Free Meeting Destiny; Lachlan’s Story (Annalese and the Immortals) by Annie Buff Page A

and waited. She was a vision. The red gown brought out her green eyes. He hoped that strapless number was on properly or she’d be spilling out the top. She made it to the bottom stop and took his hand.
    “Oh my God, Lachlan. You look amazing. Your hair is so beautiful not tied back.”
    “Oh goddess almighty, I’mma have heart failure with you in that dress, lass. No woman has ever looked more beautiful. There is something I need ye for, a proposition from me sire.”
    Lachlan quietly explained and she wholeheartedly agreed. She kissed Lachlan’s cheek, walked over to Vlad and threw her arms around him. He returned the embrace, knowing no words needed to be said.
    They all entered the grand ballroom. Annalese and Lachlan were floored by the beauty of everything. Yup, Sophie was definitely a genius. Vlad poured for everyone, then went to the middle of the room.
    “Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming tonight. I had ulterior motives for this little get-together.” He motioned for Lachlan to join him. “Lachlan McCain, my fledgling. My only sired Vampire will officially by Vampire law become part of the Tepes family tonight. He will don Tepes and it will be permanent, like the dragons on his chest. He will command the same respect as if he were me. Consider him my son.”
    The guests cheered and one from the back held up his glass. “To Lachlan!” The crowd followed suit.
    “Ah,” Vlad continued. “What’s a party without a mating?” That drew everyone’s attention. “Annalese, please.” Vlad held out his hand. “She has blessed this house by agreeing to this mating. More so by loving Lachlan and becoming part of this family.” Vlad finished with, “My dear friend Mehmet will officially do the mating and the naming at midnight. Please enjoy until then.”
    “Hey, fang boy.” Annalese was quiet.
    “Lass.”
    “Are you completely traditional Highland Scot tonight?”
    Lachlan looked at himself thinking the booze may have already gotten the best of her. He was dressed properly for a formal ceremony. So he gave her a look and said, “Aye lass, am I missing something?”
    She was giggling. “Oh I do love a man in a kilt. I could reach under and cop a feel.” She continued to giggle.
    “No lass, I thought it best for undershorts this time. Didna want me man parts freezing off in the cold, but yer welcome to—how did ye put it—cop a feel anytime.”
    The evening progressed and before long, midnight was upon them. Mehmet stood at the hearth of the grand fireplace, the aisle lined with standing red candles. The couple stood before him.
    We have been brought together on this night to bear witness to Lachlan Michael and Annalese Demetra.They’ve chosen this blessed night to complete their mating and vow to one another under the moon, stars and the spirit of the Goddess.”
    Mehmet took their hands and tied them to each other with a red ribbon.
    “Lachlan and Annalese, know now before you go further, since your lives have crossed, you have formed an eternal bond. As you seek your mating in this circle, you are declaring your eternal love. Vows made this night are the ties that bind. Your union will only strengthen over the years and you’re bound from this moment forward. Lachlan, will you honor his woman, equal in this union?”
    “Oh aye, I willa definitely do that.”
    “Annalese, will you honor this man, equal in this union?”
    “Yes, I will,” Lese said, her eyes full of tears.
    “And so the binding is made. You’re joined completely in this life and the next.” Mehmet picked up the athame and cut the ribbon, then took Lachlan’s wrist and cut it.
    Motioning to Annalese, Lachlan spoke, “Angel, take me blood, me life, and me soul. I give it freely, with all the love in me heart.”
    She took his wrist to her mouth. It was only for a moment when Mehmet had her wrist and she looked into Lachlan’s perfect blue eyes. “Lachlan, take my blood, my life, my soul. I give it to you freely