Desired by Shadow (A Shadow Walkers Novel) (40 page)

Hugging her, Maggie dabbed her eyes so she wouldn’t ruin all Emily’s work. “Thank you.”

How she found herself standing at the entrance to the great hall, she didn’t know. Angus stood waiting. “Maggie, lass. May an old codger escort you down the aisle?”

“I couldn’t think of anyone else I’d rather have, thank you, Angus.” Taking his arm she walked into the great hall. All of Robert’s men were there. She saw Monroe sitting next to Fury and Draken. She grinned thinking it perfect a three-headed hound and dragon were attending her wedding. She owed them her life and counted them friends. The room had been transformed. White flowers were everywhere, candles flickered, there must have been thousands, and every eye was locked on her.
Please don’t let me trip
.

As she passed, Monroe smiled at her. Draken stretched his long neck out to her and chuffed against her hair. “Pretty Maggie. I wanted to walk you but I didn’t fit.”

Maggie patted his neck and hugged him. “It’s okay. I’m so glad you’re here, my friend.”

Draken’s eyes widened. “Friend? I’ve not had a friend before.” He leaned over to Fury. “Maggie is my friend. If anyone annoys her, I’ll eat them.”

Fury’s three heads smiled. “Not if we eat them first. She’s our friend too.”

Draken nudged Monroe. “Right. Maggie, you look beautiful. Draken thought you might not have time to get Robert a ring so he made one for you.” Reaching in his pocket he pulled out a thick gold band. Oh my gosh, a ring. She’d completely forgotten.

“I’m so very grateful. It’s perfect and I love it. I know Robert will as well.” Kissing the dragon on the snout, she continued down the aisle.

Thorne was standing in front of her. This morning he looked human, his silver skin and tattoos hidden. Though with his silver hair she didn’t know how anyone could think there wasn’t ‘other’ in him.

Angus presented her to Robert. “I’ve a present for you after the wedding.” Angus winked and took his seat. She was really getting married. Her. She’d given up on this dream as a child. Everything was perfect.

Robert held out his palm as Thorne took a silver dagger from his black Armani tux. Holding it up he intoned in a booming voice, “You pledge your blood and soul to this woman for all eternity?”

“I so pledge.”

“You pledge to protect her from harm?”

“I so pledge.”

“You pledge to sacrifice yourself for her?”

“I so pledge.”

With that, Thorne sliced a deep cut across Robert’s palm, the blood, flowing, dripping to the stone floor.

“Milady, your hand.” Thorne nodded to her. A bit apprehensive, she presented her palm.

“Will you love him with your body and soul for all eternity?”

“I will.”

The slice was quick and hurt. When Thorne placed her palm over Robert’s, pressing them together, she felt the air around them shift. A tattoo of vines appeared on both of their wrists. Hers lavender and his dark blue. “By the energy of the blood this bond is consecrated.”

Robert bent her back into a movie worthy swoon and kissed her. “I love you Mrs. Bartholomew.”

Maggie laughed. “And I you, my pirate husband.”

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Cynthia Luhrs is the author of the Shadow Walkers novels. A graduate of Towson University, she was practical, majoring in Business which served her well now she’s a writer and needs to stay organized. Prior to becoming a writer, she toiled away in Corporate America for many years. Her idea of a perfect day is no interruptions and the freedom to live in her head all day, writing to her heart’s content, an icy cold drink next to her as she creates the next Shadow Walkers book. Of course her cats frequently disrupt this oasis of serenity.