The Scars of Her Dragon (Dragon Guard Series Book 14) (15 page)

Her skirt flowed to the tops of her feet with only her pink polished toes peeking out. She had laughed when Claire said she would be barefoot but made sure her toes were polished for the occasion anyway. The finishing touch was Ettie tying the wide, dark blue ribbon around her midriff where the bodice met the cinched waistband of the skirt and tying the bow in the back with the tails reaching to just above her hemline.

Turning first one way and then the other, Olive fought to hold back the tears. It was the most beautiful she’d ever looked and she owed it all to her dragon. Slipping her feet into the ballet flats that matched her dress, the little dove had just made it to the living room when the doorbell rang.

Hugging, kissing, and thanking all of her cousins and her mother, Olive spun one more time and asked, “Are you sure I look okay?” while Gabby opened the door and assured Lenox and Pearce the little dove would be right out.

“You look absolutely gorgeous, Olive.” Her mother kissed her cheek as the girls all nodded with tears in their eyes.

“Now, go mate that dragon of yours and we’ll see you at the party,” Ettie ordered, trying to hide that even
she
was about to cry happy tears.

“Thank you again. I love you all so very much.” Olive called over her shoulder as she placed her hands on the arms of her Guardsmen and smiled at the chorus of ‘I love yous’ she heard as the door closed behind her.

They were dressed as if they’d walked right off of the set of a Knights of the Round Table movie. Which made sense when she thought about it. Their beasts were, after all, from that era.

The men’s black pants were tucked into the top of their polished knee-high black boots that shined as the rays of the noonday sun hit them. The long-sleeved black undershirt they wore gave the perfect backdrop for the midnight blue of their surcoats, which were an exact match to the color of Kellan’s dragon scales. Silver braiding trimmed the top and sides, highlighting the magnificent dragon in the throes of battle embroidered across their chests.

Taking a deep breath, she asked, “So where we going, boys?”

Lennox laughed, “Nice try, Olive. You know we can’t tell you.”

“You’ll see when we get there,” Pearce smiled a serene smile then added with a wink, “Kell has been a very busy man.”

Walking through the garden gate that had been decorated with a bouquet of blue and white flowers and beautiful ribbons of the same color flowing in the wind, they followed the path of multi-colored patio stones to the back gate, also decorated with the same design of flowers and streamers as the first, where they exited and stepped onto a path covered in white stones. Olive thought she knew where they were headed but was surprised when they turned off the path and arrived at a small stone chapel with brilliant stained glass decorating the high gothic windows and doors. She hadn’t even known of its existence but immediately felt the magic and knew her mate had picked the perfect place for their ceremony.

He really has thought of everything...

Large white urns overflowing with deep blue irises and white lilies sat on either side of the four stone steps leading to the entrance. Her escorts stopped at the bottom of the steps and smiled. Without a word of explanation, Pearce removed her hand from his arm, stepped to the side, and retrieved a single long-stemmed midnight blue rose from the vase to his right.

Handing it to Olive, along with a card embossed in beautiful calligraphy with her name, Pearce stepped back to her side but waited as she read the inscription.
Today, we become one. No longer alone, no longer in the dark, together forever, I love you with all that I am. Kellan.

Holding back the tears for about the hundredth time that day, Olive beamed at both Guardsmen as she replaced her hand on Pearce’s arm and let herself be led to the doors of the chapel. Her dragon escorts removed her hands from their arms, opened the doors, and motioned for her to enter. Smiling at them both, she whispered, “Thank you,” then giggled when Lennox waggled his eyebrows and said, “My pleasure.”

Stepping into the narthex, the little dove was awestruck by the sight before her. Slipping off her shoes, she slowly walked into the sanctuary, her eyes darting from side to side as she tried to take in all the stunning decorations. A light blue carpet flowed from the entryway to the platform at the front where five throne-like chairs had replaced the pulpit and sat awaiting the Elders of the Blue Thunder Clan, along with six more urns filled to overflowing with blue and white flowers each tied with a midnight blue ribbon and bow.

Five? I thought there were only four elders...

