Toman swallowed hard as he stepped toward the area that had been cleared for this. When he told her father all those days ago he’d had a lot of confidence, now? Crap he felt as if he was about to pass out but why? It was just Naci, he’d seen her before why was he scared? Hell even the hunters had been nothing compared to this! Swallowing hard again Toman took a step into the circle not far behind Merlin.
Naci felt rather than heard Toman as he stepped into the circle. A low gasp escaped her throat as she saw that Toman ALSO had bruises about his face, neck and shoulders. Growling she glared and growled at her uncle. How dare he?! Merlin suddenly got a worried look on his face neither one of them had been able to do a proper healing though Toman had used most of his on him. Crap that boy’s power was outstanding. With this latest exercise Merlin estimated that Toman had all but one percent control.
I swallowed again when I heard Naci growl, then I noticed she was staring at Merlin! Smiling a bit it soon disappeared as soon as I got a real good look at Naci! Then I really did almost pass out. By all that was holy! She was absolutely the single most beautiful female I’d ever seen! (I’d have to make sure to apologize to mother later.)
Damn I thought why am I so nervous? I have to remember it’s only Naci! It’s only Naci! Problem is the closer I got to her the more my heart was damn near pounding out of my chest. The white dress of animal skin she wore was hugging her body like a second skin! Every inch of her femininity was highlighted and I could swear heightened!
Pops got in step beside me as I moved slowly toward her. [Breathe Toman!] I heard pops say as we got closer.
[Damn it I’m trying! What is this? Why in the hell am I so nervous?] I thought to pops. [Is this a spell?]
Pops smiled as he looked at me. [No, I think you are starting to feel for her what she is for you. I imagine you feel a great sense of responsibility for her. That you’d do anything to save or help her.] Pops thoughts said.
I looked at pops with a look of surprise. [Yes! How did you know?!]
Pops smiled, [we all feel it at one time or another.] Here pops looked over at Merlin. [Even Merlin has fallen to this. We’re here son, it’s time.] Pops thought said as he stepped aside as I stood beside Naci.
Tall Bear stepped up then he spoke. “To the tribe today we celebrate the union of my daughter to Toman. The grandson of the tribe’s friend Reg. Toman’s Mother has journeyed far, to witness this as well. It is a good day to unite the families with a strong bond.”
Stepping back the shaman waved the smoke of several burning herbs onto us. “These will protect the both of you driving out those spirits that wish to harm your union.” Finished the man then stepped tying our hands together. “An unending cord of strength to bond your hearts and souls.”
My mouth dropped open as I thought I saw the infinite loop in the design. Damn I thought the eternity symbol this man wasn’t playing around. [I can feel your fear Toman.] I heard Naci’s thoughts. [Please, I will do all I can for you. Please, don’t fear me.]
“Naci, daughter of Tall bear and Palaki. I unite you to Toman, Grandson of Reginald friend of the tribe. Son of Tollan and Drenna. Know both of you this is a sacred bond uniting both of you to one. What you have is far stronger than the rivers and earth. Cherish it always as it will you.” The shaman turned both of us to the rest of the tribe. “These two are now joined before the Great Spirit, may the blessings always shine upon the both of you.”
I was shaking pretty bad thought for a moment I was going to fall. Naci leaned over to me lightly kissing my lips sending a shock through the both of us. “Now my mate and husband we are joined.” She whispered.
I nodded to her as I was too … tongue tied? Shocked? I was sure I just couldn’t get my mouth to work!
Several of the warriors came up to congratulate us, several slapping me on the back with a wink. Sighing yeah I knew what they were thinking, but at the moment I didn’t have time for that! Even if I was feeling the stirring of something, for Naci, in the southern region of my body.
As soon as I could I pulled Naci after me toward mine and pop’s teepee. “We need to pack get going as soon as possible. I am sorry Naci I know you wish a wedding night. Right now we need to leave to ensure they are all safe.”
Naci looked me deep in the eyes as she nodded. “Where you go I go husband. We both have honor to restore to our family. Remember your family is now mine, don’t forget that!”
I nodded then smiled this was going to be interesting to say the least! Then I saw the look of fierce determination in her eyes that I knew oh so well!