Chapter Fourteen
Lorena stood out on the stone balcony of her home, bathed in moonlight, looking out at the moon. Most of her wounds were already mostly healed, but she was still horribly shaken from the battle with Draco. Micheal and she had barely made it out alive. Micheal would have a scar or two, a reminder of the battle that would forever stay with him. Both sides had lost many people, burying all the dead would take a few days. After Lorena had blacked out, the news of Draco`s death spread like fire and vampires from both the Livett and Benet Covens fought with one another. Draco`s supporters and opposition had broke into a massive battle that plagued their cities, but it was mainly Lytherian that suffered the worst causalities. Micheal lost many childhood friends and was devastated by their loss. Thankfully, Kellen and Michelle had survived. She, Siree, Adam, and Ian had come away with wounds that would not take long to heal, nor would they leave behind marks of their existence. Darrain on the other hand, had been critically wounded protecting her, he had come within seconds of dying. Lorena had seen it happen and had been with him in the infirmary when he had closed his eyes and Lorena had believed him to be dead. Lorena would never have known that she cared for Darrain if that had never happened. Her realization of her feelings for him disturbed her but Lorena had said nothing about it. She never would, she would bury them deep inside her with all the other things she wanted desperately to forget. Lorena doubted they would ever emotionally heal from the battle, seeing so many people they knew fall. Now for the most difficult part, moving on and healing. Lorena had seen Micheal, badly wounded, fall to the ground. Nothing else in the world had made her so afraid and so heart achingly depressed. If he had died, a part of her, an essential part, would have died with him. Lorena could not walk this earth if he was not on it. Lorena knew she loved him, but had never known how absolutely and how completely. She had never known a love so strong. Lorena heard Micheal toss and turn in their bed just inside the door. Lorena flew to his side and rests her hand in his. His eyes opened and his lips lifted into a small smile. Lorena returned his smile. The white satin sheets were stained red with his blood. The bandage wrapped around his chest stuck to him with blood. Lorena rushed from the room and into the adjacent bathroom to gather up clean medical supplies. In her arms she gathered up clean gauze and a bottle of peroxide. She walked back into the room and set the items on the bedside table. Micheal watched her graceful movements, his eyes sullen, his face showing no hint of the small smile that had been there only seconds before. Lorena carefully removed his dirty bandage. Micheal grounded his teeth together and Lorena apologized for the pain. She soaked the washcloth in the bowl of peroxide and began to gently clean the large gash across his chest. It was the only wound that had yet to heal. Micheal cried out in agony as the peroxide touched the wound. Lorena bit her lip and kept her tears at bay. He writhed and cried out for her to stop but t she continued. If the wound wasn't properly cleaned every few hours it would fester and he would die.
"I am so sorry Micheal, I know baby, and I know it hurts. Shhh." She whispered but it did nothing to quiet his agonized cries.
After she had checked the stitches that bound his wound together she wrapped a clean, sterilized bandage around the wound and gave Micheal a powerful pain reliever. She gathered up the medical supplies and walked back into the bathroom. She shut the bathroom door behind her and dumped the peroxide down the sink and tossed the dirty bandage in the trash. After she had finished her work and washed her hands she sank down the side of the bathtub and cried.
Michelle leaned against Kellen`s shoulder as they sat on the black love seat in front of the fireplace in the living room of Lorena and Micheal`s home. Michelle turned her tear streaked face to Lorena.
"He will survive?" She asked pleadingly.
Lorena nodded.
"I believe so yes. This has been hard on him though."
Michelle nodded her agreement and broke into sobs of joy. Kellen smiled at Lorena.
"Thank you for taking care of him. How have you been holding up?"
Lorena sighed but nodded.
"I am doing okay. I was so scared he wouldn't make it. To see him in such pain and being able to do so little to help him...it killed me."
Kellen nodded his understanding.
"It has been hard on all of us."
It had only taken a few weeks for Micheal`s wounds to heal. Now he was up and about, like his old self. All the death still had taken its toll on him, it was evident sometimes but he hid it well. Now, he was kneeling at Lorena`s feet.
Lorena stared at him, shocked.
"Are you serious?" She couldn't seem to get her voice above a whisper.
Micheal smiled at her and nodded.
"Yes, my love, I am being very serious." he replied trying not to laugh.
He held the engagement ring out to her again. It was the same one he had given her before. The diamonds seemed to shine even more brilliantly then before. He had kept it for her, for the day she returned to him. Lorena blinked back tears. She had thought she had lost it, she hadn't seen it since the day she forced to marry Darrain. Her necklace, she had lost in the battle with Draco and knew that it would never be returned. It was lost among the ashes.
