Chapter 19

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Kian shuffled his stance several times while he spoke with his father. “You say Zarek has come up with a plan to help save Edala?” With the loss of mortals to worship them, many of the gods and goddesses were at risk of fading away. Some had already.

“Today is your mating ceremony. Put all other concerns from your mind,” Argathos said.

“I’m trying to think of something else to keep my nerves from getting the better of me.”

His father laughed. “I can see by your fidgeting you are not being successful. Very well. Yes, Zarek has plans to ask Aidyn to speak to the people since they know him and offer a new world for them to settle in if they choose.”

“Neolia? I thought it destroyed during the war.”

“Zarek has restored it.”

“An entire world? Uncle is scary powerful.” Kian had a hard time picturing the world where mortals had once thrived and worshipped the gods and goddess of Edala as being whole again. When he had last laid eyes upon it, the destruction had been devastating. The world was nothing but scorched rock. No life of any kind had survived, and it was proof of the destructive power that coursed through the beings of Edala.

Argathos jacked up a brow. “And this comes from the demigod who recently ashed a goddess? You forget the power our family carries and who we come from.”

“I suppose. Do you think any will take Aidyn up on the offer?”

“I am certain of it. Lowan left his scars on their world, and some will want to start fresh. Zarek has vowed that if any in Edala dare lay a finger on a mortal, they will face their king’s wrath. In exchange for a fresh start in building a new world, those who come to Neolia must make a weekly offering to the gods of Edala. That should keep everything in balance.”

“Sounds like a good plan.”

“Are you ready to have Ra bless your mating?” Argathos smiled.

“I am. Do I look presentable?” He had donned their traditional shendyt of red with a golden belt that wrapped around his waist and fell down the front. Around his neck was a collar of gold, onyx, and turquoise. He had tied his hair back and adorned his head with a gold and lapis piece, as well as outlined his eyes with kohl.

“Your mate will wish to whisk you away before the ceremony is even complete.”

Kian laughed, but he would be good with the idea of sneaking away with Gwen for a little time together. They had been so busy these past few days, there seemed to be no time for themselves. He would change that tonight. “Then let us go before we are late, and my mate has me flogged.”

Together, he and his father flashed to Ra’s temple where, for a moment, he thought he might be in the wrong place. Laid out along the passage were blue lotus flowers floating in large crystal bowls. Between them was a deep purple carpet threaded with gold glyphs that offered the couple a blessing. Lining both sides of the room were several gods and goddesses. Some he knew and others he assumed had come from the realm where his family had been residing. At the front of the room stood their king, Zarek.

While his father stepped to the side and stood next to his brothers, Kian continued to walk the carpet to Zarek, where he dropped to one knee and bowed his head. “Majesty.”

“Rise my nephew and face the others.”

Kian did as commanded and looked out among the faces in the crowd. To his right stood Netasis. Her smile indicated her happiness. She liked Gwen, which was an enormous relief, and she had even helped his mate by setting up this entire event. From the decor to Gwen’s gown, down to the food and wine that would flow after.

“Today, you will bear witness to the mating ceremony of Prince Kian and his mate Gwyneth, which will be blessed by Ra himself. This union was fated by our sovereign, and my mother, Cera and will stand without question.”

On his mother’s name, the door opened, and Gwen walked into the room on the arm of her brother. A hush raced over the crowd as they took in the sight before them. Kian couldn’t take his eyes off his mate. Her long hair had been beaded and braided. Her eyes were lined with heavy kohl and her lips a red perfection. He suddenly had wicked thoughts about where he wanted her mouth planted, but he was quick to push them aside or face having an erection that would bring him nothing but embarrassment.

Her gown matched the dark blue of the lotus and was so low cut it exposed a generous swell of her breasts.

How am I expected to get through this evening and not ravage you?

Her smile widened. I take it you approve of my gown?

A quick glance at his mother showed she was as close to laughter as one could get without bursting into a fit. Netasis was a wicked soul indeed, putting his mate in such a gown.

I can see that you and the goddess of destruction intend to destroy me.

Not in the least. She finally came to stand beside him and that was when they both put their focus on the statue of Ra. Before they could consider what was next, the statue morphed into the god himself and it was all Kian could do to not step back. The intake of several breaths behind him was not missed, however. Ra was not a god who usually graced one with his corporal self.

“My children.” He looked to his grandsons, and their mates before he brought his gaze to Kian and Gwen. “It pleases me that this day has finally come. Tonight, I will bless this union and complete the mating of this couple.”

Kian and Gwen lowered to kneeling, and Argathos approached.

“I am Argathos, god of visions and I bring you the king’s dagger.” He placed the jeweled handle in Kian’s palm and then stepped back to his spot.

Gwen offered her right hand, palm facing up, and Kian made a quick slice across it. When her blood pooled, he made a slice in his own palm and once his blood seeped from the wound, they joined hands. He looked into her eyes and spoke the words that seemed more natural than any.

