Desired by Shadow (A Shadow Walkers Novel) (39 page)

His knees hit the floor. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he held her tight. “Maggie, my fiery darlin’. I cannot bargain my way out of the curse. I know this now. If only I had more time. When you left…I came up with a grand plan to woo you back to me.” Had he been punched in the gut? It felt like such. “Then I thought I’d lost you and my world shattered. Without you by my side, I didn’t want to go on. I love you. Completely. Every star in the heavens is a declaration of my love for you. Can you ever find it within yourself to forgive me?”

Kneeling down in front of him to look him in the eye, her eyes shone with tears. “I love you. I’ve loved you since the moment you yelled at me for saving you from hanging. There’s nothing to forgive. I forgave you when I realized I might have acted the same way if our roles were reversed. You showed me how to live again.”

Fisting her hair in his hands, he pulled her to him, demanding, needing. Slanting his mouth over hers, he kissed her. With his kiss he told her how much he loved her, needed her, would miss her.

The first chime struck. Time was running out. “When the clock strikes ten, I will turn wraith.” Leaning back, he looked up at her while she caressed his hair. “If you can find another to make you happy, take the chance and forget me.”

Wild, she shook her head, greens eyes blazed. “Never. I will love you every day for the rest of my life.” A sob escaped her and she trembled in his arms.

“Shh, my darling. Don’t cry. Maggie, no matter how long it takes, I give you my solemn oath. I will find a way back to you.”

The clock struck ten.

The air around them began to swirl. A silver and lavender mist filled the room, sparkling and covering them in iridescent shimmer. She clung to him. Resignation flooded him as regret flowed through his veins—the only part of this past week he didn’t rue was
her
.

“Go on then, take me. I’ll find a way back to her. Fuck your bloody curse.”

Lightning crackled across the room and the lights winked out. The only illumination in the room came from the fire and the lavender and silver shimmer, dancing on the air like tiny fireflies.

“My, aren’t we rather dramatic.” Thorne stood before them in all his six foot seven glory, long silver hair floating around him, dancing with the lightning flashing in the room. Varying shades of blue tattoos flashed across his skin, seeming to change in the light from the fire. A fitted white tee showed off his huge muscled arms. Robert had to admit, he was a sight to behold.

“Nothing to say from either of you?” Eyebrows rose up into his forehead. “I’m speechless.”

Maggie stammered. Robert looked around to see if there was anyone waiting to drag him off to the wraith realm.

“Cutting it rather close, weren’t you?”

Incredulity filled his voice. “Are you telling me, we broke the bloody curse? How? We’ve not seen any sign.” Keeping an arm around Maggie, they sat on the sofa as Thorne dropped into the chair facing them, looking quite pleased with himself. Robert wanted to punch him in the face. That would wipe the smirk off the unpredictable god’s face.

Thorne leaned forward, elbows on his knees, fingers resting on his chin. “Some days dealing with all of you is a bit like herding cats.”

The god stood and looked down at them. Robert tensed.

“What you wanted something more dramatic?” Thorne rolled his eyes. “Sometimes the most astonishing changes come from within. You were willing to sacrifice your very essence for Maggie. Though, by the way…if you had been condemned to the wraith realm…no one has ever escaped so it was folly to think you could have. Think on that, Robert. Now go—be happy.” Robert and Maggie stood. Thorne slapped Robert on the back, kissed Maggie on both cheeks and before he vanished, called out to the air. “My brother’s going to be incredibly pissed at you Fury…Great job. Come see me and let’s have a little chat.”

Robert stood there looking at the empty spot where mere seconds ago Thorne stood. “Rather a bit anticlimactic.” He felt like a schoolboy caught playing at monsters long after he’d outgrown them. The lights blinked back on and a jolt of energy hit Robert hard. Doubling over, he welcomed the pain as his power flooded back into him. Gods, it was good to be whole again.

Maggie wrapped her arms around him and held tight. “Don’t
ever
scare me like that again.”