"I am just as sincere as the first time I proposed. I still love you, I always will, and I still want to marry you, if you still want to marry me."
Lorena nodded.
"Yes. My feelings for you have only grown stronger. Yes I still want to marry you." She whispered back and slid the engagement ring back on her finger, where it belonged.
Micheal smiled broadly and stood up. He kissed her and swooped her up into a hug.
Months later...
Siree fussed over her. Fixing every strand of her hair so it was meticulously placed. Lorena`s hair was pinned away from her face and cascaded over her shoulders and down her back before falling in riveting waves of soft, smooth curls at the end. She wore little make up but she shone with beauty. Her allover beaded corded lace wedding gown hugged her chest and waist but was looser after that. It had an A-line neckline and a two inch red satin sash hung around her waist that tied in back. It had a chapel style train and a low back. Siree smiled at her in the full length mirror.
"It's okay Lorena. You look so beautiful!" She gushed.
Lorena felt herself blush. She was nervous. She had never been this nervous before. Siree slid Lorena`s veil on over her hair and gave her the bouquet of red and white roses. Siree gave her an encouraging smile and Lorena gave a very nervous smile back. Siree laughed.
"It really will be okay! I am sure you will do fine!"
Siree`s laughter was interrupted by a knock at the door. Adam and Ian stepped through and smiled at Lorena.
"Wow. Micheal is a very lucky man." Ian said as he sat in one of the chairs in the room. A note of envy and hatred hung to his voice like ice.
"You look gorgeous Lorena." Adam said smiling at her and standing next to Siree.
Siree was Lorena`s maid of honor and Michelle was her only bridesmaid. The dresses were red with white bows. Kellen was Micheal`s best man. Another knock at the door sounded and Michelle poked her head through.
"Two minutes. Come on you guys! Bridesmaids have to go now; we got to get ready to walk down the aisle! Adam and Ian, you two had better get to your seats!"" She hissed.
Siree gave Lorena one last smile of encouragement before heading out the door. The guys said their congratulations and told her not to worry before leaving Lorena alone. She stared at herself in the mirror and tried to calm her nerves. She was surrounded in a very unnatural beauty. This was the moment she had meant to have, the man she was meant to marry. She felt oddly at ease when she thought of Micheal waiting for her to come down that aisle. It seemed the others had only just left before her cue sounded. Lorena bit her lip and walked out the door. The music resounded throughout the small building and her guests stood as she slowly walked down the aisle. Her movements were graceful and she moved like liquid, her body betraying none of the nervousness that racked her. She gripped her bouquet tightly and focused on her movements. Her eyes were locked dead ahead. Micheal slowly turned to her and smiled. Lorena`s heart skipped a beat. She began to feel her fear and nervousness slip away as she began to relax under his smoldering eyes and captivating smile. She felt tears swim in her eyes and a smile grace her face. He was truly handsome in his black tuxedo. This was her day and it was perfect. The wedding was themed red and white and the decorations were very breathtaking, everyone had pitched in to make this a very special day for Lorena, and it was. She didn't know how she would ever thank them for this. She slowly neared the altar and Athien, the man who would marry them, tried to keep from showing astonishment at her beauty but failed, a smile creeping across his features. Micheal smiled at her and took her arm in his.
"You are so beautiful darling." he whispered hotly in her ear.
They turned to face Athien and the wedding proceeded. Lorena was lost in Micheal`s eyes throughout the majority of the wedding. She knew she said that right words at the right time, even though some words were different than the traditional wedding as all weddings in their realm were different then the weddings of the Mortals, but didn't remember much else. She hung on every word of Micheal`s and he on every word of hers. He slid the gold wedding band on her finger, where it would stay for all eternity, and she slid his on his finger, glowing the entire time. Then, very slowly and carefully he lifted her veil, her eyes were evident behind the lace veil, and even more so when their beauty was shown in full, she blinked back tears as he lifted the veil behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her gently against him. He rested his forehead against hers for a moment, whispering so only she could hear,
"I swear by Mother`s light, all I am and all I shall become are because of you. My heart, my soul, my happiness, my sorrow, all rest with you until the day I leave this earth and join the Mother of all in her land, my love for you is eternal, this I swear."
