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  As they approached, the Wedding March flowed through the air and everyone turned in their seats. Rows and rows of elfin families smiled back at them. Her heart felt full with love.

  Anna gave her a small wave, and Lauren grinned. Thaddeus and Tommy were standing to the left and the girls to the right. The priestess, Sarah, stood in the middle with the cords draped on her arm. She had married Keegan’s parents and most of the elves there.

  Keegan felt like everything was moving in slow motion. She could feel the magic flowing through the air and the joy radiating off everyone around them. It smelled like a beautiful spring day with flowers in bloom. The stream trickled soothingly. Keegan tried to take it all in, to save the memory.

  Sarah smiled warmly when they reached her. She was a lovely woman with a tall, willowy body and clear, pale skin. Her face was long, her eyes clear green, and her hair was crisp white and in a braid down the side of her chest. She cleared her throat.

  “Today, Rourk and Keegan will be joined in a handfasting. Their hands will be tied together with a knot that binds them in such a way that they choose to be bound. This ritual symbolizes their oneness not only with each other but with all creation and thus their union is blessed, it's sacredness recognized by all creation.

  “The elfin soul shares characteristics with all things divine. It is this belief which assigned virtues to the cardinal directions: East, South, West and North. It is in this tradition that a blessing is offered in support of this ceremony.” She paused.

  Keegan felt the crowd behind them hold their breath

  Raising both hands to the air, Sarah went on. “Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East. Communication of the heart, mind, and body. Fresh beginnings with the rising of each sun. The knowledge of the growth found in the sharing of silences.

  “Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South. Warmth of hearth and home. The heat of the heart's passion. The light created by both for the lightest, the darkest of times.

  “Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West. The deep commitments of the lake. The swift excitement of the river. The refreshing cleansing of the rain. The all encompassing passion of the sea.

  “Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North. Firm foundation on which to build. Fertility of the fields to enrich your lives. A stable home to which you may always return.”

  Sarah smiled on Keegan and Rourk as she lowered her arms. “Each of these blessings from the four cardinal directions emphasizes those things which will help you build a happy and successful union. Yet, they are only tools. Tools which you must use together to create what you seek in this union.

  “Know that before you go further, since your spirits have crossed in this life, you have formed ties between each other. As you seek to enter into this state of matrimony, you should strive to make real the ideals which give meaning to both this ceremony and the institution of marriage.

  “With full awareness, know that you are declaring your intent to be handfasted before your friends and family, present, absent, and departed. The promises made today, and the ties that are bound here, will greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth.”

  Smiling, Sarah asked them, “Do you still seek to enter into this ceremony?

  Together, Rourk and Keegan spoke. “We do.”

  “Rourk and Keegan, I bid you look into each other's eyes.” Sarah waited while they turned their eyes to one another, and then went on. “Will you honor and respect one another, and seek to never break that honor?”

  Keegan smiled at Rourk as they answered, “We will.”

  Sarah draped the blue cord over their hands.

  “And so the first binding is made,” she said. “Will you share each other's pain and seek to ease it?”

  “We will.”

  She wrapped the yellow cord around them. “And so the binding is made. Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union?”

  “We will.”

  Sarah draped the white cord and smiled. “And so the binding is made. Will you share each other's laughter, and look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?”

  “We will.”

  She draped the red cord draped around their hands. “And so the binding is made.” She swiftly tied the cords into three knots. “Rourk and Keegan, as your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. The knots of this binding are not formed by these cords but, rather, by the vows you have made. For always, you hold in your own hands the fate of this union. Above you are the stars and below you is the earth. Like the stars, your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow. Have patience with one another. For storms will come, but they will go quickly. Be free in the giving of affection and warmth.

  Sarah produced the two weddings rings, holding out her palm where they sparkled in the sunlight. “A circle is the symbol of the sun and the earth and the universe. It is a symbol of holiness and of perfection and of peace. In these rings, it is the symbol of unity, in which your lives are now joined in one unbroken circle, in which, wherever you go, you will always return to your shared life together.

  “As you have stated your desire to be united, one with the other, take now these rings and place them upon each other’s finger, as pledge and testimony to your love and commitment to each other.”

  Rourk reached forward and his hand shook slightly as he placed the braided white-gold ring on Keegan’s finger. A magical hum raced through her body.

  Keegan smiled and placed a larger version of the ring on Rourk’s finger.

  “I now proclaim you are husband and wife, thus are your hands fasted, two are now made one.” Sarah opened her hands and grinned. “You may seal your union to your chosen with a kiss.”

  Rourk gathered the veil in his hands and pushed it over Keegan’s head so that it fell down her back. He leaned forward, lightly pressed his lips to hers, and then intensified the kiss. Keegan got lost in the kiss, forgetting her surroundings. When Rourk finally pulled away, loud cheers went up from the crowd.

  “Settle down. It’s not over yet.” Sarah laughed. She looked back to Rourk and Keegan. “This will be your first act of working together as a couple.

