Nineteen

Moon

L ast night was an emotional one. I love all my men equally, but having them confess their love in different ways, did something to me. I’m excited for today. For my vows. For the promise I’ll be making each of them. The ceremony will be a little silly since I’ll be standing in the center of a circle of men, but it’s Chaos, and that's me.

Grams, my mother, and my father all arrived earlier, and are getting to know Arlo’s parents and Tristan’s mom.

None of the other guys had parents coming, but Evie is here for her brothers, and Daire’s sister was able to come for the day, with the help of her full-time medical assistant.

Waiting in the large tent that sits just outside the field of wildflowers where we’ll exchange our vows, I stare at my reflection, admiring the dress that was gifted to me by the women of the tribe. There aren’t adequate words to describe just how beautiful it makes me feel. I look like a land mermaid. Dipping low in the back, the corseted top is made of fine crystals interwoven intricately into the silk fabric, with delicate lace starting just below my breasts, leading down to a draped skirt that hugs my curves but stops mid-thigh.

Choosing to go barefoot, I painted my toes a soft, sparkling lavender. My bouquet of a dozen lavender roses, one to represent each of us in our bond, has trailing vines and dark emerald ferns that feature crystal-like white flowers. My hair is cascading down my back, with little pearls pinned in. I’m not wearing any makeup, but I did put on some shiny lip gloss. I would have done more, but didn’t think of it until it was too late.

Grams is officiating, and I’ll be walking myself down the aisle.

I've forgiven my mom for not being around. It's not really her fault, after all. I know she was cursed and had no control over that. But ultimately, she wasn't there.

And I know more about elephants than I know about my father. That's not his fault, either. But I want to do this the way I have done most things in life. On my own.

“You look beautiful,” Evie says from the entrance of my tent. She's the one keeping everything running on time.

“Thank you.” I blush. “Do you think they'll like it?”

“I think you could walk out there in dirty dish rags, and they would say you look stunning.” She softens, smiling at me gently. “I'm so happy for you. You make my brothers so happy. Welcome to the family.”

“It's my honor,” I whisper, tears filling my eyes.

“Now let's go! It's time for you to walk down the aisle!” She waves her hands at me, shooing me out the door, and making me giggle.

I grab my bouquet, and with one last deep breath, I step out of the tent.

“Hit it.” I nod, and as the sounds of a violin fill the air, I move. It's almost like a dream as I walk. “To whatever deity put them in my life, thank you,” I whisper, and as I turn the corner, my men come into view. At the end of the aisle, they stand in a half circle, facing me.

I meet each of their eyes as tears fill mine. I never thought I'd be so lucky. I love each of these men through and through. They're my heart and soul. My everything. In the center of the half circle, is a little pedestal. Resting in the beautiful nest Silas created, the setting sun sets the shimmer scales of the egg on fire where they glimmer red and black.

Moving down the aisle feels like a dream, and as I approach the egg, I press a small kiss to it and then face each of my men one at a time as they close the circle around me. Grams stands just above us, on a raised platform, so all of us can see her.

“This isn't your traditional Orc wedding, is it, folks,” she teases, making all of us giggle. “Maybe not, but it is one filled with more love than I have ever witnessed in my life. My granddaughter, Aphrodite Moonlight Blossom Hart has found her Heart Bonds. Her true everlasting mates.” Grams sniffles, as she looks across the crowd. “I'd ask if anyone protests this union, but then I'd have to kick someone's ass. So let's get to the good stuff. Moonlight, do you take these men to be your Heart Bonded husbands?”

“I do.”

“And do all of you take Moonlight to be your Heart Bonded wife?”

“I do,” my men say all together.

“Sweet Girl,” Grams calls, and I turn to watch the Mungus prance over to us down the aisle. “The rings,” she says. Each of us takes our ring from the pillow tied around her neck, and I press a kiss to her head. “By placing the rings on your fourth finger on your left hand, you accept the Heart Bond, now, and until the end of time. Moon,” Grams nods to me, and I smile.

“Lust,” I say, turning to my oldest friend first. “My Phoenix protector. Thank you for all the years you kept me company and made the sad days brighter. I love you.” Leaning up, I press a kiss to his lips, before turning to the man on his left.

“Kili, my crazy lover. Who are you?” I ask, making him grin.

“I'm yours.”

“And don't you ever forget it. I love you.” I kiss him softly and turn to Crow on his left.

“Crow, thank you for being a loyal and protective man. You are the glue holding your brothers and sister together, and I love you.”

“Warrior, you're perfect for me, just as you are, and I feel so blessed to have you by my side.”

“Silas, you might be a terrifying Murder Noodle to the others, but you'll always be my favorite Murder Noodle. I love you.”

“Daire, my sweet and spicy Vampire. I adore everything about you. I love you.”

“Tristan, you're more than just a pretty prince. You're my favorite kidnapper and sexy baba yaga. I love you.”

“Fen, you'll never be alone again, and I'll turn anyone who tries to take you from me into a bag of dicks. Literally,” I say with a wink, “I love you.”

“Arlo, you'll never have to hide who you truly are ever again, and I look forward to kicking your ass at video games for the rest of our lives. I love you.”

“Odas, you're the gentlest giant I've ever known, and I adore your kind soul. I love you.”

“Cato, thank you for this gift.” I rest my hand over our egg, and smile at my Dragon mate. “You're the sexiest Danger Lizard ever, and I can't wait to raise baby danger lizards with you. I love you.”

I spin in a circle, “I love the fuck out of all of you!”

“I now pronounce you husbands and wife!!” Grams cheers, and I'm immediately squished between eleven hard bodies. Thankfully, Cato was ready and scooped our egg right up.

“I'm so ready for the rest of our lives,” I whisper.

Whatever chaos that life might bring.