Wrapping her hair around his fingers, watching it slide across his skin, he wanted to mark her, ensure she was his forever but first… “You know my plans to woo you were quite impressive if I do say so myself. Rather a shame not to execute.”

Her eyes sparkled. “I’ve never been wooed. Sounds like fun. Do I get to send you on a ridiculous quest with treasure and a dragon?” She paused and laughed. A fully, throaty laugh from deep within. “Oh right. We already did that. In that case, I’d like to be swept up the stairs and into our room where you ravish me…you know, like Scarlett, in my book.” Maggie batted her eyelashes at him as he swept her up into his arms.

“My pleasure to oblige you and your bloody book. Are there any other things in that book you might like?” He knew he was leering at her but couldn’t help it. She pulled a very prim and proper look. “Oh, milord. Not in that book. But there is another book I’m reading…” She squealed as he dematerialized to the door outside their room. Cutting off her question as to why they were in the hallway, he kicked the door open, strode across the room, and threw her on the bed.

“How’s that compare to your blasted book?”

“Why Robert Bartholomew are you jealous of a silly, ol’ book?” She simpered up at him. Instead of answering, he simply arched a brow and dematerialized their clothing, chuckling when she gasped. Covering her body, he kissed her, tracing her lips with his tongue. Kissing the tip of her nose and eyelids. Each kiss a benediction. His voice hoarse, he put his lips next to her ear.

“I will spend eternity worshipping you, showing you how much I love you, my fiery north star.”

Shivering in his arms, Maggie wrapped her legs around his waist, guiding him home. “You showed me how to trust, to hope, and to believe in love. Every day from now until the end of time, I’ll tell you how very much I love you.” Her voice broke and she gasped as he slid her knees up, thrusting deep, growling her name, over and over, bringing them both safely home.

Friday, November 10th

The next morning, Maggie woke with a smile on her face. No more running. No more fear. Safe, secure and with the man she loved. What more could she ask for?

Robert came bustling into the room, already dressed. Disgustingly cheerful, he’d evidently been up a while. “Good morning, milady. I wondered if you were going to sleep the day away. Much as I’d like to stay in bed and lick every inch of your delectable skin, we have a very busy day ahead of us.”

“Not sure what you’re talking about.” She stretched, sore in all the right places. Warm in bed, she planned to stay there until noon, reading and being lazy. It would be heaven. “I’m not getting up. In fact, I might stay in bed the entire weekend.” Maggie grinned at him.

Robert was bearing a gold tray as he came over to the bed. There was a huge bowl of cut-up fruit and a cold Pepsi. “Oh, thank you. I’m starving.” She sat up, pulling on his shirt. The smell of him enveloped her. Breathing in deeply, she decided she’d wear one of his shirts every day to keep his scent close to her. He was looking at her, a grin on his face.

“Do I look silly in your shirt?”

“Are you kidding? Methinks you should wear my shirt and nothing else all the time. But only in our bedroom. I don’t want to have to kill every man in Wales for ogling you. So, my darling, you’ll have to get dressed for I’ve a surprise for you downstairs.”

In her life, surprises were never good. “What is it?”

He tsk tsked her. “Now darlin’, it wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you. Get dressed and meet me in the courtyard, I want to see your face when you come out. No peeking out of windows on the way.”

“Aye, aye, sir.” Mock saluting him, she laughed as he kissed her and squeezed her bottom. Pushing him out of the room, she took a fast shower, dressed and ran down the steps. Gareth was holding the door open. Rushing outside, scarf blowing behind her, she skidded to a stop. The most beautiful machine she’d ever laid eyes on was sitting in front of her with a big white bow on the top. Her hand flew to her mouth. “It’s fantastic!” Running to Robert, she threw herself in his arms.

“I take it you like it, then?” A key fob dangled in front of her. “Shall we?”

Squealing, she grabbed it and popped the doors open. The delicious smell of a new car hit her. It was so luxurious inside. She’d never owned anything like this in her entire life. “It’s a Jaguar F Type and a convertible. I pictured you driving down the road with your beautiful hair streaming behind you like a comet in the night sky.”

