A Midsummer Night's Demon(36)
“Next decade?” Her brother’s gaze darted between her and her mate several times. “This”—Matt gestured at Ky with his thumb—“is more than just a one night stand?”
“He is my mate, Matthias. You will treat him with respect.”
“Respect is earned, Daelyn, not given.” Her brother eyed Ky with discerning interest as his arms fell loosely to his sides.
Lyn could not help but notice the way his hands tightened by his thighs. Her eyes darted to her lover, watching his fingers flex into fists. These two might be talking, but their bodies looked ready to battle. Like two predators eyeing prey, underneath their calm façade their muscles coiled, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice. She needed to do something to keep them from going to blows.
She knew her brother always craved a good fight, and Ky would be just the person to give it to him. Long ago their kind physically challenged family members for the right to mate with a female. And though they evolved past such archaic behavior, the instinct was still buried deep inside, waiting to come out.
Lyn pushed off the blanket, intending to rise to intercede. Immediately she found Ky’s hand in front of her face, palm up. She took the proffered hand, allowed him to help her to stand. Their fingers laced, and she bestowed a worried glance on her brother.
Matt’s eyes dropped to their hands, the sight causing his fists to relax. His dark gaze rose to meet her own. “You have chosen this male for your mate?”
A weak smile raised the corner of her mouth. “Yes,” Lyn replied without hesitation. “I have. I would like your blessing, but I do not require it.”
She shot him a pointed glare, watching the expression of quiet acceptance cross his face in understanding. Their eyes met, and held in a respectful stare.
Matt’s body relaxed, and the tension left his shoulders. Cool resignation replaced the heat in his eyes. If he had not yet accepted her choice, he had at least accepted that it was her decision as to who to take as a mate.
“Tell me, Lyn, do you intend to complete the Bonding Ritual with this male?”
She wrapped her arm about her lover’s waist, registering the feel of his muscles under his thin shirt. “I do.”
“What’s the Bonding Ritual?” Ky looked at her upturned face.
“You don’t know what the Bonding Ritual is?” Matt’s incredulous tone made Ky’s head snap in his direction. “What kind of demon are you?”
Ky’s muscles bunched under her arm. If she didn’t intercede soon this would get out of hand. Two powerful Alpha males in close proximity was never a good thing, but the same two males overly protective of her and volatile toward each other—well that was a recipe for disaster.
“Didn’t you say it was time for the Creation Story, Matt?” Lyn asked. “Maybe we should go down to the beach. We don’t want to miss it.”
“Mmm-hmm.” The expression her brother gave her told her he knew she’d tried to distract him. “You sure you want this guy for your mate, little sister?”
Ky bristled beside her. “I’ve had enough of—”
Lyn tightened her grip on his waist, and spoke loudly to cut him off midsentence. “You go on to the beach, Matt. We’ll be right behind you.”
Her brother’s gaze raked over Ky’s body, as if he was deciding whether or not he found him worthy of his sister. He must have found something he liked, because his hardened look softened—a little.
After a quick nod of his head in their direction, Lyn watched her brother lope off toward the glowing beach. At six-foot tall and two-hundred pounds, most found him a formidable guy. He also routinely made the mistake of thinking of himself as her protector, acting more like her father than her brother. He had been posturing with Ky, but her brother seemed appeased for now. Matt had run off more than one of her boyfriends, and she wasn’t about to let him interfere with her mate.
If he knew about Ky being a vampire, there would be demonic hell to pay. Her brother had a hard enough time accepting she had chosen a mate, but if he found out that mate was not a demon…that was not something that would be tolerated by her brother.
In a few minutes her friends and family would witness Ky and her complete the Bonding Ritual and then no one would ever try to separate them. Anticipation knotted her stomach as she allowed Ky to lead her toward the bonfire that blazed ahead in the sand and joined the throng of demons sitting on the beach.
With the crowd surrounding her in the sand, the Priestess stood proudly in the center of their circle. The long, red velvet robe with the attached hood trimmed in golden thread hid her body from view. Her demure face, with slight age lines etched thereon, held wise, hazel eyes. Her long dramatic dropped sleeves hung from her outstretched arms while she spoke. Although a tiny woman, quite petite in stature, her dramatic presence commanded respect and supplication.