Chapter 21-
(Shan)
"She's so amazing," Shan says, sitting by a sleeping Catarina.
"Yes, she truly is," Mr. C agrees.
(Catarina)
It takes a long time for me to heal but as soon as I can move a little without screaming we all celebrate with a feast and music and dancing. I can't dance because I am not really healed so I just hold onto Shan and way slightly. I am wearing black lace up ballet flats and a red dress. My hair is in a bun and on of course placed on my head is my treasured tiara from Arra. I still have bandages on and it still hurts but Shan is very careful with me. I am so happy to be in his arms again, to be alive and proved myself. I am a real General now.
About two years later, it was Shan who took the trials. I wasn't as nervous as the first time. I watched silently each time and congratulated him when he made it through. After his fourth trial he we went to the water fall to wash up. I helped him wash all the dirt away and clean any cuts or bruises. Then we kissed and he pulled me out of the water. We sat on the ground on a towel and made out. We were both only wearing under garments. It didn't take long for him to undo my bra and toss it to the ground beside us. His hand cupped the side of my chest gently, his other on my waist.
Out of the four years we were together there had been so much going on, we only ended up making love twice. The once right after we told Seba what happened, and the second time as soon as I was feeling well and healed after my own trials were completed. I never did completely heal though. I have scars on my back from the tiger's claws.
I pull him close to me and he finally tugs my panties off of me. I tug his boxers off of him and he lies on top of me. Someone could walk in but neither one of us are thinking about that. We make love there on the towel by the waterfall.
Shan completed his trials without fail. There wasn't a lot of time to celebrate though. We did have a feast and during the feast Shan stood up and got everyone's attention. He thanked them for their support and so on...then he thanked me too. And he got down on one knee in front of me. I was surprised. "Catarina, I love you so much more than I could ever say. You mean the world to me. I couldn't have done an of this without you. I never want to be without you. You are amazing. Please, will you be my mate?"
I took a deep breath then I smiled. "Yes, of course."
He stood up and we hugged, kissing quickly. Everyone cheered loudly.
(Shan)
Shan had told Mr. C his plans before he did that. "Mr. Crepsley, there's something important I need to talk to you about."
"Okay," he sat down and faced his assistant.
"If I finish the trials alive, I'm going to ask Catarina to be my mate."
"You've thought about this?"
He nodded. "Yes, I have thought about it a lot."
"Good luck Darren. Congratulations," Mr. C patted him on the shoulder.
(Catarina)
Vampaneze were ready to fight.
Two years after he completed his trials, we were in a full on war with Vampaneze. Shan was one of the princes in charge of war strategy. He sits in his throne and sends out vampire Generals to fight, but not me. Some people argued that he was playing favorites but he said he needed me here for help. I told him "You could send me. I am a General. It's my job."
"I need you here," he replied simply.