The Lost Soul Trilogy (Primani Book 5) (52 page)

“Wow, I don’t know why I just did that. Um, Christmas kiss?”

Holy shit! What was I thinking?

Kissing Killian wasn’t right! But it didn’t feel exactly wrong either. I made a mad dash for the kitchen to cover my embarrassment. I took a few minutes to get us all something to drink and was on my way back into the room when I heard Dec’s voice. He was giving Killian a hard time. It’s wrong to eavesdrop, especially around supernatural beings, but I couldn’t help myself.

“This is going to get worse, you know! You underestimated the strength of her mind.” His warning had an ominous ring to it.

“Damn it! Don’t you think I know that now? I just wanted to shield her. With the added influence of the runes, it would tear her apart. There was too much connecting us, Dec. I had to cut her loose.”

“Yeah, good work! Better late than never, I guess. Do you know how angry she is right now? She doesn’t even understand why she’s angry, but that anger is influencing her powers and that’s scaring her to death. She has got to understand the source of her anger so she can get control of these powers. Do you know why she’s angry? It’s because of you.”

“What are you getting at?” Killian asked tiredly.

Before he could answer, the sound of the garage door announced that Sean was back. Thank God. My brain needed something uncomplicated to focus on.  I met him in the kitchen just as he came through the side door. His expression was unguarded as he entered the room. He looked tired but other than that, not especially upset. Good sign.

Wrapping my arms around him, I said with a smile, “Merry Christmas!”

“Isn’t it early for that still? It’s not that late, is it?” He sounded a little distracted but hugged me back. “Are you okay?” He glanced down at my leg.

“I’m fine now, just a little ache in my shin. I’m so glad to see you! Did you find James and Dani? Are you freezing?”

He raised an eyebrow at the question. Of course, he’s not freezing! Duh! “Uh, no, I’m fine. But I’ll grab a beer and fill you in. Is that Killian?” Voices were drifting into the room, but I couldn’t make out what they were saying. Sean would be able to though.

I yelled a warning. “Killian, Dec! Sean’s back.” Then I followed him into the living room.

“So, what happened?” I prodded.

His mouth twisted into a sardonic smile and he complained around the bottle top. “It was a wild goose chase. I never saw Dani and I followed James from one point to another but he never stayed long enough for me to grab him. It’s like a freakin’ game to him.” He drained the bottle and added, “I’m going to strangle him when I finally catch him.” He said it lightly, but there was an underlying resolve that raised goose bumps on my arms.

“I’m still worried about Dani. What does he want with her?”

It was Dec who answered me. “There’s only one way to find out.”

Rolling my eyes, I caved. “I’ll bite. How do we find out?”

Sean winked at me. “Ask him, of course.”

Ignoring their silliness, I sent Dani a text message and worried some more. I sat lost in thought until someone turned on the stereo and “Silent Night” broke the silent night. I hadn’t noticed but the sun had set and it was dark outside. Except for a bright glowing light…

With a whoop of complete abandon, I skidded through the hallway and out the front door to the winter wonderland that the window only hinted at. Turning around in a circle I was enthralled by the transformation. Some elves had hung white lights from the porch and the little pine trees around the house. There was a golden angel with a lighted halo on the front door. The plastic angel was so cheesy it brought tears to my eyes. It was such a sweet gesture though and my heart nearly burst with joy.

I loved my elves!

“You’ve a glory of a smile, love.” Sean’s smile was brighter than the lights when he crossed to my side. “Merry Christmas, Mica.” He kissed me and I thought I’d never be happier. 

I looked for Dec and Killian, but they were standing on the porch giving us some space. Both laughed at me when I broke away from Sean and threw myself down to make a snow angel.

“Come on! You know you want to!” I challenged.

When they resisted, I threw snowballs at them. Eventually, they had to fight back and chased me around the yard. Dec finally tackled me and shoved a handful of snow down the back of my neck. Screaming with the cold, I broke into helpless giggles when he rubbed more snow in my face.  He stopped when Sean and Killian squatted on either side of me and began discussing the best way to turn him into a snow angel for torturing me.

Finding the idea of any of them turning into a snow angel hilarious, I broke into fresh giggles until I had to stop to breathe. Then I thought about the old saying about eating yellow snow and broke into giggles again. 

