"Thank you! I've been dying to get one, but they are expensive."
"I don't think Aiden will mind shelling out money for your self-defense." She tucked the box in her backpack and zipped it closed.
"Give me a second to lock up the cabinet and then we can find Aiden."
"Sure." Meryn walked around peeking in boxes, smiling she pulled out a small hand grenade. Colton walked up.
"What do you have?"
Laughing, she held up the grenade and pulled the pin. His face dropped. Moving faster than she had ever seen anyone move in her life he ripped the grenade from her hand ran to the entrance and threw the grenade in the woods.
"Grenade!" He yelled at the top of his lungs before knocking her down in a diving tackle. Seconds later a deafening explosion rocked the small building they were in. When the smoke started to clear Colton slowly got to his feet and looked down at her with an anxious expression. He helped her to her feet and began checking her over.
"Colton! Meryn!" There was no mistaking the fear in Aiden's voice. Meryn stepped out of the building and looked over to the new clearing that the small grenade had created. Coughing, she waved a hand in front of her face to try to clear the smoke.
"My bad! My bad!" She coughed again trying to clear her airways.
Aiden and the other twenty eight unit warriors formed a circle around the doorway. Meryn fought the urge to go back inside and hide. Out of nowhere hands grabbed her from behind, they turned her around. She looked up. Colton's expression was furious. His eyes were wild and his entire body was trembling. With his hands on her upper arms, he shook her like a rag doll.
"What ... In ... The ... Hell ... Is ... Wrong ... With ... You?!" He shouted in her face. She opened her mouth but couldn't form any words. She'd never had anyone be this angry with her before.
"I'm so s ... sorry! I thought it was like in the cartoons and you could put the pin back." She burst into tears. Colton pulled her into a tight hug.
"You crazy little idiot!" She wailed into his shirt.
"Give her to me." Aiden's voice was barely human. Colton pulled her away from his chest and kissed her forehead.
"Stop almost dying. I'm finally getting used to you." He gently pushed her into Aiden's arms.
"No more. I can't take this anymore!" Aiden scooped her up and ran. Before she could stop wiping her eyes, he had her in the house, upstairs and in his room. He kicked the door shut and didn't stop walking until his legs hit the bed. He dropped her before stepping back. Wordlessly, he began to strip off his clothes.
"No more waiting Meryn. I need to make you mine, body and soul." He pulled his black tee over his head. She licked her lips. He was just as beautiful as she remembered. There was no turning back, she wanted this man more than she wanted her next breath. She rose to her knees on the bed and lifted the hem of her shirt over her body. She let it drop on the floor next to his. Grinning wickedly she unsnapped her bra and dropped it on top of her shirt. She brought her hands up and cupped her breasts. His eyes never left her body as his hands moved to his belt. She heard the metal of the buckle and then the soft whisper of his zipper. When his pants dropped she could see his erection straining against the material of his boxer briefs. She squeezed her legs together, she could already feel the wetness on her panties. He reached out and pulled her close by the top of her jeans. He unbuttoned them slowly and slid them over her hips. When she went to lay back to slide them off completely he stopped her. He ran a finger down the front of her panties, slowly he ran his finger between her folds, the only thing separating them was the saturated material of her underwear. When he pushed a little harder and scraped her clit she gasped. His hand on her chest pushed her backward before he jerked her jeans off her legs. He removed his boxers and her mouth went dry. He palmed his heavy cock.
"Before you came into my life all I had was the unit, training drills and missions. But now I wake up and I think of you, I go to bed with your soft body next to mine. I look forward to my meals because I know you'll be there to share them." He climbed onto the bed and crawled over her. He pulled her panties down and threw them across the room. She had never felt more alive or desired in her life. The possessiveness in his eyes sent an electric pulse to her core. She belonged to him, she had from the first day, she had just been too stubborn to admit it. He moved between her legs and spread them wide.
"I have been fighting all my life, protecting my people, keeping the city safe. Every single day. I just didn't know that I was doing it for you." He eased a finger inside her and she moaned deep in her throat.
