Embrace the Power: A Paranormal Romance (The Blood Rose Series Book 9) (39 page)

He’d thrown himself into his Guardsman missions because the harder he worked, the less energy he had to either feel his grief or to try to have a real relationship with a woman.

Well, what he had with Rosamunde was very real and they shared their love of the Nine Realms and an equal passion to keep their world free of tyrants. And he no longer wanted to hide from potential grief.

He wanted Rosamunde.

Can you forgive me?
He asked.

For what?

He would have laughed if his cheeks weren’t frostbitten and his lips frozen together.
For everything. I’ve been an arrogant ass.

Stone, you are so forgiven. How could you have known what Margetta was truly capable of?

Is the Communication Center intact?

It’s fine. You were what Margetta was after.

Then I was duped.

Yes, you were.

Rosamunde?

Yes?
Her feminine, telepathic voice was like a balm on his soul.

I think I feared being close to anyone after my parents died. I kept telling myself that I had to make Tannisford safe first. That’s why I was so willing to think the worst of you. It kept me from getting too close.

I know.

You do?
He was surprised.

I’m not so different. On some level, it was easier to stay in the castle, to do my job, to not think about engaging in a relationship when at any moment Margetta could inflict another of her visions on me. I’ve born so much guilt, I didn’t think I was worthy.

Margetta made you feel that way.

So many people died.

I know. We’ve born the same guilt. But I’m here now, Rosamunde.

Do you know where you are? Because even though we’ve made contact, I still can’t determine your location.

He looked out the cave opening into the dark night sky.
I could be anywhere. I’m in an ice cave, but the location is beyond me. However, I have an idea. I don’t know if it can work, but I want to try.

Anything!

Stone loved her response. He realized she’d been this way from the beginning, always game whether in her Aralynn form or just Rosamunde.
How about we try to bond?

You mean now? At this distance?

Well, we’re not a couple of slugs, we have some power between us, and I have your blood in my veins.

Stone. I love you so much. I’d try anything right now and I mean it. The minute I can locate you, I’m bringing you home.

Margetta was still dozing by the brazier, her minions shivering and huddling together. Stone closed his weary eyes and focused on his mating vibration. It came to life easily despite his intense suffering. He reached for Rosamunde and at first it was as though he was trying to penetrate a dense fog and his frequency didn’t know which way to go.
I’ve accessed my mating vibration, but it seems lost, maybe blocked. Have you engaged yours?

I have, but like you, it can’t reach very far.

He drew a deep breath.
What if you accessed the elf-lord power? I know it will hurt—

Yes! And the pain won’t matter, but I’m giving it a shot. Just be ready. Okay?

He watched Margetta stir, but she heaved a sigh and fell back into her slumbers. He felt certain that the moment she woke up, she would know what was going on and would disrupt the process.
Go for it. I’m with you. All the way.

He waited and everything fell so silent he wasn’t sure if Rosamunde was still there. But after a full minute, his own mating vibration began to hum with greater strength.

His gaze was glued to Margetta. She shifted her shoulders, but her eyes stayed closed. Even more lines had appeared on her cheeks.

Suddenly, his back arched as Rosamunde’s mating vibration, full of the elf-lord power, headed straight for him. He could also feel her pain, so he immediately channeled the power. He could tell her relief was instantaneous.

When his mating vibration reached hers it felt like two waves crashing into each other for a brief moment then a full-on embrace. Nothing held back. The elf-lord power covered their vibrations. He went straight to the issue.
I bond myself to you, Rosamunde.

And I, to you.

With complete acquiescence, it was as though the two frequencies melted into each other and became one.

He opened his eyes and saw everything as though it had been made new.

Dear Sweet Goddess! Stone, I’ve got a fix on you! And I’m not alone. I’ve got both Zane and Ian with me as well as Kaden. Your father has his hand on my head and he’s sending healing through me. Can you feel it?

The stream hit him suddenly and his back arched again as warmth flooded him, protecting him from the frigid air. He felt his branding burns and frostbite start to heal.
Yes, it’s working.

But it was then that Margetta woke up with a start and leaped from her chair. “What have you done?”

