They entered the Great Hall, and she marveled at the dramatic change of the room. The head table was gone, and in its place was an arbor covered in flowers. A priest stood just under it and Lucian just off to one side. She looked at hi as she and James approached.

Lucian smiled warmly at her, but she could see that it didn’t reach his eyes. So, it would seem they were in complete agreement when it came to this marriage. The realization didn’t ask her feel any better about it. He was tying himself to her to keep her safe from something, but what if he loved another? How could she ask him to break his love’s heart and marry her?

Once they reached the altar, she gently pulled free from James, walked up to Lucian, and pulled him away from eavesdroppers. “Lucian, why are you doing this?”

“Did the king no tell ye why?”

“He did, but I can clearly see this isn’t what you want. So , why do it?”

“My hope is our marriage will keep ye safe from the others. Marcus and Thalia willna care, but ‘tis easier to fight two instead of thousands of our kind.”

“What are you talking about, Lucian?”

“I promise my Lady, I will explain everything after the ceremony.”

“Fine, I’ll play along. I don’t see what other choice I have.”

Alexis walked back to James’s side and smiled at the priest. Lucian returned to his position, and the ceremony began. Lucian spoke his vows first reciting the words she recognized from modern weddings. Once he was finished, the priest nodded at her indicating it was her turn. She could do this. She took a deep breath and began repeating after the priest.

“I Alexis Daniels, take thee Lucian Arron Calder MacDonald Fullarton, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, forgetter for wore, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health…” she stopped mid sentence and stared at the priest. He didn’t really expect her to say that, did he?

“To be bonny and buxom at bed and at board,” the priest repeated.

She clenched her teeth in order to hold her tongue. Now was not the time to tell them just how primitive they were acting. “To be bonny and buxom at bed and at board, to love and to cherish, ‘til death us depart, according to God’s holy ordinance, and there unto I plight thee my troth.” She sighed then held up her left hand while Lucian slid a ring onto her fourth finger.

“I pronounce ye husband and wife. Ye may kiss yer bride.”

“The ceremony isna finished yet, father.” A tall Scottsman stepped forward and unsheathed his dagger then reached for Lucian’s left wrist.

Lucian shook his head and held up his hand before removing his own dagger from its sheath. “I will do it.” He gently took her right hand into his own and gave it a soft squeeze. “Lass, forgive me for what I am about to do. It will sting, but it must be done.”

She barely nodded her head before he quickly ran the blade across her wrist, slicing it open. She winced at the pain, but she didn’t pull her arm away. She watched him smear her blood onto her left wrist before slicing his right wrist. He then pressed his wrist against hers and nodded his head at the Scottsman who then tied a strip of white linen around their connected wrists. He replaced his dagger then looked into her eyes.

“Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone. I give ye my Body, that we Two may be One. I give ye my Spirit, ‘til our Life shall be Done.” Lucian sighed, shut his eyes, and shook his head as several men began to voice their displeasure. “Mo Mhorairean, bi forghidneach. Feumaidh fios a bhith aig a ‘ghruagach dè a tha i agràdh airs on a’ phósadh seo a bhith ceangaltach Ann an súilean nan Diathan.”

She glanced around hearing the grumbles from the men stop at once. Whatever Lucian had just said must have resonated with them. Lucian opened his eyes and once again focused his attention on her. She couldn’t explain why, but every time he gazed at her as he was now she felt like she was drowning in his eyes. It was a feeling she was beginning to like.

“Ye must repeat these words after me, Alexis.”

“All right, I’ll do my best.” She gave him a soft smile.

“That is all I can ask for, lass.” He returned the smile. “Is tu fuil ‘omo chuislean, is tu cnaimh de mo chnaimh. Is leatsa mo bhodhaig, chum gum bi sinn ‘n ar n-aon. Is leatsa m’anam gus an criochnaich ar saoghal.”

With each line, he paused, allowing her a chance to tag it after him. Her face burned with embarrassment, and she glanced around at the snickering Scottmen as she struggled with the ancient language. Once she finished the last line, a collective sigh erupted around the room. She released her own sigh, happy for the torcher to finally be over. Her eyes focused once again on Lucian as he gently brushed her hair out of her face then lowered his lips to her own. The kiss was short, more like a peck than an actual kiss, but it was enough to satisfy the priest and the Scotsmen in attendance.

“‘Tis my pleasure to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Lucian Fullarton.”

“Are ye hungry, lass? It has been over a day since you have eaten.”

