Once the elders had been gone for a few days, Boris decided it was time to begin the seasonal repairs.
Shingles were falling off the roof of the castle. The barn and the stable needed to be repainted. Xander’s grief left a huge hole in the courtyard, and flagstones needed fixing. With the exception of the enchanted part of the flower garden, new flowers were planted. The vegetable garden was tilled and prepared to receive seed.
Wheels were replaced on broken carriages, as well as new ones built. In between all of this, children were being born. Spring was a very busy time for the Clan of Farmers.
Byron was ready to join with the woman who he had been in love with for six years. He loved Regan with everything he had and was aware of his elder brother’s attempts to take her away from him. He was not as naive as Nikolai thought. He was going to do something about it, before Nikolai had the chance to take his woman from him. When he had a short break from his many chores, Byron approached Regan and said, “Beloved, I need to talk to you.”
Regan was busy mixing the paint for the barn. “What about?” she asked as she continued stir.
“Us. Will you take your break now?”
“Certainly.”
Regan immediately stopped what she was doing and looked at Byron. “What is it about us that you wish to speak about?”
“Actually not so much about us as about you and Nikolai.”
Regan, surprised, thought, ‘How does he know?’ She then said aloud, “Nikolai? Beloved, what are you talking about?”
“My brother has desired you from the moment he laid eyes on you. I have always been aware of this. It has only been within the last few months that I have noticed a change in you.”
Regan smiled as she attempted to hide her emotions. “A change in me?”
“Yes. In recent months, you have not been there when I make love to you. You allow me to hold you, but I do not feel the same love from you that I did in the beginning. I have tried for many months to get you to tell me what is going on in your mind, but you have not done so. Therefore, I am asking. Do you still love me?”
Regan, surprised by his question, replied, “Of course I do. I have loved you since the first day I met you.”
“My brother has the power of seduction. Has he placed his powers upon you so that you cannot escape him?”
“No,” Regan lied. “He has not done this to me.”
“Why is it that I smell him on you all the time?”
“I have not been with your brother.”
“Regan, do not lie to me. If he has done this against your will, I will take care of it. However, if you have been with him willingly, I will have you sent away from me. Tell me the truth, Regan. Have you been with my brother?”
Regan knew she could no longer deny the truth, but she could withhold information. She sighed and said, “Forgive me, beloved. I have been with your brother. I could not help myself.”
“Then we are leaving.”
“Leaving?”
“We have discussed this before, have we not? If someone or something were to get in the way of our relationship, we would leave. It is as I have always said; I will not share you with anyone. If Nikolai desires you, he will not have you. We will leave this place so you can be free from his spell. I love you and I am not about to give you up. If you still desire to be with me, then leave with me. If not, then tell me so right now and I will let you go.”
“If we leave, where will we go?”
“The only place we have to go is the Castle of Kings. We will move there and start over. We will join and immediately begin a family. I have not been with you all this time to settle for anything less.”
Regan struggled with her feelings for the past months and thought about how she really felt about the two men in which she was involved. She loved Byron because she always loved him. Again, he was her rock. He loved her unconditionally. Nikolai was her passion. He loved her when he could. She had gone through so much over the past six years. Byron was giving her an ultimatum, so she had to choose.
“Beloved, I admit that I have been intimate with your brother. He loves me only a little less than the one he has been in love with since he was thirteen. I have been jealous of her, hence the reason I have been less attentive to you.”
“When one loves someone a little less, what exactly does that mean? Are you in love with Nik?”
“I do not know for sure, beloved. I do have feelings for your brother, but I am still in love with you.”
“Very well then, we will not disturb the workings of the farm. We will leave here, you and me, and begin anew. If he is in love with you, he will not have you. He has been with just about every woman in the coven, but he will have you no longer.”
“You will make me leave my family?”
“Regan, our family is more than welcome to visit. I wish to get you away from my brother. If he has possessed you, this is the only way.”
“All right, Byron. We will leave, but not before the repairs are complete. I will not burden our family more than necessary.”
“Fine, we will discuss this with my parents.”
“Okay.”
“Oh, and one more thing. I am not to smell my brother’s scent on you ever again. No matter your feelings for him, give him up.”
“Yes, beloved.”
The next day, Byron and Regan were in the sitting room of the Thorn house. Alec and Brie were curious as to why they wanted to talk.
