One Week Later…
Jorlen looked down from his place high above the festivities. His mother and father were happily dancing in the center of the floor, gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes, and smiles on their lips. His aunts and uncles were not far away, in similar fashion. Jason held Ava in his arms and swept her across the dance floor like they were born to dance together. It was a beautiful sight, full of happiness and peace.
“Why aren’t you down there dancing with your lovely wife?” Lucas asked coming to stand next to Jorlen.
“I could ask you the same thing.”
Lucas shrugged. “Sometimes my King’s safety comes first.” Lucas’s tone was nonchalant.
Jorlen sighed. “I’m fine Lucas. Just getting away for a minute of quiet.” He looked down and saw his sister laughing with Maxie, the sister they never knew they had.
“You know…you should be the happiest man in Antar right now. Besides me of course.” Lucas chuckled.
“I know and I am.”
“You were coronated yesterday as King of Antar, your family is safe and well, and you just married the woman of your dreams. After all of that, why do I hear a silent ‘but’ coming.”
“Just my usual doubts.” Jorlen glanced at Lucas. “I’m so young yet ruling a kingdom I know little about. So many people are depending on me. What if I…”
“Uh uh. Let’s not go there Jorlen. Nothing good comes from ‘what if’s’. I know you. You will do the best you can. You’ll be fine.” Lucas put his hand on Jorlen’s shoulder. “Besides, Maxie, my beautiful sexy wife will be here to help you get going along with your father. Oh, and let’s not forget your father-in-law, who I’m sure will have plenty of input.” Lucas chuckled.
Jorlen shot his best friend a glare. “You just remember that both your father-in-laws will be watching over you. Along with over protective brothers.”
A gleam of fear flashed quickly in Lucas’s eyes before he laughed. “Not to worry. Maxie will be treated like the Queen she is.”
Jorlen shook his head. “I can’t believe that you are actually classified as a King. Who’d have thought?”
“What? I’m not good enough for Kingly status?” Lucas raised a brow at his newly acquired brother.
“Of course you are. You were raised and trained the same as I. It’s just I always pictured you as my Second. My Commander. Not the one to marry my sister and become a one day King of Mantinga.”
Lucas looked down. He watched as his parents kissed on the dance floor and Lyssa standing a little too close to Aryk. Nearby was Cyn, trying to talk Jai into dancing.
“Wild isn’t it?” Lucas huffed. “But I’m still your Second. My oath was to you first. Your protection is number one. That’s why I’m up here instead of down there dancing the night away with my wife.”
Jorlen ran a hand through his hair. “Yes, that you are.” He leaned on the rail and watched in silence.
“We’ll be ok.” Lucas finally broke it. “Come one. Your wife is ready to have her husband.”
Astrid was standing off to the side of the dance floor beside Maxie. They both still wore the beautiful gowns from when they’d exchanged vows in during the earlier Antarian marriage ceremony. They were serenely looking up expectantly at their husbands.
“Yeah, knowing Maxie, she’d send the Antarian Army for you.” Jorlen chuckled as he turned and led Lucas back down to their family and waiting wives.
*~*~*~*~*
“I don’t like this.” Michael growled as he looked over at his daughter. Timberlyn was laughing at something Dravan was saying.
Maria sighed. “I know. But we’ve been over this time and time again. Jason and Ava approved, it will be fine.”
“She’s my little girl Maria. She’s not supposed to grow up. She’s supposed to stay small enough for me to bounce on me knees until I die. Just the thought of her doing…” His voice faded as his head hung.
Maria wrapped her arms around her mate. “You don’t remember my Ritual of Womanhood?”
“Of course I do. You had to tie me to the bed.”
Maria shifted closer to Michael. “Mmmm, that was a great night. I had you at my complete mercy.” Her voice was soft and husky with lust.
Michael lowered his head and breathed in her scent. “Completely.” His voice deep from the memory of what had happened all those years ago.
“You gave me such a hard time.” Maria lifted her head until their lips were just inches apart.
“Hard…yeah.” He breathed out, her scent drowning his senses.
Maria pulled back. “And your daughter will not have to go through all of that.”
Michael was shaken with the loss of Maria’s heat next to him. “What?” He asked trying to knock the desire from his mind.
“Dravan will not cause her all the trouble you did. It’s obvious that he worships the ground she walks on. He will be at her beck and call.”
Michael scowled. “Ok, but why now? Why can’t she wait until she’s older and back in Pathia?”
“Ava and Jason have been informed on what the Ritual is and what it consists of. They are aware of our customs and consented for Dravan to be with Timberlyn. In fact, Ava is quite intrigued by our customs.” Maria raised a hand and brushed Michael’s cheek. “Timberlyn is 16 years old. Just a ritual away from womanhood. She has chosen. I can’t deny her from wanting to continue with our customs even if we aren’t at home.”
Michael scratched at his brow. “Why can’t we go back to Pathia and let her choose one of those boys?” Michael knew that those from Pathia are more aware of the custom and won’t be heartbroken when Timberlyn moves on.