“Yeah, I am actually.” She watched the Scotsman who had tied her and Lucian together quickly untied them before walking away. When Lucian removed the linen from their wrists she noticed he no longer had a cut on his wrist. As he tended to her own wrist, she leaned a bit closer toward him. “Where did you cut go? Did you even cut yourself?”

“Aye, I did, lass. I promise I will explain everything soon.” He quickly wrapped a piece of the linen around his uninjured wrist and tied it off. “Return to yer room, and I will bring us some food.”

Alexis nodded her head then turned around and walked out of the room. She smiled at Lady Seton who was standing at the base of the stairs. Lady Seton returned the smile then dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief. She quickly reached the woman’s side and laid her hand gently on her shoulder.

“Lady Seton, are you all right”

“Aye, Lady Fullarton, I am fine. I knew ye would be a beautiful bride the moment the king asked me for my wedding dress.”

Alexis smiled and softly squeezed Lady Seton’s shoulder. The thought had never occurred to her that this was someone else’s wedding dress. The knowledge that it belonged to the kind woman before he warmed her heart. She reminded her so much of her own mother that it made her want to protect her, since she was unable to do that for her own mother.

“It is a very beautiful dress, Lady Seton. Thank you for allowing me to wear it”

“‘Tis what any mother would do for her daughter. Since your mother couldna be here to share this special event w’ ye…Lady Fullarton, I am sorry I upset ye. I didna mean…”

“No, Lady Seton, you didn’t upset me. Quite the opposite actually. I’m honored that you have treated me as a daughter. Even though you have only just met me. I know if my mother could be here she’d be thanking you as well for looking out for her daughter.”

“Perhaps, she could visit ye here in Scotland?”

“No, she won’t be able to visit me. She died over three years ago.” More like she hasn’t actually been born yet, but if she said that Lady Seton wouldn’t understand.

“Oh, I am so sorry, my sweet child.” Lady Seton stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Alexis’s shoulders.

Alexis returned the embrace, closing her eyes as tears filled them. She pulled back, smiled at the woman, then wiped away her tears. “Thank you. Lady Seton, for your kindness. I will be gentle when I take the dress off, so that it can be returned to you.”

“No, that willna be necessary. The dress is yours, Lady Fullarton. I know ye are hungry, so I will just give ye my congratulations, and wish ye a good night.”

“Thank you Lady Seton, and I hope you have a good night as well.”

Alexis gave her another warm smile then slowly climbed the stairs. She walked into her room and sat down on the bed. She glanced down at the ring on her left hand. The band was gold with golden filigree wrapped around a large cabochon shaped moonstone. She smiled as she ran her fingers over the smooth stone. It reminded her of the teardrop moonstone necklace Mira had given her a year ago. She glanced up hearing the door open and Lucian stepped inside carrying two plates of food.

“Here, let me help you with that.” She rose to her feet and took a plate and set it down on the table that had been brought into the room. She sat down before giving him a small smile as he sat down across from her. “Thank you for the food, Lucian.”

“Ye are welcome, lass.” He returned her smile.

They ate in silence, but all the while her mind raced. She was a married woman, but she knew absolutely nothing about her husband. Not knowing him didn’t scare her as much as what knew would come next. From her research, she knew marriages of the past weren’t legally binding until it was consummated. She glanced over at the bed biting her lip, then we quickly returned her attention to the food still in her plate.

“I willna hurt ye, Alexis.”

She quickly looked up, feeling her face burn with embarrassment. “I know you won’t intentionally try to hurt me, but it will be my first time”

His eye brows rose slightly and he leaned back into his chair. “You are still a maiden?”

“I am.”

“Forgive me, I assumed ye were widowed.”

“Why?” She sat back in her chair watching him. He opened his mouth then promptly closed it as the realization hit her. “I understand now, Lucian. You assumed I’d been married once before because I’m not twelve or thirteen. I’m too old to still be a maiden.”

“I am sorry Alexis, but I can promise I will be as gentle as I can be.”

“I know.” She popped a strawberry into her mouth. “Please tell me about your family. They must be so proud of the man you’ve become.”

“Aye, if they were still among the living, I think ye would be right.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Lucian. I didn’t know…”

“‘Twas a very long time ago.” He glanced at the closed door.

She followed his gaze hearing the muffled voices. She sighed then tried to swallow the knot forming in her throat. They simply wouldn’t leave them alone until the deed was done. When she imagined her wedding night it would be a night shared with the man she loved, and now thanks to Artemis that wasn’t even going to happen. She quickly rose to her feet, wiped the tears from her eyes, and walked over to the bed, then sat down.

“Let’s just get this over with, because they are clearly not going to leave us alone until it’s done.”

