16

  Dreamless sleep. Elin drifted along endlessly. Each time she tried to wake, the pain in her body reminded her why she didn’t. Someone was waiting for her, but his name was just out of reach. She tried to go to the light, but the darkness closed over her again, not wanting to release its hold.

  The next time she surfaced, the pain wasn’t nearly as bad. She heard a voice. One she recognized. He kept begging her to open her eyes. She wanted to do what he asked. She needed to see his face, to know his name. Something had drained her. Probably the same thing that made her body hurt. Just as she was shaking off the sleep, the darkness wrapped itself around her like a comforting blanket and urged her into the abyss once more.

  A voice roused Elin again. It was that same deep voice from before. Another joined it. She knew both men. Didn’t she? When their names didn’t immediately come to mind, she didn’t think on it too long. Nothing mattered. She was in a safe place. No more running. No more hiding. The endless sleep promised protection.

  But…the man’s voice. It made her pause. He wanted to speak to her. She felt the pull to him.

  Not yet.

  The darkness had too firm a hold on her. She couldn’t shake it off. It lulled her back to sleep, making her forget the voice.

  A hand held hers. Large and strong. She knew the presence beside her. It was the man again. Elin could practically feel his worry rolling off him. Was that for her? She should tell him that she was fine. She didn’t want to burden him.

  “Elin,” he said, his voice low and urgent. “I spoke with Asrail. She wanted to see you herself. I brought you back to the cottage. She’s here.”

  There was a soft sound of movement, and then someone called her name. She knew it was Asrail, just as she knew who that name belonged to. A Gira. Her friend.

  “It’s time for you to wake,” Asrail urged. “Your wounds are healing.”

  Asrail wouldn’t lie to her. Elin started to rouse herself. The darkness crept around her once more.

  You don’t like that world. Stay with me, Elin.

  But she did like it. There was someone who made her laugh, someone she loved. His face began to come into her mind’s eye. She focused on it, willing it to clear so she could see him.

  “Please. Wake up,” he insisted.

  Stay with me, Elin.

  The man’s face came into view. Rob. How could she have forgotten? Elin shoved the voice of the sleep away and forced her eyes open. It took several tries, but she managed to take control of her body. Once she did, she threw off the clutches of the endless sleep for good.

  The first thing she saw was Rob. He had dark circles under his eyes, and it appeared he hadn’t shaved in a few days. The smile that split his face made her heart sing.

  His blue eyes crinkled at the corners. “I knew you’d come back.”

  “Hi,” she said with a smile.

  Rob caressed his fingers down her face. “Hello.”

  Movement behind him caught Elin’s attention. She looked over his shoulder to find Asrail. The Gira bowed her head in greeting.

  “It’s good to see you awake,” Asrail said.

  Elin sat up and felt her muscles rebel at the movement. “How long have I been unconscious?”

  “Three days. Asrail wanted to look at your injuries, and I couldna bring her to the castle,” Rob said.

  Elin thought about how easy it had been to be in the endless sleep, how it had seduced her into staying. Now that she was awake, she couldn’t remember why she had allowed herself to be swayed.

  “You triumphed,” Asrail said, breaking into her thoughts.

  Elin thought about Marcia and the other witch. “I took a life.”

  “She gave you no choice.” Rob’s voice was harsh, anger tingeing it.

  Elin swung her gaze to him. “There’s always a choice.”

  “She had everyone in the castle targeted,” Asrail said. “Just as Marcia did.”

  Elin remembered how a blade had been headed for Rob. That was when she’d gone from stopping the witch to contemplating her death. When the witch targeted everyone else in the bailey, she’d sealed her fate.

  “Who was she?” Elin asked.

  Rob met her gaze. “Marcia’s aunt. Laird MacDonnell told us that he knew about his wife’s magic but said that she never used it. He hadn’t known about his sister-in-law because she hid it. As for Marcia, everyone was too afraid to do anything.”

  Elin almost asked if the aunt had taught Marcia, but it didn’t matter. None of it did anymore.

  “I’ll leave the two of you now.” Asrail headed to the door. She paused and looked back at Elin. The smile she gave was full of happiness.

  After Asrail left, Rob turned his head back to Elin. “How do you feel?”

  “Tired still, but the pain has diminished.”

  “The wounds are healing nicely.”

  Elin wanted to keep the conversation on safe topics, but she knew that wouldn’t last for long. They had to talk about what’d happened. And what it meant for Rob’s family and clan. She looked away from him. She wasn’t imprisoned, but that didn’t mean she would be accepted.

