Claiming Emerald (19 page)

“Em wanted a summer wedding with lots of flowers.”

“So why not wait until summer?”

Rory rolled his eyes. “Because we are trying to convince Vidar that Em isn’t worth the trouble.”

Gaelic glared at him. “So you are marrying her because you want to protect her? It probably won’t work. We thought you loved her. That is why we backed off.”

“Of course I love her, Gaelic. I love her more than I ever imagined possible. I only meant that we are getting married so soon because of Vidar.”

“Vidar has no respect for the life of a vampire. What makes you think that he will respect wedding vows? Even vampire vows?”

Rory nodded. “I have thought of that. At least he will have verification of what she means to us. Also what we mean to her.”

“I suppose. I think that you are playing a dangerous game with all of your lives. Why don’t you just let Em go to him so he can see how hard she is to deal with on a long-term basis?”

“Joel! Em is not hard to deal with. That was not a fair comment.”

Joel rolled his eyes at Rory’s indignation. “You’re right. She is just hard to love.”

Rory understood what Joel meant, but it was another comment that was completely untrue. Of course, he was on a different side of the fence with Em. He had changed her, and Joel and Gaelic couldn’t handle those changes in her. If anything, they had withdrawn their love. Em certainly hadn’t denied it to them. “I’m not going to debate Em with you. Are you staying for the wedding?” The question was spoken before he could stop it. Rory wasn’t sure if he really wanted Gaelic and Joel present.

“We discussed it. I was surprised to hear that you and Em got involved with a shifter. The ones at our fortress keep pretty much to themselves.”

Russell put a hand to Rory’s shoulder. “I don’t believe I have had the pleasure.” He extended his other hand to Joel.

Joel accepted graciously. “I’m Em’s original maker, Joel. This is my brother Gaelic.”

“Nice to meet you. You created an extremely interesting vampire. I have heard tales of how you saved her life by turning her. I am also the shifter that is now a part of her life. I have none of my own here to keep with, but it wouldn’t make any difference. I’m completely devoted to Em.”

“That’s nice to know. Are you a part of her love of sexual diversions?”

Rory felt the muscles in Russell’s hand tighten slightly. “That is a rather rude question. I wouldn’t answer except that those diversions are what kept you from staying. Yes, I am.”

“We have plenty of single female shifters in our fortress if you ever care to stop by.”

“I may take you up on that. I have already discussed breeding with Em and she understands. It will have no influence on our relationship. It will simply be sex for the intent of survival of my race. How many males and females do you have?”

Joel considered the question for a moment. “I believe that there are two males and seven females. Of course we seem to have new inhabitants every week or so. We have many empty buildings that can be inhabited. Maybe you should fold up this fortress and come up to New York.”

Joel was getting on Rory’s nerves very quickly. “No, thank you. We are very happy here.”

Em pushed between Joel and Gaelic, stepping into the room. “Are you kidding me? You are standing here bantering with each other like dogs with your ruffs up. Rory, what vows are we speaking?”

“Vampire vows. I was gonna have the book brought to you, but I got sidetracked. Where is your dress?”

“It is on the sofa. I couldn’t stand the suspense anymore and took it off.” She brushed past him and Russell. “Knock it off. I can feel the bad vibes like a tangible force in the air. I will not have my wedding fucked up by your egos.”

She lowered her eyelids, glaring at them, and then walked over to the library. Em pulled the book down and leafed through the glossary for the right page. Without another word, she sat down to read. Rory turned his attention back to Joel. “The lady has spoken. If you don’t mind, we have a few things to discuss in private.”

Joel looked none too pleased and Gaelic was silently staring at him. “I suppose. Em, you are putting all of you in danger by doing this.”

“We have already considered that,” she mumbled without taking her eyes from the page. “Don’t come here and start trouble, Joel. You left me to rein as queen. Now I intend to do it my way. Our way!”

He bowed at the waist, the gesture filled with sarcasm. “Yes, my lady. Do as you please. And, Em, fuck you!” Joel turned and strode down the hall.

Gaelic shrugged. “I guess we are leaving. If you ever want to discuss that issue you mentioned before, have Dennis give us a call. Joel has turned into a complete pussy since Maryann was killed. Or maybe it was because of you, Em. Either way. I want to take them down.”

Rory frowned. He had no idea what Gaelic was talking about. Gaelic flashed down the hall and was gone.

Em slammed the book shut. “Wow. Were you planning on telling me about this before the wedding?”

Rory nodded. “Of course I was. As I said, I was gonna have someone bring the book to you with the page marked. I meant to show it to you last night, but I didn’t make it back on time. Tonight you threw us out moments after we opened our eyes. Are you mad at me, or Joel and Gaelic?”