"I didn't know that one day it would all be worth it. That Fate would send me the most perplexing, complicated and precious gift." He added a second finger to the first and began to stroke that elusive spot deep inside of her.
"Aiden, I am no gift."
"You are my gift, my treasure. I would relive those barren centuries a thousand times over without complaint if I knew I had you waiting for me at the end." He slowly added a third finger stretching her completely.
"You are the gift Aiden, I don't know what I would do without you. You're my shield." She couldn't hold back the tears as he slowly brought her closer and closer to the edge. He removed his fingers and reached between them to guide his thick cock to her entrance. Slowly he eased forward. She wanted him to go slow so that she could savor every second of feeling him stretch her for the first time, but she was also desperate to get him completely inside of her. She arched her back and wrapped her legs around his waist. His hands came up under her thighs to support her weight. Soon he was thrusting in rapid succession. He moved his hands from under her body and reached forward, each hand captured one of her breasts and he teased her tightened nipples mercilessly.
"Aiden!" She could barely get his name out. Each time he ran his nail over her nipples she felt a line a pleasure connect to her clit which had her bearing down and convulsing around him. When he twisted them, she threw her head back. He grabbed her hips and began to thrust inside of her at a frenzied pace. She gave herself up to the sole sensation of his body filling hers. When he rose above her, eyes jet black she knew he was close. He leaned forward and thrust deep, his body stilled and he bit down savagely where her neck met her shoulder.
A wave a pain took her by surprise. It wasn't until he thrust again that the pain receded and her pleasure came roaring back magnified a thousand fold. She felt as if she was lifting out of her body and then all at once the most perfect and overwhelming sense of peace and love expanded and embraced her. She slammed back down into her body as her orgasm exploded through her. She screamed and screamed. Above her Aiden roared and she could feel hot jets of cum fill her. He pulled out of her and slumped to one side. Breathing hard, he barely had the strength to pull her close.
"Finally, our souls are one. I can feel you now. Your soul feels like a tiny hummingbird dancing around my heart. I swear I will love you for the rest of my life." Meryn realized that the warm, safe feeling she had was Aiden's soul protecting hers. She reached up and brushed the hair away from his eyes.
"And I will love you forever." Slowly their breathing returned to normal. Aiden got up and on wobbly legs walked to the bathroom. He returned with a warm washcloth. Gently he cleaned her, kissing her inner thighs and biting down on her knees until she was laughing and squirming to get away. When he got back in bed, he frowned at her, his fingers tracing her side.
"What are these? They look like scars." Meryn glanced down and realized he was talking about her stretch marks. Had he never seen stretch marks before?
"Those are called stretch marks."
"Stretch marks? How did you get them?"
"Human females get them when we grow. If we grow too fast our skin rips apart and heals. It's a very painful process." Meryn lied through her teeth. There was no way she was going to discuss stretch marks after the most mind blowing sex of her life. Nope. Wasn't going to happen. Aiden's expression became reverent.
"Human females are amazing creatures, you
endure so much pain yet are so fragile." He kissed each shiny line.
I'm going to hell.
Meryn smiled. She didn't care. He was worth it.
"Promise me something?" He asked.
"What?"
"Promise me you'll never touch another grenade for as long as we live."
"How about you teach me about grenades instead?" Aiden buried his face in her stomach.
"Gods help me."
"Someone better." She squealed when he pinched her butt. She retaliated by poking him in the side.
A couple hours and two orgasms later they finally left their bed. They took a shower, washing each other lovingly before leaving to go back to his parent's house so that she could get ready for the ball.
They lingered saying goodbye, not wanting to give up their newborn intimacy.
"I'll meet you there. I'll be doing a security sweep before everyone arrives." He kissed her gently.
"See you in a couple of hours." She kissed him one last time and then went inside. She closed the front door and leaned against it. She fought the urge to chase after him. She placed her hand over her heart. She could still feel him, his strength guarding her soul. She missed him already.
