Chapter 19
Another tear fell as Evangeline slipped into Bran’s room. His head was propped up on his hand, and he lay on his side. “Wondered where you wandered off to,” he murmured, watching her.
A shiver traveled down her spine. “Sister called. Needed to talk to her.”
“How’s she adjusting?”
“Well. Though she’s worried about everything she said in the past. I don’t know how to tell her not to worry about that. But at the same time, maybe now she can understand how badly she hurt me.”
“You said that thing had corrupted her, tainted her, somehow. What if it wasn’t all her?”
“I’m sure Zariha was part of it. However, my father colored her views. He’s extremely prejudiced against everything but witches. And even then, he doesn’t trust most. Maybe now she can learn to live for herself instead of doing everything my asshole father demands.”
“And live for Neil.”
Evangeline dropped into bed beside him. He pulled her closer, then ran his fingers across her cheek.
She smiled. “In a way, that’s living for herself. This is the first time she’s made a choice where her life was concerned. She chose him, to be a werelynx, to walk away from her magic.”
“If you could give her magic back, would you?”
“No. And that might sound harsh, but I don’t want her to think she can have the dagger. My father could very easily convince her to go back to him, be part of his plans, or whatever. And that’s the last thing Genevieve needs. No, she needs to accept her new life with Neil. She’s so much happier than she was.”
Pulling her closer, he brushed his lips over hers. “Then that’s the right answer. I’m not judging. Now, is there anything you wanted to tell me before we sealed? Since we’re finally alone.”
She snuggled closer and looked into those deep brown eyes. “You know my mate was Killian’s son. I was seventeen when he took me. I was attracted to him and thought he was sexy and sweet. It wasn’t until later after his father got more involved in his life that he changed. I was the only one he treated well—most of the time.”
“When did he change you?” he asked.
She closed her eyes and almost turned away, her hand going to her chest. “Two years later. He thought I was interested in another. I ignored the advances, but he decided to prove I was his, and shifted, then fucked me in front of everyone. He scratched my skin, tore me. I—I didn’t have a way to stop him without hurting him, and I was so scared I let it happen. It was the only time he hurt me.”
“I’m sorry.” He lifted her chin, capturing her gaze. “I’ll never do that to you. Never wanted sex while furry, and even if it ever crossed my mind, I don’t think I could.”
“It’s not something most weres want. I hadn’t even considered it. Besides, I can’t imagine you ever touching me in anger.”
He trailed his fingertips down her neck, shoulder, and side until he cupped her ass and drew her against him. His hard length was a brand against her hip.
“Anything else I should know?”
She shook her head. “Not that I can think of, but all you have to do is ask if you think of anything. And if I come up with something, I’ll tell you, immediately, without worrying about what you’ll think—as long as we’re alone.”
“I can live with that. Now, do you have any questions for me?”
“How long did you and Meridian last?”
He snorted. “A few weeks, if that. You had been here for a week, two years after Margaret passed. You wouldn’t give me the time of day, then you left. She swept in, bought me a drink, seduced me. I felt something for the first time in so long, but part of that was my magic roaring in.” He sighed. “It couldn’t have worked between us. I ended it because I only had lust for her.”
“She had always wanted you. I remember the first time I met you. Meridian was there, watching you like you were her favorite dessert. Margaret didn’t seem phased. Hell, I’m not even sure you noticed. You were so distracted by your love.”
He gulped and whispered, “Mostly by love. I remember seeing you and thinking you were the most beautiful woman alive. I ignored the attraction because I was happy with Margaret. And I still feel like an ass sometimes.”
“You shouldn’t. You never betrayed Margaret. Fantasy is fantasy. And attraction is attraction. Without action, it’s just temptation. And if you had more than looked at me that way, I would have thought you were an asshole. And each time I caught you looking while she was still here, you quickly looked away and shook it off. Honestly, I loved you that much more.”
“It’s been years since her death. She wanted me to move on. She wouldn’t want to stand in our way.”
“She told you to be happy, didn’t she?”
He nodded.
“Are you?”
“Very. I don’t want you to ever feel like you’re second best. What I had with Margaret was real, but she doesn’t have to be the only amazing woman in my life.”
“Margaret was a lovely woman. I can’t blame you for your love. Besides, you were with her longer than I knew you. Sometimes I wish I had stuck around here more, let you in. But at the same time, I worried it would be too fast, and you would grow to resent me. I know I’m nothing like her.”
“I don’t need someone just like her. I need someone just for me. That’s all.”
“Me?”
He grinned, rolling on top of her. “Yes, you. The bond, we wouldn’t have mated if it weren’t meant to be. But one thing. About me being a Sylvan Fae. Is that a problem?”
She shook her head. “It’s silly really. The only reason you being both bothered me is you were a wolf with your magic, and I lost mine.”
“And now you have your magic back.”
She lifted a hand, calling a spark to her palm. It flashed on and off before becoming a solid ball of light.
Her eyes widened, and she pushed him back and sat up. “I could call sparks, I could call an orb of light, but this, this is more.”
He joined her. “Power tends to grow with age. You’re how old?”
Her eyes narrowed. “A hundred and twenty-five. Why? That too old for you?”
He pushed her back down as the magic faded and climbed over her to capture her nipple between his lips. Then he looked up through his lashes. “Not in the slightest.”
She purred underneath him, and he crawled down the bed to lick through her folds. “Let me show you how much I need you.”