“Because Serena has agreed to continue Timberlyn’s education while we share our healing knowledge with the Antarians.”
“I still don’t like it.” Michael grumbled.
Maria embraced him tighter. “I know but you’ve got to let it happen. Now, let’s go out and make sure our nephews have their loving family’s support on one of the best days of their lives.”
Michael was still scowling as Maria pulled him toward where Isabel and Alex stood watching the two happy couples dancing. Isabel put her arm around Michael’s waist.
“So…tonight’s the night all the action is going to happen.” Alex said with a smile.
“You are lucky we are in front of a lot of people Alex or I’d beat that smile off your face.” Michael groused at his friend.
Alex merely chuckled at Michael’s threat. “I’ve been there. Kids grow up. Look, one of mine just got married. Besides Michael,” Alex turned to look at him. “You’ve already been through this with Tess. What’s the big deal?”
“Timberlyn is his baby. That’s why. She always has been.” Maria answered with a chuckle.
“It’s ok Michael.” Isabel said. “I can relate. I was bawling like a baby early when Lucas was saying his vows to Maxie. I just wanted to yank him off the platform and hide him away for a few more years.”
Just then Max and Liz strolled over, their faces lit with happiness.
“How are you feeling Max?” Alex asked.
“Wonderful. Jorlen does a great job healing.” Max said. “Not even a limp.”
“I’m glad someone can be happy today.”
“Be happy Michael.” Liz said. “The purpose of this night is to celebrate the beginning of a whole new life, for all of us.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Michael said but he could feel his scowl melting as it always did when Liz was around.
*~*~*~*
Lyssa found herself pressed against the wall of a corridor off the main banquet hall where everyone was gathered for the wedding feast. Aryk’s body was crushed against her warmth, their mouths melded together. Her hands were digging under Aryk’s uniform trying desperately to get to skin. She needed to feel his smoothness against her hands. His warmth to burn deep within her.
Aryk shifted his body, his hardness settling between Lyssa’s legs, showing her how she was affecting him. He moaned breaking the seal of their lips but kept contact to her skin as they slid down her neck, nipping and kissing her creamy skin.
“Aryk…” Lyssa pleaded breathlessly. “We have to stop. We can’t do this here.”
Aryk groaned as if pained, lifting his head from her body. He shifted and let his cock nestle closer to her heated center.
“I know. I know. I just can’t help feeling…” He kissed her cheek. “So aroused with you around. You are constantly on my mind. I’ve been gone for five days and all I wanted to do was be near you.”
“Me too. But we have to wait.” Lyssa lowered her head to Aryk’s chest. His rapid heartbeat vibrating against her cheek.
Aryk pulled her close and shifted them so that he could sit and hold her in his lap. After a few minutes of silence and snuggling close, Aryk broke the silence.
“You wanted to talk?” He asked remembering why they were out here to begin with.
“There’s been something that’s been weighing on my mind. Before Nicholas died, you said that vengeance ends. What did you mean?”
Aryk reached up and rubbed his neck. “Oh, that.” He closed his eyes and sighed.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.” Lyssa started seeing his reaction.
“No. It’s something you should know. My parents died when I was eight years old. They were friends to Ava and outspoken on Khivar’s treatment of Mantinga. We were traveling back home from visiting her when we were attacked. It was made to look like the Resistance had done it, but as I lay near death, I watched them rape my mother, making my father watch before they killed him. Beneath a gap in one man’s rags, I saw a Royal uniform. And his face, I’ll never forget what he looked like as he laughed at the treatment of my mother. He was excited, like he couldn’t wait to see their deaths. It was chilling to watch him.”
“Nicholas.” Lyssa’s voice cracked, barely louder than a breath.
Aryk nodded. “They left me for dead but Jason and his people came along. He took me in, helped me heal, then raised me, trained me. My ambition was high as my vengeance fueled my desire to see him dead. Jason placed me as leader of the Mantinga Resistance when I was but 18 years old.”
“And are you at peace?” Lyssa asked when Aryk stopped talking.
He took a moment to carefully consider her question. “Yes. I am. I knew killing him would never bring my parents back or the life I knew then. But that day, when I saw them rape my mother over and over, I vowed that if I lived, I would see that man dead.”
Lyssa brushed his cheek with her knuckles tenderly. “I’m sure they are proud of the man you’ve become.” She felt a tear trickle down on her hand and wiped it away.
“Thank you.” He whispered.
Lyssa smiled. “We need to get back to the celebration. We’ll have time alone after this is over.”
Aryk nodded and stood pulling Lyssa with him. Together, their hands clasped tightly, they returned to the banquet room.
TBC...
Ok, guys...I just sent the epilogue off to my wonderful partner in crime Strawbehry Shortcake. I should have it up by the end of the week. I can't believe this story if actually coming to an end
You're the greatest, and don't let no one tell you any different 
Without her, this fic would never have been written.