Epilogue
Darci wokeup to a delicious warmth enveloping her, but instinctively knew she was alone. Blaéz never slept for more than a few hours, not even on their honeymoon, it seemed. Eyes closed, she remained buried under the duvet for a few more minutes, listening to the sounds of the whining winds.
However, the tempting aroma of coffee drifting to her made her tummy rumble with hunger. She pushed away the covers, rolled off the bed and stood, wincing a little as her limbs protested, but considering the many ways Blaéz had loved her, well, she wasn’t surprised.
A quick shower later, and deciding not to change since she didn’t see the point with her insatiable mate, she pulled on panties and a thick terry robe. She shoved her feet into a furry pair of slippers and made her way to the kitchen, tying the belt on her dressing gown.
Blaéz stood by the breakfast counter wearing only sweats and pouring coffee, his attention on some ball game being played on the flatscreen in the lounge. Nope, her mate wasn’t very good in the cooking department, but he made coffee.
He frowned when he saw her. “I was going to bring this to you.”
She smiled and leaned against the counter, the wood stove at the back wall warming the kitchen. “Thank you. I was up anyway and wanted to see this place during the day.”
He set the mug near her hand, pushed a basket of muffins towards her, then leaned across the counter and kissed her long, slow, and deep.
“Eat. Get your strength back. You’ll need it...” His heated gaze trailed over her face, and warmth rushed to her cheeks. Getting the reaction he obviously wanted from her, he straightened. “You have a few minutes, enjoy looking around. I’m going to get more wood, I thought that thing was stacked.” He nodded to the fireplace. “Be back in a bit.”
He grabbed his t-shirt from the counter and pulled it on before disappearing out through the kitchen door.
Darci selected a poppyseed muffin and took a bite. As she ate the cake, she glanced out the window at the white landscape as more snow fell. The faint whining winds continued.
Hoping Blaéz wouldn’t take too long, she picked up her mug and wandered to the couch opposite the stone hearth. The fire crackled and sputtered, taking away the quietness. Several magazines were on the coffee table—all the latest issues—along with a note on top.
When you need a break from the sexy times.
She snorted in laughter. The girls had all signed their names. They’d probably sent the magazines with Hedori because the fridge had been well stocked, too.
A sharp knock resounded. The only people she knew who’d come up here would be Michael or Hedori because Blaéz had threatened the others with loss of limb if they interrupted.
Shaking her head wryly, she set her mug down and went to answer.
She opened the door. Her smile froze, shock spilling through her. It had nothing to do with the freezing weather.
The Morrigan, wearing in a navy, hooded cloak, stood there in all her terrifying glory.
Before Darci could open her mouth or telepath Blaéz, she said, “Don’t call him.”
Instinctively, she understood that the goddess wouldn’t harm her. Still, she eyed her suspiciously. “What do you want?”
“We need to talk.” The Morrigan swept inside like the great queen she was, stopping near the small bar. She pushed back the hood of her flowing cloak, revealing her long, ebony mane. Her piercing gaze held Darci’s. “He lives for you alone. But you are a liability. It is time to change that.”
Her stomach churned in apprehension. “What do you mean?He’ll be here any minute.”
The threat rolled off The Morrigan as she glided closer. “Indeed. But I fear those logs are a tad difficult to hack in this weather. It gives us some time.”
In pure survival reflex, Darci stepped back, her knees hitting the couch. Memories flooded her of her first encounter with The Morrigan when she’d revealed the painful truth; that Darci was nothing more than a receptacle who housed her son’s soul. And after, she’d left a transference disc behind, one that held Darci’s death sentence.No… Please, please don’t let this be a repeat of that time.
“I know he wedded you in the human way.” A fleeting darkness glimmered in her eyes, before it disappeared. “And I cannot make up or give back all that my son has lost in his life…” She hesitated. Darci had never seen The Morrigan this uncertain. “He will never forgive me for what I’ve done, but this, Icando for him. It’s my gift to you both.”
Huh? Warily, Darci watched her. “I’m not sure I understand.”
“You will soon.” In a flash, she moved, slipping a hand inside Darci’s robe, her palm pressed flat on her chest.
“Wh-what are you doing?” Darci grabbed the goddess’ wrist, her heart careening like a ping-pong ball, seconds from crashing through her ribs.
“This will hurt.” Those cobalt blue eyes so like Blaéz’s held hers. “Don’t cry out. He will come, and it won’t end well. This is my…”
Darci barely heard her as a burn spread through her chest, stealing her breath.No!She clawed at the goddess’s hold, trying to break free. But The Morrigan easily held her hands away, the heat morphing to blistering flames and incinerating her insides. Unable to withstand the sheer agony, Darci screamed—the sound a thin, piercing wail of impossible anguish.
