Guardians

Chapter Eighteen: Mates

We rushed home and changed. I slid on a white lace dress. It was short with long sleeves. The neckline was high but the back was open. I pulled my hair up and slid on a black band around my head and stepped into black heels.

            “Oh wow.” Damon grinned at me as I came into the foyer “You look beautiful.” He wore all back with the tip of a white shirt showing under his back shirt.

            “So do you.” I kissed him.

            “I like how it doesn’t take you long to get ready.” He cupped my cheek. “You use your natural beauty instead of covering it up.”

            I laughed and picked up my phone from the table and heard a camera.  I turned and saw Damon lowering his phone. “Did you just take a picture of me?”

            Damon smiled. “I told you, you look beautiful.” He came to stand next to me and wrapped his arms around me. “I can never get used to how amazing you are, how you’re always there and you always know what to say, you’re beyond amazing.”

            I laughed. “I love you too and we need to get going,” I said glancing over at the clock.

            “But that means I have to let you go and I don’t want to.” He pulled me tighter to him.

            “I know but you get me all night and every night for the rest of our lives together. Also if we never let go then one day we would get used to the fell of each other.”

            Damon kissed my tattoo. “I could never get used to you. Every second I’m with you my body is on fire.”

            “I know.” I turned my head to kiss him. His lips were soft against mine. I couldn’t tell where I ended and he began, we were one.

            My eyes scanned the list. Good Will and Katlyn are to be mates and so are Jess and Emily. My eyes searched for another name. “Why isn’t Cam’s name on here?”

            “He asked not to be. He didn’t want to have a mate,” Damon explained. “Also he was gone so the Elders never thought he would come back so they never tried to see who would be a good mate for him.”

            “Oh…” I looked down.

            “Hey don’t worry about him. He would be happier not mated than be mated to someone he doesn’t love. He’s like Danielson.” Damon slid his hand into mine. “Ready to tell them?”

            I nodded and Damon called everyone’s attention. We had been on the stage but since everyone was talking no one could hear us. Damon quieted them.

            “Today,” I started. “We all become mates. No longer are we the younger guardians but a part of the fighting Guardians. We now are the first line of protection for Dalvin.” I smiled. “I know all of you have been dying for this day. It’s no longer mom and dad or Mr. or Mrs. but Leyon, Menia, Zaxon, John. We are one of them.”

            “And with that comes mating,” Damon said. “We work best in pairs and so we find out who we spend the rest of our lives with.”

            “Hey you two already know so hurry up,” Jess shouted. “Some of us have been waiting.”

            Everyone laughed and Damon held my hand. “Alright Jess Calmen you’re with…”

            “Emily Collins,” I said.

            “Calton Cummings.”