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Lucian rose to his feet shaking his head. “Lass, I can make them go away.”

She shook her head then swallowed hard again. “No, the sooner the deed is done the sooner I can relax.”

He sighed as he approached the bed. She stood and turned her back to him giving him easier access to the bodice which held the dress up. He untied the ties then took a step back watching her as she turned to face him. She pulled her arms out of the sleeves before pulling the dress down her hips and stepping out of it. She gently laid the dress across the trunk, straightened to her full height, wrapped her arms tightly around her body, and dropped her head. She still wore the white linen chemise, but it did little to hide her embarrassment, reddening her cheeks.

“Ye are very beautiful, lass.” He began to undress himself until he too stood before her covered in only a long white lined shirt.

“Thank you.” She lifted her head looking at him as he’d looked at her, her face getting hotter. “You are handsome yourself, Lucian.

She backed up until her legs hit the edge of the bed. She climbed up the bed and laid her head on the soft pillows. The bed dipped with Lucian’s weight knocking her slightly off balance as he settled beside her. He watched her silently for a minute brushing her long auburn hair out of her face before lowering his head and capturing her mouth with his.

Unlike the kiss they’d shared before, this one left her breathless. He lifted his head, and she noticed his chocolate brown eyes were dilated. She hadn’t been kissed properly since her mother died, but it made her feel good knowing she could still arouse a man. She smiled and lifted her hand brushing it against Lucian’s bearded cheek. He returned the smile propping himself on one elbow, then began his own exploration with his free hand.

He ran his calloused thumb gently over her lips then slid his hand down her neck. He brushed that same thumb over her nipple, hardening it through the chemise. She bit her lip as his hand traveled underneath her chemise sliding his fingers up her thigh until he cupped her breast in his hand. He massaged the heavy mound all the while watching her face.

Lucian was a complete stranger to her, yet with his gentle touch he had her melting into his embrace, she grabbed at the quilts with her hands as he gave her other breast his full attention with his skillful hand. Not able to take the sweet torcher any longer, Alexis lifted her head from the pillows and kissed him. He returned the kiss with a fever licking her lips begging for entrance. She obliged and the taste of salted pork mingled with his own as their tongues dueled with each other. He broke their kiss, suddenly lifting his head as he shifted his body covering her length with his own.

“I will be as gentle as I can.”

“I know.” She reached out, sliding her fingers into his hair and pulled his head down in a demanding kiss.

***

She lay on her back breathing hard while Lucian lay beside her propped up on his elbow once again. There had been an initial pain when they joined, but it was short giving way to pleasure. She rolled over onto her side, placing her hand under her head. She knew she was about to ruin the beautiful moment they’d just shared, but if Lucian loved another she had to protect what was left of her shattering heart.

“Lucian, you married me to keep me safe from something, but I have to know. Does your heart belong to another?”

Lucian sighed, dropped his head, and ran his fingers over the quilts. “Aye, there was someone a verra long time ago.” He glanced up and locked his eyes with hers. “Her name was Josephine, and I loved her verra much. I am also the one who killed her.”

“Killed her? What?”

“Perhaps it would be easier to understand if I begin at the beginning.”

Alexis sat up and leaned up against the pillows nodding her head. Who the hell had she just married, and why would Artemis want to save the life of a murder? “All right, I’m listening.”

“I was born in Inverness in 1325.”

“Wait, did you just say 1325?”

Lucian nodded his head and sat up himself. His shirt pooled in his lap keeping him thankfully decent. “Aye, I was born in 1325. My father died a few months before my birth, so when I was born my mother named me after him.”

“Your dad was an Englishman wasn’t he?” She was still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that Lucian was over two hundred years old.

“Aye, he was. After I was born, my mother returned to her family home in Nairn. I would have died in Inverness twenty-four years later if not for Thalia.”

“Marcus mentioned Thalia. Who is she?”

“She is the one who turned me into what I am.”

“Turned…” Alexis reached out her hand and touched his arm. “You’re not cold to the touch like a vampire, so how have you been alive for over two hundred years?”

“I am no demon, Alexis. I am a man changed from a mortal into an immortal.”

“But how? In vampire lore it’s done with the blood of the sire. The intended newborn has to drink it.” She glanced down at her bandaged wrist running her fingers over it. “The blood oath…you wouldn’t let that man bind our open wrists together. That’s how it’s done, and that’s why you smeared my blood on my unopened wrist so that your blood wouldn’t enter my bloodstream.”

“Aye, I dinna wish to kill ye. Not after I had just saved ye from Marcus.”

She lifted her gaze and gently squeezed his arm. “That’s how Josephine died isn’t it? You tried to turn her.”

