Chapter 40

Ella couldn't bring herself to go to the trial. Maksim didn't want her to either. He hated the idea of her and Dean being in the same room. So instead, Maksim took Ella away to New York to show her their new apartment for the weekend with Piper and Cleo.

"What do you think?" Maksim asked as Ella walked around the empty place. The high ceilings and large windows made the place feel more like a dance studio then an apartment.

"Isn't it a bit too big?" Ella scrunched up her nose. "I mean do we really need three bedrooms?"

"Where will Piper stay?" Maksim asked as he leaned against the window.

Ella's heart softened as she looked over at her mate. The summer sunlight coming in through the window illuminated his back, making him look like a painting. She walked over to him and carefully looped her arms around his neck.

"I haven't thought about that," Ella confessed as she leaned her forehead against his. "I haven't thought about a lot of things."

"It's okay," Maksim kissed her forehead. "I'll do the thinking for you. Piper will stay here with you. I will have her enroll at a school here and I am also transferring out of St.Rieka."

"What?" Ella leaned back to look at her mate in confusion.

Maksim searched her eyes as a quick smile overtook his lips, "I applied for late admission at Columbia. You didn't think after everything that happened I would leave you in New York alone, did you?"

"But...." Ella grew concern. "It's tradition for you to go to St. Rieka."

Maksim sighed, "Baby, I'm a king. I can break tradition."

Ella didn't know what to say. She was thrilled with the idea of Maksim staying with her but at the same time she was worried his family might think she was a negative influence on him. She didn't want them to think he was throwing out traditions and customs for her. When she voiced her concerns to Maksim, he laughed.

"Baby, where are you going to learn that my parents and my whole family like you more than they like me," he said.

"Max...." Ella frowned as she picked at his shirt. "I don't think it's a-"

"Mom is not very fond of traditions and dad doesn't want you to be alone here either," Maksim pulled Ella into his arms and began to slowly dance with her in their empty apartment. "My plan makes everyone happy."

"Okay.... If you say so,"

Maksim carefully spun Ella into his embrace and dipped her over his arm, "Do you not want me to stay here?"

Ella opened her eyes and frowned once more, "Oh yes, Maksim Radacovick. I can't stand to have you here stay with me. How will I manage?"

Maksim laughed as he pulled Ella back up and kissed her lips. He had meant for a soft peck but Ella pulled him closer. She pressed her lips against his until Maksim wrapped her in his arms and kissed her back properly. Ella sighed against him and parted her lips to let him in. the sparks and tingles that ran down her body made her fear she could almost fly away. Underneath her hand, Ella felt Maksim's heart beat with her in unison.

"You haven't kissed me like that in a while," Ella said as she pulled back for air.

Maksim looked at her through dark hooded eyes, "I'm too scared I won't be gentle and hurt you."

"You could never," Ella placed a hand against his face and kissed his cheek.

Maksim sighed from her touch and pulled her closer, "I really can't wait until you're all healed and these casts and bandages come off."

"Why?" Ella batted her lashes, "What will you do?"

A hypnotic smile appeared in Maksim's face as he began to leave a trail of kisses down her jaw and neck. His lips hovered over the spot where she should have his mark. Ella shivered as he brushed his mouth over her smooth skin and grazed his teeth over.

But before the two could get carried away any farther, Cleo and Piper came running into the room from the back of the apartment.

"This building has a rooftop pool!" Piper said with excitement. "That's so freaking cool."

Maksim slowly sat Ella back down on her feet and turned to face the girls. He kept a hand firmly around her waist because he knew she was just as dizzy as he was.

"Did you get a chance to see all the rooms?" He asked Piper.

"Yep," the girl nodded.

"Which bedroom do you want?"

"What?" Piper stilled. She looked at Ella and then back at Maksim.

"You're staying with me from now on," Ella smiled.

Piper squealed as she ran into her sister's arms and hugged her tightly. Maksim cringed and looked up at his mate with concern. Ella patted his arm to let him know she was okay.

"Are you serious?" Piper pulled back to look at Ella. "I'm really staying here with you? Like forever?"

"Yes," Ella laughed. "You're really staying here with me. Max is working on your school transfer."

As Ella spoke she spotted Cleo hovering by the living room door with a small frown.

"Cleo, what's wrong?" Ella held out her hand for the girl.

"Nothing," Cleo shook her head. "I just.....I liked having Piper stay with us at the palace. I don't really have a lot of friends there...."

"Come here," Maxing called his sister over. Cleo slowly walked over to her brother and wrapped her arms around him.

"You know we have another room, right?" Ella bent down to look at the little girl. "Why don't we make it yours?"