CHAPTER TWELVE
"Meryn is that you?" Adelaide called from upstairs.
"Yeah."
"Hurry darling, the carriage will be here in less than an hour. I want to make sure that you are perfect."
"Yes, Mother!" She called out as she climbed the stairs. The sooner she got dressed, the sooner she could see Aiden.
She walked into her room to see that Adelaide was already dressed. She looked like a queen with her long blonde hair in a braided coil on her head like a crown. The dress was done in brown silk with bright green embroidered vines and leaves. She wore a gold and green leaf headpiece that matched the theme giving the dress a simple, but elegant design. It was clear even to Meryn that she represented Mother Earth. The long white satin shift that Lady Fairfax had given her lay across the bed. When Adelaide turned, her mouth made a little 'O'. With a low cry she rushed forward and pulled her into a hug.
"You've mated!" She exclaimed.
"Okay is this a freaky shifter smell thing? Because if it is, that's awkward and gross." Adelaide shook her head and pointed to her neck. "Oh. Yeah, I guess that's a pretty big clue."
Meryn was about to set her backpack down when she heard a ding. She pulled out her laptop. The program had finished running a nationwide search and the results were ready. She looked over the numbers and fought not to gasp. She knew she had to tell Aiden, but seeing Adelaide's excitement she decided to wait until after the ball.
"Is everything okay?" Adelaide asked.
Meryn nodded. "Yup, just nervous I guess."
"Don't worry about a thing. With that mating mark it's crystal clear that you are Aiden's mate. My son always had impeccable timing. Now all of Lycaonia will know that he is mated and claimed. I'm so happy I could float away. Now let's see what your dress will be. I'm dying to see it in action. This dress is legendary." Meryn stripped out of her clothing and hesitated at her undergarments.
"Do you think that thing provides underwear?"
"One way to find out." Adelaide held up the shift. Meryn stripped completely nude and Adelaide slipped it on over her head. Meryn looked at Adelaide who was beginning to panic.
"Do you think it's not working because I'm human?"
"It has to work, we don't have anything else for you to wear!"
"Maybe it ..." Meryn felt something slide across her abdomen.
"Adelaide I think something is happening." Meryn watched in amazement as the material changed in texture and weight right before her eyes. One second the shift was long, white, satin. The next it was a heavy brocade in a deep, royal blue. Meryn gasped.
"It's TARDIS blue!"
"What's Tardis dear?" Adelaide asked.
"Nothing." Meryn ran to the mirror and couldn't believe her reflection. The dress had one strap over her left shoulder. The bodice hugged her tightly, pushing everything up and holding it in place. Where the dress narrowed at her waist, the color faded to a lighter blue and kept fading until it ended up a foamy white at her feet. Meryn's mouth dropped. Covering nearly every single inch of the corset were tiny blue and clear jewels. On her head a delicate tiara woven in silver metal, interspaced with pearls.
"Please tell me those aren't real?"
"As if the fae would use fake gems? Oh Meryn, it's just perfect. Aiden loves the color blue, if only it had a wrap."
No sooner did she speak the words when a gossamer silver and white wrap appeared around Meryn's shoulders.
"It thinks of everything doesn't it? Even your make up is exquisite. Did it provide you with underthings?" Adelaide asked. Meryn shifted around a bit.
"Yup, it's like silk leggings, they are warm and comfortable. I could get used to these."
"Excellent. Let's go downstairs. Byron arranged for a horse drawn carriage that way we are safely dropped off at the Council Manor entrance and don't have to walk. I love the cobblestones in the city, but sometimes they can be a nightmare to work around." Adelaide picked up a small clutch off the bed.
They walked downstairs and met Marius and Byron in the foyer. Byron looked kingly in his Elder dress robes. She was dying to see what Aiden looked like in his dress whites.
"The loving earth and the gentle sea, the two of you take my breath away." Byron kissed each of them on the cheek. They were about to head towards the door when Marius cleared his throat.
