Free Sacrifice (Gryphon Series) by Stacey Rourke Page B

tremblin’.”
    A lone thought sparked in my mind and built in intensity like a raging wildfire. I peered deep into the gaze of the man I loved— my fiancé .
    “Make love to me.” My voice didn’t waver at this request.
    Caleb ran his fingers through my hair. A sweet smile softened his lips. “As much as I’d love to—and believe me I would—if I want ya’r Grams tah continue tah like me I have tah at least suggest we wait until we’re actually married. We’ve waited this long, what’s a few more months, aye?”
    I scooted off the rocking chair and settled on to his lap with my legs wrapped around him. Only a veil of electricity separated my lips from his. “In my next life I’ll wait. I can’t in this one.”
    O ur mouths met with mutual need. Everything we had, everything we were, we offered to each other. In a puff of smoke we crossed the room. The mattress squeaked softly when Caleb eased me down on to it. I fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, my quaking hands unable to thumb them free. He yanked the bothersome garment over his head and tossed it across the room. My fingers traced across the intricate Celtic pattern branded on his chest, over the crisscrossed scars from countless battles, down those chiseled abs, and finally hooked over the waistband of his jeans.
    Despite the hunger in his eyes, Caleb caught my hand . His voice came out a breathless growl. “Are ya sure this is what ya want, lovey?”
    I said nothing, but let the snap as I unfastened his jeans answer for me. I had no doubts. Before I lost him forever, I would have all of him.

     
     
    CHAPTER TEN
     
    Silky, soft sand slid between my toes. Not a single cloud marred the brilliant blue sky. Sunlight streamed down and warmed my skin with its kiss. A faint breeze lifted my hair and made it dance across my bare shoulders. The sides of my hair were pulled up and pinned with a few brightly colored flowers; the orange Tiger Lily was my favorite. I shifted my bouquet—yellow, fuchsia, orange, and white lilies set against a bed of green ivy—into my right hand. With my free hand I smoothed my dress one last time. The loose, flowing fabric stopped just below my knee. Its empire cut design and thin spaghetti straps made it simple, elegant, and perfect for me. Daddy extended his arm. I happily hooked my own around it. Flecks of gold glimmered in his chestnut eyes as he beamed at me. I smiled back and gave his arm a squeeze.
    In the distance , a guitar strummed softly.
    “That’s our cue. You ready , Cee-Cee?” Daddy asked and closed his hand over mine.
    I took a deep breath of the salty sea air and exhaled slowly. “More than I ’ve ever been ready for anything my entire life.”
    “Let’s go then.” H e winked.
    Ahead of us an aisle awaited sprinkled with rose petals and lined with white folding chairs that held all my friends and family. They turned in their seats as we began our processional. Smiles followed us up the aisle. My heart fluttered in my chest when I saw his silhouette under the floral archway. The turquoise ocean lapped its sweet serenade behind him, yet I marveled at Caleb’s beauty. The sun glistened off his ebony locks. A golden glow brightened his skin. He wore a white buttoned-down shirt left untucked with the sleeves rolled up and khaki slacks rather than a tux. His feet were bare, just like mine.
    Daddy kissed me on the cheek, placed my hand gently in Caleb’s, and took his seat beside Mom. A tear slid from his eye and Mom laid her hand on his knee to comfort him.
    “Dearly beloved,” a harsh voice began. My head whipped around. Presiding over our nuptials was the Grand Councilwoman, the same gruff and unforgiving woman that had stripped Alaina of her powers and saddled me with my own little gnome of doom. Her gown of raven feathers covered all but her hands and pinched face. The feathers on her head were pulled tightly back in a makeshift bun. “We are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in