  “Brooms are used for cleaning and sweeping. Therefore, that they are used to symbolize the sweeping away the remnants of the past which no longer serve us is appropriate. The sword symbolizes the wielding of power and personal responsibility. As the bride and groom jump they are reminded that remaining vigilant over these aspects of the day to day shall help them to achieve the quality of life that they aspire to. Anna, Lauren, and Thaddeus—will you now lay down the Sword and Broom?”

  Anna and Lauren walked forward and laid down the broom.

  Thaddeus came forward and crossed the broom with the sword.

  “Now putting the past behind you, and remembering that you have the power to create a strong future. Jump together into your new lives.”

  Keegan grabbed Rourk’s hand and gave him a reckless smile. He shook his head, smiling in return. Together, they jumped and landed safely on the other side. Keegan laughed and Rourk pulled her in for another kiss. As they broke apart, Keegan looked up at her guests and was surprised to see two tigers in the distance. One was obviously Donald—she would have known his form anywhere. And by his side was the white tiger.

  Relief filled Keegan, and she was content knowing Donald was going to be alright. As usual, her brother was right.

  Bagpipes began to play. Rourk wrapped his arms around Keegan, swinging her around and around. As other guests stood to join in, Keegan felt on top of the world.

  “Are you ready?” Rourk asked with a smile on his handsomely rugged face.

  Keegan nodded and grasped his warm hand in hers. With the other, she reached for the teleporter’s hand. Keegan closed her eyes as her stomach dropped.

  A moment later, Rour
k squeezed her hand. “Open your eyes.”

  Keegan did and found she was staring up at a huge castle. She dropped Rourk’s hand, rushing forward to grip the stone wall that surrounded it. The lawns around it stretched emerald green, while the mountains cradled it on three sides. It was gray stone and several stories high with more turrets than she could count. From a flag pole near the long drive, an orange, white, and green flag waved.

  Her eyes danced with excitement as she turned and clapped her hands, her eyes on her husband. “Ireland?”

  “Of course. Where else would I take you?”

  Rourk turned to the elf that had transported them. “Thanks, Pete.”

  The silent man nodded and disappeared.

  Keegan took a deep breath. “So. This is it. Are you nervous?”

  Rourk’s eyes met hers and he smiled deviously. “I can’t wait. Let’s get inside.”

  Keegan looked at the ground. “We don’t have any bags?”

  “Already in the room.” He took her hand, and they hurried up the massive stone steps.

  As Rourk reached for the large black handle, Keegan ran her hand down the intricately carved designs in the wooden door.

  “It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

  Rourk agreed and pushed on the door.

  It opened to a large lobby, warmly lit by huge, iron chandeliers. The stone floors were covered in elegant Persian rugs and littered with antique furniture. They walked to the counter against the right wall.

  A plump woman with red hair piled loosely in a bun on top of her head broke into a warm smile. “Dia dui.”

  “Dia is Muire duit,” Rourk replied. “Reservation is under Kavanagh.”

  She glanced down at her ledger. “Ah yes, the newlyweds. I won’t keep you. Here’s your keys, room 303.” She winked at Keegan as she handed the keys to Rourk.

  Keegan felt her face flush.

  They took the stairs to their room, stealing glances at each other and laughing. Once they got to the third floor, Rourk stopped and abruptly turned towards Keegan. Her heart skipped a beat when she looked up into his grey eyes.

  He gently traced the side of her face causing her whole body to tingle. “Keegan, I am honored to be your chosen. I will spend the rest of my life trying to be the best husband possible.”

  “I hope someday I am worthy of your love—.” Her words were cut off as his lips met hers, and he scooped her up in his arms.

  Keegan laughed as he carried her through the door and down the hall to their room. She barely noticed the beauty of the hotel—the wooden walls and the pretty carpeted floors, all illuminated by lights shaped like torches on the walls. Her eyes were strictly for Rourk.

  He fumbled with the key and pushed the door to their room open, then slowly lowered her to the ground. She glanced around at the beautiful room, and her eyes stopped at the huge wooden bed waiting for them.

  Rourk came up behind her. He pressed his lips to her neck as he unzipped her dress. It fell to the floor, and shivers ran down her spine. She had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Slowly, she turned to face him.

  “You’re incredible.” His voice sounded rougher than usual.

  Keegan’s hands shook as she tried to unbutton his shirt. His body felt so warm under her touch. She ran her hands up his muscular chest and sighed, her heart pounding. All of her senses were heightened, and her skin was on fire.

  Rourk gently led her to the bed.

  Hours later, she rolled to her side and rested her head in her hand, staring at Rourk. “Wow,” was all she could manage to say.

  He was resting against his pillow, both of his hands behind his head. There was still the faint glistening of sweat on his beautiful chest. Rourk grinned. “Well worth the wait.”

  “You can say that again.” Keegan scooted closer and laid her head on his chest. His heart beat steadily beneath her ear. “I’m so excited to spend the rest of my life with you.”

  Rourk’s arms wrapped around her again, pulling her close beneath the covers. In the dim light of the room, Keegan closed her eyes and fell asleep to the sound of her husband’s heartbeat.

