Page 10 of Upon Shattered Bonds

Stepping aside to reveal the bride, she caught the strong emotion that washed over Drake’s features. His earthy brown eyes immediately softened.

“You’re stunning, sister.”

A catch in his voice had Blair’s obstinate expression wilting immediately. Closing the distance between them, Drake tenderly pulled her in his arms while she eagerly returned the affection. Muffled against his chest, Blair said, “You’re not supposed to make me cry. I’ll ruin my makeup.”

Fortunately, Celeste jumped to the rescue, passing Blair a handful of tissues. Nina stepped into the hall, nodding once to the Raeth who’d come to fetch them.

“They’ll be out momentarily, Xavier.”

The Raeth threw her a suave smile. His eyes crinkled as he looked down at his leader from his daunting height. “Of course, sovereign. May I accompany you to the terrace?”

Linking her hands around his extended elbow, Nina grinned. “Ever the charmer.”

“Plenty of beautiful women here tonight,” he chuckled. “Just brushing up on my game.”

“Remmus might give you a run for your money.”

A dark eyebrow rose to catch the other Raeth take on a roguish smile. Of all of her lieutenants, Xavier gave Celeste a run for her money when it came to mischief and craftiness. He’d never quite lost his youthful exuberance, nor his penchant for trouble.

“I’m counting on it. Would hardly be fair to have all the maidens crying when I choose only one.”

Grunting a laugh, Nina shook her head as her eyes snapped up to survey the scene. At Remmus’ request, everyone had assembled in the wooden chairs placed on either side of the aisle. Elegant white bows ribboned across the backs, and flowers hemmed in either side of the aisle.

Never one for the spotlight, Kaien tended to avoid any situation where attention would fall on him. Nina’s twin was far more comfortable in supporting roles, and he’d said as much seven months ago when he’d asked her to return home.

When he locked eyes with her, a flicker of relief dashed across his face.

As was custom, Kaien wore the Blaede clan’s fighting leathers, pinned with the black ribbon that’d symbolically tie them together. Unlike other clans, the Blaedes were intrinsically family focused and mating ceremonies were typically celebrated with plenty of frivolity.

Smiling warmly, Nina moved soundlessly across the expanse toward where Kaien stood with Remmus, Aidan, and Kane. The idle sound of excited chatter was accompanied by the bridal march.

Once more, her psychic senses roamed outward, scanning the immediate area for signs of hostile intent. Her mind brushed up against her fledglings, her clansmen, and familiar identities, the personas of those she trusted and cherished, or at the very least, tolerated.

Except one.

When the wave of her psychic senses banked up against Zeke’s mind, she instinctively retreated. A knee jerk reaction, Nina had done everything in her power to limit her exposure to the man. Building any further ties between them would compromise the wall she’d carefully erected to shield herself from his intentions.

Now was not the time to question the logic of her choices.

Pulling her shoulders back, Nina nodded once at Xavier before he gave a subtle bow of his head and retreated to sit the crowd. She glanced at Kaien, initiating a telepathic conversation through the mental bond they shared.

Ready?

Your fledgling will be the death of me, sister. A slight chuckle backed the words, but honesty rang true.

I hardly think a bit of pomp and circumstance will kill you.

Her twin cast her a bland look. You’ve never had an issue with the limelight, Nina. Perhaps I’ll have to remind you of that in due time.

Instead of replying, movement pulled her attention away from him. Appearing like sirens from the mist, Celeste and Reyna leisurely strode down the aisle, the picture of elegance and grace.

Celeste had been the first Raeth to make her way into Blair’s small circle of friends, simply because once she started loving you, she never let go. She had a tendency to put everyone at ease, most often through humor and an obnoxious number of hugs. As sunny and confident as ever, she drew the crowd’s attention effortlessly.

Reyna trailed several paces behind the pink-haired vixen, looking every inch the immortal creature that she was. Her red-tinged tresses were swept up into a loose coil at the back of her nape, her aquamarine irises sparkling even in the low light. While she lived a relatively quiet life in London, her House was known for its warmth and open-mindedness. Blair frequented the spot often, enjoying the quiet space in the middle of a bustling city.

The vampire cast her sire a knowing smile before sweeping to the side in preparation for the bride. As if on cue, everyone stood. Heads turned when the two eldest of Nina’s fledglings came into view.

Nina couldn’t help but give in to the urge to beam at them both, desperately blinking back the mist of proud tears. Stealing a glance at Kaien, she stilled.

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