Page 27 of The Witching Hour
Celeste watched the scene with rapt attention, unable to look away from the drama.
Perplexed, she asked, “Isn’t it a good thing? That you’ve found your soulmate?”
Della just shook her head and shoved her chair back. “I’m sorry,” she whispered before running from the room.
Aura chased her, yelling over her shoulder, “Everything is fine! Carry on! Merry Christmas!”
I shook my head and laid my arm over Celeste’s shoulders. “If you thought our relationship was complicated…”
“Will you explain it to me later?” Celeste sighed.
“Yes. But let’s enjoy the holiday for now.” I winked at her and smirked. “Just wait until you see what’s under the Christmas tree.”
Later, when we passed out what seemed like an endless supply of presents, I left mine for later, choosing to keep all my attention on my woman. She laughed hysterically when she unwrapped an antique cauldron, a broom, and a new cloak—complete with a pointy witch’s hat.
“You’ll look much more the part next Halloween,” I quipped with a wink.
After she tore into the rest of her gifts, I opened mine and thanked her with a passionate kiss. “Thank you, baby.”
We spent the rest of the night celebrating with our family. To Celeste’s utter shock, her parents showed up on Kieran’s doorstep. I’d sent them a text to let them know where we’d be, but I hadn’t expected them to actually make an appearance.
They declined the invitation to join us but handed Celeste a wrapped package. Then they exchanged awkward hugs before the two departed.
“It’s a start,” Celeste said, her lips tipped up in a hopeful smile.
I encircled her with my arms and kissed her nose. “Yes, it is, love. Are you ready to go home?”
She nodded, then laid her head on my chest for a few minutes. “Let’s go say goodbye.”
We arrived back at our house just after six in the morning.
Celeste paused as she walked through the living room, staring at our Christmas tree. “What are those?” she queried, pointing at two more brightly wrapped presents.
“Open them and see,” I encouraged her with a wicked smile.
Celeste giggled as she retrieved the presents and brought them to the couch, where I’d taken a seat.
“The smaller one first,” I instructed.
Inside was a black ring covered in black diamonds and deep red rubies. At the center was a much larger black diamond, flanked by two more rubies.
Celeste gasped and covered her mouth.
“I know it isn’t traditional for vampires to wear rings,” I told her softly as I took it out of the box. “But the Bancrofts are a possessive bunch, and we like it when even humans recognize that our consorts have been claimed. Also, I know witches typically wear them, so I had this made for you.”
“It’s perfect,” she breathed, her voice clogged with tears. She threw her arms around me and pressed her lips to mine. The kiss quickly became heated, but I was anxious for her to open her last gift before we took things any further.
“Just one more, love,” I murmured as I grabbed the last present and set it on her lap.
She tore off the paper and opened the box, laughing when she saw the contents. “Seems like this is more of a gift for you,” she drawled when she held up the scraps of lace and silk.
I chuckled and stood, then swept her into my arms. “Let’s say it’s for both of us,” I suggested as I stalked to the stairs and jogged up to our bedroom.
“I think you’re going to have to convince me of that,” she teased.
Several hours later, we collapsed on the mattress, and I rolled onto my back before pulling her on top of me. “Convinced?” I asked, grinning smugly at her.
“Uh-huh,” she panted.