Eighty *Freya*If Daniel took any offense to Rafe's warning tone, he didn't show it. He simply dipped his chin in agreement. "I won’t get in your way. You won't even know I'm there."With that uneasy accord, our odd little group set off into the gathering dusk. My hand remained firmly in Rafe's as I tried to ignore the sensation of Daniel's eyes burning into my back. I had a feeling this tentative truce between the two men was a fragile one at best.I only hoped my already bruised and battered heart could withstand the strain.Relief swept through me as the stone house came into view, its windows aglow with flickering candlelight. Exhaustion dragged at my limbs and my head throbbed mercilessly, but the sight of that familiar refuge injected fresh strength into my weary body.As we drew closer, the front door burst open and a small crowd spilled out into the yard, their faces light with joy and anxiety. At their head was Addy, her coppery curls in wild disarray."Freya!" She flew acro
Eighty One"Freya," Rafe murmured as he approached me, his eyes roaming over me as if checking for himself that I was truly fine. "This is Dr. Larsen. She's going to take a look at your injuries."I submitted meekly as the doctor examined the wound on my head, cleaned it with gentle fingers. She asked me questions - did I remember what happened, was I experiencing any dizziness or nausea? I answered as best I could, my gaze straying again and again to Rafe hovering nearby, his brow furrowed with concern. Dr. Larsen applied a clean bandage, then pressed a bottle of pills into my hand. "For the pain," she explained. "Take one every six hours as needed. And rest. No strenuous activity for at least a week.""Thank you," I said, mustering a grateful smile.After a few more instructions, the doctor gathered up her bag and departed, leaving a charged silence in her wake. Rafe and I stared at each other from opposite sides of the room, the air heavy with all the words we hadn't said. All the
Chapter eighty two I stirred awake, my lashes fluttering open. A smile played on my lips as I saw Rafe sleeping peacefully beside me, his chiseled features relaxed in slumber. His dark lashes fanned against his tanned skin, full lips parted slightly. Raven hair tumbled across his brow. He looked almost boyish in sleep, younger and untroubled. My heart swelled with love for him, this strong, passionate man who had captured my heart so completely. Last night came back to me in flashes - Rafe finally confessing his true feelings, taking me in his arms and showing me with his body what he felt in his soul. I blushed, remembering the exquisite ways he had pleasured me, worshipping every inch of my skin until I shattered in ecstasy. Never had I felt so cherished, so adored.Unable to resist touching him, I gently brushed a lock of inky hair back from his forehead. His lashes lifted and sleepy green eyes met mine, desire instantly kindling between us as awareness returned. The air crackled
Eighty threeThe royal vehicle carrying Rafe and I glided smoothly through the palace gates, the clatter of dried flowers being crushed under the car’s wheels echoing in the courtyard. As we pulled to a stop, I couldn't help but feel a sense of homecoming. Despite the dangers that still lurked, the Crimson palace had become a sanctuary - a place where I could be myself without fear of judgment or reprisal.Rafe's strong hand found mine as we alighted from the car, his touch sending a thrill of awareness up my spine. Together we climbed the steps, greeted by a group of cheering staff members who had gathered to welcome us home. Their joy was palpable, washing over me in waves that brought tears to my eyes."Freya! Oh, thank heavens you're safe!"I turned just in time to be engulfed in a fierce hug from Clara, Grace, and Flo. My faithful maids clung to me, their faces wet with tears of relief. I hugged them back just as tightly, their familiar presence a balm to my battered soul."We we
Eight four I couldn’t believe how much Rafe made me happy. It was like he was a completely different person after the whole bomb blast happened. Tears of happiness blurred my vision. I went willingly into his arms, losing myself in his drugging kiss, in the overwhelming rightness of this moment. With the faeries' tinkling laughter a musical backdrop to our passion, we sank down onto the mossy bank in a tangle of eager limbs, ready to make a new memory in this secret haven. One of healing, hope, and unshakable love.Rafe's warm hands cradled my face as he deepened the kiss, his tongue teasing the seam of my lips until I opened for him on a sigh. My own hands roamed the sculpted muscles of his back, feeling them flex beneath my fingertips. He tasted of dark spice and smoldering need, igniting an answering hunger low in my belly.With a groan, Rafe broke the kiss to trail his lips along my jaw, down the sensitive column of my throat. "You're so beautiful," he murmured against my skin. "
Eight five*Freya*I was lost in a wondrous dream, playing joyfully with a beautiful baby girl in a lush garden. The little girl giggled delightfully as I tickled her tummy, her curly ginger locks bouncing. "Mama!" she squealed, reaching her chubby little arms up to me. My heart swelled with a profound love like I had never known as I gazed into her sparkling brown eyes - my eyes. This perfect little being was mine. My daughter.We sat together in the fragrant grass dotted with wildflowers, the warm sun bathing us. I never wanted this blissful moment to end. If only I could freeze time and live in this dream with my precious baby forever. Suddenly, a sinister force ripped through our perfect world. Invisible hands began dragging my little girl away from me. "No!" I cried out, scrambling to my feet. I ran after her desperately, my legs pumping, but it felt like I was fighting against quicksand. The faster I tried to run, the more I sank into the ground opening up beneath me. Sheer t
Eighty six*Freya*I rolled carefully out of bed so as not to disturb Rafe's slumber, I tiptoed across the chamber to the window. The morning's first light was just starting to paint the sky in streaks of rose and amber. I placed a palm on the cool glass and closed my eyes."Please," I prayed on a thread of a whisper. "Please let me get pregnant soon. Let me bear Rafe's heir and fulfill my destiny at his side. And keep our future child safe from those who might wish them harm."I didn't know if the Moon Goddess could hear my plea. But I had to hope. For myself, for Rafe, for our love. For the kingdom pack and kingdom.Opening my eyes, I squared my shoulders with determination. No matter what enemies lurked in the shadows, seen or unseen, I would face them head on. I would fight to my very last breath to protect those I loved and the future we were destined to build together.With a newfound resolve flowing through my veins, I stood up carefully and made my way to the bathroom, intent
Eighty seven*Rafe*I silently watched Freya, my heart heavy with sorrow and fear. She lay on the bed, her skin as pale as the moonlight that filtered through the window. Her breaths were shallow, her pulse weak. I felt utterly helpless, watching the life drain out of the love of my life with each passing minute.There had to be something more I could do, some way to save her. But my mind was empty, my thoughts jumbled and confused. And then it hit me. Like a bolt of lightning, a name came to me.A name I had hoped never to utter again. A name that tasted like ashes on my tongue. A name even Connor wouldn't approve of.But did I have a choice? With Freya's life hanging in the balance, I knew I had to make a decision. And so I spoke it, the name that would probably change both our lives."Sersia," I whispered. My voice trembling.Connor's head snapped up, his eyes flashing with disbelief and undisguised horror. "You can't be serious," he hissed. "That witch is dangerous! Rafe. She was