“Dad, please,” Evina said, but she also grinned. Then she looked at Nex. “I didn't like you when we first met.”
The Bear Ladrin hooted in laughter. The Tytra, not so much.
“You were arrogant, prideful, and flippant. Still are.”
“Two of those words mean the same thing,” Nex said dryly.
“Don't interrupt me,” Evina said.
“Yes, my love.” He grinned. “Go on. You were about to say how handsome I am.”
Evina laughed brightly and waved at the crowd. “You see?Thatis what disgusted me.” Her expression softened when she looked back at Nex. “But then I saw through it. I found a caring man beneath the strutting dragon. I saw your honor and dedication to fighting for what's right. I got to know the man who left his home and the safety of his clan to train brutally and risk his life to meet the Goddess, only to continue risking himself to save others. Over and over. Every day. You think your heart was buried inside you, but you've always worn it out on your chest like a medal, Nex. Out there for anyone to see if only they'd look. But in spite of its vulnerability, I never stole it from you. You gave it to me, piece by piece, slowly luring me to you with the choicest morsels until you had me tamed.”
“Never, love,” Nex said. “No one can tame you.”
“You have, Nex. But in the best way. The fiercest way.”
Nex grabbed the edge of Evina's veil and yanked it up to toss it over her head, then pulled her into a kiss. As they kissed, the gathering cheered (and the children giggled).
The Emperor waited for the couple to ease away from each other before saying, “I don't believe that was the kissing part of the ceremony, Lord Nexhavaren.”
“I improvised, Your Imperial Majesty,” Nex said, earning a round of laughter.
“Yes, well, now that the couple has exchanged their devotion, I shall bless this union with words from the Goddess.”
The clearing went still and silent.
“The Goddess came to me in a dream and spoke to me about many things.” The Emperor glanced my way, then went on, “One of those things was today's ceremony. She is greatly pleased that you have found love, Lord Nexhavaren. And she wants you to know that she is here today, blessing you and Evina. As I lay my hands upon you, she also touches you.” The Emperor placed a hand on each of their shoulders. “Feel her loving presence and know that you are united through her as well as the laws of this land and your undying love for each other.”
Sighs and gasps came as the elements swirled around the couple, one after another. Ribbons of Fire, then Water, then Earth, and, finally, Air. The magic sparkled, then burst apart, but only to rain down on the couple, the tiny sparks sinking into them.
“I now declare you mated!” the Emperor shouted. “May all recognize that Nexhavaren of the Gold Tytra Clan and Evina of the Frenhal Bear Ladrin are now one. Equally Dragon and Bear. The two have merged without diluting either.”
Everyone cheered and applauded as Nex kissed Evina again. And then he picked up his mate, whooped in joy, and ran off with her, down the petal path.
Chapter Nine
“I can't believe Nex is mated,” I said. “I mean, I knew it was coming. It's just he's such a . . .”
“Sluts make the best mates,” Keltyr said with a smirk. “We've already been around and know what we want. So, when we settle down, it's for good.”
“Did he just call himself a slut?” Vexen asked Taroc.
Before Taroc could answer, Kel did. “Anex-slut, to be specific. As if you didn't know.”
Vex frowned. “How would I know? I've never fucked you.”
“No, of course not. I'm a top. But you have eyes, don't you,Watcher?”
He shrugged. “I mind my business.”
“Except when it comes to our Ember evidently,” Rath drawled.
Vex cleared his throat. “I've made him my business.”
“You're like the opposite of Taroc,” I said.
Taroc lifted his brows at me.
