Cate liked a challenge. He’d given her one in the hopes she’d create her own business, instead of working for someone else.
“Holy crap,” Cate rasped, small hand trembling in his.
He gave her a squeeze. “Happy birthday, lass.”
Tears in her eyes, she shook free of his hold and threw her arms around him. “Thank you, Ran. Best present ever. I love it, and I love you. You’re the absolute best.”
“Love you too, Catie-mine.”
Wrapping his arms around her, Rannock smiled against the top of her head. Mission accomplished. He’d done his job. His mate was happy, well on her way to healing from the loss of her sire and making his home her own.
Thankfulness streamed through him.
Pleasure followed as Cate laughed, lighting him up, filling his heart to the brim, giving him more in that moment than he’d ever be able to give her in return. She was sunshine and joy, the light of his life, all things bright and beautiful. His one. His only. Now, and in the future.
Tipping her head back, Cate grinned up at him.
He smiled back, so bloody glad he’d picked up the phone. An accident in the beginning. His lifeline in the end. Nothing compared to holding her in his arms, making him wonder why he’d ever doubted his decision. Taking her call was, far and away, the best thing he’d ever done.
EPILOGUE
HENRY
Bonaventure Cemetery - Savannah, Georgia
He woke up in the dark, inside a box filled with nothing but cold. Surrounded by the smell of damp earth and Fae magic.
He recognized the scent. Knew it infused his muscles, drilling down deep to reach his bones.
Twitching, Henry Biscayne drew a sharp breath. His empty chest expanded. Inhuman power filled the void, then surged through his veins. Agonizing sensation coursed through him. His body sparked. His synapses fired. His gaze began to glow like twin spotlights, filling the lead-lined coffin with brilliant blue light.
With a snarl, he punched through thick metal to reach wood. The mahogany shell shattered. His hand met loose soil on the other side. Curling his fingers around the torn edge, he ripped the curved top above him wide open. Soil poured in through the hole. He thrashed, digging through heavy dirt, tunneling up and out.
Cool night air rushed over his arm.
His head broke the surface of the earth.
Clawing his way free, bare skin covered in slick ooze and dirt, he stood next to a gravestone with his name on it. Pale marble. No inscription. Just dates that didn’t mean anything.
Turning away from the place the Shadow Walkers tried to kill him, Henry tipped his head back. Eyes closed, he absorbed the faint light pushing through thick tree limbs, then bared his fangs and howled at the moon.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Each book I write challenges me in different ways. FURY OF ISOLATION took me on a wild ride, showing me new things, opening up more mysteries, making me curious about worlds beyond the one Dragonkind inhabits. I love Rannock and Cate for many reasons—their unbreakable bond first among them—but their journey took me on one of my own, introducing me to a Triad of Shadow Walkers for the first time. A group I know I’ll be writing about in the future.
I want to thank each and every one of you (my fabulous readers) for following me into the wild and wonderful world inside FURY OF ISOLATION. I hope you had as much fun reading Rannock and Cate’s story as I did writing it.
A huge shout-out to my fabulous literary agent, Christine Witthohn. You’ve always believed in me. I’ll love you forever. It’s been such fun, and a great privilege, working with you. Here’s to many more years to come!
Thanks as well to Tanya and the wonderful team at Oliver Heber Books. I learn more every day working with you. I’m so grateful to be part of your crew.
To my family—you’re the best. I love you more than words can express. Thank you for all your love and support. I couldn’t do any of it without you.
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
Thank you for taking the time to read Fury of Isolation. If you enjoyed it, please help others find my books so they can enjoy them too.
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ALSO BY COREENE CALLAHAN
Dragonfury Scotland
Fury of a Highland Dragon
Fury of Shadows
Fury of Denial
Fury of Persuasion
"Villains” of the Dragonfury Series
Fury of Fate
Fury of Conviction
Dragonfury Series
Fury of Fire
Fury of Ice
Fury of Seduction
Fury of Desire
Fury of Obsession
Fury of Surrender
Fury of Destruction
Circle of Seven Series
Knight Awakened
Knight Avenged
Warriors of the Realm Series
Warrior’s Revenge
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Coreene Callahan is the bestselling author of the Dragonfury Novels and Circle of Seven Series, in which she combines her love of romance and adventure with her passion for history. After graduating with honors in psychology and taking a detour to work in interior design, Coreene returned to her first love: writing. Her debut novel, Fury of Fire, was a finalist in the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest in two categories: Best First Book and Best Paranormal. She lives in Canada with her family, a spirited Anatolian Shepherd, and her wild imaginary world.