  “You were magnificent.”

  Her gaze snapped back to him.

  His eyes blazed with truth as he grinned. “The sheer power that you wielded… I’ve never seen anything like it before. I’ve also never been so terrified in my life.” The smile faded. “I thought you were dead so many times. Each injury was like I felt it myself. And when the weapons flew at you…”

  “I know,” she said.

  He swallowed and glanced at their joined hands. “When you said you were a witch, I didna realize what you meant. I’m glad I got to see it. All of it. I’m in awe. Of you. Of your magic. You should never have to hide that.”

  “You know why I do.”

  “Fear.” His lips twisted. “Aye.”

  She wished she hadn’t said anything. She didn’t want to talk about his family or the clan or what they thought of her. She didn’t want him to have to choose because she wouldn’t allow him to pick her. He had a family. She, better than anyone, knew how important that was. She would never do anything to jeopardize that. Never.

  Rob chuckled and sheepishly looked at her. “Seems Donald has seen the benefits of us marrying. He wants to tell you himself how grateful he is for what you’ve done for us.”

  “What?” Surely, she couldn’t have heard right.

  Rob shrugged. “My brother is intelligent. He knows he was wrong, and he admits to letting his fears rule him. He also knows that having you in the family will be a boon.”

  “I doubt everyone feels that way.”

  “Maybe no’, but they got to see what you’re capable of. You showed mercy to Marcia when you didna have to. You only retaliated when you were assaulted, and they targeted others. They also know it was you who cured the illness. You’ve indebted yourself to the clan. And, aye, some might still hold onto fear, but you’ll win them over.”

  It was her turn to laugh. “Will I?”

  “I know you will.”

  Elin wasn’t sure what to think. It was almost too good to be true. Everything she yearned for was right here, waiting for her. She knew not everyone in the clan would accept her, but the knowledge that they knew who she was, and that the laird welcomed her went a long way.

  “I thought you’d be more excited,” Rob said.

  “I am. It’s just…”

  “You’re thinking about the future.”

  Elin nodded. “I did something good now. What happens if I don’t do something they expect later? Or, worse, what if I try and can’t help?”

  “That’s for then. No use worrying over something that may or may no’ happen.”

  Maybe. But…still. “They could still turn against me.”

  “Donald is laird of this clan. He has welcomed you into the castle. He’s praised your efforts and announced his gratitude and trust. He’s made it as clear as he can what he expects of the clan. If you become my wife, it will solidify all of it.”

  She saw the question in his blue eyes.

  “Someone will always be dissatisfied with things,” Rob continued. “They’ll want someone to blame.”

  “Which will be me.”

  “If anyone thinks you can no’ protect yourself, then I’ll remind them of the battle that was witnessed by all.”

  Elin’s lips curved into a smile. She couldn’t help it. He always knew exactly what to say.

  “You’ll also have the protection of me and my family, and that goes a long way.”

  She squeezed his hand. “What about the other clans?”

  “They’d be fools to try anything. It wasna just our clan who witnessed things. Two others did, and they’re allies. You’ll be safe, lass. I give you my word.”

  She wanted so desperately to believe him. “If I…if I marry you and we have children…”

  “You’re thinking what if we have daughters and the magic passes to them?”

  “If I have daughters, the magic will pass to them.”

  Rob shrugged. “They’ll have you to train them. I’m sure Asrail will be around, as well. Every argument you have, I have an answer. The only thing you need to decide is if you want to spend your life with me.”

  “More than anything.”

  “Then it’s settled.”

  “It isn’t. I worry ab—”

  Rob held her gaze and firmly said, “Stop. There will always be something out there that could ruin things for us—for anyone. I love you. I doona want anyone else but you by my side from now until the end of my days. Do you want the same?”

  There was only one answer. There had only ever been one answer. Maybe he was right. She should stop thinking about the what-ifs and focus on what was there now. If anything came up—because it would, that was life—she would face it with Rob standing beside her.

  “Yes,” she replied.

  His arms came around her as he pulled her into his lap. “We’re going to have an amazing life.”

  Elin smiled up at him. “Can it start now?”

  “It already has.”

  “What’s next?”

  “Whatever you want.”

  “You.”

  His eyes darkened with desire. “Always.”

  Elin shrieked in surprise when Rob stood and lifted her into his arms. When he turned around, there was a wooden tub filled with water, tendrils of steam rising from it.

  “Asrail said we’d need that once you woke.”