Bouquets of blue irises and white lilies adorned the end of each of the eight tiny pews and led her way to the white wrought iron chair at the front she knew was for her from Claire’s previous explanation of the dragon mating ceremony. Kellan had even made sure it was adorned with light blue morning glory blossoms still attached to their vines wound through the intricate design on the back. Taking her seat in the chair, Olive tapped her foot nervously, not sure what to expect when the Elders she’d met over the last week appeared on the platform. Rian was first as the Leader of the Clan and the Head Elder. He gave her a nod while the others—Niall, Stefan, and Marcas—all smiled in her direction. Then she saw her mother and a few of the tears she’d been holding back all day escaped. Her heart filled with even more adoration for her dragon mate, not only had he made sure Seraphina was there for her, but he’d also made sure she was part of the actual ceremony. He really was more than she could’ve ever hoped for in a mate and a man. Rustling to the right drew her attention as the Guardsmen of the Aherne Force appeared.

Watching the men file in, she noted the slightly different hues of blue of each man’s surcoat. Rory’s was royal blue with swirls of green highlights throughout. Brannoc’s was the blue of the ocean and Lennox’s so light the blue was barely discernable. Declan’s primary blue matched the straightforward man she knew him to be. And lastly, was Pearce, whose surcoat had an iridescent glow added to its cobalt blue that made her imagine how brightly the scales of his dragon would shine in the sunlight.

Smiling so big she had to look twice to be sure it was him, she waved at Maddox in his deep blue surcoat, and Royce in royal blue with faint green highlights, and Kayne in a gold so bright it had surely been fashioned with cloth made of sunshine.

Kellan appeared from the same direction as the others, in his surcoat of midnight blue: so dark it looked black in the rays of the fading sunlight shining through the stained glass. He looked good enough to eat, and when he smiled at her, Olive felt it in every fiber of her being. When her mate took his place in front of the other Guardsmen, Olive stood and waited, trying to control her nerves. The anticipation of mating her dragon was the greatest feeling in the world.

After a few seconds of silence, Rian began to speak, his voice ringing out loud and clear in the chapel.

“Long ago, when knights and dragons fought side by side for King and country, it became apparent that dragon kin was no longer safe from those who would expose and destroy them. They sought to join with the knights who had so valiantly fought by their sides during so many battles. Thus, through magic and the will of both dragon and knight, the Dragon Shifters were born.

“In the infinite wisdom of our Founding Elders, clans were set up, one for each color of the Dragon Kings whose soul we carry within our own. Each assigned a region in which to make their home and to protect. Over time, some have flourished, some have ceased to exist, and others have been born from the joining of many. As the Leader of the Blue Thunder Clan, it is an incredible honor to stand among those of not only my own clan, but my brother, Royce from the Golden Fire Clan and our distinguished guests, Maddox MacQueen and Kayne MacGréine. I am also honored to have Seraphina Featherstone, Spiritual Leader of the Clan of the Sun and mother to our dear Olive, presiding with us today. The Universe has truly blessed the union of these two souls. Thank you everyone for your presence and your blessings. We are family in blood, family in battle, and family in loyalty.

“Gathered in the place so sacred to our kin, I can feel our ancestor’s joy at the union of yet another of Lugh’s children to one of our own. Extraordinary mates continue to bless our clan and make us even stronger. Every one of us that finds the light of his soul knows how sacred she is. It is an honor to witness the power of what the Universe put into place at our inception. Tonight, we acknowledge and bless the mating of Kellan Breandan Aherne to the one the Universe made for him, Olive Aideen Featherstone. Will those seeking to witness this union please step forward?”

Rory stood with a huge cheeky grin on his face and addressed the Elders. “We, the five of the Aherne Force of the Blue Thunder Clan, wish to witness and offer our blessing to one born of our blood and the mate of his heart. May their lives now and forever be a testament to all we hold dear...love, honor, and loyalty. As you are one, let your strength see you through many years and the children of your children’s children smile upon you.” He winked at Olive and then returned to his place with the other Guardsmen

Royce then stepped forward and faced the Elders. “I am here from the MacLendon Force of the Golden Fire Dragons and wish to witness and offer my blessing to the union of these two souls, two halves of the same whole. May they live long, fight hard, love harder, and produce many young to flourish when their souls have gone to the heavens.” He smiled, stepped back, and bowed his head.