“Son, what was so important that you called us away from our work?”
“Regan and I have decided it is time for us to leave.”
“Leave?” Brie asked.
“Yes, mother, leave. Once we are joined, we are going to live in the Castle of Kings.”
Tears started to well in Brie’s eyes when she asked, “Why?”
“We want to start a family right away, and this is not the place to raise a child. You know that.”
Alec looked at Byron and said, “Why can you not live here in the house with us? This is where we raised you. I have replaced everything in the house, including your bedroom furniture. Your room has not even been slept in.”
Byron shook his head. “No. We will go and stay with grandfather Xander and Mistress Chenoa until a place comes open for us.”
“There is something driving you away from us. Tell me what it is.”
Bryon looked at Alec and replied, “No, I will not tell you. Just know that it is for the best that we move.”
“It is not some ridiculous nonsense that will force your father to disown you, is it? I could not bear the thought of another one of you gone because of stupidity,” Brie said.
“No mother. It is just time that we go and begin to get on with our own lives.”
“What will you do?” Alec asked. “You have worked here for most of your life. All you know how to do is what we do.”
“Father, you must take some credit for teaching all of us life skills as well as how to work the farm. I realize our clan is special, but we still have to eat. I know how to do many things around here that will be just as useful at the Castle of Kings.
“I know how to till the land to get it ready for planting, I can take care of the farm animals, and I can use my hands in many other ways. I will be fine.”
“What about you, Regan? What do you plan to do?”
“I plan to attend university to prepare myself to run a proper household, father.”
“When your children come?” Brie asked.
Byron smiled at his mother and replied, “We will come and visit with all of you after each baby is born. We will hire a nanny, and if necessary, return to the Castle of Kings and continue to work.”
Alec looked at Brie, sighed, then looked at Byron and asked, “Is there anything we can do to stop you?”
“No, father, there is not.”
Brie’s tears were falling freely at the thought of another one of her children leaving her. Alec’s heart went out to his mate. He had to make her understand. “Beloved, they are adults. We have to let them do as they wish.” Brie nodded, put her head on Alec’s shoulder, and continued to cry softly. “You have our blessing to leave. Promise us that you will visit often.”
“We will, father.”
Brie looked at Regan and asked, “Are we still going to keep the same plan for your joining?”
“Yes, mother.”
“In this, I am glad. I will miss you, Regan. You were my first daughter.”
“I will miss you as well, mother.”
Brie stood up and held out her arms to Regan. “Come, give me a hug.”
Regan hugged Brie as tight as she could. She also felt a particular closeness to her mate’s mother. Regan’s own mother died when she was only eight and welcomed Brie into her heart to replace her.
Brie then hugged Byron. “Son, take care of yourself, I will miss you around here.”
“I have already told you, mother. We will visit as often as we can.”
Alec stood up, hugged the both of them as well. “When are you going to leave us?”
“Not until the annual repairs and spring preparations on the property are completed. That way we will not leave you shorthanded.”
Alec smiled. “You have learned a thing or two.”
“I had a good teacher.”
“Well, son, we must get back to work. Remus always needs help when he is cleaning the pumping machines. I promised him I would help, and your mother was helping Isabella and Angeline work out this year’s budget. We have to get back.”
“I understand, father. Do us a favor and tell no one what we discussed. We wish for this to remain a secret until after our joining.”
“Is there a reason for this?”
“I cannot tell you why.”
“Are you certain that you have not done something illegal?”
“No father, nothing illegal. It is just time for us to move on.”
“All right son, you have our blessing.”
“Thank you, father.”
The four of them exited the Thorn home and went back to their duties. One week passed before Nikolai wanted to see Regan. He went to the barn where the painting had begun and passed her a note.
‘I wish to have you. Meet me at the rendezvous.’
Nikolai went to the highest balcony in the castle and waited for thirty minutes. Regan didn’t show. He thought she was just too busy to meet with him. Two days later, the painting had begun at the stables. Nikolai passed her another note.
‘I realize that we are busy, but I miss you. Meet me at the rendezvous.’
Nikolai went to the place that they were to meet and waited for an hour. Regan didn’t show. He did not understand what was going on. Yes, they were very busy, but she could always find a few minutes to be with him. The following day, Nikolai found Regan in the nursery, feeding a baby. He walked up to her, placed another note in her pocket and left.