He didn’t answer the Ancient Fae. Instead, he pathed with Rosamunde.
The beast is awake, but I’m almost healed. Still in shackles, though.

We’re teleporting together, though I’ve created a protective mist. Be ready.

I am.

The ice cave filled suddenly with a violet glow and Margetta shrieked as she transformed into her wraith state. Rosamunde covered his body with hers. The cave was small so that the massive physical presence of Kaden, Ian and Zane took up a huge portion.

Each was lit with battle power, their hands outstretched toward Margetta. She didn’t hesitate to rev her energy up and the next moment her black-and-gold power sang through the air. But it was met with Kaden’s, Ian’s and Zane’s in quick, hard response.

The result in the small space was an explosion that blew apart the ice cave and sent everyone within tumbling through the air.

The explosion freed Stone from his shackles. He righted himself quickly and caught one of the flailing trolls in his arms. He encompassed the group in telepathy.
Save the slaves.

He watched Ian dive for another and Zane for the last one. They’d been held against their will for a long time, but Stone knew they could be rehabilitated.

Margetta, however, was gone.

Rosamunde levitated close to him and settled her hand on his shoulder. He spoke quietly to the troll, reassuring the slave that she was safe. He’d half-expected a battle, instead the woman wept against his shoulder. “Mastyr, I was taken from Tannisford three decades ago. Thank you for saving me.”

“You’re safe now.”

He glanced at Rosamunde, who shivered in the cold air. He began descending swiftly to a lower altitude and Rosamunde tracked with him.

Both Ian and Zane, with their troll-slaves well in hand, flew close to Rosamunde as well.

As the group continued descending, Kaden drew up on his other side.
Glad you made it son.

Me, too. And thank you.

This was Rosamunde’s doing,
Kaden pathed.

I want you to know that you were right, father. I’d used her supposed sins to keep my distance from Rosamunde.

Kaden nodded slowly.
And now you’ve bonded with her.

I have.

He pinched his lips together and clapped Stone on the shoulder.
I’m glad for you. Rosamunde’s a good woman and you’ll be very happy. Now let’s get these trolls to safety.

Kaden then shouted at Zane and Ian. “Come over here and I’ll get us back to Ferrenden Peace.”

They flew toward him and once within a few feet, Kaden raised his arm and moved the entire group to the front walk of Aralynn’s cottage. Stone set his shaking troll on her feet. “Stay here. We’ll take care of you.”

“Thank you, mastyr.” But the slave dropped to her knees and embraced Stone’s ankles then started sobbing.

Rosamunde drew close and dipped down to place her hand on the slave’s head. Stone could feel her fae healing, something that touched the troll’s mind and eased her. A moment later, the troll stood up and wiped her cheeks.

Kaden drew close. “Let me take care of the mastyrs and these trolls. I sense you need time with Rosamunde.”

He held his hand out to his woman and she took it, drawing close. “I do.” He smiled at her, his heart full of love, then turned to Kaden. “If you can take everyone to the Com Center and turn the trolls over to Harris, he’ll know what to do.”

He felt the elf-lord power begin to rumble, which meant a vision was coming. Both Ian and Zane, still cradling their trolls, glanced at Stone.

Ian shook his head. “What’s going on? Why is the earth shaking?”

He explained in brief terms all that had happened with the power that originated in Ferrenden Peace. He also had Kaden explain who he was. Each of the ruling mastyrs appeared dumbfounded, as they should be.

When the vision drew close, Rosamunde squeezed his fingers.
Shall we let it roll?

He nodded and the moment she began channeling the elf-lord power, he let it flow through him. It was a milder version of the onslaught Margetta had delivered, almost tempered as though Rosamunde was a necessary filter. Maybe she was. Maybe her blood rose gift was the means by which he’d never fall victim to the seductive side of the elf-lord power.

Whatever the case, the vision began to move through his mind. He spelled it out for Ian and Zane. “In an hour’s time, Margetta will bring her full army to the Plains of Tannisford, at the southern end near the Sea of Vermed.”

Zane whistled.

Ian nodded solemnly. “What are your orders, Commander?”

