When James and Cornelia made an appearance in the garden where tables for the feast were set, James wondered if they were last to join the festivities.
It was way past sunset and the whole area was illuminated by crystals that were emitting faint light, making the whole setting magical. Garlands of fresh flowers hung off the pillars and trees, filling the air with the sweet aroma. The Silver Flame fountain stood in the middle of it all, glowing like a beacon.
Three tables were elevated compared to the others.
At the table in the center were Evanora, Yasmin, Axel, and a few more high-ranking witches that James met before.
On the right side was another one, set for six people. Talia, Damon, Liam, and Amelia were there already, and Cornelia told James that two empty seats at that table were theirs to take.
On the left from the main table were four healers from the Midnight Guardians pack, Keith, and Cassandra.
There were many other tables arranged through the garden, with witches eating and drinking. The nearby females were shamelessly checking out James despite Cornelia's obvious displeasure.
James was interested in Cassandra. She was a she-wolf and the Oracle of the Midnight Guardians pack who had the knowledge comparable to shaman's. In addition to that, Cassandra stayed with witches to improve her craft in mysterious ways and James really hoped that she will have some ways to help him with his sensing-the-bond situation. James was not comfortable talking about it with strangers, but he had a feeling that the time was running out and he was getting desperate.
James was confused to see Keith being so friendly with the healers, Cassandra in particular. James observed Keith so far, and he assessed the guard as non-approachable, afraid of Damon and loyal to Talia. Keith talking with Cassandra in a relaxed mood was outside James' expectations.
James noticed Cassandra shrinking when she looked at the main table, and James wondered if Cassandra was mistreated somehow. Did she get special privileges only because of the guests? He dispelled those thoughts because it was none of his business.
No matter where he looked, James saw breasts. Palm-sized, plump, round, pear-shaped… breasts… everywhere. Even with Cornelia by his side, James had difficulty not staring and he could only imagine the savagery that would happen if werewolves from the Red Moon pack find their way here. Alpha Edward would probably lead them and use his position to make first picks. James tried not to think about it.
Cornelia held James' hand while leading the way toward their seats, and James focused on the golden designs that were shimmering on her bare back. Her chocolate skin contrasted gold designs that moved with her, making them appear alive.
James wished that witches look at him more or get closer, because only in a fit of jealousy Cornelia would claim him as hers, and he liked when that happened.
The moment they sat, a witch approached them to fill their glasses with sweet wine.
Witches don't have a concept of Omegas who will do menial jobs and serve others, but they have low-ranked witches who would do whatever is needed.
During this feast, the witches took turns bringing food and drinks. James noticed that the witches who served them would sit at their table and eat and drink with others until their shift came again. It ensured that everyone serves, and everyone gets served.
Only Evanora, guests, and a handful of high-ranking witches didn't stand up to serve others.
James was excited. This was not the first time that he and Cornelia appeared as a couple, but it was the first time during an official function. A big bonus was that this was a separate realm, so his father won't ever find out about this.
If this was the Red Moon pack, appearing at a party with Cornelia would be suicidal. His heart ached. Was that why she was reluctant to come with him? Did she want to be recognized and not hide her identity? That was a big problem that James didn't know how to fix.
James felt bad about the need to conceal Cornelia's importance. He wanted to shout for everyone to hear how amazing she was, and that she was his, but how can he do that if he knew it would put her in danger?
James didn't approve of Damon hiding the fact that Talia was his mate, but James agreed that it was the right thing to do at the time.
For the first time since they got close, Cornelia was not wearing anything on top and he could see her two bouncing peaks staring at him, calling him to get closer and to suck on them. He licked his lips and swallowed hard, knowing that he shouldn't give in to those desires because this was in public. Heck, even in private, Cornelia was opposed to them going all the way and him marking her.
James knew the reasons and he couldn't say that she was wrong, but around Cornelia, James' rationality was replaced with the urges of a man to claim his woman, and his impatience was a reminder that he was still a teenager.
"James?"
Cornelia's voice pulled him out of his daze.
"What?", he asked while forcing his eyes to go up from her breasts to her face. It was a beautiful face.
"That's enough", Cornelia said while gesturing toward her plate that was heaping with food.
James smiled awkwardly. He was staring at her breasts, and he spaced out and overdid it as his hands moved on auto-pilot. But he had no intention of admitting to it.
"This is for both of us.", James said and grabbed a fork, ready to feed his chocolate-colored Goddess that was shimmering in gold.
James' mood was spoiled at the sound of giggles around them because they were between Damon and Talia on their right, and Amelia and Liam on their left. Both couples were super lovey-dovey, feeding each other, touching, and kissing, somehow reminding James that they did it and will definitely do it tonight, and James... James knew that he needed to keep his hands to himself.
James fought against the negativity and he focused on feeding Cornelia because as long as she doesn't reject him, it will be fine. It had to be.
They were about halfway through the plate when Evanora stood up and announced that it was time for the ceremonies.
Cornelia looked at James excitedly, even though she had mixed feelings about this. The ceremony was to celebrate their union, as soulmates. On the downside, James couldn't feel the bond and they didn't mate, so she felt like a fraud. At the same time, Cornelia was not sure if they will have another chance like this, and she didn't want to miss it.
Cornelia knew that she was selfish, but she couldn't help it. She wanted a memory of this ceremony as something she will cherish forever.
Even if they separate and she doesn't see him ever again, Cornelia was confident that she won't yearn for any man other than James. If the heavens give them their blessings during this ceremony, it will be another confirmation that they are soulmates.