‘Are you avoiding me? If this is the case, I wish for you to tell me in person the reason why. Meet me at the rendezvous.’
Miraculously, only twenty minutes after he made his way to their hideout, Regan stepped onto the balcony and quietly said, “Hello, Nik.”
Nikolai was happy to see her. He walked to her, grabbed her by the waist, and attempted to kiss her. Regan turned her head and said, “Let me go.”
Nikolai was confused. He let her go and backed away.
“You are avoiding me. What is going on?”
Regan stepped all the way to the railing, leaned on it, and said, “I no longer wish to see you.”
Nikolai refused to believe her words. He walked up behind her and attempted to hug her from behind. Regan moved away from him. “Leave me alone.”
“What has happened? Why do you refuse me now?”
Regan looked Nikolai square in the face and replied, “I do not love you. It has all been a game between you and me. Just a game.”
To his own surprise, he was more hurt than he was angry. “Regan, I know for a fact that you love me. There is no game where the two of us are concerned.”
“If you truly loved me, you would give up Angeline. I am the one that you love only a little less. I no longer wish to be second to her. You love her more than you know and will never leave her side. I can no longer accept this, therefore I am leaving you.”
“You cannot do this to me.”
“Why not? Why is it that Nikolai always wins?”
Nikolai truly loved Regan and his heart was breaking with her every word. He had no answer for her question, only a question of his own.
“It is Byron. Is he making you do this? I suppose I am the one that you love a little less.”
“I do not love you at all, Nik. I was fooling myself. Your lovemaking has the power to make women think they love you. Hence, the reason you have so many hate you. I will not become one of them. I am in love with the man who rescued me. I love Byron and always have. You are only my passion. He is my rock. Loving you will fade over time, Byron’s love is eternal. Please, forgive me for doing this in this way, but since you wanted to know in person, I am telling you. I do not wish for us to be together again. Angeline is the one who deserves you, not me.”
Nikolai was surprised at her words. Never turned down by any woman, he decided that he would resort to his powers. He turned them up to medium and approached Regan again. This time, he was able to kiss her. Regan had her head on straight and knew what he was attempting to do.
“Nik, it will not work anymore. You have lied to me. You say that your power has worn off over time, yet it has not. Even now as my mouth rejects you, my body does not.”
“Give in, my dear.”
“No. Nik, please, I beg you. Leave me alone.”
Nikolai was taken aback. No one had ever been able to resist him, yet somehow, Regan found a way.
“Is this what you really want?”
She couldn’t look at him and replied, “Yes. Our being together will only cause our family more pain. I can no longer do this.”
Nikolai, crushed, backed away from her. “You are the first who has ever been able to refuse me. If this is what you truly want, I will honor your wish, but you have to tell me the real reason why.”
Regan leaned over the balcony and began to cry. Byron told her not to say anything to anyone about leaving, but she felt she owed Nikolai an explanation.
“Byron and I are to join soon. He is aware that you and I have been together. He is purposely tearing me away from you.”
“You do love me.”
“Yes, I do. I do not wish to be away from you, but I must if I am going to be happy for the rest of my life. Byron can give me that.”
“He is tearing you away from me? What does that mean?”
“He told me that I am never to be with you again.”
“How does he know?”
“I have not said a word, trust me. He has smelled your scent on me that is how he knows. He told me that he would send me away, therefore killing me twice. I will love you from afar, but we can never be together again.”
Nikolai didn’t know what to say. He took a deep breath, sighed, and said, “Fine. I will not cause turbulence within our family. Although it hurts me deeply, I will honor your wish. However, I will not let you leave me without kissing me one last time. Kiss me, Regan and show me that you still love me.”
Regan’s body was aflame, as she wanted more than a kiss. She wanted him to rip her clothing from her body, cradle her in his arms, and penetrate her while she stood. This had become her favorite position and in the future, she would have to teach Byron to do this for her.
Regan looked Nikolai in his eyes, stroked his cheek, gave him a chaste kiss on the lips, and said, “Goodbye, Nik.”