“I love you and I adore the car.” Leaning over to the passenger seat, she kissed Robert, licking his ear, satisfied when he let loose a growl. Sitting back, she touched every inch of the vehicle. Her sexy pirate cleared his throat. Turning to look at him, she sat up straight. He seemed—nervous was the only word she could come up with but it wasn’t a word she’d use when talking about Robert. The man was supremely confident, ready for anything, never anxious.

A black box was withdrawn from the glove compartment. Now she was antsy. Opening it, she was stunned.

“The bracelet belonged to my sister, a very long time ago. The necklace, earrings and ring I found under Rosslyn. I never thought anything could compare to the beauty of these jewels…until I met you. I will cherish you for eternity. Would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?” He’d removed the ring and was holding it out in front of her. The sapphires matched his eyes. As the man she loved beyond all measure sat in front of her, his heart on his sleeve, she thanked Fury, Draken, Thorne, and whoever else was listening for bringing them together.

“Yes. Yes, I’ll be your wife.”

Robert slid the ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit as if it had been made for her. Holding her hand out in front of her, she admired the ring. It was fashioned into flowers and vines. The vines were tiny emeralds, the flowers alternated between sapphires, rubies, and diamonds with a huge diamond as the center of the main flower. Running her hands down his chest, she saw a water spot on his shirt. He wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I love you, Robert.”

“And I love you, Maggie.” The next thing she knew, he’d popped them back into the bedroom. Before her was a beautiful white wedding gown, covered in tiny beads. It was worthy of a princess. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Say nothing and change your clothes, milady. We’ve nuptials to attend. And, what do you know, it’s our wedding.” He beamed at her, very happy with himself. Fury, Draken, Angus and the rest of Robert’s men were her family now. Why wait?

“Let’s get married.”

Robert clapped his hands together. “Excellent. Colin and Emily are already here. She’s been dying to talk to you.”

Shyness filled her and she sank into the chair. “Will she like me?”

Robert knelt down in front of her. “How could she not, you’re an amazing woman. Shall I send her in?”

Maggie nodded.

“Don’t worry, love. I’m off to see to the final preparations.” He held her shoulders and looked into her eyes. “I know we don’t have natural family left but I hope you’ll consider everyone here your family now. All of them wanted to help. They stayed up all night to prepare.”

“When did you tell them? You just asked me.” How had he done this without her knowing?

“Good thing about being a Shadow Walker, we don’t need to sleep. So after I properly bedded you and watched you sleep, I snuck out of our chamber to make my plans. Rather enjoyed waking up the household. Do you know Draken is a bit cranky when he’s unexpectedly woken up?” He laughed. “I’ll see you downstairs.” He walked to the door and ushered Emily in. “Maggie. Emily. Emily, this is my lady, Maggie. Now I’ll leave you both to it.” With a wink, he vanished.

“Oh, I’ve been dying to meet you. We have so much to talk about.” Emily chattered on, helping Maggie dress, fussing over her hair and makeup. It was a bit of a blur and Maggie felt tears well up. “Did I say something?” Emily was looking at her with concern etched on her face.

“No. I was thinking how nice it would be to have a sister like you.” She was almost bowled over when Emily hugged her tight.

“I had the exact same thought.” Emily jumped around and then spied something that had her scurrying across the room. “You have cold Pepsi and ice. How fantastic.” She poured them both a glass.

Maggie laughed. “Thanks to you, I’m addicted.”

Emily led her over to the full-length mirror. “Breathtaking. Robert won’t be able to take his eyes off you.” She tapped her chin. “There’s one thing missing.”

Frowning, Maggie took stock. She was dressed, had her hair and make-up done. Enough jewels to blind everyone, what could be missing?

Emily took her hand and slid a ring on her right hand. It was a large emerald, flanked by diamonds. “Where I come from, you need something borrowed. Please wear the ring.”