Killian held out a hand and pulled me up. “You look happy, Princess.” He actually gave me a very chaste kiss on the cheek and added, “You deserve some fun. Merry Christmas.”

“Wait! Are you leaving?”

He stopped and turned back.

“Now?”

“I have things to do, babe.” He shrugged casually at that.

“But…” I glanced at Sean for help. “You can’t go now. It’s Christmas Eve. Tomorrow’s Christmas!”

He hesitated but his mind was made up. He shook his head and said, “This is
your
holiday, remember? It’s not mine. You have a full day tomorrow anyway. You won’t even be here.”

“Yeah, but…”

I had nothing to say that would convince him to stay. He was old enough to make up his mind and do whatever he wanted on Christmas. It wasn’t up to me to tell him what to do. I just didn’t want to think of Killian alone on Christmas. It made me sad to think of him alone.

“But you’ll be alone.”

He grinned wickedly and said, “Maybe I’ll have Lara keep me company.”

I AWOKE SLOWLY out of a dream in the darkness right before dawn. With one arm under my cheek and the other tucked into his side, I was curled against a very warm Sean. Peering up at his face, I was surprised to find his eyes open and staring at the ceiling. Noticing the change in my breathing, he looked down at me and his mouth curled into a sleepy smile. Shifting positions, he tucked me back against him and sighed contentedly. Neither of us wanted to get up, and I dozed off again. The dream gradually took shape as my mind drifted into unconsciousness once more.

I was walking along a rocky coast with the sun rising behind me. My shadow was long and thin as it stretched out across the grass. The waves lapped gently against the shore below me and I breathed in the salty air. It was peaceful and lovely here. A person perched at the edge of the cliff in front of me. As the light grew brighter, I recognized the curve of a woman’s body. She turned around and proudly held up a small baby wrapped in a blanket. The baby’s blue eyes regarded me with curiosity and my heart contracted in recognition. The woman smiled serenely at me and told me I was very lucky because the baby was perfect.

The woman was me.

“Hey you, wake up. You’re dreaming.” Sean’s voice was warm and mellow in my ear. He hooked a finger into my bodice and peered interestedly into my nightgown. I felt him smile against my shoulder and smiled in response.

“It was a good dream. Do you want to hear it?” I asked softly enjoying the warmth of his skin sliding against mine.

He rubbed his scratchy chin against my shoulder as a ‘yes.’ I pulled his fingers into mine and kissed them. I murmured happily, “I had a baby and it was beautiful.”

“Did you happen to see the father?” His laughter abruptly turned into a whoosh of air when my elbow connected to his diaphragm. “I’m kidding! Really!” He was still laughing.

Leaning over him with a pillow, I threatened, “You might get smacked with this if you crack another joke like that!” I tried to keep a straight face, but couldn’t help laughing too.

“Okay, okay. You win. No more unwed-mother jokes.” He yanked the pillow away from me, pinned my hands to my side and said seriously, “You’ll be a great mother, love. You’re a natural.” With a sexy grin, he suggested, “Shall we practice the baby-making part? Maybe if I get this part right, you’ll let me be the father.”

As the sun rose on another Christmas, I sent a grateful prayer to God and his angels. If ever a life was perfect, mine was. With Sean’s fingers linked through mine, I closed my eyes and let his timeless magic sweep me away.

A knock at the door woke me up for the third time this morning.  I sat up and nudged Sean, who was sleeping like the dead. Instantly alert, he sat up and scanned the room for intruders. I smothered a grin at his fierce expression and he frowned at me. The knock came again and this time Dec yelled through the door.

“Hey! It’s late. Don’t we have to be there in, like, 10 minutes? It’s 9:15.”

We were so late! My dad was going to kill us. Bounding out of bed, I did a drive-by shower and yanked my hair into a clip. While slapping on some mascara so I wouldn’t scare any small children, I realized I’d need a turtleneck to cover the tiny bruises on my neck. I went weak in the knees when the vivid image of exactly how I got them flashed in my head. Mm, I so wanted to go back to bed…I think my eyes actually rolled back in my head.

“Can I come in or are you planning to daydream all morning?” Sean’s amused tone matched his grin as he watched my face in the mirror.

I made him laugh out loud when I pulled him against me and kissed him. By the time I let him up for air, I was visibly glowing around my fingertips.