  Stay Tuned

  for a sneak peek at Julia Crane and Nolia McCarty’s upcoming Eternal Youth!

  Acknowledgments

  I would like to thank Claire Teeter and Heather Adkins, my editors. They have both helped me grow as a writer. My children for their understanding. My husband for his encouragement. My youngest sister, Katrina, for being my biggest fan. Kadri Umbleja for the wonderful illustration, Christine DeMaio-Rice for finding the perfect font. Mostly, I would like to thank my readers who make this all worthwhile. Thank you!

  About the Author

  Julia Crane is the author of the Keegan’s Chronicles series. She has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Julia has believed in magical creatures since the day her grandmother first told her an Irish tale. Growing up her mother greatly encouraged reading and using your imagination. Although she’s spent most of her life on the US east coast, she currently lives in Dubai with her husband and three children.

  Find Julia online at juliacraneauthor.com

  Also by Julia Crane

  Mesmerized

  Co-written with author Talia Jager

  Seventeen-year-old succubus Lily Anderson can’t have a normal life: She isn’t allowed a boyfriend, she has no friends, and school is just one mess-up after another.

  Lily’s parents send her away to the prestigious Emerson Academy. It doesn’t appear to be any different from the others. That is, until she meets her roommate, Hannah, and a blue-eyed boy named Jake.

  Lily makes an almost deadly mistake, and Jake has a mysterious past that has come back to haunt him. Together, they must go on the run from things neither of them understand in order to save the people they love—and each other. But, Jake’s foe is more dangerous than they realized, and it will take the help of friends and family to save the man Lily loves.

  She must learn to use her powers for good before it’s too late.

  WARNING: This is a mature YA. Due to sexual content and some language it is not recommended for younger teens.

  Approximately 44,000 words

  Available Now!

  Amazon US

  Amazon UK

  Barnes and Noble

  Smashwords

  Sneak Peek

  Eternal Youth

  by

  Julia Crane &

  Nolia McCarty

  Chapter 1

  The path before them stretched dim and treacherous into the smoke created by the volcano. Callie Bishoff stared bleakly ahead, her heart thudding in her ears. The very idea of walking into the volcanic haze and continuing towards the peak of Volcán de Fuego made her knees wobbly.

  Further ahead and surrounded by the vivid green of the Guatemalan rainforest, Callie’s mother paused on the trail and turned. A frown marred her pretty face. “Calista Alana, get a move on.”

  Callie rolled her eyes. Her mom looked so silly in that stupid rucksack with the ugly gold buckles.

  Then again, Callie thought with a sigh, my backpack isn’t any cuter.

  She watched her mother face forward once more—tall, slim, with hair a deep honey blonde and a tan that could shame the locals. Her mom was gorgeous.

  Braden clapped a hand to Callie’s shoulder, interrupting her train of thought. “You okay?”

  He could have passed for her brother. His dark brown hair and emerald green eyes were almost the exact shade of her own, and he was cursed with her dad’s family’s awkwardly pale skin. The biggest difference between them was how tall he was compared to short and petite Callie. But, Braden wasn’t her brother—he was her cousin.

  Callie waved away his concern. “Just hot. And tired.” In more ways than one, she thought bitterly.

  Most people were apt to gush about being able to travel the world. To climb the mountains in Tibet; zip-line through the rainforest in Costa Rica; and sail down the Nile river beneath the hot desert sun… C
allie had done all those and more.

  And she wished she hadn’t.

  “Come on, we’re going to lose her,” Braden said, gently punching Callie’s shoulder. “You know how she is.”

  “Insane.”

  Braden chuckled. “Yeah, a bit.”

  Callie shifted her backpack higher on her shoulders and narrowed her eyes at her mom’s retreating back. “Irrational.”

  “Illogical,” Braden agreed with a nod.

  Callie’s boot got caught on a gnarled tree root and she tripped. She caught herself before she fell face-first into the undergrowth. Standing up tall, she stomped her foot and groaned. “Why can’t we live a normal life? A two-story Colonial on half-an-acre of land with a white picket fence, a dog, and nosy neighbors who steal our newspaper.”

  Braden’s eyes were sad. He just touched her arm and kept walking.

  “I’m sick of this,” Callie went on quietly as she followed him. She gestured with both hands to encompass more than just the jungle. She couldn’t even appreciate its beauty—the majestic trees with trunks so large her hands wouldn’t reach around them if she tried and the neon flowers that seemed to glow beneath the dim canopy. It was luminous and full of the sounds of birds cawing, monkeys screeching, and invisible paws brushing across the ground. “I want…normal.”

  “Aunt Emma really thinks she can find it, Cal.” Braden lifted his palms to the sky as if to say who knows? A lock of curly hair fell into his eyes as he used one finger to push his thin, wire-rimmed glasses higher on his nose. “Maybe she can.”

  “There’s no such thing.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  “Yes, I do!” She didn’t mean to yell, but it was loud enough to cause all wildlife in the vicinity to scurry noisily away from them. Callie wished desperately for a pillow, so she could bury her face in it and scream.