She turned and left the balcony with tears in her eyes and didn’t look back. Nikolai watched her as she descended the stairs. His heart was broken and he didn’t know how to fix it. He screamed a heart-wrenching scream of agony for the world to hear, jumped from the balcony to the ground and ran. No one saw Nikolai for a week.
Two weeks later, the repairs on the property were finished. It was planting season. In the vegetable garden, many different plants were seeded. They planted lettuce, bell peppers, tomatoes, and corn among others. The tastes of the vampires varied, after all.
In the flower garden, they replaced all the annuals that had died out from the previous year. In some places, they planted perennials. This would mean less work for the gardeners the following spring.
There were new animals to take care of. Calves, kids, piglets, chicks and colts, were among the many different animals that resided on the farm. With the exception of the colts, the others would one day end up on someone’s plate.
Nikolai and Regan shared a strained relationship. They desired to be together. Nikolai stayed away because it was her wish and Regan stayed away in order for Byron not to throw her away. They still spoke to one another, but they did not allow themselves the luxury of decent adult conversation. They still cared about one another too much to indulge.
Nikolai began to doubt his feelings for the woman that he loved for half of his life. Was Angeline what he wanted? She was an extraordinarily beautiful woman. The entire coven wanted to be with her. Because of her beauty, he constantly fought and argued about her. Did he really want this? He no longer knew. He only knew he loved her and had for over ten years. When he was younger, he would have killed for her without thinking. Now, because of his age and previous problems, he would hesitate to defend her. Angeline deserved more.
Nikolai and Angeline had finished their chores and were lying in their bed. Angeline expected him to assault her as usual, but he was hesitant. She ran her fingers through his hair and asked, “What is the matter?”
“I have been unfaithful to you, and I am sorry.”
“We have talked about this. I have already forgiven you.”
Nikolai rolled over on his side and said, “Do not forgive me, Angeline. For what I have done, I do not deserve forgiveness.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean I have deep feelings for another. She has recently rejected me, and I am torn by her rejection.”
“You are telling me that you are in love with someone else?”
“Yes.”
“You no longer love me?”
“Angeline, I love you more than you know, but another has come into the picture, and now my thoughts are blurred.”
“Who is it?”
“I will not tell you since she has already rejected me. I am a bit hurt right now. I must learn to get over rejection.”
“Nicky, I am your mate. Handpicked, a decade ago. Do not turn me away.”
“I will not do this. I love you today as I did ten years ago. You are my light and I do not wish to go into darkness. However, understand that I care deeply for another. It has nothing to do with you. You have done nothing for me to shy away from you. I was only doing what I knew how to do, what I am accustomed to. This has managed to get me torn between two lovers, you being the first. Do not leave me, I beg you.”
Angeline wasn’t about to give up her chance at being queen. Of all Nikolai’s brothers, he had the best chance of being king.
“Nik, regardless to what you have done, I will stand by you.”
“I do love you, Angeline.”
“I believe you. Now, please do not waste any more time with talk. Take me. I wish to feel your love.”
Nikolai made love to Angeline, though his heart was not in it. He pushed eight inches into her and called her name, but that night he only thought of Regan. How was he going to get her back? How was he to make her once again notice him? Nikolai had a lot on which to think. Angeline or Regan. The love of his life or his love for now.
He pounded Angeline and contemplated this at the same time.
It was now the end of May. Byron and Regan’s joining was to take place on June fifth. It was time for the family to pack their things and head to the Castle of Kings. They had only six days to get there and get everything prepared.
Brie and Regan planned an unusual ceremony. They were to join in the flower garden with only family and a few close friends. Bertrand was to perform the ceremony, since both Darth and Xander were family. This pleased both of them. For a change, they would get an opportunity to enjoy their family without doing any work.
As the carriages pulled into the courtyard, Darth, Xander and Bertrand were there to greet them.
Boris was the first to step from his carriage, followed by Isabella, Alec, and Brie. The next carriage contained, Nikolai, Angeline, Remus, and Emma.
The last and final carriage had only two occupants, Byron and Regan. Byron purposely chose not to ride in the carriage with his brother in fear of what he might say to him.
After everyone disembarked and said their hellos, they all went to Darth’s chamber. There they found an abundance of nourishment. Darth’s staff prepared the usual, the blood of humans, vampires, and animals. There was also normal food for those who wished to consume it. Darth was happy to have his family near him, where Ulsa was happy, to a point. Regan was to join with her favorite grandson and she was not thrilled.