"Thanks, but mom and dad won't agree to have me move school,"

"Maybe you don't have to," Maksim said. "You can come here every Friday and spend the weekends with us. Then on Monday mornings, I'll portal you back to school."

Cleo thought about what her brother was saying. She liked the idea but she was too scared to ask her parents. So she turned to Ella.

"You'll have to ask mom," she said. "She likes you. She won't say no if you ask."

Ella laughed as she kissed Cleo's cheek, "Okay, I'll ask."

"Okay, which room do you want?" Piper asked with excitement as she grabbed Cleo's hand and pulled her down the hall.

Maksim wrapped his arms around Ella and pressed her back to his chest. He kissed her shoulder as she rolled her head back on his.

"You know between those two we will end up having the smallest bedroom," Maksim said.

"Ugh, your right," Ella laughed. "I didn't think of that. Let's go see if we can do some damage control."

Ella was about to walk out of Maksim's embrace when his hold tightened around her. She turned around and looked into his eyes.

"Yes?"

"I wanted to ask you something," Maksim smiled.

"What is it?"

"Will you...."

Ella's eyes widened. She felt her heart start to thunder as her cheeks warmed up. Her lips parted as she held her breath.

"Ella Dunbar," Maksim smiled as he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Will you do me the extraordinary honor of...."

"Max..." Ella bit down on her bottom lips to keep herself together. She hated that he was dragging this out.

"Will you do me the extraordinary honor of being my date to Adeline's wedding?" Maksim couldn't help the goofy smile on his face.

Ella's jaw dropped as she blinked several times. She smacked his arm and pushed away from his arms.

"Babe!" Maksim followed her down the hall as she rushed off.

"That was not funny. Maksim."

Maksim took two long strides before he had her in his embrace again, "Come on, it was a bit funny."

Ella frowned. She looked away out the window over his shoulder. Maksim placed a hand under her chin and turned her to face him.

"I wouldn't ask you to marry me like that," Maksim said as he rubbed her cheek with his thumb. "The whole world will know when I ask for your hand."

Ella blushed as she listened to his words. She looked up at his brown eyes and felt her knees weaken.

"But thank you for the reaction," Maksim smiled. "You gave me a little piece of mind. Now I can carry on my planning."

"You are so dramatic," Ella rolled her eyes. "So over the top with everything."

"I can't help it," Maksim laughed. "I want to show you off to the whole world."

Ella shook her head as a small laugh escaped her lips. She pushed her hair out of her face and sighed with contentment.

"So," Maksim looked down at her again. "Will you go to the wedding with me?"

"Why would I do that?" Ella smiled. "I don't even like you, Maksim Radacovick."

____________________________________

Adeline's wedding was perfect, just like her and Ben. She was radiant in a white gown as she blushed her way down the aisle in a long sheer white vail. Exton held her hand firmly as he took slowly stray steps. He didn't want to rush this moment. He wanted to hold on to his little girl a little longer.

As the father and daughter passed, Ella took in a deep breath. Her eyes had begun to water and she couldn't hold in the tears anymore. Maksim looked down at her with worried eyes, but she leaned into him and smiled.

"She looks so beautiful," Ella whispered.

"You will look even better," Maksim kissed her hair. "I really can not wait for our day."

Ella blushed heavily as everyone around them started to have a seat. She followed Clare and Cleo next to her as Maksim took her hand and laced their fingers together.

At the altar, Exton shook Ben's hands and looked into the vampire's dark eyes.

"Just to remind you," Exton said in a low enough voice for just Adeline and Ben to hear him. "My father has years of battle experience, my mother is an expert archer, my wife is the witch supreme, my sister is a dragon and I train the Queen's guards. If you ever hurt my daughter, we will rain hell upon you."

"Dad," Adeline gasped as she gripped his hand and shook her head.

"Thank you, Mr. Dorin," Ben gave a sharp nod with his crisp Australian accent. "I won't let you down, sir."

"You take care of my little girl," Exton said as he let go of Ben's hand and turned to Adeline.

"Are you going to cry?" Adeline smiled as she looked at her father through her veil.

"You really want to get married?"

"Yes," Adeline rolled her eyes.

"Maybe think about it a little more?"

"Dad!"

Exton, everyone is watching, Gemma mind-linked him from the front row.

Hold on! This is my baby I'm giving away. I need a moment.

Oh for god's sake, Caspian rolled his eyes. Hurry up! The heat is melting me.

"Dad," Adeline took a step closer. "Thank you. For everything. You will always be my first and greatest love."

"You heard that, Benny?" Exton looked over his shoulder at the groom in the black tux.

"Yes, sir," Ben gave a small laugh.