Kayne and Maddox both stepped forward. The demi god looked at Olive when he spoke. “It is with the power of Lugh, the Celtic God of the Sun, that I offer the blessing of this union. May the sun always light your path, chase away the darkness, and shine upon you and yours all the days of your lives and theirs.”

Maddox then smiled at her before adding, “From the oldest among us to the youngest, I stand as testament to the power of the dragons and offer this blessing from the ancestors who have gone ahead to prepare us a place in the Heavens. Live long, love often, and never look away from the light of your soul. The Universe does not make mistakes. She has given you both life that you may share it. Be happy, as that is Her fondest wish for all her children.” The mad dragon paused and then said, “I love you both as if you were my own.”

The silence in the chapel as the Demi god and the mad dragon nodded to the Elders and then returned to their spot next to Royce was a testament to everyone’s surprise at Maddox’s unusual show of emotion. It took a few extra seconds before Rian spoke again and when he did, it was with a huge smile on his face. “Your witness and blessings have been acknowledged and accepted Aherne and MacLendon Forces, Kayne, Son of Lugh and Maddox, Keeper of the Ancients. It is truly a blessed event to have such honorable clans and guests together. Kellan Aherne, you may go to your mate. Please escort her to the Sacred Circle before the Elders assembled here.”

Olive was shocked to see she’d missed the circle of white roses in front of the platform where the Elders sat but smiled when Kellan appeared before her. Her mate took the rose from her hand, placed it on her chair, and gently slid his fingers through hers. Slowly walking backwards, he led her to the Sacred Circle while letting all the love and adoration he felt for her flow between them. She’d always known Kellan was extraordinary but now had no doubts their lives together would be the makings of a legendary love story. Olive giggled to herself as they shared images of all the ways they would be together, forever.

Once they were in place, Rian spoke again, “The blue dragons were born of sea and sky. They are symbolic of the vastness of our existence and the infinity of our souls. They possess the ability to experience life from all aspects. They are highly protective and incredibly magical. Blue dragons are known for their patience and loyalty. The blue of their scales symbolizes the boundless sky and the deep calmness of the waters. Blue dragons will see every advantage, protect home and family with their very lives, and welcome the rising tide of change with calm acceptance. To mate a blue dragon is to accept all that they are and honor the power shared between mates.”

It was then her mother’s voice that filled the sanctuary with love and light as she spoke the words that would bind them together for all time. A quick look at her mother’s smiling face showed how much Seraphina approved of Olive and Kellan’s union. “As the next Spiritual Elder of the Clan of the Sun and the mate of the Dragon Guardsman before you, do you, Olive Featherstone, daughter of my heart and soul, accept this man and his beast as not only
your
mate, but also that of your dove?”

“With all that I was, all that I am, all that I will ever be, and all that we are together, I accept this man and his beast into my heart and my soul. I will share everything that I am with him every day of our lives, both here and in the Heavens.” Olive’s voice sounded shaky from the tears of joy she was holding back.

Her mother then asked her scarred dragon, “Do you Kellan Aherne, Commander of the Aherne Force and the mate of the dove shifter before you, accept this woman and her dove as not only your mate, but that of your dragon?”

Kellan cleared his throat. Olive held tighter to his hands as her knees became weak by the sheer strength of the emotion that filled her mate as he answered. “It is with everything I am, man, dragon, and warrior, that I not only accept Olive as my mate for myself and my dragon, but also as my love, my life, and the keeper of my heart. There will never come a day when she does not come first in my thoughts, my actions, and most of all, in my heart. She is my everything and I will spend every day of eternity loving her with all that I am.” 

The little dove leaned forward to kiss her mate. Kellan’s chuckle and mouthed
Hold on
held her in place as a blush colored her cheeks. To add insult to injury, she heard the snicker in Rian’s voice as he said, “Now is the time of the marking. May the Universe continue to bless you and yours all the days of your life.”