Since she couldn’t stop their joining, she decided to pull back from her normal routine to try to understand what the attraction was. Byron was holding Regan by her waist with his left arm, holding a glass of wine with his right, when Ulsa approached them. Neither of them said anything to her, considering the last conversation they had. Ulsa was not going to lose the love of her favorite grandson, and decided to concede.
“Byron, let me offer my congratulations.”
“Thank you, grandmother. Do you really mean it?” Byron asked.
Ulsa took a step back, pursed her lips, and asked, “What do you mean?”
It was at that moment Bryon went down the road of being guarded and mistrusting. It was unfortunate that Ulsa was on the receiving end of this.
“All my life, I have heard your words and heeded them without fail. Regan comes into my life and you change on me. I know that you do not care for my mate, as you have told me several times. However, grandmother, it is my happiness, not yours, that will take place in a few days. I wish for you to accept my choice and not force others down my throat. It is as I have told you before. I am for Regan and she is for me.”
“I have tried and tried for a year to sway you. Because she is your choice, I will accept her. However, because she does not share my desire for greatness, I will always see her in a different light. She does not have vampire ambition. She is not good for you, but again, she is your choice. I wish you all the luck in the world, grandson.” Ulsa walked away feeling that something was wrong between Byron and Regan. She just couldn’t put her finger on it.
Byron and Regan made their way to speak with Xander and Chenoa. Byron wanted to speak with them about their planned living arrangement. The two of them were stuck to each other like glue. Xander drank wine and Chenoa had blood.
“Hello, grandfather. Mistress Chenoa,” Byron said, lowering his eyes to his grandfather and new bride.
Xander and Chenoa spoke back in turn.
“Hello Byron, Mistress Regan. Congratulations,” Xander said with a huge smile on his face.
Chenoa also smiled. “Yes, congratulations.”
“Thank you, mistress,” Regan quietly said.
“Grandfather, would you and Mistress Chenoa mind joining us outside the king’s chamber for a moment? There is something we would like to speak with you about.”
“Certainly.”
They stepped into the hallway just beyond the door. Byron wasted no time in saying what he wanted to say.
“Grandfather, Regan, and I have decided that it is time for us to move away from the farm. I am tired of the screaming children and the ridiculous amount of work that we do. Regan would like to attend Leader Prep and there is no way for her to do that unless she is here.”
Xander tilted his head slightly to the right. “What are you asking me, exactly?”
“After we are joined, we want to move here.”
“Currently, there is not a spare chamber in the castle. Where will you live?”
“We thought we could stay with you until a chamber becomes available. Will this be feasible?”
Xander looked at Chenoa, she nodded, and Xander replied, “You may have Kristopher’s old room.”
“Thank you, grandfather.”
“As far as work is concerned, what do you plan to do?” Xander asked.
“I am skilled with my hands and can do just about anything.”
“I will help you find work.”
“Grandfather, mistress, please do not mention this to anyone. Right now, the only ones who know of our plan are my parents. They have not told anyone, not even Master Boris.”
“Boris is not going to like this.”
“He will be angry, yes, but this is our choice. I will speak with the king and Master Boris after Regan and I are joined. Now that we are here, we do not plan to go back.”
Xander nodded. “Fine.”
“Thank you very much, grandfather.”
Xander sighed. “Let us get back. This is, in essence, an impromptu engagement party for the two of you.”
“Yes, you are right.” Byron agreed.
They went back into the king’s chamber and continued to enjoy each other.
Nikolai, gently holding onto Angeline, smiled and laughed about various topics with everyone with whom he spoke. The entire time, there were two women watching him. Jayde had been starving without him. When they were together last, he made love to her as no other had before. She, being the very sexual creature that she was, wanted to have him again. Regan’s heart was breaking at just the sound of his laugh. She wanted him. She yearned to be with him, yet couldn’t have him. She cursed her weakness for desiring him.
Darth and Ulsa were talking with Nikolai and Angeline.
“So, Nik, what are your plans? When will I have to send someone to start on the construction of your house?”
“When we get back to the farm, I will begin to clear the land. I will inform you when this is finished.”
“While you are here, I would like you and Angeline to go see Heinrik. Do not tell anyone, but I am going to furnish your house.”