“Sweetheart, if you do that again, we’re skipping Christmas!” Shoving me out of the bathroom, he said, “Finish getting ready so your parents don’t kill us.”

A few minutes later, we were in the car heading down the snowy road. Dec was still chuckling every few seconds and I turned around and gave him a dirty look.

“Do you mind?”

Throwing his hands up, he said, “Don’t yell at me! I’m not the one who’s glowing.” He playfully smacked me on the head and scolded me, “I thought you had that under control? Wait a minute. You did.” Peering intently into my eyes, he said, “You’re letting your control slip again. What’s in your head that caused you to let your guard down?”

I flushed scarlet and glanced guiltily at Sean. Sean, the jerk, just smirked and winked at Dec.

Deciding that honesty was the best policy, I said, “
Sean
is in my head, Dec. I woke up this morning and realized my life is perfect. Besides the fact that I love him, something crazy happens when he touches me.” Both of their mouths dropped open at that. Dec flushed and looked away from me with a sound of dismissal.

Enjoying embarrassing him, I continued in a seductive tone, “His mouth, his hands, his scent consume me until I can’t think of anything else.” I leaned over and kissed Sean on the cheek. “Do you want to pull over?”

Bursting into laughter, he nearly swerved off the road. I yelped and grabbed for the armrest. He was still grinning at me when we pulled into my parents’ driveway. Jumping out, I pulled Dec over and told him to stop scowling. He tried to resist but scowling was against his nature, and by the time we got to the door, he was smiling again. Domino ran ahead of us and barked for admission.

It was Trevor who met us at the door. His eyes were a little unfocused as the Christmas morning sugar rush had already kicked in. Chattering like a squirrel, he led us into the den. The whole family was sitting in there with the tree and a mountain of wrapped presents. Dad and Janet rose to greet us and fussed over our lateness. I smothered a snarky comment at my dad’s traditional Santa sweatshirt. This one showed Santa drinking a beer though, so it was a step closer to cool. As soon as he caught sight of the guys, he pulled the furry Santa hat off his head though. Guess he knew that was WAY not cool!

Dad raised a paternal eyebrow at Sean and Dec. “I see you’re still hanging around. Well, come on in and make yourselves comfortable. This usually takes a while.” He waved a nonchalant hand in the general direction of the mountain of presents.

Janet spoke up. “Honey, that’s no way to greet Sean. Where are your manners?” She gave both Sean and Dec a light hug and a kiss on the cheek as a greeting. “Why haven’t we met you before?” She addressed Dec with a warm smile and assessing eyes. Women just couldn’t resist him. He was yummy to women of every age. I resisted the urge to grin.

“Oh, I’m sorry! Janet, Dad, this is Sean’s brother, Declan. He shares the house with us.”

That was our cover for anyone who needed to meet them. Killian was also a brother, but I wasn’t sure my dad would let him in the house. Probably it was a good thing he wasn’t with us today. Everyone liked Dec though, angelic-mood-altering powers notwithstanding, he was just a nice guy.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas music played in the background as the time-honored tradition of passing out gifts began. Dad reigned as our Santa Claus and doled them out one at a time. Each person got a gift and we all watched as they were opened. The twins had taken one look at Dec and flanked him immediately. He treated them with a courtly deference and helped them with their wrapping paper. Completely unable to help themselves, they giggled at everything he said. I rolled my eyes at him when I noticed his Irish accent had mysteriously deepened as he told funny stories of Christmas in Ireland. I wondered how many were true…

Sean whispered behind his hand, “He was a bard in a former life.”

“Really?”

Huh, a bard? I considered Dec with thoughtful eyes. That would certainly explain a lot.

Digging into my bag, I drew out two tiny wrapped boxes. One box was decorated with tiny golden halos on blue paper and the other was covered with tiny sail boats. I commandeered Dec from my sisters and handed him one of the boxes. He whooped with exaggerated excitement that made the girls giggle.

Aside to them he said, “Your sister gives the best presents.” To me, he said, “Can I open it or do I have to wait for Sean.”

Sean was running a fingertip across the paper. “Tell me you didn’t paint this?” he asked with a little bit of awe in his voice.

I blushed and nodded. “Guilty. I also made what’s inside. Go on, open them. I can’t stand it.”