“I did, but only because she wanted me to. She realized not long after we met that I was different. She had heard stories about us, but the villagers considered us demons as you did. It was decided by the Elders that for our safety we would hide what we are from mortals.”

“Well, that explains how the vampire legend began. I’m sorry you lost Josephine, Lucian.”

“But ye are happy I am not a demon.”

“Yes, I’m happy about that. Although, trying to explain to my friends and family that you’re immortal isn’t going to be any easier.”

“They canna be told, Alexis. The Elders will kill any mortal who knows about us.”

“The king knows something.”

“He knows that I am different as are you, but that is all. He understands the need for secrets and that I will tell him only what he needs to know. If he knew the whole truth, he would have us both beheaded.”

“What about me makes me different? I’m not an immortal.”

“Nay, ye arena an immortal, but ye are a Phoenyx.”

“A Phoenix? Are you serious? I’m not a mythical fire bird. I’m a human being.”

“Ye are a mortal, but ye have the blood of a Phoenyx running through yer veins. I can smell it.”

“You can smell my blood?”

“Aye.”

“Wow, I find that to be both fascinating and disturbing at the same time.” She sat back against the pillows shaking her head. “Okay, so other than being able to smell my blood, what else can you do?”

Lucian raised his eyebrows at her and leaned up against one of the bed posts. “Ye are more accepting of this news than I expected ye would be.”

“What, you expected me to go screwing from the room?” She shrugged her shoulders then ran a hand through her tangled locks. “I suppose that would be the normal reaction, except there’s something about me that you don’t know.”

“He smiled and crossed his arms over his chest. “Then by all means enlighten me, lass.”

“Oh, no, you first I insist.”

“Verra well, I believe ye asked what else I can do?”

“I did.” She returned his smile.

“I can move much faster than ye and see things more clearly than I ever could as a mortal.”

“It sounds like all of your senses have been heightened. That also coincides with vampire lore. Would a wooden stake through the heart kill you?”

“Nay, it would hurt, but once it was removed I would heal.”

“Could you pull it out or would someone else have to do it for you? According to some vampire lore the stake only paralyzes a vampire.”

“It does paralyze me, so another would have to pull it out.”

“What about silver?”

“Silver will kill us the same as decapitation. The only difference is silver poisoning would be a slow agonizing death.”

“Good to know. So, you’re pretty much a living breathing vampire except you don’t drink blood.”

“If they existed, I would agree wi’ ye. Now, it is your turn. What do I not ken about ye?”

“Nope, not so fast, Lucian. I have another question.”

“Only one?”

“Haha, very funny. How did immortals come into existence?”

“The first immortal, like you, was born mortal. ‘Tis only when he was fed Ambrosia that he became immortal, but he didna love the Goddess Aphrodite. His betrayal broke her heart and angered her sister Artemis. It was Artemis who cursed us wi’ our silver affliction.”

“And it was Artemis who sent me here to save you.” Alexis shook her head in amazement.

“Excuse me?”

“Yeah, I guess it’s my turn now.” She licked her lips and sat forward extending her hand. “Okay, here goes nothing. Hi, I’m Alexis Daniels. I’m from the year 2021. I met Artemis and Apollo a few days ago.”

Lucian frowned slightly but did shake her hand. “Ye arena from this time?”

“No, I’m from the future. I won’t be born until July 9, 1999.”

“Are ye sure it was Artemis who sent ye here?”

“Yes, it was Artemis. Why?”

“Artemis was Joephine’s patron Goddess. Please continue wi’ yer story.”

And continue she did. Alexis told him all about her encounter with the twin Greek Gods. She also answered the questions he asked. He still had centuries to wait to experience the simple pleasures she took for granted, so why not tell him all about her time period. Telling him the secret also lifted a huge weight off of her chest.

“When will ye return home?”

“I don’t know. I guess when my quest is complete, and you're safe.”

“We should summon her to return ye now. ‘Tis not safe for ye here, Alexis. She knew ye are a Phoenyx, and she sent ye anyway.”

“She said I’d learn about my history if I accepted her quest. You keep calling me a Phoenix. Do you know anything about them?”

“Aye, I know some about ye, Alexis Fullarton. ‘Tis late lass, and you must be tired. We will talk more in the morning.”

Alexis yawned in spite of herself. She was tired. It had been an eventful couple of days. She lifted the covers and slid under them. She glanced over her shoulder feeling his warm body snuggle close against her, and wrapped his arm around her waist. Now that she knew the touch of this man, would she be able to willingly give him up when her quest was complete?