Only For Her Dragon (Dragon Guard Series Book 6) (11 page)

“The details of the one at the top looks just like the markings on your back.” Charlie’s eyes were wide with surprise.

“Then there is this.” He pointed to the center. “It’s a Celtic cross and the words engraved are
chosaint agus a sha’bha’il,
which is Gaelic for protect and save.”

Siobhan was nodding her head as Kyra said, “It was left with you for protection. Whoever your mom is or was, she knew magic. She protected you. I know it’s kind of personal, but can I have a look at your hip. I’m wondering if it’s really a birthmark. It might be something else left by your mom.”

“Sure, no problem,” Charlie answered, lifting the leg of her shorts while Kyra bent down to look at the birthmark on her hip.

“Just as I thought,” the little witch beamed. “It’s a birthmark all right, but one magically given, not naturally. The origin is feminine, so definitely from your birth mom. Now, let’s check out that little spark in there,” Kyra said, hopping up and pointing to the chair next to Aaron while taking the one across the table.

Pointing to the steaming copper bowl sitting on a grate over a large candle, the witch explained, “That’s just some ash from the White Ash tree for protection and focus, Dragon’s Blood herb for protection, Eyebright to identify the magic, Lilac and Orris for memory and focus, and Thyme for positivity. The green candle is for success, white for protection, royal blue for wisdom, and silver for the Mother Goddess. I’m gonna say a little incantation and then I should be able to see your magic. Okay?”

“I’m ready, if you are,” Charlie quipped.

Aaron could feel that she was a little nervous, and from the random thoughts he picked up, it only came because of the new experiences. He could only imagine how mind boggling it had to be for someone that hadn’t grown up with dragons and magic and all the other things that he just took for granted. Sending reassurance and love through their mating bond, he hoped to make things easier for her.

“Mother Goddess, provide your light. Help us focus, protect our rite. Your child is pure, her soul is bright. Her magic is beauty. Her magic is white. We seek the origin. We seek her kin. Universe of All show us the way. Give us your wisdom by end of day. Blessed be. Blessed be.” Kyra chanted in English while Siobhan did the same in the language of their ancestors.

After the third time through, the little witch bowed her head and prayed, “We offer you our love, devotion, and service, Mother Goddess, God above, and the Universe that sustains us. Thank you for your gifts. Thank you for this day. Thank you for it all. Amen and amen.”

“
O’n and bean naithe
,” Siobhan murmured in response. Words Aaron remembered from his childhood. His mother had always said amen and blessings at the end of every prayer.

“Now, I’m going to scry,” Kyra picked up the mirror that never seemed far from her side and sprinkled it with herbs, reciting the same words she’d said before.

Aaron watched the mixture on the glass shimmy and shake for almost a full minute before settling. Kyra looked at Charlie and then at him with absolute astonishment on her face.

“I have never seen anything like this before.” The little witch sounded shocked, and when she set the mirror on the table for all of them to see, Aaron knew why.

The magic Kyra had called upon had arranged the herbs in the exact image of Charlie’s birthmark and charm. Aaron had no idea what that meant, but from the looks on Siobhan and the little witch’s face it meant a lot more looking before they had their answers.

The Healers words confirmed his thoughts. “Well, I guess that means I’ll be doing some extra reading.”

“I’ll help,” Charlie offered.

“Me too,” Kyra chimed in.

“Well, I’ll be around for moral support, ladies,” Aaron joked.

“Time to eat!” Royce shouted into the window.

Saved by the food!

By the time they got to the kitchen, the table was covered with dinner and the line was long. Aaron watched Charlie watching all his brethren and their families with what could only be described as affection. He tried to imagine how his extended family looked to her, but came up short. Only a mate could deal with six huge guys that acted like a bunch of teenagers on a good day, not to mention could turn into dragons at will. Beautiful women that were smart, outspoken and had special talents all their own
and
two children that had blessed their clan in ways no one could have predicted with their own unique qualities.

Has to be overwhelming…

Looking at Jay and Sydney made him think of Grace’s pregnancy. He saw her filling her plate and laughing at something his twin had said. As she turned to head to the dining room, the proof of her pregnancy pushed against her blouse.

Heavens help them if those kids are anything like Aidan and I when we were little.

Shaking his head, he looked at Charlie. Visions of a sweet little girl with vibrant blue eyes and long blonde curls squealing with delight as he swung her in the air filled his mind. Then he thought of a tough little boy, almost identical to the little girl, but with spiky hair and the determination to accomplish anything. The little guy was swinging a stick like a sword, hurling threats at his imaginary opponent.

Royce bumped his shoulder, pulling him out of his daydream. “What’s the matter, smartass?”

“Nothing, why?”

“You’re standing there all starry eyed. Must be love. Look at that shit. This is gonna be fun.” Royce laughed so hard Aaron thought the old man might drop his plate.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

“You better get up there and get your food before the young ones get here. They can put away food faster than a swarm of locust. And your girl’s already up there talking with mine and Sam. I’m sure you’re in some kinda trouble.”

Charlie glanced back and winked just as he looked up. Grinning, Aaron winked back.

I am the luckiest man alive.

Royce laughed all the louder, practically shouting to the other Guardsmen already eating in the dining room, “Oh man, Aar’s got it bad! Y’all missed the sappy look on his face.” Walking through the kitchen, the old man kept talking, “Boy oh boy, I mean he’s really got it
bad
.”

The dining room erupted in laughter, but Aaron just couldn’t care. They were all right; he
was
in love. All was right with the world.

Plate filled, he headed into the dining room, happy to see that Charlie had saved the seat next to her. There were ten different conversations going on about ten different topics, but he zeroed in on his mate and Sam’s. They were barely speaking above a whisper, but with his enhanced abilities, he heard her ask her best friend about the mating ceremony.

