Page 132 of Brutal Birthright

As they drew to the middle of the clearing, a space was left just for them, and a glittering array of lights danced like a sparkling curtain to frame where they stood.

Rowan drew them both to a stop and turned to face her, reaching out to take both her hands in his own now. Ri darted a look to one side at the gathering and found all the faces of all those they both wanted here to witness this moment.

Her eyes fell on Brynne first, wearing a pastel pink gown to match her hair, who stood flanked by Etienne and Atticus. Her eyes were puffy and red already as she sniffled and wiped at her tears. “Love you, scary girl.” She mouthed silently and then tucked herself under Atticus’ shoulder. Etienne shot a knowing wink her way as his eyes flicked quickly between her and Rowan, and he brushed the tip of his tongue over one fang.

The pink in her cheeks flushed deeper as she bit her lip and quickly looked just over from the vampire to where Finn and Lukah stood just alongside them. The fae had his broad arms wrapped around his partner from behind, his chin tucked on the other man’s shoulder, and the wide grin on Finn’s face was enough to light up the entire forest grove. Another piercing whistle came from him, and laughter rippled through her friends despite Lukah trying to half-heartedly swat his arm and scold him.

Across the other side of the gathering, the unmistakable frame of Lachie stood behind his witch, Belle. Right next to them was the looming presence of Fehrn towering behind Lia, his big arms wrapping her body to hold her back against his chest. Alongside them, Nelloix, Ace, and Hunter were huddled close. All looking preternaturally beautiful, the vampiress’ misty emerald eyes crinkled with a smile as she blew Ri a kiss.

She didn’t need to look any further to know who was coming next. A quietly sobbing Ruby, dressed in a beautiful gold and turquoise gown, was tucked beneath Niall’s arm. She had both arms wrapped around his waist and rested her head against his chest. Her big dark eyes brimming as the two locked gazes with one another.

Ri had to blink fast to hold back her own surge of tears, ready to start falling at a moment’s notice.

And flanking them was Ma's beaming smile, and Pa's stoic broodiness. With more evidence of tears from the bright eyes of her mother. She clutched a bouquet of bright purple flowers Ri recognised immediately as being from just outside their mountain home. Cradled in her father’s massive arms was the tiny, wriggling, furry white form of Twig. Their little dog was all alert ears, wagging tail, and bright pink lolling tongue.

“Fuck’s sake, if anyone else starts crying, I swear I’ll call this whole thing off,” Rowan growled.

A ripple of laughter shot through the crowd, followed by hasty wiping of eyes from more than one of the group. While Brynne simply continued to sob into Atticus’ shirt.

“I’m not joking.” He leaned close and grumbled in Ri’s ear.

She quickly lifted his knuckles to her lips, planted a kiss across the ink on his skin, and smiled. “I don’t doubt that for a second, brute.”

Knowing the time had come, her heart launched into her throat.

Looking over at Belle, she gave a little nod. As the Guardian of the Realm stepped forward to stand before them, two delicate rings of silver began to form in her hands. Woven metallic threads formed an array of flowers and leaves to make a pair of simple, elegant crowns.

“May the Goddesses bless you with an eternal life of peace and tranquillity. May your souls find rest and safety with one another.” Belle said softly and held out both hands, offering the crowns towards Rowan first.

He placed both of Ri’s palms flat against his chest. Once again, giving her that stern look and command not to dare move, just as he’d done before. Then lifted the smaller of the two from Belle’s outstretched hold.

Taking a moment, he cleared his throat, swallowing heavily as his sapphire gaze drew her in. Then he placed the crown on her head and gently rubbed a loose curl of her hair between his finger and thumb before speaking.

“Oriana, my little faerie, you are the keeper of my blackened heart and balm to my immortal soul. I’m a creature of few words…”

A quiet laugh came from the direction of Niall and Lachie, which garnered them glares from both Ruby and Belle in turn.

“Which is why I can only offer you my every breath and eternal love. I’ve spent a lifetime searching for you, and I don’t want to spend another moment without you.” He hooked a finger under her chin, tilting her face upwards, and brushed his thumb over her bottom lip.

Butterflies erupted in her stomach as he bent down and softly caressed her mouth with his own.

“This time, with everyone here as witness… allow me to be yours, little faerie.” He whispered against her lips.

“Yes. Please be mine, brute.” Ri breathed out unsteadily as she clutched her fingers against his muscled chest.

A soft squeak of a noise came from somewhere over in her sister’s direction.

Then, all of a sudden, it was her turn to complete their Binding ceremony. She swallowed heavily as she lifted the crown from Belle’s palms and looked up at her mountain of a man standing before her.

The corner of his lips twitched, with a flicker of amusement in his piercing blue eyes, and she nearly melted on the spot.

Within a single breath, he was bent on one knee before her, holding onto her hips with hot palms searing through the soft fabric. Ri swallowed heavily as she placed the silvery crown over his mussed dark curls. Of course, he looked unbelievably handsome, all in fitted black. She wanted to throw herself into his arms, but there were necessary things to say first.

Now was the time.

A scene she had replayed in her mind’s eye over and over throughout every long day and night without him. Hoping without any certainty that she would get the chance to tell him one day.

Tracing her fingers gently over his lips, she jumped when he playfully nipped at them. Of course, he would instantly become pure charm and sex and power in this moment.

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