Stone felt humbled by the appellation, a very different experience in contrast to the out-of-control ambitions that Margetta had delivered through the elf-lord power.

First, he shifted slightly to address Kaden. “Will you serve with us this time? We’ll need help moving the full complement of the Combined Forces to the plains.”

Kaden nodded. “I will.”

He turned to Ian and Zane. “Go with Kaden to my Com Center and prepare each of the mastyrs, along with their Vampire Guards and Shifter and Troll Brigades for a final battle here in Tannisford. Kaden will help teleport the various units onto the field of battle.”

He turned to Rosamunde. “Does this agree with what you’re getting?”

She smiled. “One hundred percent.”

Stone had one more act to perform before he dismissed the mastyrs. “And you, Kaden.”

“Yes, son?”

Stone released Rosamunde’s hand and embraced the tall elf. He hugged his father hard. “Thank you.”

After a long moment, and a serious tightening of his throat, he drew back. Kaden smiled at him, his eyes brimming with tears. “Proud of you.”

“And I’m proud that you’re my father.” He nodded briskly, then shifted his attention to the mastyrs. “This is it, men. Margetta will come at us full-bore. Let’s get ready to take the bitch down.”

Ian and Zane gave a shout. Even the trolls each added their whoops and raised fists. Kaden picked up the female troll that Stone had carried to the cottage.

Then just like that, Kaden spirited them back to Tannisford and he was alone once more with Rosamunde.

Chapter Fifteen

Rosamunde turned to face Stone. He extended his other hand to her and she took it so that now he held both. The elf-lord power still flowed, but it seemed to be a steadier, softer version than before. The bond of their mating frequencies was in place and more powerful than she could have believed possible. But more needed to be accomplished to cement the full Blood Rose bond.

Her fae instincts told her they would need to join physically and he would need to drink her blood. She knew it wasn’t the same for every couple, but these elements had to be in place for the rest to happen for her and Stone. The forged bond would make it impossible for Margetta to ever get that close to Stone again.

“I’m glad we’re here, in Aralynn’s cottage. For me, my path to you began in this place.”

“I’m sorry Margetta destroyed your castle.”

She shook her head slowly “It was never mine. Not truly. I was a place holder as you know. From this night forward, you’re my future. I served Ferrenden Peace to the best of my ability and now all I want is to be your woman, your blood rose, and to work alongside you to make the Nine Realms safe.”

He nodded, releasing her hands but only so he could pull her into his arms. “I’m so sorry, Rosamunde. I used you badly because I was caught up in my grief. I know you’ve said you forgive me, but I want to be clear on this. I was at fault.”

She put her hand on his lips. “All is forgiven, now and forever. You’re the man who saved that busload of troll kids, remember? Everything else pales, including how you viewed me.”

“It doesn’t seem like enough.”

She saw the deep remorse in his mossy-green eyes and sought for the right words to convey what she meant. “I was hurt that you thought so little of me. But I understood because you’d never walked in my shoes. You’re a man of action in the truest sense. You chart a course; you go for it. How could you understand my horribly passive role in Ferrenden Peace? Or believe how much it hurt each time Margetta brought a vision to me?

“I’m trying to say that I understand who you are and now that I was finally given a more active role in the war as Aralynn I’ve come to understand who I am.”

Stone stroked her cheek. “But a thousand years of living this life. How did you bear it?”

“The same way you bore the deaths of your parents: One tough day at a time.”

He frowned and shook his head. “Sometimes I got so drunk I had to be carried home unconscious.”

She thought her own confession wouldn’t hurt. “And at times, I drank too much wine. But we’re here now.”

“Yes. We most definitely are.”

~ ~ ~

Stone slid his hand behind Rosamunde’s neck and kissed her. She moaned softly, leaning into him and when she parted her lips, he slid his tongue inside. A soft vibration enveloped him, one that felt all Rosamunde.

His mating vibration was now uniformly linked with hers. It was almost impossible to tell where one began and the other ended.

After a moment, he drew back. “Will you complete the bond with me, Rosamunde, as mastyr to your blood rose, as my vampire mate, as my woman, now and forever?”