“I bind myself to thee for all eternity. I place your life and happiness above my own. I freely give to you my heart, my soul, and my undying love. I willingly sacrifice my own life to protect you and our children. Should your soul travel into the afterlife, then I shall follow you there.”

Warmth flowed through his body. His soul stirred and something snapped, and he realized it was the ultimate connection to his mate. He smiled as he realized what a gift he had been given.

You are a genuine gift from the gods, and I am blessed to call you my mate. I love you.

She smiled back at him. I love you too.

Power circled them and they looked up at Ra, who now held his staff in his left hand. “I bless this bonding between Prince Kian and Princess Gwyneth. Rise my children.”

The couple rose to their feet and faced the god. Ra placed his palm on the top of Gwen’s head. “You will share your mate’s power, and with it you shall become a true protector of the innocent.”

Kian watched as Gwen’s skin took on a warm bronze glow before it slowly faded away. Ra stepped back, his staff now gone, he looked to Zarek.

“Rule well.” Then he was gone.

Gwen felt like she was jacked up on several pots of coffee and everything around her blurred slightly.

“Are you all right?” Kian pulled her into his arms and immediately the room righted again.

“Yes. I think Ra gave me a jolt of power.” She blinked several times. “But you seem to have calmed my jittery nerves.”

“I can imagine the jolt must have been overwhelming. You are now a demigoddess, and a mighty sexy one at that.”

She laughed, then suddenly realized they were alone. “Where is everyone?”

“Gone to the party. You know how immortals love a reason to eat and drink and, well… Misbehave.”

Her gaze lowered from his eyes to his beautifully sculpted naked chest, then to his narrow hips. Naughty thoughts heated her sex. “Speaking of misbehaving, must we go right away? Certainly, we can steal away a few moments to ourselves.”

His brow jacked up. “What did you have in mind?”

Without hesitation, she flashed them straight to their bedroom, dropped to her knees and placed her hands on his thighs under his shendyt. “This.” Lifting the fabric, his thick erection greeted her, which only made her hotter. With a swipe of her tongue, she caressed the velvet tip and solicited a moan from her mate.

“By the way, I am completely naked beneath this gown.” She looked up at him and the heat that filled his gaze was almost unbearable.

“You are a wicked female,” he whispered.

She grinned, then sucked him into her mouth. Poured all her desire and love into his pleasure. Worked him until his legs trembled, and he forced her to stop.

“I will have you this very moment.” His breathing was short and heavy as he helped her to her feet. With the power of a demigod, he flashed her dress from her body and grinned. “I don’t want to ruin such a beautiful gown.” His own clothing was gone––what little he’d been wearing––and he had her pinned to the bed. Her wrists over her head and her legs spread wide as he thrust inside her.

“Oh, Kian.” Nothing in the entire universe could feel so wonderful.

He sucked a nipple into his warm mouth as he moved his hips, sending her into nerve-shattering pleasure. Her skin was alive and hyper-sensitive. When she was near orgasm, barely hanging on by a thread, his fangs descended, and he bit into the swell of her breast.

She fell and brought her mate with her in a blissful release. Their power snapped as brilliant blue sparks that lit the darkness, and she swore the ground moved beneath them. When things finally settled, and he retracted his fangs, Kian planted a kiss on her breast.

“You are the most amazing female ever.” He rolled from her and pulled her into his arms. “I love you, Gwen. I know we started out on a rocky ledge, but I never imagined what it would be like to have a mate. Now, I cannot imagine my world without you in it.”

She kissed his chest. “I am yours, and you are mine for eternity.”

“We should attend our own party.”

She sighed and rolled away. “I hate it when you’re right.” Standing, she grabbed onto her new powers and dressed herself. “This demigod stuff is pretty damn handy.”

Kian laughed. “It can be.” He too was already dressed, and she was once again thinking about the naughty things they could do later. He jacked a brow.

“Careful, mate, or I might forget our obligation to our guests.”

“I suppose we have the rest of our lives to make up for lost time.” She moved around the bed and took his hand. “Let’s walk to our party.”

“As you wish.” He led her out of the bedroom and into the corridor. Once they were outside their apartment, they kept going until they reached the large courtyard where the party was in full swing. Music played and people danced while trays of food and drink were ushered around by frantic servants. The two of them stood on the edge of the garden and took a moment to observe.

“Hard to believe this is for us,” Gwen said.

“Many things are hard to believe. The fact that I even survived is a fate of the gods.”

She looked up at him. “I am glad of it.” Then kissed his cheek. “The moment I saw you, I knew we were destined to be together. I promised your father I would find you and I knew I would give my life trying. I’m so happy things have worked in our favor.”

His smile was enough to light a room. “Me too.”

Arms entwined, they walked into the throes of the party, where they were swallowed up by the crowd. The power of the universe flowed through this courtyard, but the only thing that mattered to Gwen was the man at her side.