Exton turned back to his daughter and sighed, "Okay.....it's time. I guess I have to let go now."

"I love you," Adeline leaned forward and placed a kiss on her father's cheek. "I will always need you."

"I love you more," Exton said as he placed a kiss on her forehead. He turned to Ben and placed Adeline's hand in his.

Once Exton moved away from the altar and took his place next to Gemma, she placed her head on his shoulder and wiped a tear from her eyes.

"You let him know we will come after him if he hurts her?" Xavier asked as the shaman began the wedding ceremony.

"Yep," Exton said. "I told him we will make it rain hell."

"Am I expected to make the same speech at Clare's wedding?" Owen whispered to Mavi.

"Yes," Rye answered before Mavi could. "But don't worry, I will edit it and make it even scarier."

"Thank you," Owen said with a small shake of his head.

The whole family turned back to look at the happy couple at the altar. Ben, a handsome heir, with midnight black hair and hazel eyes beamed with joy and love as he lifted Adeline's veil. He was awestruck by her beauty. His hands froze for a few seconds as he just let his eyes take her in.

"I love you," he whispered as Adeline blushed.

The shaman cleared his throat, calling the couple's attention back. Ben dropped the veil back and held out his hand for his bride. Adeline took a deep breath before she turned and handed her rose bouquet over to Maya. She turned back to her mate and placed her nervous hands into his.

In the audience, Ella held her breath as the couple in front of them got lost in their love for one another. She felt Maksim place a kiss on her hand, his eyes never leaving her face. Ella couldn't help the tears that ran down her face as Ben started his vows.

"My dearest Adeline," he said, looking into her eyes. "You captured my heart in the most unexpected ways. It wasn't when you stopped every heart in a room you walked into or when your sweet smile was the sight for sore eyes. But it was when you were lost in thought and twirled your hair around your finger. It was when you thought no one was looking so you laughed a little louder. It was when you danced in the rain like an enchanted bird and filled my life in vibrant, wild, and passionate colors. I vow to take you as you are and to love you until my last breath."

Maksim pulled Ella into his arms as she placed her hand over her heart. In front of him, Gemma was crying and so was his mother.

"Ben," Adeline took a deep breath as her voice cracked. "You made falling in love effortless. In you, I found the missing parts of my heart. I am unconditionally and irrevocably in love with you. I promise to stand by your side no matter the storm and be your guiding light. I promise to grow with you in happiness and in sorrow, in sickness and in health. I promise to never love you the same way twitch. Each day it will be more and more and a bit more."

"Wow," Ella smiled through her tears. "That was so beautiful."

Maksim had to admit, it was pretty romantic. The flowers, the mood, the love in the air but most importantly the angel in his arms. For a few seconds he pictured Ella in a white gown standing beside him at the altar. His heart began to race. How would he ever be able to sum up his love for her into worlds?

With a deep sigh, Maksim leaned in closer to Ella, "I love you."

"I love you so much," Ella whispered back.

Once Adeline and Ben exchanged rings, everyone threw rice and flower petals into the air as the happily couple hurried down the aisle. Adeline took off her veil and handed it over to her mother as Ben picked up her long dress and helped her into the car. He couldn't stop smiling at his bride as she turned back to look at her family and wave at them.

"I love you, Adeline," Ben said to her as she turned back to her seat. "You will never know how much I love you."

Adeline threw her arms around her husband's neck and kissed him, "I would you so much. You make me so happy."

"Good," Ben laughed. "I intend to keep you happy for the rest of my days."

As the morning drew into mid afternoon, the party moved from the temple to the back lawns of the palace. The family had gone all out to make sure Adeline got the fairy tale wedding of her dreams. The gardens were transformed into an enchanted forest with lavish chandeliers hanging from trees and dessert tables set up with whimsical treats. The band played on and on as people danced under the canopy of white veils and flowers.

When Ben and Adeline arrived, everyone welcomed them with open arms, all ready to wish them luck in her new journey.

"Congratulations!" Ella said as Adeline pulled her into a tight hug. "I am so happy for you. You look beautiful. The wedding was so beautiful."

"Thank you, my love," Adeline smiled. "I am so happy you are here. I can't wait for the day you are officially a Dorin Radacovick."

"Baby you should throw your bouquet at her tonight," Ben teased as he wrapped an arm around Adeline. "Give Maksim a wake up call."

"I don't need a wake up call," Maksim laughed. "I am ready."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Ben looked at Adeline.

"Honey," Adeline shook her head laughing. "They're still in school. They have plenty of time."

Ella blushed as Maksim pulled her into his arms and kissed her cheek. She placed her hand over his and turned to give him one back.