“You said that it’s a really private thing, right?”

“Yep. Sure is. It starts with you and Aaron, the Elders, which you’ll meet, and these meatheads.” Sam motioned around the table. “The Elders say a passage from the Holy Book, Rayne says something on behalf of their Force, and then you and Aaron will be left alone for the Marking Ceremony.”

“You mean I’ll get a little tattoo like the one on your neck?”

“It’s more of a brand and it happens kind of magically when you two kiss, but yeah. If you check out everyone else’s, they’re all similar but also different. They say the Universe decides based on what you two are together. It’s pretty cool. I can’t wait to see yours.”

“Well, we’re a long way from that.”

“Whatever you say, Charlie. Whatever you say.”

His mate was about to respond, but didn’t when she saw him by her side.

“What are y’all talking about?” he asked as if he hadn’t heard the whole thing.

“Oh nothing,” they answered in unison, like two little girls caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

Smirking, Aaron sat down, deciding to let Charlie think he hadn’t heard. He knew Sam would remind her about the enhanced hearing soon enough. He’d just gotten the first bite of steak in his mouth when Rian and Rory came through the door.

“What the hell, you guys? Nobody thought to holler that the steaks were ready?”
Rory complained.

“We knew you’d smell them and come running,” Kyndel laughed. “Heaven knows you never miss a meal.”

“Hey now. I work hard to look this good.” He opened his arms wide and then flexed both his biceps, just as Rian elbowed him in the stomach.

Everyone howled with laughter while Rory grunted and rubbed his stomach. He turned and went into the kitchen and Aaron could hear him filling his plate. Rian looked at Rayne and Aaron immediately knew they were having a private conversation, and from the look on their faces, it was
not
about the weather.

“What’s going on there?” Charlie nodded towards Rayne, whispering close to his ear.

“What do you mean?”

“I can hear the static again and it’s clear from their expressions they’re talking about something important. Can you hear?”

“No, we have what we call ‘unique links’ between each other. It’s immediate with family. Then once we’re bonded, either as brethren or as mates, that link is established as well. It’s kinda like having a private line where we can talk and no one else can hear. You’re the first one I’ve ever heard that can tell when others are talking. Well, others you’re not somehow connected to. I mean, I know Kyra can tell when Royce and his brothers are talking, and Grace can tell when Aidan and I are talking, but I’ve never known anyone that could tell when
Rayne
was mindspeaking. His mind is like a steel trap.”

“Wonder if it has something to do with the magic you found?”

“Might be. We’ll have to tell Kyra and Siobhan.”

“Yeah, I will.”

He knew she would. She was going about this the same way she did diagnosing a patient. He’d heard her thinking about it. Making a chart in her head. Mentally documenting everything she learned. It may not all make sense to her, but she was open-minded and serious about learning about her origins.

Rory walked in with a plate in each hand, signaling for Rian to follow him to the only two empty chairs left at the huge oak dining table. Once they were seated, Rayne stood and looked around the table.

Oh damn, this can’t be good.

“It seems we were in the right place. Andrew
is
on that mountain, just doing a good job at hiding from us. Rian and Lennox were able to catch a few of his thoughts today. His dragon is trying hard to be heard but the little bas… I mean
traitor
…” he quickly corrected, smiling at his son and Sydney, “is working even harder to keep him at bay. That is good news. It means the black magic has burned off and he’s also low on earth magic. He won’t be able to hide forever and I want him caught sooner rather than later.”

“Here! Here!” was heard from everyone around the table, even the kids.

Looking at each Guardsman individually, then at Siobhan, the Commander began again. “If it’s okay with you, I’d like us to discuss a strategy for catching that little piece of sh…
crap
once and for all, as soon as we’re finished eating.”

“Whatever you need. You know that, son,” Siobhan answered while everyone else was agreeing, as well.

Rayne went on, “Rian and I believe Andrew has found a way to hone in on our dragons, and maybe even our thoughts, without us knowing. He
is
the
Special One,
and because of his dalliance with black magic, we have no idea what that has done to the extra abilities he has.”

“I’m certain he’s almost on overload at this point,” Rian took up where Rayne had stopped. “Kellan also found more fresh blood, so we know he’s either injured again, not healing, or both. Kyra is sure that’s because of all the conflicting types of magic he’s subjected himself to. We have to use this to our advantage. We’re
only
gonna get one more chance.”

“Is there something more we can do?” Aidan asked Rian, pointing at Aaron.

Kyra answered, “Aunt Della found a spell to create a focus for the power of twins. She and some of the stronger ladies at the coven are crafting it now. That’s gonna give you Wonder Twins the extra juice you need to hear
and
see the traitor before he knows you’re anywhere around.”

Aidan gave Aaron another quick look before switching his attention back to Rian, who was already talking. “All right, y’all eat up. Lennox, Kellan, and Brannoc are on their way over. Brannoc has been looking at every map he could get his hands and has found a way for us to approach the mountain without being seen by
anyone
.”

The leader of the Blue Thunder Clan sat back down just as the others of his Force came through the front door.

“Damn, it smells good in here,” Lennox called out, making a beeline for the kitchen.

Brannoc dropped an armload of maps on the couch as he yelled into the dining room, “Hey in there. Pardon my manners, but I’m starving.” Aaron could hear his footsteps on the tile of the kitchen floor.

Kellan, the silent, scary one of the group, dropped a duffle just inside the door, nodded his hello, and followed his comrades into the kitchen. Kyndel and Sam were up getting the kids cleaned up and making room for the Guardsmen that had just come in to sit down. Others followed suit until all the ladies were in the kitchen and the men around the table.