight, the Dragon Shifters were born.”

“In the infinite wisdom of the Universe and our Founding Elders, Clans were set up, one for each color of the Dragon Kings whose soul we carry within our own. Each was assigned a region in which to make their home and to protect their families. 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 MacAllen Clan of the Bronze Dragons and uncle to the one and only remaining Guardsman and Dragon King of the Dragons of the Clan of the Goddess Maeve, it is an incredible honor to stand here today on the land the Thorntree Cherokee Tribe and the Thorntree Timber Wolves settled and have maintained for centuries. We have always lived our lives on a simple principle–Keep the Great Creator, the Universe, Family, and Love at the center of our world, and we can never fail.”

“The Great Creator and the Universe continue to astound one and all as they bless the Dragons with extraordinary Mates for the best among us. Every Dragon who finds the Light of his Soul knows how very sacred she is. It is an honor to witness the power of what the Universe and our Elders put into place at our inception. We acknowledge and bless the Mating of Caspian Thomas MacAllen III to the One the Universe made for him, Abigail Annabella Addams. And now I will read the Blessing from the MacAllen Dragons.”

“We, the Dragons of the MacAllen Clan, cousins to Caspian Thomas one and all, wish to witness and offer our Blessing to one born of our blood and the Mate of his heart. May your lives now and forever be a testament to all we hold dear…Love, Honor, and Loyalty. As you are one, let your combined strength see you through many years, and the children of your children's children smile upon you."

Smiling with a twinkle in his eyes, Owen added, “And I am supposed to add, you need to start making babies. The twins need playmates.”

Almost fainting, Abbie’s mouth started before her brain engaged and she barked with laughter, “As if!”

Bursting with laughter beside her, Cass teased, “Doesn’t mean we can’t practice…a lot.”

"How about we get y'all Mated first?" Owen chuckled. Then, schooling his features, he continued. "The Blue Crystalline Dragons of the Clan of the Goddess Maeve were born from the vastness of the sky and flight. They represent still waters and clouds that carry the Hope for the future. Blue Dragons, especially those blessed by Maeve, are highly protective creatures and extremely Magical. They possess a charitable nature and are larger and stronger than any of the other light-colored Dragons. Blue Crystal Dragons embody the transformative powers of both Dragons and Crystals. They symbolize the journey of personal growth and healing, encouraging individuals to embrace change and release old patterns. Their impenetrable scales protect them in battle, and their ability to take the form of the Warrior Dragon makes them nearly unbeatable. Truth and honor lie at the heart of a Dragon King of the Clan of the Goddess Maeve and will always be the guiding light in his effort to be whatever his Mate needs. To Mate a Dragon of the Clan of the Goddess Maeve is to accept all that they are and honor the power shared between Mates.”

“As the one True and Natural N?nn?’h? Warrior and part of the Thorntree Cherokee Tribe, do you, Abigail, take this man and his Dragon as not only your Mate but that of your Timber Wolf, Faoiltiama, and the Spirit of the N?nn?'h??" Owen asked with authority and reverence in his tone.

“With all that I was, all that I am, all I will ever be, and all that we are together, I accept Caspian and Blár into my heart and my soul. I will share everything that I am with both of these spectacular males every day of our lives together, both here and in the Heavens.”

Turning to Cass, Owen asked, “As a Dragon of the Clan of the Goddess Maeve and my nephew, do you, Caspian, take this woman, her Timber Wolf Spirit, and the Spirit of the N?nn?'h? as not only your Mate but that of your Dragon King?”

"For every day, rain or shine, fire or snow, light or dark, with all that I am or all that I will ever be, I pledge to love, honor, and cherish Abigail, her Timber Wolf Spirit, Faye and her N?nn?’h? Spirit with all that I am. They will always come first, be the center of my focus, and the love of my heart.”

"Now would usually be the time of the Marking, but y'all have a few more things to do, and I am gonna skedaddle. Love one another with everything you got, and everything else will fall in line," Owen beamed. "Barbara and I are never farther away than a shout. We love you both so very much."

Just like that he was gone, and Cheveyo began, “As you can see over to the side, there are two fires burning and the larger pit in the center is still. The two on either side are smaller. They symbolize your life before meeting your Mate. The one in the center is the largest and represents your life as one.”

“Go now, Abbie to the right and Caspian to the left. Take the torch, light it in your fire, then together, ignite the larger pit.”

Doing as they were told, the crackle of the fire was almost instantaneous, the flames a gorgeous kaleidoscope of yellow, orange, and red-tipped in blue. Reaching for Cass's outstretched hand, Abbie looked into the blaze as Cheveyo continued, "As you look into the sacred flames of your love and your life together, know that your Ancestors are looking upon you with pride. Your union is blessed by them, the Great Creator, and the Universe. Let us pray."

“Above you are the stars. Below you are the stones. As time does pass, remember that like a star, so should your love be constant. Like a stone, your love should be firm. Always be there for one another and be close, but not too close. You must be understanding and grow individually as you grow together. Have patience with the other. Storms will come, but they will go quickly. Be free to give affection and warmth. Make love often and be sensuous to one another. Have no fear and let not the ways of words of the unenlightened give you unease. The Great Creator is with you, now and always. You are Loved. You are Blessed. You are the Everlasting Hope, and together, there is nothing you cannot accomplish.”

"Now, I am supposed to tell you that it is time for the Marking. I understand that Caspian has a surprise for Abigail. So, here is where I leave you. Now that I love you both and wish nothing but happiness to you for all the years to come."

Turning toward her Mate, Abbie looked up into his gorgeous blue eyes and immediately chuckled, “What are you up to, Mr. MacAllen?”

Wrapping his arm around her waist, Cass laid a little kiss on the tip of her nose and winked. "Oh, you just wait and see, Mrs. MacAllen." Lifting her into his embrace, he whispered, "Hold on, my love. We're goin’ home.”