“Grandfather, you do not have to do this.”
“Yes, I do. Your father spent your clan’s annual budget on the redecoration of his home. I will do this for you. Money is not an object.”
“Thank you, grandfather.”
“Do me a favor and pick out the finest furnishings that you can. I want you to make your father jealous.”
“My lord, you are most generous,” Angeline said as she smiled.
“It is still my plan to make Nikolai my successor. He cannot be so if his home is shabby, dear child.”
When the evening was finished, all but Byron and Regan stayed in Darth’s chamber for the extent of their stay. Byron was determined to keep her as far away from Nikolai as he could.
The night of the joining, Byron was an absolute mess. He was in his room with his father and Xander.
“How do I look?” Byron asked.
“Fine.” Xander smiled with pride.
Alec, being a stickler for detail said, “Fix your hair, it is out of place. Your tie is crooked and your shoes are dusty.”
“I will fix it all.”
Fifteen minutes later, redressed and shined, he asked, “Now?”
Alec inspected Byron and said, “Perfect.”
“Father, I love Regan and nothing can stop me from joining with her, but do you agree with what I want to do?”
“She complements you perfectly son. Why do you ask?”
“Grandmother does not like her.”
Alec sighed and said, “Ulsa has her own mind and her own feelings. The king does not share them.”
“And your feelings, father?”
“I will not interfere where it is not my place to do so. You love Regan, you join with her.”
“But grandmother does not like her.”
“Byron, you are almost twenty-two years old. Your feelings are your own. If you love Regan enough to join with her, then that is your business. I will stand behind you regardless of your decision.”
“You are fine with me leaving the farm?”
“I would have expressed my feelings differently when you first told me if I were not fine with it. Boris will not be happy, but leave him to me. Get on with your life, if that is your choice.”
“Grandfather, what is your opinion?”
“I have already told you what I think. Regan is a wonderful girl, and I am happy to see her as an official member of our family. Your father is right. Do not let Ulsa dictate your choices. You love Regan so join with her.”
“Thank you, grandfather.”
“You are welcome.”
It was an extremely warm night for June. Summer was just around the corner and everyone had a good feeling about the night in question. Regan was inside the castle waiting for her cue, and Byron was outside waiting for her to make her entrance.
Bertrand started the ceremony.
“Family, tonight we are here to witness the joining of Master Byron Thorn and Mistress Regan Gore. I am proud that they asked me to be the one to join them. I care deeply for everyone within the Clan of Farmers, as it is my brother’s clan. It is not often that one oversees a ceremony of such great importance, and I again am very proud to join Byron to one that he loves most dearly.
“Master Byron, are you ready?”
“I am ready, my lord.”
“Fine. Mistress Belinda, will you please go and tell Mistress Regan that it is time?”
Belinda went to inform Regan that it was time to make her entrance. Regan waited for Belinda to take her seat, and entered into the garden in her beautiful midnight blue gown. Byron smiled as she made her way toward him. Moments later, she stood next to him. He kissed her on the cheek and said, “Beautiful.”
Regan smiled and said nothing. Bertrand continued with the ceremony. “Family, we are here to witness the joining of two who have found each other so very early in their lives. They have expressed their love for each other amongst themselves, but a true joining is not valid until witnessed by others.
“Master Byron and Mistress Regan are known throughout our coven. Master Byron originated in the Clan of Farmers, a hard working clan that lives only to propagate our species. “Mistress Regan originated in a small farming village not far from the Castle of Farmers, and was human. She is one of my very own children now. I had the honor of turning her myself. Tonight she will leave the Clan of the Night and officially become one of the Clan of Farmers. I am sad to lose her.
“Master Byron, whenever you are ready.”
Byron held Regan’s hands and said, “Regan, there are things in life that are inevitable, and I am powerless to control them. The sun will rise and set, the tide will come in and out, the seasons will change, and the birds will fly south for the winter and return in the spring. The caterpillar will transform itself into a beautiful butterfly. Somehow, I feel reassured by this, because many other things in life are so transient, so momentary. Regan, from the moment we met, I knew our friendship would develop into something lasting and precious, just as I am sure that the caterpillar will one day become a beautiful butterfly.