"Are you guys all set for New York?" Adeline asked.

"Yes," Ella nodded. "We leave in a few weeks."

"Call me if you need anything," the bride said. "I know a lot of people in New York and they can all help. Do you need an interior decorator for your place? I told Mackey to get a fully furnished place, I don't understand why he doesn't listen."

"We want to make the place ours," Maksim said. "We want to put in our touch. There's not need for an interior decorator."

Adeline pouted but Ben jumped in to save her smile.

"Baby, I will buy you an entire town to decorate," he kissed her. "Just say the words."

"That's our cue to leave," Maksim whispered to Ella as he stole her away. She giggled in his arms as he whiskered off to the dance floor. Over his shoulder, she spotted Cleo and Piper at the dessert table being awfully sneaky. Those two were a recipe for trouble.

"Where's Clare?" Ella asked looking around.

"She went upstairs," Maksim said as he moved back some of the loose strands of hair around her face.

"Is she okay?"

"Yes," Maksim nodded. "You know she doesn't like large gatherings. She needed a break."

"Maybe I should go and check on her,"

"In a bit," Maksim stopped her. "I want to dance with you first."

"So selfish, your highness," Ella laughed.

"Only when it comes to you."

Ella beamed under his eyes as she placed her arms around his neck. They swayed to the soft jazz as Maksim leaned his head against her.

"Did you like the wedding?" he asked.

"Yes," Ella nodded. "It was very beautiful."

"Beautiful enough to make you want to get married?" Maksim asked slowly.

Ella's spine tingled as she thought about what Maksim was asking. There was a big part of her that wanted to make it official that she was his forever. There was no other way it could all be. They were made for each other. But there was also another part of her, the sensible part that told her to wait just a little longer.

"Max..." Ella said slowly as she looked up at him. "I think we should wait."

"And I will wait for you forever," Maksim placed a quick kiss against her lips. "There's no rush."

Ella couldn't explain the sweet blames that came over her body from the light kisses. She pushed to her tippy toes and kissed Maksim until her lungs ran out of hair. Maksim didn't complain one bit. He didn't care who saw them in the middle of the dance floor making out. He was in heaven.

When Ella pulled back, her eyes were dreamy and her cheeks flushed.

"Max...." She said breathlessly.

"Yes, my love?"

"I'm not ready to get married yet...." Ella locked her gaze with her mate. "But I want you to mark me."

Maksim stilled. He had been the one moving them on the dance floor, but Ella's words suddenly froze him.

"Today?" he asked as he tried to keep his face straight and hide the smile.

"Yes," Ella nodded. "Today."

"Right now?"

"Well not here," Ella bit down on her lip and looked around. "But yes, right now."

"Are you sure?" Maksim wanted to make sure she knew what she was asking. "A mark is permanent."

"So it my name on your arm,"

"Ella," Maksim stopped moving and made her look up at him. "I'm serious. Are you sure you want me to mark you?"

Ella swallowed the nerves in her and nodded, "I want the whole world to know I'm yours."

Maksim gave her a few more seconds as he watched her. His eyes waited for her to back out and tell him she changed his mind. But her baby blue eyes held the same determination as they had the night in Paris when she told him she was ready.

A wonderful full feeling blossomed in Maksim's chest. He took Ella's hand and led her off the dance floor. No one noticed the couple slip out of the party as Maksim led them through the tables and out of the crowd. Ella followed her mate with a beating heart as he guided her farther and farther away from the celebration. She didn't say a word as they traveled deeper into the garden until the music and the voices all disappeared behind them.

Ella was about to ask how far they were going when Maksim pulled her behind a large rose bush and captured her lips. His urgency frightened Ella momentarily until she felt her need for him rise up to. He held her face as he showered her lips with love and promises. Ella dug her hands into his hair as she pulled him closer.

Slowly, as their kiss grew more and more desperate, the couple lowered themselves onto the lush green grass. They were perfectly hidden from the eyes of the party as Maksim held himself over Ella.

"God, you're so beautiful," Maksim said. He dipped his head again and kissed her. Ella's shoulders were pinned to the cool grass beneath her as she sucked and pulled at Maksim's lips. If they weren't in the garden under the open blue sky, she would have pulled his clothes off by now.

Maksim wanted to take his time. He had been waiting for this moment forever and he didn't want to forget a single moment. As he kissed his mate and wondered how to make it more special for her, an idea jumped into his mind.

Ella protested with a whine when Maksim rolled off of her. She opened her eyes in surprise and looked over to him.

"What happened?" she asked.

"Not here," Maksim said as he got up and pulled Ella to her feet. Ella watched in confusion as he began to remove his tie.