She dropped her head dramatically and closed her eyes for a moment. “I’m not mad at anyone. I could have done without the last-minute drama. I understand that he is concerned, but so the hell am I. Is this a bad idea?”

Rory almost collided with Russell and Salt as all three men headed toward her. She looked up at them and the desperation in her eyes broke his heart. Rory sat down in front of her. Salt sat to her left and Russell to her right. “I say no. I want this. I want this kind of forever connection with you. We will deal with Vidar when the time comes.”

Em nodded and looked to Salt. He smiled and took her hand. “I want this, also. I have read the same pages as you, and I have no doubt this is right.”

Russell brushed his hand down her hair and she turned to him. “I am not a vampire. I don’t know how the vow will pertain to me, but I have also read it. I make that kind of commitment to you and my promise is law. I’m also not eternal, but I could very well be around for another four or five hundred years. I want this.”

She nodded slowly. Em handed Rory back the book. “I want it, too. With all three of you. It is a commitment we make through love and as Rory said, we will deal with Vidar when the time comes.”

Em strolled out into the hall with Billy at her side. He walked her up the aisle that had been created between the rows of chairs and people standing. Rory, Salt, and Russell all grinned broadly at her. Mia led the way, throwing paper rose petals on the ground as she walked. The hall was really quite stunning and bright. There were huge bouquets of paper flowers to either side of the pedestal. The tables in the background were all decorated with flowers and tablecloths made from long strips of paper that had been discovered in the back storage area.

Billy gave her to Rory and she stepped up to stand before Wesley with the men to either side of her.

“We are gathered here this evening to form a communion of souls between this woman and these men. What you are about to witness here is a traditional vampire commitment vow, rather than a standard wedding one.”

Wesley looked directly at them. “Emerald Slade, have you read the vow?”

“Yes.”

“Do you understand the pledge you are making?”

“I do.”

“Rory Laroche?”

“I do.”

“Salt Trantono?”

“I do.”

“Russell Cane, you are not a vampire, but do you?”

“Yes.”

“Now that all are in agreement, I will recite the vow. When I am done, each of you has a chance to say yes or no. That answer will be binding for eternity.”

He glanced at each one of them and then continued. “By the nature of vampire, we are to walk the earth eternal. We are neither dead or alive by the standards of man. That does not mean that we cannot love. With such love comes heartfelt warmth of emotion. The four of you stand before me now, because you know deep in your souls that your emotions are as eternal as your bodies. By that nature, you can form a bond in which no one can break. I will now translate the ancient words which will bind you body, mind and soul to one another.

“By the glow of the moon and the dark of sky.

By the miracle of blood we do not die.

With that eternity comes our plight,

to discover and hold dear that within our sight.

Be it rare that love can withstand,

the passing years of vampire sand.

When it does, it is truly blessed

and with this vow be an eternal quest.

By heart, by mind, by blood I say,

that your love will withstand until your final day.

Are you all in agreement?”

Em smiled and looked at each man and nodded. “I am.”

Rory stroked her cheek. “I am.”

She turned to Salt. His grin was ethereal. “I am.”

Russell’s face reflected only pride. “I am.”

“Then as the speaker of the vow, I say that you have all made a commitment this night that cannot be broken by time. Congratulations.”

Rory dragged her into his arms and kissed her with such passion that Em wanted nothing more than to go back to their rooms. It was not possible. Everyone had worked too hard to make the event festive and they needed to stay around. Rory turned her to Salt who smiled brightly and swept her into an embrace. His kiss was soft and gentle, in direct opposition to his nature. Salt then turned her to Russell. He took her face in his hands and kissed her lovingly.

Em sighed and turned to those gathered. “That’s it. Let’s party.”

Everyone waited in line to congratulate them and then the festivities began. Wine, which someone had made from wild berries, was poured for a toast. Em was surprised when each of them were handed a glass of fresh blood. She had no idea who had contributed it, but she had a suspicion that it was one of the cows. It tasted like cow blood.

As she drank, she remembered a day so long ago. She had asked Joel if the humans were to be treated like vampire cattle. He had said no, and that had never been the case. Now they were celebrating together like a true community of friends.

THE END

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Kat Barrett lives in her small home with her husband of many years. She spends much of her time in artistic pursuits, writing or doing artwork. Kat is involved with basenji rescue, but loves all animals. She tries to help out whenever she can. Her dogs Taz and Ashle, although gone now, will always hold a place in her heart.

She is grateful for her family, friends, and her fans and wishes to thank them all for their support. You can find more information about Kat and her books on her website,

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