Page 19 of Fight Fire With Fire

“He thought this conversation was too important to be done over the phone, but Jane is expecting their second child soon. He wants to stick close to our territory in case she goes into labor.”

His explanation for Seth’s absence earned the alpha more of my respect…and made me yearn for the day when I had the same reason to stay on Veles land.

12

Ember

Dawson and I shared an idyllic week together before the next full moon. There were more interruptions than there had been when we’d been holed up in the suite at The Abyss, but his family mostly left us to ourselves, knowing how important this time was to us. How necessary it was for us to get to spend time alone before our claiming ceremony so there would be no doubt when we committed an eternity to each other.

Although destined consorts were just as important to witches as fated mates were to shifters, we didn’t have any traditions like they did when it came to claiming each other. Which was ironic when you considered how ritualistic we were when it came to our magic.

The goddess truly had blessed me when she had paired me with Dawson. Not only was he my perfect match, but I’d also have the memories of this ceremony for the rest of my life. Of being surrounded by all the people who were most important to us while we celebrated the start of our lives together.

Dale and Adira’s backyard was one of my favorite places on Veles land, and we’d jumped at the chance to have our claiming ceremony there. The setup resembled a wedding with rows of chairs for our guests, flowers, and tables covered with food, including a three-tier cake that Opal had brought. Dale had constructed an arch, and Adira had decorated it with sheer white draping, pale pink roses, and eucalyptus. Candles had been placed on the ground in a circle around it, and Dawson led me there when his uncle called us over.

“Ready to make this official, baby?” he asked before we stepped over the candles.

My answer was easy. We had only known each other for a week, but I felt as though I had been waiting forever for this moment. “Absolutely.”

Happiness shone from Dean’s eyes as we joined him inside the circle. The rest of Dawson’s family moved to our left while the guests who’d come on my behalf—Blake, Opal, Trey, Oriana, and Brock—lined the right side.

The air thickened around us as Dawson called upon his dragon’s magic to send a stream of fire out to light the candles. His magic called to mine, and flames jumped from my palms to follow his. His hands lifted to cup my cheeks, his lips curving into a smile as he murmured, “Forever and beyond.”

Dean stepped close and pressed his palms against our shoulders as I stared into Dawson’s eyes, his dragon flashing in them as flames swirled in the green orbs. “From this day forward, may you bask in the beauty of your mating. May its light give you courage in the darkness and warmth through all of your days together. May the brightness of its flame shine forever and beyond.”

The flames from the candles’ wicks extended into the air until they circled over our heads. I stared up at them in awe as they raced higher in the sky and formed the shape of a dragon. Then it burst into sparks that drifted down toward us, and I felt a rush of power surge through my body unlike anything I’d ever felt before.

The claiming was complete, and our mating bond snapped fully into place. My magic danced along the metaphysical string that tied us together, strengthened by my connection to this amazing man. Echoes of his emotions drifted through our link, leaving me in no doubt as to how much he’d already grown to love me. Of exactly how much he had meant it when he’d said that I was the most important person in my life.

I hoped that he was feeling the depth of my emotions through our bond. That I was giving as much as I was taking.

Overwhelmed by joy, I whispered, “Wow.”

“You’re all mine. Fucking finally.”

Dawson lowered his head to capture my lips in a deep kiss, ignoring our loved ones while our tongues tangled together. I twined my arms around his neck as he plundered my mouth, his tongue thrusting in and out and making me think of what we were going to do as soon as we were alone. I would have happily stayed locked together like that for the rest of the celebration, but his family moved close to offer their congratulations.

Dawson tore his mouth from mine and glared at his cousin as he clapped him on the shoulder. Damien wasn’t bothered by Dawson’s irritation. He grinned and shook his head. “Good luck making a quick escape.”

Soleil laughed while she hugged me. “Yeah, he thought he’d be able to have a slice of cake and then whisk me off so we could celebrate in private. Needless to say, things did not go as planned.”

“Except I learned from my cousin’s mistake.” Dawson wrapped his arm around my shoulders and tugged me against his side. “Having the ceremony here instead of at our house will make it a lot easier to slip out later.”

“Why didn’t I think of that?” Damien grumbled as Soleil tugged him away so others could have a moment with us.

Demi was at Dean’s side as he stepped close. The alpha’s voice was thick with emotion as he said, “Welcome to the Veles hold.”

“Thank you.”

I sniffled, and Dawson pressed a kiss to my temple before his aunt gave me a hug. “We’re so happy for you both.”

“So are we,” his mom cried as she nudged Demi out of the way. Stretching her arms wide, she wrapped them around both of us, her head pressed between our bodies. “More than words can say.”

Dale grinned at us over Adira’s head, his joy in his son’s happiness clear in his eyes. Their easy acceptance of me into their family touched something deep in my heart, settling me in a way I hadn’t felt since my parents died. Although my coven had never treated me as an outsider, I already felt closer to these dragon shifters than I had the witches who’d surrounded me since I was a teenager.

“I hope you know that you and your consort are always welcome at the family compound.” Blake drew an ornate key out of his pocket and handed it to me. “Your room will remain yours, and I will always consider you to be a member of the Aldebrand coven.”

“She won’t need it,” Dawson growled, glaring at the man who had been there when I needed rescuing so many years ago. “Her home is with me now.”

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