Once again, this chapter falls under the M rating.
—/—/—/—begin—/—/—
The sun was beginning it's descent by the time Sam and Jack emerged from the bathing area. They were both dressed in simple red robes, which according to Bettany and Teegan, were designed specifically for the wedding ceremony; or rather what would happen after.
As they walked hand-in-hand, Sam couldn't help but think about what they'd just done. The intimacy of it shook her. While it had been amazing, it had also been somewhat terrifying. When she'd let go, the full force of Jack's desire had slammed into her. She'd felt everything he had felt, but all at once; the sensory overload making it impossible to distinguish her thoughts and feelings from his.
She pushed her thoughts aside as they rounded the corner and came upon a clearing. The site Teegan and Bettany had chosen for the ceremony was breathtaking; the woods opened up, allowing sunlight to stream all the way down to the forest floor. In the center of he clearing, the three members of the high council, along with Bethany and Teegan waited.
"Welcome," Onack smiled at them. "You are here tonight to complete the marriage ceremony, and submit to the fire; the last steps in the bonding process."
Jalen stepped forward to speak next. "Are you ready to begin?" At both of their nods, he continued. "Please join your hands."
Sam placed both of her hands into Jack's as they faced each another. Her nervousness was rising, but Jack distracted her as he rubbed small circles on the backs of her hand with his thumbs, sending pleasant shivers throughout her body.
"Samantha, close your eyes and open your mind to Jack, let yourself trust the bond you have been building," Jalen instructed her. "Visualize the wall we all innately create around our minds, and picture a doorway forming within it. This door is sacred, it is intended solely for your bonded mate—no one else may use it."
Sam closed her eyes and centered her breathing. She could see the wall Jalen described rising high around her. She'd come to rely on that wall, she realized; used it to protect herself from the love she had been forbidden from feeling for so long. It took several seconds, but pushing the last of the rules and regulations from her mind, she finally imagined the door.
"Now imagine yourself opening the door and invite your bonded mate inside. Surrender your mind to him; trust that he will keep you safe," Jalen kept his voice at a low, soothing tone.
Sam hesitated briefly before imagining her door opening, inviting Jack inside—
There you are, she sighed sensing the warmth of Jack's presence.
"Using your mind, reach out and touch him; allow him to touch you," Jalen sounded farther away; her mind closing him out, knowing he wasn't allowed to be a part of this special place.
Lifting her arm in her mind's eye, Sam brushed her fingers across Jack's jawline. At the same time she felt the backs of his fingers trail down her cheek; without thought she leaned into the caress.
"Samantha," Onack's voice barely penetrated the warm cocoon she had formed with Jack. "Do you promise to willingly surrender your body, mind, and soul to Jack?"
"I do," Sam breathed without hesitation.
"Jack," Ornack's voice continued, "do you accept Samantha's gift to you? Will you always please her body, protect her mind, and share her soul?"
"Forever," Jack said, his voice filled out emotion.
"As you open your eyes," Jalen instructed her again, "leave the doorway you've created open for Jack, surrender to him."
As her eyes fluttered open, Jack leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. No one had instructed him to kiss the bride, but Sam knew it was his way of bringing just a little bit of Earth into the ceremony.
The kiss was sweet and quick, over before it started, leaving Sam wanting just a bit more. The bond between them told her Jack felt the same way.
Bettany touched her shoulder drawing Sam's attention, as she handed her a cup filled with red liquid.
"The final stage of bonding is the fire," Simao said. "During which you will fulfill the rest of your vow by surrendering body and soul to your husband. Drink," he told her.
Sam held her breath as she raised the cup to her mouth, tipping it until the liquid touched her lips. It tasted sweet on her tongue as she took a long sip. Handing the cup back to Bettany, Sam waited for something to happen. After a few seconds, a feeling of disappointment began to form as nothing happened.
"I don't think—" she began, but stopped short. "Oh," she breathed out as an incredibly warm feeling formed and spread outward. It wasn't unpleasant at all; in fact it sort of tingled. "That feels odd," she pressed a hand to her chest, her breasts growing heavy, as her nipples hardened. The soft robe began to feel rough against her sensitive skin.
"Ohh," she said again more strongly as the tingly sensation surged downward. Sam felt liquid heat pool between her legs, as the warmth shifted into a burning need.
"Jack!" She called as her legs suddenly buckled, but he was already there, catching her as she fell.
"I've got you," Jack whispered, holding her tightly against him.
Sam moaned at the feel of his body pressed against her as the throb between her legs intensified. She felt him shift and sweep her into his arms. Sam's vision dimmed as her entire being became centered on Jack.
"Where?" She heard Jack demand, his voice sounding raw.
Sam was vaguely aware of movement as Jack carried her. Her body trembled as he put her down just long enough to remove her robe. She gasped as he scooped her up again; whimpered when she felt him place her on a bed and move away.
She closed her eyes and fought the irrational fear that he'd abandoned her as the fire coursing though her momentarily blocked their connection. But the bed dipped and she moaned at the sudden feel of Jack's hands caressing her skin, pulling her flush against him. As she realized there was no barrier between them, her mind fought to free itself from its dazed state. Her eyes snapped open and locked onto Jack's, as he gazed down at her with burning desire in his eyes.