"Is little miss wearing shoes?" Meryn glanced down.
"No, I ..." Seconds later the world shifted as she was elevated four inches in the air.
"Yes, I think I am now."
"Have a wonderful time."
"You're not coming?" She asked. He shook his head.
"My mate Bronwyn has a terrible time around people. I will be celebrating with her in our quarters. She's the one who gave me the crackers for you earlier. She has really taken a liking to you." Meryn felt an odd sense of kinship with the woman she hadn't met yet. Those crackers had helped tremendously this morning.
"Tell her thank you and when she's ready I'd love to meet her."
"I'll do just that."
Meryn turned away from him and had only taken two steps when her ankle twisted and her entire body pitched forward. She landed on the marble floor.
"Motherfucker!" She yelled. Byron hurried forward and reached through yards of fabric to help her stand.
"I'll kill myself in these shoes!" Meryn wobbled unsteadily. She experienced a moment of vertigo and she was back on flat feet again, the dress had shortened itself to allow for flatter shoes. When she lifted the hem she could see blue Converse peeking out.
"Kick ass!"
"Oh dear." Adelaide sighed.
"I like it. Come along, my dears." Byron held up each arm and escorted them to the carriage. He helped them get in and shut the door.
"I feel like Cinderella."
"I hope you enjoy yourself tonight. If you start to feel unwell, come get me." Adelaide offered.
"I think I'll be okay." As apprehensive as she had been this morning about being amongst strangers, it didn't seem as bad now. She was just that eager to return to Aiden. The sound of the horse's hooves on the road beat a staccato that seemed to be in sync with her nerves. She realized she wasn't anxious, she was excited. The carriage soon slowed and she could see flashes of light up the road. They were in line to be dropped off.
"What are the flashes?"
"Cameras dear, even Lycaonia has her own version of paparazzi. These pictures will appear in the paper tomorrow." Byron explained. And just like that, her anxiety returned.
"Just smile. If someone asks you something and you don't know the answer, direct them to me." Byron patted her hand.
All too soon it was their turn. Byron got out first and the flashes increased. He helped Adelaide out of the carriage and reached up for her. She took a deep breath and hesitated. He wi
nked at her and she took his hand. When her feet hit the carpet the lights exploded everywhere.
"Elder Byron, is this your new daughter?"
"Can you comment on the rumors that she started a fight with Elder Evreux?"
"Is that the Gown of Éire Danu?"
The questions were coming at her from all directions. Acting on a burst of inspiration she buried her face in Byron's sleeve and acted timid and scared. Byron played along with her act and comforted her loudly.
"It's okay sweetheart they won't hurt you, they are just asking some questions." He cooed at her as Adelaide took up position on her other side. Byron turned to the crowd and in a booming voice began answering their questions.
"Yes, this is my beautiful daughter Meryn, Aiden's mate. As you can see she is a gentle creature, I can't imagine where the rumor started that she picked a fight with Evreux. And yes, this is the Gown of Éire Danu. Meryn made quite the impression on Lady Fairfax and she has passed this gown on to Meryn." Several gasps and whispers detonated around them.
"Now if you'll excuse us, my son is waiting impatiently no doubt for his mate." Byron nodded and led them inside the building. Once behind closed doors, she saw his mouth begin to quiver.
"You? Meek and mild?" He guffawed to himself.
"Leave her alone Byron, it was a brilliant move." Adelaide kissed her cheek.
"Meryn?" Aiden looked awestruck.
"We leave you in good hands. Have fun tonight, dear." Adelaide and Byron walked arm and arm down a long hallway before stopping at a set of double doors. When the doors opened, a herald announced them and they walked inside.
"You ... you." Aiden couldn't stop staring. Meryn took advantage of his speechlessness and drunk in the sight of him. He was every inch a prince. His dark hair brought out the blue of his eyes. The uniform he wore was bright white accented in Lycaonian red. The black, polished belt fit snugly around his narrow waist, which emphasized his broad shoulders.