“Dearest, our love is a union of two spirits destined for everlasting happiness. Thus, you have truly become the star of my life, which brings me light in this dark world and warmth when I need it. You offer me the promise of renewal, the joy of living, the peace of mind that comes from sharing and caring and that shoulder to lean on in times of stress. You are my precious butterfly and I will cherish you and love you forever.”
Regan looked into Byron’s eyes and said, “My beloved Byron, do you remember the first day we met? From the moment I saw you, I knew you were the one for me. These past six years that I have spent with you have been the best six years of my life, for you have become not just my lover and companion, but also my best friend. I promise to love and cherish you, to keep you close and with faithfulness, to be your prop and helpmate in times of need, to make you laugh and to hold you when you cry, to hold you to the highest respect and honor as you so deserve for the rest of my life.”
Bertrand turned his attention to Byron. “Master Byron, you have heard the vows of the woman of which you wish to be joined. Are you satisfied that she will do all that she says?”
“I am, my lord.”
“Mistress Regan, you have heard the vows of the man of which you wish to be joined. Are you satisfied that he will do all that he says?”
“I am, my lord.”
“Mistress Regan, you have a decision to make. Although our coven is well over a thousand years old, it is still not common to take the name of the one, which we are to join. I would say it takes a special kind of love for a woman to give up her family name.
“It is our family name that keeps us connected to our original clans. If a woman wishes to give up her family name, that is her choice and her choice alone. Please look at Master Byron and tell him of your decision.”
“Byron Darth Thorn, I wish to take your name as my own, because you rescued me from my former life. Because I do this, you will know that you will always come first in my life. Will you allow me to do this?”
“I will.”
Family, may I present to you Master and Mistress Byron Thorn. I as well as all present give both of you our blessing to show each other love throughout eternity.”
Byron smiled and stroked Regan’s cheek. He placed his hand gently behind her head and pulled her toward him. He then leaned in and kissed her gently.
Nikolai hated every minute of what he saw. He missed kissing Regan. He desired to hold her in his arms once again. He kept this to himself as he stood and applauded just as everyone else did.
“Party in Thorn Hall, everyone!” Darth said as he smiled.
Everyone turned to go into the castle. One of Malachi’s servants greeted Nikolai. “Master Nikolai, might I have a word with you alone?”
“Certainly, mistress.” Nikolai turned to Angeline and said, “I will join you inside shortly.”
Angeline kissed him on the cheek and followed the others to the party. Nikolai then waited until she was out of earshot before he allowed the short, cute woman to speak.
“What is it, mistress?”
“Master Lucas has requested your presence.”
“I will not go. I do not wish to see him.”
“In that case, he told me to give you this,” she said as she handed him a letter.
Nikolai took the letter. “Thank you.”
“You are very welcome, my lord,” she said and walked away.
Nikolai stood with the letter in his hand, not wanting to open it. He knew Lucas wasn’t supposed to contact anyone in the family except Brie. Why was Lucas writing to him? He decided he wasn’t going to find out. He put the letter in his pocket and went to join the others at the party.
After an hour or so, everyone was having a good time. Byron thought it was time for him to drop the bomb on the rest of his family. He stood in the front of the room and tapped on the side of his glass with a fork.
“Can I have everyone’s attention, please?” Byron asked loudly and continued to tap on the glass.
The room quieted down and they all looked at Byron.
“Regan, beloved, will you join me?”
Regan got up and went to the front of the room. Byron put his hand around her waist, pulled her close, and continued to speak.
“We would like to thank all of you for coming to a joining that should have taken place almost a year ago. We all know why it did not. I will just say that over the past year, our family has endured a lot. However, we continue because we are Thorns. Recently, Regan and I decided to start a family. When we find the right woman to be a surrogate, we will begin.” Byron braced himself for what he was about to say next because the room was about to erupt. “However, we will not be living at the Castle of Farmers.”
He paused and waited for the room to go crazy. It took a moment, but it did. Boris was the most vocal.
“Byron, you cannot leave!”
“Master Boris, please forgive us, but we do not want our children to be raised at the farm so they have to work for the rest of their lives. We do not wish to work for the rest of our lives, either. There are many other things that we would like to learn to do.”
Isabella asked, “Where are you going to live, if not with your family?”
Xander stood up. “They are going to live with me and Chenoa.”
