After taking a deep breath, she did it. She uttered the spell. But…
One minute bled into another, but nothing happened. Wait. Had the breeze just kicked up? A handful of leaves floated to the ground.
Uncertain, she uttered the spell again. Still, nothing. She must not have the necessary power to make it work.
The only thing that had changed? Jorlan no longer projected disapproval. No, he radiated love and awe.
Eyes burning, she leaned against Jorlan’s arm. “I’m sorry. I wanted to be with you, even if it had to be this way. I just…I miss you so much. I love you, Jorlan.” As she spoke, tears fell. As her tears fell, her palm burned, the jewel blistering her palm.
“My sweet katya,” Jorlan said, his voice rich with promise, “I will never tire of hearing your confession.”
Wait. He’d spoken?
He’d spoken!
Katie jerked her head up and squealed with excitement. The stone was gone. Jorlan was flesh and blood again! “How…why…I don’t understand.”
Jorlan jumped down and drew her against him. He smiled. “It feels so good to hold you again.”
“But how?” she asked again. “How are you standing here, Jorlan?”
He chuckled. “’Twas not a stone spell you uttered, but a wishing spell. The most powerful of all magic, able to supersede any spell, but only when it is accompanied by a supreme act of unselfishness. When you spoke the words, your willingness to join me gave you your fondest desire.”
“You,” she breathed. “It gave me you.”
“It seems I owe my brother a debt of gratitude.” He caressed her jawbone, sending tingles rushing through her entire body. “You were right, you know. I have indeed forgiven Percen. How could I hate him when his actions brought me to you?”
Overcome with joy, she threw her arms around his neck. “I love you so much,” she said in between kisses. “I love you, I love you, I love you.”
With his nose in her hair, he breathed deep. “I love you, too, and I will be with you, always. Your world is now my world.”
She frowned and pulled back. “You don’t have to stay here, Jorlan. Mon Graig can take us to Imperia.”
“I wish to stay here, katya. Your family is my family. You home is my home. You are my future. My everything.”
Had sweeter words ever been spoken? “Jorlan, I don’t know what to say. Thank you isn’t good enough.”
“Hold that thought.” He massaged the back of his neck. “I didn’t just wed you, I bonded with you. You are not going to age, but your family will. One day, they will die.”
Tears welled in her eyes, but she nodded. “I know. I’ve always known. No one gets out of here alive.”
Relief glittered in his eyes.
“Although,” she added. “Perhaps we could convince them to move to Imperia and find immortal life mates of their own.”
He laughed. “I like the way your mind works. We can all move to Imperia one day.”
Really, when you thought about it, neither she nor Jorlan had to give up their homes to be together. They could have everything they’d ever dreamed!
For the first time since her mother’s death, Katie felt whole, fulfilled and utterly content. What she’d done to deserve this much happiness, she didn’t know, but she would fight to the death to keep it.
A satisfied smile curved her lips, only to fade. “I’m so sorry about your mother, Jorlan. So sorry.”
Sadness flickered in his irises. “She has joined my father. I must be content with that.” He kissed her softly, and she clung to him.
By the time he pulled back, they were both panting with need.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” she said, grinning again. “I mean, what are the odds of you and I ever meeting? How many other galaxies and planets could your mother have sent you to spend your days?”
“Oh, I did not come here by chance, katya. We were always meant to find one another.”
“I love you,” she whispered.
“And I love you. I will always love you.” He kissed her brow. Her eyelids. Her nose. The rise of her cheeks. “Will you allow me to stay with you, to be your life mate and your partner in all things? I vow to help you with your houses and adore you every day of our lives.”
She blinked up at him innocently. “Of course…as long as you agree to a new rule.”
He tried for a stern expression, but only managed delighted. “And what is that?”
“You must ravish me at least once a day.”
At that, he grinned wide. “My adjustment is simple. I will ravish you twice a day. Now take me inside, little witch, for I feel the need to obey this rule immediately.”
EPILOGUE
LIFE WAS GOOD.
Katie’s family gathered in her dad’s backyard. A celebration of Katie’s one-year anniversary with Jorlan. Even Brian had flown in from New Orleans for the event.
Enveloped by smoke, Gray stood over a grill, flipping hamburgers and hotdogs. “Jorlan, you’re my brother now. Come over here and help me with this.”
“Nay,” Jorlan called. “You are doing well on your own, and I like where I am.”
He sat in an uncomfortable lawn chair…with Katie perched in his lap.
All of her brothers chuckled. Except Gray, of course.
Jorlan massaged the base of Katie’s neck. Relaxed and in love, she sighed with contentment. Ah, married life was more satisfying than she’d ever imagined possible. Her hubby took care of her in every way, making love to her on the daily, pampering her, playing basketball with her and even helping around the house. He truly saw to her every need, just as she saw to his.
She might have kissed his lips and set him free, but he was the one who’d done the saving.
He slid his hand from her neck to her belly, and she grinned. Their first child was due in less than a month. Even her dad had softened at the thought of welcoming his first grandchild.
“Well, I for one am tired of waiting. I’m starved and ready to eat.” Frances winked at Katie. She stood next to Katie’s dad.
The past year, Katie and Frances had developed a very strong bond. Most surprising of all, however, was how Frances actually liked and accepted Jorlan for what he was, even if she didn’t understand it.
Ryan turned his attention to Frances. “You’re tired of waiting? Then get your little butt over there and help. It’s a woman’s job, after all.”
Frances’s eyes narrowed to slits. They’d been dancing around an attraction to each other for months. “I’ll tell you what a woman’s job is. It’s building her self-discipline so she doesn’t kill every man she meets.”
Ryan snorted.
Katie chuckled. Oh, great things were in store for those two; she just knew it.
“Thank you for all you’ve given me, katya,” Jorlan whispered in her ear. “I love you.”
“And I love you.”
Life had never been better.
* * * * *
New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with a brand-new dark and sexy addition to her top-selling Lords of the Underworld series featuring William, the story her fans have been clamoring for.