She didn't realize she was gripping Giselle's hand so tight, till Ismat stepped back and gestured to her, snapping her out of her haze. Providence flew to her feet and was by her men in an instant. Her hands feathered over their sweaty chests, but she didn't dare touch the dark angry welts. The swirling design melded seamlessly with the other tattoos arching up their pecs and down their biceps.
"Witnessing the sacrifice of these two honorable warriors, Providence do you accept Dagaa and Madhava as your mates, till Kali takes you into her bosom?"
"I do." Providence sobbed.
"Then in the eyes of Kali and the people of Cadi you three are now one." Ismat announced.
Madhava gripped Providence, his mouth descended on hers and he kissed her passionately. Providence gripped his forearms as Madhava branded her. She felt every bit of the love and desire that smoldered in his gaze every time he looked at her. When Madhava finally released her, Providence was panting. She barely caught her breath before Dagaa grasped the back of her neck and captured her mouth. Providence saw stars as his mouth melded with hers. If love could be distilled into a single act this was it. The world suddenly felt like it was spinning, a roar more intense than her thudding pulse, filled her ears.
16 Providence among the Stars
Providence
Providence opened her eyes to see Dagaa was cradling her in his arms as he ran through the stomping crowd, with Madhava hot on his heels.
Providence giggled and sighed feeling a sense of utter contentment she never believed possible till she met her two men. She looked up into the night sky, twinkling with a million stars. A happy memory surged into her mind and Providence smiled wistfully.
She sat on her father’s shoulders as he pointed out the constellations. "One day Angel, you might travel the stars." Providence could still see her small hand reaching for the Big Dipper as he talked about the possibilities that might be achieved in her lifetime. "I'll take you with me." She'd replied, seeing how her father longed to see the day man would travel beyond their orbit.
"Oh papa." Providence whispered. He'd never know how right he'd been. He would've been positively giddy at all the sights she'd experienced and he would've loved Dagaa and Madhava. Providence picked the brightest star in the sky and said a prayer, hoping that her father looked into the night sky as she did now, and found the same peace she'd come to know. She summoned his image in her mind and her heart, willing him to be with her if only in spirit. "I'll take you with me, always."
Providence looked up at Dagaa's handsome profile as he reached the edge of the woods. She smiled at the eager look on his face, his excitement unrestrained. Providence glanced over his shoulder to find her other wonderful mate, but he was no longer behind them.
Madhava stood at the edge of the crowd, his sister, Kore standing in his path.
"Dagaa." Providence looked up at Dagaa, gesturing back at their other half.
He nodded, stopped, and turned back towards his friend.
Providence held her breath. She was too far away to hear, but Kore was clearly saying something to Madhava. Providence hoped like hell the woman wasn't saying anything cruel.
Madhava nodded as he replied to his sister and her shoulders dropped, her head hanging. Madhava reached out and ran his hand along Kore's cheek, then lifted up her chin.
In that moment Providence knew Kore truly realized the weight of what Madhava had done for her. And rather than rub it in his sister's face, her sweet mate absolved Kore of everything.
Madhava hugged his sister, squeezing her tight. Kore tentatively wrapped her arms around him, and then leaned in further soaking up the comfort he offered. After a moment Madhava patted his sister, then looked back up at Providence and Dagaa, his eyes bright. He ran towards them again, beaming a happy grin.
Providence smiled at her mate as her eyes misted, relief overwhelming her. Providence hadn't realized just how much she wanted Madhava to have this moment, to have a fraction of the family he'd been deprived, in exchange for all the scars and pain he bore. That he was so forgiving made her realize again how very blessed she was to find two devoted loving men.
Providence looked up at Dagaa reveling in the fact he was with her, hearty and whole. It made the tears she held back a moment ago, fall down her cheeks as she snuggled into him. Just thinking how she'd almost lost him, still tore her up.
Dagaa grinned at her as he took off again, entered the woods, and then kept running down a narrow path. He didn't stop till they were at the base of one of the massive trees. Providence looked up and realized it was their beloved treehouse.
"I didn't know we were this close." She smiled.
Dagaa smiled that wicked grin down at her as he took the steps two at a time. When he burst through the wooden door, Providence mouth gaped open. The already stunning treehouse was awash in faint blue light that showcased all the flowers that filled the room. Little flickering votives danced in water-filled globes. Bouquets and garlands of blooms were tucked here and there filling every crevice as she surveyed the room.