“When did you learn of this?” Boris asked.
“I learned about this when you all arrived. Byron asked that Chenoa and I not tell anyone.”
Boris turned his attention to Alec. “You knew about this as well?”
Alec nodded. “Yes. I learned of it a few weeks ago. I tried to talk them out of it, but they would not change their minds.”
“Byron, are you certain that you want to leave the farm?” Boris asked. “If you do this, you will be without a clan.”
Xander, Bertrand, and Julian all said, “They can join my clan.”
Xander glared at Julian. “I did not want Brie to be a part of your clan. What makes you think I am going to let my grandson join you?”
That was all it took for the two of them to start arguing.
“Well at least he will learn how to be a proper vampire.” Julian said as he stood up ready for Xander to attack him.
“Are you insinuating that my daughter is not a proper vampire?”
“You said it, I did not.”
“Julian Drake, you take that back!”
“I will not.”
Xander started walking toward Julian. Darth had to get the room back under control.
“Xander!” Darth yelled, and Xander stopped in his tracks. “The two of you should be ashamed of yourselves. You call yourselves leaders. Leaders do not argue and fight in public, and they most defiantly do not do it in front of me when we are outside of council chambers. Sit down.” The two men continued to glare at each other, but did as the king commanded. Darth continued, “It is up to Byron and Regan which clan they want to join. I would be more than happy to allow them to join my clan, but it is not up to any of us. Byron, you may answer Master Boris now.”
“Thank you, my lord. Master Boris, we do not know what clan we will be a part of, but yes, we are certain that we wish to leave the farm.”
“Very well then, since your parents could not talk you out of it, I will not try. I will allow you to leave. When we get back to the farm, I will have all your things sent to you.”
“Thank you.”
“Master Darth, I am going to need one that is good with his hands and one that loves children as their replacements.”
“I will get on that straight away.”
Byron looked around the room and said, “I am sorry if I have ruined your good time, but please do continue.”
Byron gave Regan a kiss on the cheek, looked at Nikolai, and gave him a cunning smile. Nikolai’s face was red with anger. He decided that some time before they left the party, he was going to have a private conversation with Regan. Nikolai looked at Angeline, said, “Excuse me, beloved,” got up from their table and left the room. He went back out to the garden to cool off.
Two hours later, he returned. He immediately found Regan who was chatting with Chenoa. He leaned over and whispered into her ear, “Meet me in the garden. I wish to speak with you,” and stormed out of the room. In the two hours he spent alone, he had not managed to calm down.
Five minutes later, Regan stepped outside and looked for Nikolai. She didn’t see him, so she quietly called his name. Nikolai stepped out of the shadows, grabbed her by her arm, and pulled her to him. He had his powers up full blast and she couldn’t resist. He kissed her gently and let her go. He then withdrew his powers and asked, “Why?”
“Why what, Nik?”
“Why did you not tell me that you were leaving?”
“Byron swore me to secrecy. I could not tell anyone.”
“I am the one that you love a little less. It is obvious now.”
“Why do you say this?”
“Well, I am. You love Byron more than me.”
Regan had a confused look on her face. “I do. I always have.”
Nikolai then began to get angry all over again. “So, what I witnessed when you told me that we could not see each other anymore was because you love him more than me?”
“What is the matter with you, Nik?”
“Things have recently changed. At least for me they have.”
“Are you saying is that you love me more than Angeline?”
“That is exactly what I am saying. Now there is no chance for us to be together, because you will be here.”
“Perhaps this is for the best.”
“What do you mean this is for the best? Regan, look me in my face and tell me that you love Byron more and I will never bother you again.”
Regan looked into Nikolai’s beautiful blue eyes and said nothing. He patiently waited for a moment longer and she still said nothing.
“It is as I thought. I am very angry with you Regan, but do not worry. I will leave you alone to live with your lie, and I will continue to live mine. Please tell Angeline that I am going to grandfather Darth’s chamber, and she is to join me there. Have a nice life, Mistress Thorn.” Nikolai turned to go back into the castle, but stopped and turned to say, “You look beautiful, by the way,” turned back and headed in the direction of Darth’s chamber.
Regan stood there not knowing what to say. Her heart was beating so fast, she thought it was going to explode. Tears began to run down her face as she cried about her terrible mistake.