They opened the paper and pulled out the identical braided wristbands I’d made them. The single strand of gold wire gleamed between three strips of soft leather. In the center was a blue glass teardrop wrapped with strands of beaten gold. The three strands of gold curled under and around the glass to hold and protect it. The symbolism was obvious to them. Dec crossed over to me and knelt beside me.

“It’s perfect. I love it. Can you put it on me now?” He held out his wrist, and I slipped it over his tanned skin and slid the clasp to tighten it. The blue glass winked in the lights from the Christmas tree.

“Merry Christmas, partner.”  There was just the slightest little catch in my voice.

I think he forgot we had an audience then. With his usual sensitivity, he wrapped one of his big hands around the back of my head and kissed me on the forehead. “Merry Christmas, darlin’.”

His eyes held mine as he acknowledged our history that made up those bonds of leather and gold. A tear threatened to slip down my cheek and he wiped it with the pad of his thumb.

My dad cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses. “I’m confused. Which one are you dating, Mica?” Pale blue eyes twinkled as he bit down on a grin.

“Geez, Dad. We’ve been through a lot together. Dec’s a little sentimental.” Dec displayed his best angelic smile, and my dad stopped grumbling about weirdness.

Sean held out his own wrist and said, “My turn.”

After slipping the clasp closed, I dawdled a bit with my fingers on the stone. I wanted to say something more, but we had an avid audience that wasn’t privy to our magical leanings. Instead, I winked at him.

“I think you’ve outdone yourself this year. It’s perfect.”

Happy with my success, I leaned back against his side and watched the kids open the rest of their gifts. As the gifts dwindled to the remaining few, Sean draped his arm around my waist, and I snuggled into his shoulder. He kissed the top of my head and Abby squealed with delight. Winking at her, Sean kissed me again and then held out his hand. Barely controlling waves of giggles, Abby ceremoniously presented a small golden box to Sean. Conversation faded out and everyone stared at us.

Turning to face me, Sean held out the box in one hand. With the other, he lifted my chin so I was looking into his eyes. He said formally, “Four years ago I looked into your eyes and found my heart. You’ve been wearing it around your neck for two years.” He stroked the locket and it picked up his heartbeat.

Dec sucked in his breath. I stopped breathing completely.

“Today, I offer you the rest of me.” Without breaking eye contact, he opened the tiny box to reveal a twisted gold band with a pair of glittering blue stones at the center. “Will you take me?”

I could barely see through the tears as I looked from the beautiful ring to the serious, beautiful face of the one who offered it to me. His eyes were grave as they searched mine. He wasn’t just offering marriage; he was offering his love, his life, and his soul.  With shaking fingers, I took the ring out of the box and held it to my lips as if I could feel the two tiny souls that I knew made up those stones.

Breathless, I whispered, “Yes, I will take all that you offer.”

With perfectly steady hands, he slid the ring onto my finger and pressed my hand against his lips. With closed eyes, he sighed with relief and then lifted my face for a kiss. It was a chaste kiss to seal our commitment.

“I love you,” he whispered against my ear, bringing a rush of color to my pale face.

“I love you, too,” I said with a sappy smile.

The silence was absolute for about a minute as the whole family sat spellbound. It was Dec who finally broke it. In a bit of a daze, he pulled me up into his arms and held me tightly against him. The gesture was oddly intense. In tune to him already, I recognized the energy thrumming through his muscles as his arms held me against him. He was shaking with the effort to control his power. I had the feeling he was clinging to me to keep from snapping. His face was deadly serious when he looked down into mine.

Alarmed, I whispered, “You’re crushing me! What’s wrong?”

He whispered harshly, “All hell is about to break loose. We have to go. Make excuses.” Then he smiled hugely for the benefit of my family, and added under his breath, “You have no idea what you two have just done. But I like it!”

I smiled at him and ordered between my teeth, “You’re vibrating. Take it down a notch.”

Sucking in a deep breath, he hugged me again and I felt him relax ever so slightly. At least his eyes weren’t glowing. By the time he turned away, he was visibly calmer and made an excuse to go to the kitchen for a minute.

Dad cleared his throat and reached out to shake Sean’s hand. He assessed Sean with a grudging new respect. “That was nicely done, Sean. I guess you can’t be that bad if you love my daughter that much. Welcome to the family.” He cleared his throat again and gave me a hug. “You’d better be good to her or I’ll hunt you down myself.”