Lorena knew this to be the traditional oath that his kind swore to one another when they wed, she repeated the words back to him, even though she wasn't instructed by Micheal to do so, it somehow felt right, as though not doing so would be a terrible gesture, one she did not want to make. Micheal`s smile grew wider as he tilted her head towards his and met her lips The kiss was intense and passionate. Lorena could feel Micheal vibrate slightly, the change wanting to take him, but he stopped them. Everyone stood, alarmed. Kellen was ready to tackle Micheal and separate the two but Micheal reluctantly broke the kiss, breathless. Lorena gave a small laugh and smiled. Athien declared them man and wife and Micheal swept Lorena into his arms. The tension in the room dissolved and everyone cheered as Micheal carried her towards the door. Lorena quickly threw the bouquet behind them before she was met with more kisses from Micheal.
Lorena was led by Micheal through the doors of the reception hall. Like the wedding, it was ornately decorated with white sashes and red ribbons. Lorena`s heels were echoing through the marble halls and she found the noise to be rather loud, but ignored it. She walked through two massive doors into the main room. Tables and chairs were scattered throughout the room, the opposite side of the room was clear, reserved for dancing. On each side of the room were items pertaining to each type of guest; food and a wedding cake, a three tiered white cake adorned with white flowers on the rim of the cake with edible corded lace encasing it. On the other side of the room, there was a table with wine glasses stretching end to end, filled to the brim with blood. Behind the table was a fountain, elegantly flowing with blood. The guests were divided, the vampires crowded around the fountain, laughing and sipping their drinks, Micheal1s kind, on the other side, sampling the food. They all stopped and turned to face Lorena and Micheal as they entered the room. Even though they were divided, they all broke out into a harmonious cheering and whistling when the newly married couple stepped through the threshold. Siree ran over to Lorena and hugged her tightly.
"Congratulations Lori! It's going to take some used to calling you Mrs. Varona!"
As Siree talked, Kellen made his way through the crowd to Micheal. They embraced quickly before talking and laughing.
"Your wife is stunning. I considered her a part of the family before you two got married, this only makes it official. Congratulations man."
Micheal smiled and thanked Kellen then turned his attention to Lorena.
"Shall we get ready to cut the cake? I know Kellen has been eyeballing it since he got here!" Micheal said with a laugh.
Lorena nodded and took Micheal`s hand in hers and led him to the table where the cake was. As she led him through the crowd of his kind, she received dirty looks from some of them and high remarks from others. They were all very respectful and friendly towards Micheal. For some reason their hostility towards her annoyed her, she and Micheal were married now, they should at least try to hide their distaste for her. She didn't understand why they were acting so harshly towards her; she had done nothing personally wrong to them. Micheal picked up on her annoyance and wrapped his arms around her.
"Ignore them my love." He whispered into her ear as he wrapped his hands over hers on the knife.
As everyone was sitting down at their respected tables, Kellen raised his glass to propose a toast.
"I have known Micheal all our lives, and I was afraid that he wouldn't be taken care of properly, that Lorena would hurt him. As I have seen them together and have gotten to know her myself, I know he is in good hands. I wouldn't want any other girl for him other than the girl sitting next to him now. I wish you guys a happy eternity together. May your love stay strong. To the happy couple!"
All the guests raised their glasses and tipped them back. The evening drew on and Micheal`s kind had had their fill of food, falling into a laid back mood. Periodically guests came to Lorena and Micheal`s table to offer their congratulations and wish them a happy life together. Siree made her way to the table, the last one to do so, and asked Micheal if it was alright if she borrowed Lorena for a moment. He agreed, kissing Lorena goodbye and telling her that he would she her on the dance floor when they were finished talking. Siree led Lorena through the crowd chatting to Lorena all the while.
"Everyone got wedding gifts; they are on a table by the door when you and Micheal came through. I still can't believe you got married again! I never thought you would. Ian hasn't said a single word since he got the wedding invitation. You shouldn't pay attention to him and his grumpy mood. He had his chance with you and blew it. Not your fault. If he was a true friend he would be happy for you and let it go. But will he? Nope. I hate people like that-"
Lorena laughed, interrupting Siree, who glared at her.
"Are you ever going to take a breathe Siree? I want to spend time with you, but right now, I need to celebrate with Micheal!"
Siree scoffed.
"You think I don't know that? You guys are going to have all kinds of fun later tonight, but right now I wanna give you my gift I am not inconsiderate you know! My gift would look great on you while you danced, but if you don't want it right now, because you would rather be with Micheal, I understand. After all it is your wedding day-"
Lorena felt a twinge of guilt for being so harsh to her best friend.
"I am sorry I snapped like that Siree!" Lorena apologized.
Siree shrugged it off.
"It's alright. We have been friends for centuries. It going to take more than that to make me mad at you."
Lorena sighed in relief and smiled at her friend.
"Can I see my gift now?" She asked.
