Chapter 18

18

T he day had finally come. It had been two weeks since he’d rescued Nat. She was healed, thanks to his Dragon and ready to become his mate, as Fate and Destiny required.

All of his very long life, Rafe had heard about the grandeur of an official Dragon Guard Mating Ceremony, but when it came time for his, he decided it should reflect he and Nat. Besides, he had no clue where his surcoat, woolen pants, and knee-high boots even were.

Standing in the garden behind Angelique’s home, he waited alongside his Brethren for Nat to appear. Nearly as excited as he was, Ben loudly whispered, “She’s here. She’s here. Max is showing her and her grandmother to their seats.”

Grinning when Gil’s hand landed on his shoulder, Rafe snickered as his brother quipped, “See ya’ on the other side.”

Waiting as Abe, Ben and Oz, dressed in jeans and matching deep gray shirts nearly the color of his Dragon, walked out from behind the bamboo screen, Rafe took a deep breath, slowly let it out then followed in their footsteps. One look at Nat dressed in a knee-length, pewter silk dress, her long dark tresses held up on either side of her head with jeweled barrettes, and he wondered if anyone would mind if he simply threw her over his shoulder and took her to their new home where they could be alone.

Fighting the temptation to be alone with his mate, he took his place beside his brother and waited until Gil began…

“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 needing to continue the mission of the Universe to preserve not only their species but human kind, they sought to join with the Knights who had so valiantly fought by their sides for so very many years. Thus, through magic and 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 O’Rhordan Clan of the Pewter Dragons also known to our kin as the Dragon Protection Agency, it is an incredible honor to stand here today among those I am proud to call family. Fierce protectors and allies of the Light, we have always lived by one simple rule, Preserve life. Abolish evil.”

“Today, in the place the Hale’s have called home for centuries, I can feel the Universe’s unconditional acceptance of a true Seer, one’s whose power and Gift have reached for her Dragon’s in love, Donatella Hale.” Looking at Nat still sitting by her grandmother, Gil added, “Welcome to the family sister. You are just what Rafe has needed for longer than I can remember.”

“We, the whole of Dragon kin and my Clan in particular continue to be astounded as we continue to be blessed with extraordinary mates for the best among us. Every Dragon who finds the half of his Soul, the one woman in all the world who completes him as no one else, knows how very sacred his True Mate is. It is an incredible honor to witness the power of what the Universe, the Holy Father, Fate, Destiny, and our Elders put into place at our inception. We acknowledge and bless the mating of Rafe O’Rhordan to the One the Universe made for him, Donatella Hale. Will those seeking to witness this union please step forward?”

Getting up from his seat next to Angelique, Max stepped forward, his usual suave expression in place as he spoke. “I have waited many centuries to be allowed to witness the joining of a Dragon with his mate, and I am overjoyed that one I revere as a true brother is the first I am able to not only see, but to also be a part of. From the bottom of my heart and that of every member of my Pride, I offer you the Blessing of Panther – By her side may you always be. Love her without end. Honor in your every action. Be the man she needs and wants. It is the wish of the Father and the Mother Panther that you live every hour of all your tomorrows in happiness and love.”

Only able to nod as emotions clogged his throat, Rafe wondered if he would ever be able to thank the King for all he’d done to help him. There was no one quite like Max, and Rafe was glad to call him Brother.

The shuffling of feet pulled his attention to three men he’d been lucky enough to call Brethren for centuries. Stepping forward, Abe cleared his throat and winked before saying, “May your worst days be behind you. May your heart always skip a beat when you gaze into each other’s eyes. May you only know true love and may your children and their carry the traditions of family and hope they’ve learned from you.”

Getting to her feet before Abe was back in line, Angelique spoke from where she stood. “From the moment you were born, I knew you were destined for great things. Because we can see the past, the present and the future, I thought I would always be able to keep you safe. But, having now felt the helplessness of being blinded by wicked magic and evil intent, I find it hard to truly express how very, very happy I am you and Rafe have found one another. May God always bless you. May the Goddess always shine light on your path, and may you both hold each other tight, for after all, love is the tie that binds us.”

“The witness and blessings of Family, Dragon and Panther have been acknowledged, not only by myself, but by the Universe, the Holy Father, the Goddess of all and the Ancients for whom we owe our very existence. It is truly a blessed event to have witnessed and officiated the Mating Ceremony of my brother and now, sister-in-law.”

Rafe snickered as Gil winked at Nat then raised his eyebrows before continuing, “The Pewter Dragons were born of the flawless combination of Ice and Fire. They are the largest and strongest of all Metallic Dragons. Their impenetrable scales protect them in battle and their ability to take the form of the Battler Dragon makes them fierce in battle and nearly unbeatable. Honor of Clan and Family lie at the heart of a Pewter Dragon and will always be the guiding light in his effort to be all that his mate ever needs. To mate a Pewter Dragon is to accept all that they are and honor the power shared between mates.”

“As a true Seer and the granddaughter of Angelique Hale, Supreme Seer, do you Donatella take this man and his Dragon as the mate of your heart and soul?” Gil asked, authority and reverence ringing in his tone.

“With all that I will ever be, and all that we are together, I accept Rafe and his Dragon King into my heart, my soul, my life, and my spirit. I will share everything that I am with both of these extraordinary males every day of our lives together, both here and in the Heavens.”

Turning to Rafe, Gil asked, “As a Pewter Dragon, my brother and the Prince of our Clan, do you Rafe take this woman with all her talents and magic as not only your mate but that of your Dragon King?”

“Donatella is the completion of my soul, the love of my life, and the light to my darkness. I will love her, honor her, and cherish her with every single fiber of my being for all eternity. She will always be my focus, my true partner, and the love of my life.”

“Now is the time of the marking. It is my understanding that Rafe and Donatella will be leaving us at this time. Help me wish them all the happiness as we retire to the house and eat and drink in celebration of their union.”

As soon as everyone was gone and he was alone with his beautiful mate, Rafe kissed her until they were both breathless, lifted her into his arms, and making his way towards their brand new black Expedition, whispered, “Ready for your surprise, Mrs. O’Rhordan?”