"Turn around," Maksim said.

"Why?"

"Just do it, Ell,"

Ella turned her back to him slowly. She was curious as to what he was up to when she felt him place his tie over her eyes.

"Max?" Ella touched the material covering her.

"It's a surprise," Maksim smiled.

Ella was about to tell him she did not like surprises when she felt him pick her up into his arms. She let out a yelp as she gripped onto him tightly. She was dying with curiosity as Maksim started to move.

"Where are we going?" She asked.

"Just a few more seconds," Maksim kissed her forehead.

"I want to take this off."

"No!" Maksim laughed. "Trust me."

Ella bit down on her tongue and pouted. She had no idea what he was upto. Her stomach danced with excitement even though she was really nervous.

A few minutes later, Ella shrieked in surprise once again when Maksim placed her over his shoulder. Her head hung down his back as he gripped her waist to keep her from falling off.

"Max!" Ella said nervously. "Where are we going? And what are you doing?"

"A few more seconds," Maksim said as he slowly placed Ella down.

She felt the solid seat beneath her bottom, but she didn't feel anything under her feet. Curiously, Ella swung her feet back and gasped when she realized they were dangling in air.

"Okay," Maksim said from next to her. "You can take it off now."

Ella quickly pulled the tie down her face. Her jaw dropped when she realized where they were.

"Max..." Ella turned to the prince next to her.

They sat on the same old branch of the oak tree they had shared their first kiss on. Ella's heart began to pound as she looked around and smiled. Maksim watched her reaction as he moved closer to her.

"Stay still," he whispered to her as he swung his legs over the branch and pulled Ella in between his legs.

Ella turned her body slightly and placed her hands on his shoulder. She looked into his eyes and felt her heart swell up. She couldn't explain the feeling of joy and happiness that came over her. She was so full from his undying love that she could almost cry.

Maksim searched her face as he moved her hair away from her neck. His hands trembled slightly as Ella's eyes watered and she leaned in closer.

"Are you still sure?" he asked.

Ella's grip on his shoulders tightened as she nodded, "Yes."

"I love you,"

"I love you so much," Ella said.

She shut her eyes as she felt Maksim's warm breath tickle her skin. Her toes curled as he brushed his lips over her skin and pulled her into his mouth. Ella's heart began to race like a horse as the sparks and tingles started to have their own celebration. If it weren't for Maksim holding her tightly, she would have surely fallen off the tree again.

Just when Ella thought the feel of Maksim's mouth on her couldn't get any better, she felt the presence of his teeth. She gasped and pulled herself closer as Maksim slowly sunk his jaw down on the curve of her neck.

A loud gasp escaped Ella as her eyes flew open. She felt a hot burning feeling start at her neck and travel all over her body. Every inch of her untwined and wrapped itself in gold as fireworks exploded in her vision. Like a ripple on a still lake, Ella's eyes grew stronger. The green fields in front of her became more vibrant, the blue skies became crystal clear. The birds sang a little louder, the air smelled even better.

Ella's senses felt as if they had just been woken up after centuries of slumber. She stared at the world in front of her in it's new light.

Ella...

Ella gasped once again as Maksim's voice echoed in her head. She pulled back and looked into Maksim's eyes.

"I....I heard you," she said.

It's the mind-link, Maksim smiled as Ella's eyes widened again.

"How...how do I do it?"

Just think about what you want to tell me, Maksim instructed her. Picture me in your mind and talk to me.

Ella focused on her mate's brown eyes. She felt her heart beat against her chest as she formed the thought in her mind.

I love you...

Maksim lips pulled back into a wide smile.

I love you so much, Ella Bella.

You heard me?

Yes, Maksim laughed.

Ella let out a nervous laugh as she blinked in surprise. She looked around as her eyes bounced from leaf to leaf. Her head turned in all different directions as her ears picked up distant sounds.

"Max," Ella looked at him. "This is so weird. I feel like I got superpowers."

Maksim laughed, "Well, I'm not a radioactive spider but yes my bite did share my abilities with you. Not all, but you are definitely more than just human now."

Ella didn't know what to say. She slowly lifted her and touched her neck. She felt nothing other than her finger tips brush over a curved patch of smooth skin.

"How does it look?" She asked curiously.

"Here," Maksim pulled out his phone. "I'll take a picture of it."

Ella pulled her hair away to the other side as Maksim took a quick picture of her mark. She stared at the picture in amazement as her eyes ran over the curved mark. It was like having the moon trapped beneath her skin.

I'm yours, Ella linked her mate as she lifted her gaze to his.

Yes, Maksim smiled. 

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