Siree smiled.
"Of course you can! Follow me."
Siree led her through the crowd to a table in front of the dance floor. She plucked a silver box from the table and handed to Lorena. Lorena opened it. Inside the box was a diamond necklace and earrings.
"Since you didn't bother to wear any jewelry during the wedding, or even now, I thought you would like this."
Lorena smiled and ran her fingers along the diamonds gently.
"Thank you, they are beautiful."
Siree smiled back.
"Well put them on silly! Micheal is waiting on the dance floor!"
Lorena quickly did so and smiled at Siree.
"I promise I will come see you as soon as I can Siree!" Lorena said hugging her before quickly making her way to the dance floor.
Micheal rose from his chair by the dance floor and smiled as Lorena came into view. She took his arm as he led her to the dance floor. The music began to play softly and Lorena snuggled herself against his chest. She moved in time with Micheal and the music, they moved fluidly together. They danced for hours, lost in the presence of one another. Oblivious to everything else. The night came to a close and the guests slowly made their way back home. Micheal and Lorena loaded their gifts into the back of the car, a sleek black sedan. Lorena could see exhaustion written across Micheal`s features, but a kind of happiness that Lorena had never seen on Michel`s face before was the dominant expression on his face. Lorena was happy to be wed and from all the blood she had consumed. Lorena hated using any kind of modern transportation, it was much faster for her on foot, but it was the only way to get all their wedding gifts home in one trip. Micheal put the last item in the trunk of the car and opened the passenger side door for Lorena.
Lorena squeezed herself out of the gown and tossed it on the floor. She kicked off her heels and yanked the pins from her hair. She flopped unto the bed, listening to the sounds of the shower in the adjacent bathroom. The doors to the balcony were open, the curtains blowing softly in the wind. She rose from the bed and walked to her large walk in closet. She didn't really want to wear anything close fitting after wearing dresses all day. She bit her lip as the shower was turned off. She closed the door and shut herself in the closet as the bathroom door opened. She pulled a satin robe off of one of the hooks and quickly pulled it on. She steadied herself and fought down the rising nerves and fear. Her fangs pierced through her lip and she swallowed a yelp of pain and surprise. She slowly slid her lip out and it healed almost instantly, thanks to all the blood she had consumed that night. She placed her hand on the door handle. She stepped out of the closet and gave Micheal a small smile. He had a towel wrapped around himself and his hair still dripped water. He was surprised by her presence.
"Sorry Lorena, I didn't know-" He began but she cut him off.
"Don't bother." She said softly, not meeting his eyes.
Micheal was only confused.
"With dressing, I mean." She said slowly, blushing, as she untied the robe and let it fall around her.
Micheal watched her carefully, his eyes drifting from her face, to her body and back again.
"Lorena, my love, we don't have to -" He began but, again, Lorena cut him off.
"I know. I want to. I have waited centuries to find you." She smirked, "And just a fair warning, I won't call out when I am losing control..."
She walked over to him and rested her hands on his bare chest. She lifted her lips to his and pulled him with her to the bed. He hesitated a moment before complying.
Lorena was blinded by the light from the sun`s first rays. Micheal lay draped over her. She moved out from under him, so gently, he never stirred. She stretched for a moment, her body was sore, but she knew the soreness would be gone before she went down stairs. She found her robe on the floor and pulled it on. She quietly pulled the doors to the balcony shut and pulled the curtains over them, sending the room into darkness again. Her eyes adjusted immediately and, ghostly quiet, she opened the bedroom door and walked onto the landing and descended down the stairs. The stone floors and the marble flooring were slick beneath her bare feet, but she never lost her balance, she didn't even have to think about it. The many chandeliers caught the sunlight and threw dazzling light shows throughout the room. She glided into the massive kitchen, with the most modern furnishings, and pulled a wine glass from the cabinet. She opened the fridge and removed the pitcher of blood and poured herself a glass. She peered into the fridge, unsure of what to make Micheal for breakfast. She closed the fridge door and leaned against the island counter, sipping her drink. She placed her glass on the counter and went to the front door. On the front porch were two wine bottles wrapped in colorful paper, with a bow on the neck of the bottle. Both were wedding gifts, and there was no doubt in her mind the contents of the bottles, was not what they were originally intended to hold. The attached card read; Congratulations are in order I hear. I wish you a happy life together. The card was signed Lord Darrain and Lady Loraine. Lorena smiled to herself. Darrain had found someone who actually cared for him. The other bottle was from Athien and Crystal. Lorena took both bottles in the house and placed them in the fridge, then began working on Micheal`s breakfast.