Page 20 of Wolfsbane

“And you are a handsome and mighty warrior of the night, my king of darkness.” I nodded to Dr. Altair, silently confirming that I was, without a doubt, ready to become Morel’s wife.

“I thought you said not to get used to hearing you call me your king,” Morel teased. I smirked, forcing my eyes to remain on the old man as he began the traditional wedding ceremony.

As Dr. Altair spoke, my thoughts raced faster than my heart. Morel’s hand slowly touched mine, running his finger along my palm as my breathing quickened. The feel of his touch, standing next to him as ee prepared to become one, was all overwhelming in the most beautiful way. My fingers moved, curling around his as we held hands, listening, the moon peeking through the clouds as snow continued to swallow us in a winter wonderland, creating the most exquisite and magical sight.

“Morel, I believe you have your own vows you wish to recite?” My eyes shot to Morel as he lifted his head, nodding to Dr. Altair.

“I do.”

“Please,” the old man motioned as Morel turned to face me, taking my other hand into his as he stared down into my eyes.

“Hesper.” My name fell from his lips the same as the first time he ever spoke it. “The goddess herself could not have prepared me for you. You came into my life, a life full of darkness, and pulled my soul from the shadows and into the moonlight. All the time, I imagined a life of revenge, but now, I do not live for it. I live for you. The moment I laid eyes on you, something inside fell into place, and for the first time in a long time, it began to beat again. For you. My wolfsbane.” Tears fell from my eyes as I gazed up at him, bursting with a love I had never felt before, a love that could tear the heavens down and survive the end of time itself.

“Hesper,” he whispered, stepping even closer. “I devote myself to you, here, in the garden of shadows, beneath your wolfsbane and in the light of the goddess.” He gently released my hand and raised a small blade, running it along his left palm, his blood seeping from the wound as he recited his vows. “I tie my heart and my soul with yours for all of eternity. I am yours. Forever and always.” I tried to hold back, to not sob like a child as he held the blade out to me, tears swelling in his eyes. My hand lightly shook as I grabbed the blade, exhaling as I decided to say what was in my heart.

“Morel,” I breathed his name, “I said I would never marry without love, and I stand before you filled with nothing less.” His lips raised higher as I began to guide the blade along the palm of my left hand. “I devote myself to you, Morel. My king. My husband. May our hearts and souls remain intertwined, forged together here in the darkness for all eternity.” Blood dripped from my skin onto the pure white snow. “I swear by the goddess, I will follow you anywhere, including death itself. You are mine, and I am yours. Your little shadow.”

We both exhaled a soft laugh through our tears as we raised our hands.

“A symphony of stars.” Morel stared down at me as we clasped our hands together, squeezing tight as our blood seeped into one another.

“Until the heavens fall onto the Earth, I shall remain your shadow, your wolfsbane. Your queen.” Morel jerked my arm as I crashed into his torso.

“My wife,” he whispered.

“By the powers of the ancient kingdoms and the goddess, I pronounce you husband and wife, the King of Grisset and Queen of Hellbore, and children of the night.” Morel wasted no time, kissing me with all his love beneath the arbor.

Orion and Dr. Altair both clapped as I embraced Morel, wrapping my free arm around his neck, pulling him closer, our bloodied hands still clasped. Once again, time did not exist, winter wrapping us in a blanket of the night as we became one in the darkness.

FOURTEEN

HESPER

The firein the onyx fireplace burned and popped, the warmth filling the room despite the open stained glass windows that allowed the cold night air to dance into the bedroom. I stood out on the terrace, snow falling around me as I smiled at the quiet kingdom below, the dazzling stars above and shadows dancing along the land. Morel bid his goodbyes to Orion, closing the bedroom door. I could feel his warmth radiating from his body as he approached me from behind, embracing me as he nestled his face against my neck. I melted back into him, breathing in his scent.

“My queen,” he whispered into my ear, running his hands along my arms. I closed my eyes, feeling him surround me.

“My king.” Morel wrapped his arms around me, slightly swaying as we watched the night sky, drunk on emotions.

“Shall we retire, or would you rather stay here a little while longer?” I knew exactly what I wanted to do, and it was neither of those two things. My body swung as I turned to face him, his arms still wrapped tightly around my waist.

“We may have exchanged our vows and made a blood oath, but there is one final step to securing our marriage.”

Morel raised a brow. “Is the daughter of Hellbore suggesting I take her to bed?” My arms wrapped around his waist.

“That isexactlywhat I am suggesting.” My hand pulled him closer as he grinned. “As your queen, I demand you show me just how much you love me. Bathe me in your darkness, my king, and make me yours.” A low growl vibrated in his chest as he lifted my body and kissed me roughly.

“As my queen commands.” Morel carried me back into the room, stopping in front of the fireplace, gently letting me stand. He stepped close, brushing my hair back, plucking the embellishments from my hair as he placed them on the mantle. His hands glided along the skin of my neck, pushing my hair back as it tumbled down my back. I released a low gasp, feeling his fingertips as they trailed across my collarbone and up my neck, gripping it fiercely. I inhaled sharply, staring up into his eyes, into the reflection of the flames dancing in his irises as something burned inside him, the same feeling I could feel burning between my legs.

Morel lightly pulled my body as I stood on my toes, his lips meeting mine. All restraints disappeared as he kissed me, pressing his mouth roughly against mine as I began to devour him, my hands moving along his body, twisting in his hair. My body craved his, desperately needing more of each other.

His hand reached around my body, slowly untying the back of my dress, the lavender material falling to the floor as I stood there, completely exposed to him. He touched the glowing crystal around my neck, lifting it as he placed it on the mantle. Despite the cold, I stood proud, confident in my body as he growled, unfastening his tunic, his eyes bearing into my skin. Within the blink of an eye, he too stood naked, matching me as we simply gazed at one another, excited. My wandering eyes trailed from his face, admiring his built chest and large frame, stepping closer as I began to run my fingers along his arm,feeling his building muscles. My hand grazed his heart, feeling it pound beneath his chest as my sights fell past his waist, raising an eyebrow at how kingly he really was. I had to swallow, my mouth watering at the sight of him, a fire burning between my legs, my eyes returning to him as he grinned, knowing he was impressive.

“Perhaps I should bow at my king’s feet and show him just how much I love him.” I moved closer, pressing my breasts against his chest, my hand holding his chin. He removed my hand, his action confusing me as he prevented me from kissing him.

“My queen bows to no one.” Morel slowly lowered himself to his knees, his hands sliding down my body as he did so, my breath escaping my lips as he kneeled and gazed up at me. “I may be a king, but I am yours, and I will always bow at your feet, my queen.” He leaned close, kissing the skin of my thigh, gently raising it as he continued to cover me in kisses, placing my leg over his shoulder. “Now, let me worship you, my queen. Let me show you just how much I love you.” Morel neared my center, his hot breath caused me to grow wetter as he kissed my clit. I gasped, raising my head as I closed my eyes, and enjoyed the feel of his mouth, his tongue moving perfectly along me.

He gripped my thighs, pulling me closer as my fingers twisted in his midnight hair. His tongue pressed into my opening, pushing deeper as my breathing hitched, soft moans filling the room as he ate me, moving faster and faster, my body burning as he did. He felt marvelous, moaning into my body, guiding my building climax as it continued to grow. His hand began to move up my body, reaching my breast as he squeezed it tight, feeling my hardened nipple.

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