  Elin laughed. She would have to thank her friend later. Once she was in the bath, she sighed in delight. As much as she enjoyed it, she didn’t stay long. She quickly washed her body and hair, removing the past few days. Rob watched from the hearth, his eyes darkening with each passing moment as he took off his boots.

  When Elin finished and stood, Rob strode forward, shucking his kilt and shirt as he did. Then she was in his arms, his mouth on hers as the passion took them.

  Epilogue

  Four months later…

  Elin couldn’t believe her life had turned out so wonderfully. She had Rob. She touched her stomach. And she’d just found out this morning that they were having a baby. He was so excited that he’d stopped and told everyone he knew.

  She walked out of the castle and searched the bailey for her husband. Her smile faltered when her gaze landed on a familiar face she’d never thought to see again. His green eyes were locked on her. She almost didn’t recognize him because his hair was shorn to his shoulders, and he had grown out the sides that used to be shaved to show his tattoos.

  Elin made her way down the steps toward him. She halted before the Varroki warlock. Upon closer inspection, more than his hair had changed. The man before her was haggard, his face gaunt and strained.

  “I heard rumors,” Armir said, a hint of a smile on his lips. “I had to see for myself.”

  Elin swallowed and saw Rob approaching. She held out her hand to her husband and waited for him to reach them before she said. “It’s true. Rob, I’d like to introduce you to Armir. He’s one of the Varroki I told you about. Armir, this is Rob MacKenzie.”

  The two clasped forearms in greeting.

  “It’s good to see that you’re happy,” Armir said.

  Elin nodded, but she couldn’t stop the concern that continued to rise. “Has something happened at Blackglade?”

  Armir shrugged. “I wouldn’t know. I left.”

  “Left?” Then Elin understood. In the battle with the Coven, Malene, the Lady of the Varroki and the woman Armir loved, had disappeared. There was only one thing that could make Armir leave his beloved city, and that was Malene.

  He lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “Don’t pity me.”

  “I’m not,” she said hastily.

  “She’s out there somewhere, and I’m going to find her.”

  Rob said, “If you need anything, doona hesitate to let us know. You and anyone from Blackglade are welcome here. Always.”

  Armir studied Rob for a long moment before he bowed his head. “Thank you.”

  “Come in,” Elin said. “Have a meal with us.”

  She thought Armir might refuse when he hesitated, but in the end, he sighed and nodded. Just as they were turning to go into the castle, Elin thought she saw a small white owl fly over the bailey.

  It made her think of Asa and her pet owl, that she had been able to communicate with. Elin’s thoughts turned to the Witch Hunters and the others at Blackglade. Perhaps it was time to mend those fractured friendships and solidify allies. Just in case.

  Thank you for reading RAGE! I hope you loved Rob and Elin’s story as much as I loved writing it. Next in the Kindred: The Fated series is RUIN.

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  To save him will ruin her.

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  New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant “skillfully melds history and legend” (RT Book Reviews) in a brand new series – The Kindred.

  She abandoned the man she loves… in order to save him.

  The natural-born witch broke her lover’s heart when she ran away, seven years ago. And to stay out of the clutches of the dangerous, evil Coven, Edra’s been running ever since.

  She never planned on running into Radnar once again.

  But chance threw them together, and now her knight has her in his arms. Her soul mate is not about to let her run from him again.

  And the Coven knows it.

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  by NYT & USA Today bestselling author DONNA GRANT

  CONTEMPORARY PARANORMAL

  DRAGON KINGS SERIES (Spin-off series from DARK KINGS)

  Book 1: Dragon Revealed (novella)

  Book 2: Dragon Mine

  Book 3: Dragon Unbound (novella)

  Book 4: Dragon Eternal

  Book 5: Dragon Lover

  REAPER SERIES

  Book 1: Dark Alpha’s Claim

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  Books 1-3 Bundle: Tall Dark Deadly Alpha

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  Book 5: Dark Alpha’s Night

  Book 6: Dark Alpha’s Hunger

  Book 7: Dark Alpha’s Awakening

  Book 8: Dark Alpha’s Redemption

  Book 9: Dark Alpha’s Temptation

  Book 10: Dark Alpha’s Caress

  Book 11: Dark Alpha’s Obsession

  Book 12: Dark Alpha’s Need

  Book 13: Dark Alpha’s Silent Night

  Book 14: Dark Alpha’s Passion

  Book 15: Dark Alpha’s Command

  Book 16: Dark Alpha’s Fury

  SKYE DRUIDS SERIES

  Book 1: Iron Ember

  Book 2: Shoulder the Skye

  DARK KINGS SERIES

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