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eighteen
ada
T he next week flies by, and Ulgan and I still can’t get enough of each other.
He’s been staying at my cottage every night after we both agreed that waking up without each other wasn’t an option. As much as this small cottage means to me, it really is small . My poor mate would never complain, but it has to be uncomfortable trying to squeeze his much larger body into a house that’s clearly not made for him. We need to start looking at places soon so we can have a home that’s perfect for both of us.
Tonight’s festivities will be our first real outing since I accepted that Ulgan and I are mates. It’s time to get ready to show him off.
Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. The mysterious and spooky atmosphere draws me in like a moth’s endless pursuit to a flame. The idea that you can become whoever you want with a simple costume is endlessly enticing, and the delicious holiday treats make my mouth water just thinking about them. I have a sweet tooth, and I won’t lie, Halloween and candy have always gone together in my mind. It wasn’t until I started spending more time with the coven that I learned about the deep history behind Samhain and the different ways that witches celebrate and honor this time of year.
The coven hosts a Dumb Supper that anyone willing to learn about their traditions can attend. I look forward to it every year, but I didn’t know what to expect the first time I participated. Rue gave me some idea of what would happen, but there’s nothing like experiencing it first hand. Tonight’s Dumb Supper is something that I’ve been counting down the days to, because I have a surprise for Ulgan that I hope he will like.
Ulgan has never attended a coven event before. I decided to treat myself to a new dress for the occasion: a black A-line beauty with sheer billowing black sleeves and sparkling applique stars. The stars shimmer with each movement I make, giving the dress a celestial vibe.
“Ada, would you mind helping me with my cufflinks?” Ulgan calls from the bathroom. He walks out adjusting the sleeve of his well fitted black dress shirt.
Damn, my man cleans up well. It makes me wish we were staying in tonight so I could peel it off of him. Finally breaking out of my sex-crazed stupor, I notice him staring at me, eyes reflecting the hunger in my own.
Oh, I’m taking advantage of this. Sashaying over to him, I do an innocent twirl and ask, “Do you like my dress?” I bat my eyelashes.
A low growl emanates from him, and his hands clench at his sides. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Sunshine. Don’t start something that you know we can't finish right now.” His eyes fixate on the bodice of my dress, which is displaying an obscene amount of cleavage. I knew he’d love it.
“All right, all right. We better hurry up so we aren’t late for the welcome. Rue will kill me if I miss it,” I say, giggling and giving him a little wink.
* * *
Walking up the path to Blackwood Estate, there’s something electric in the air. By the look of awe on Ulgan’s face, I don’t think he was expecting how grand the affair would be. The drive leading up the estate is now lined with enchanted jack-o-lanterns that hover above the ground and radiate a soft glow. Leaves in every shade of red, yellow, and orange gently fall from the sky and usher guests forward to the house.
The Blackwood coven welcomes guests with a warm reception. Ulgan and I chat with the coven members that I’ve gotten to know over the years until the front door of the estate opens wide. A hush falls over the crowd.
Angeline and Rue appear and stand on the front steps.
“Hello, everyone,” Angeline begins. “My daughter, Rue, and I could not be more thrilled to wish each and every one of you a blessed Samhain. To our honored guests, thank you for attending and joining us for this special evening. Samhain is the time of year where the veil is at its thinnest. This is a time to celebrate and honor our departed loved ones, and one way that we’ll do so tonight is with a Dumb Supper. For those of you in attendance for the first time, a Dumb Supper is a silent dinner service where we leave a place at the table for those who are no longer with us physically, but they are certainly here guiding us.”
Ulgan and I make our way to one of the many round tables scattered on the front lawn. The sun has set now and multiple bonfires are lit to provide light and warmth. We find our assigned table, and now I’m also in awe, even though I helped create the decorations for the tablescapes. Each table is covered in a black table cloth and a rich orange runner. A bowl in the centerpiece is filled with acorns, apples, miniature gourds, and cinnamon sticks. Intention candles, oils, and herbs have been placed in small decorative bowls for us to light later this evening. An antique golden lantern floats elegantly above the table, adding an ethereal glow.
I see Ulgan wiping away a tear, and it’s clear that he saw my surprise for him this evening. There are place settings at our small table for Ulgan and myself, but there are also place settings for my parents, granny, and the new addition this year: Ulgan’s grandmother who passed two years ago. Framed photos of them had been placed at each place setting.
“Did you do this?” he whispers.
“She deserves to be honored this evening, too,” I say, my voice trembling with emotion.
“Nana would have loved you.” He pulls me in for a brief hug and kiss on the top of my head.
We take our seats, and silence falls over the gathering. Bountiful dishes of roasted chicken and root vegetables, soup, apple tarts, and elaborately decorated cookies in the shape of skeletons and ghosts magically appear on each table. Large pitchers of mead and spiced cider also materialized from thin air. The heavenly scents of the food waft through the air, enveloping the celebration.
Everyone eats in silence for the entirety of the dinner. The only sounds that can be heard are the clinking of silverware against plates, the crackle of the fires, and the occasional creature walking through the forest surrounding the property.
After dinner, everyone crowds around the main bonfire to continue celebrating. Music floats through the party as everyone gets a bit more rowdy, having fun ringing in the witch’s new year.
Rue and I dance around the bonfire, our yearly tradition, as Ulgan drinks mead and talks with a few men that he knows from school. As the night winds down, Ulgan and I return to our table to dress and light our intention candles for the upcoming year.
“Am I doing this correctly?” he asks.
“There is no right or wrong way to do this. Rue says it’s all in the intentions that you put behind it. Once we light them, our intentions will be declared.”
Closing my eyes, I set the intention to continue working to heal from my past, and for abundance for both myself and Ulgan.
Ulgan’s eyes are closed, and a grin pulls at the corner of his lips. His brilliant warm brown eyes open and land on me, making me tingle all over.
I love this handsome orc so much.
We say our goodbyes and head home. On the short drive to my cottage, we remain silent until we finally pull into the drive and park. Outside the car, we stand together in the driveway.
“Thank you for including me tonight, Sunshine. That was a beautiful evening, and the fact you thought to include my grandmother means the world to me,” he says, pulling me toward him. “I love you so much, mate.”
My arms wrap around his neck, running my fingers through the hair near his nape. “I love you, too, my mate.” His breath always hitches whenever I call him my mate. It’s so damn fun to get him worked up like this.
A low growl rumbles from him. “Mmmm, you know how much I love hearing you call me that. Now, let’s get inside so I can strip you naked and make you scream my name. We don’t want to give your neighbors a show. You’re all mine.” The gravel in his voice has moisture pooling between my thighs, combined with the smolder in his eyes, any woman would melt.
“Now, you know what it does to me when you get all possessive like that. Bring me inside, orc daddy, and have your way with me,” I say, teasing him.
He rolls his eyes at me. “All right, let’s get going before you come up with an even worse nickname.” He bends down slightly and lifts me into his arms, bridal style. It just does something to me when he carries me around like this. I’m almost positive that every woman gets a small thrill from being held like this by a sexy man.
“Get going. I’ve been dying for your cock since we left the house earlier today.” I’m feeling a little bratty tonight, and I know just the orc to take care of me.
I could almost cry with happiness at the life that Ulgan and I are building with each other. Someone pinch me, how is this real?