Page 165 of Master of My Life

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CHASE PACED IN THE ELDER ROOM AS HE WAITED FOR S ABRINA TO ARRIVE. RICHARD AND THE REST OF

the American Elders, wearing their white ceremonial robes, talked softly across the room. He’d

changed into his white linen tunic and pants and his entire body ached for his bride. Her teasing in the

car had exacerbated his already heightened sexual need. As the morning wore on, the ache of denial

had become almost unbearable.

“She’ll be here any moment, Chase,” Richard said, approaching him with an understanding smile.

“Be glad you weren’t tested throughout the night.”

Chase grimaced. “I am truly thankful for that. I can’t imagine . . .” He shook his head, trying to

clear his mind. Why was he consumed with his own desire? Normally his self-discipline was

impeccable, but today his need was like a beast barely contained in a cage. The hinges were

loosening, and it was only a matter of time before it came roaring out. He closed his eyes, praying

he’d be able to control himself when the time came. Sabrina deserved nothing less.

At long last, there was a knock at the door.

The Elders moved into a semi-circle around him, and then Richard called out, “Enter.”

The heavy wooden door opened and Sabrina entered, taking Chase’s breath away once again. She

wore a thin, silken gown that left little to the imagination. When their eyes met, her cheeks turned

pink, and she looked down at the ground.

Chase’s heart swelled with love for that sweet girl walking toward him.

Richard greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and then took her hand and led her to Chase’s side in

front of the Elders. He moved back to his place next to Tom in the middle of the Elders and smiled.

“Face each other.”

Chase turned to face his beloved and when she looked up at him with shining eyes, his heart

soared in his chest. That look of love and trust still filled her eyes, and he stood a little straighter.

Tom began, “Christopher Ralston, Elder-Son of Boston, you have brought a woman before us

today. Is it your wish to be bonded with her in the sacred marriage rites?”

“It is.”

“Do you come freely, of your own will, unencumbered by any other promise or vow to anyone

else?” Brandon, the Elder of Los Angeles asked.

“Yes,” Chase replied.

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