Dark Alpha's Hunger Page 15
“And his friendship means just as much to me,” Cael replied.
* * *
Thea rubbed her throat. There was no pain any longer, but she still recalled the feeling of her larynx breaking. It wasn’t something she was likely to forget.
She turned from Cael to the petite figure that stood not far from where Usaeil had earlier. The woman had thick, blue-black hair that fell down her back in waves. She was in a black, strapless gown with a tulle skirt that had yellow and red daisies sewn along the hem.
Without having to be told, Thea knew the woman was someone of great importance. Perhaps it was the way she stood so still or the way her lavender eyes commanded with simply a look.
Thea looked over her shoulder at Eoghan to find him carefully watching the stranger. Thea turned back to the woman, looking at her as Eoghan was.
That’s when it dawned on Thea who she was standing before.
“You’re Death,” she said.
The woman smiled softly. “If it weren’t for you, Eoghan would still be trapped in that other world. You drew him back to us and gave us an advantage over our enemy.”
“I didn’t know what I was doing,” Thea said. Then she smiled as she thought of Eoghan. “But I’m glad I did.”
Death looked over Thea’s shoulder before meeting her gaze. “I’m aware that Eoghan told you the story of Bran.”
“I know why you made the rules. They make sense.”
There was a tension throughout the room that hadn’t been there moments before. Thea swallowed, wondering if she had said the wrong thing.
Death took a deep breath. “There are Reapers who found love and have been allowed to stay with their women because of special circumstances involving those Halflings, or Fae in Neve’s case.”
Thea fought against the wave of anguish Death’s words delivered. “I understand.”
“I don’t think you do,” Death said. “I owe you a debt, my dear. You saved Eoghan. You get to choose how I repay that.”
Thea turned to the side and looked at Eoghan. He shot her a wink, which made her stomach flutter in excitement.
“I think my time here is done,” Cael said with a grin in Eoghan’s direction. He then winked at Thea before giving a polite, if a bit cold, nod to Death before vanishing.
The other Reapers and Xaneth each bowed their heads to Death and left until all that remained was Eoghan, Thea, and Death.
“I love you,” Eoghan said as he took a step toward her.
Thea nearly burst into tears right then. She blinked through them and rushed into his arms, their lips meeting in a frenzy of passion and need.
“I love you. I love you,” she said between kisses.
Eoghan grasped her face between his hands. She gazed into his mercurial eyes and sighed in contentment.
“I want you,” he said. “But you should know that things with Bran could go badly. There’s no guarantee we’ll win, or that I’ll live through it.”
Thea smiled and said, “I don’t care. I’ll take as many hours and days with you as I can get.”
“I suppose that means you’ve chosen what you want?” Death said.
Thea and Eoghan turned to her as one. “Yes,” Thea answered. “I want to be with Eoghan.”
“Then so you shall,” Death replied with a smile. “I wish you two much happiness.”
“As I wish upon you,” Eoghan said.
Death held his gaze for a moment, a deep sadness coming over her features before she disappeared.
“What was that about?” Thea asked.
Eoghan wrapped his arms around her. “I can tell you, or I can kiss you.”
“Tell me later. Kiss me now.”
Chapter Twenty-three
The sky was filled with dark clouds that already drizzled rain. Thea lifted her face upward to let the drops land on her face.
“You have to stop that,” Eoghan murmured from behind her. “It makes me want to kiss you.”
She smiled as she turned to face him. “I’m only looking at the rain.”
“Haven’t you realized that everything you do makes me crave you?”
Thea rose up on her toes and gave him a quick kiss. “This is the first time I’ve left your bed in two days. Annie will kill us if we don’t meet her.”
Eoghan flattened his lips even as he pulled her tightly against him. He moved his past her into the crowded streets of Dublin. “She’s late.”
“Annie will be late to her own funeral.”
He grunted and turned them sideways so others wouldn’t hit her. Thea rested her head on his chest, unable to contain her smile. The last few days were delightful. But now they were over. A war was upon them, with an enemy that grew ever stronger day by day.
Death had given them a respite, of which Thea would forever be grateful. She wondered if she would ever see the stunning woman who embodied Death again.
While Thea embraced her new life with Eoghan, she knew it wasn’t without dangers. Even now, the Reapers were around them. Some were veiled, while others were never far from Eoghan—though they weren’t there to protect him. Eoghan could take care of himself.
The Reapers were there as a team. A unit that grew closer every day. Thea saw it with her own eyes. Walls were coming down as each of them allowed themselves to not only trust the others but also think of each other as a family.
Amazingly, they had quickly accepted her. She was thankful that Aisling was there. Otherwise, Thea might drown in all the testosterone.
Thea’s eyes opened when she felt Eoghan’s body stiffen slightly. She raised her head and followed his gaze to find Xaneth a few steps behind Annie.
“What is he doing here?” Eoghan mumbled.
Thea patted his chest and said, “Go ask.”
“Aye.”
Eoghan walked away just as Annie strode up. Her friend tried to say hello to him, but Eoghan’s attention was elsewhere.
“What was that?” Annie asked in confusion.
Thea held out her arms. “It’s so good to see you!”
Annie immediately hugged her, forgetting the question. She pulled back and tugged at Thea’s natural brown locks before she said, “Let me look at you. My God, I didn’t think it was possible for you to get more beautiful, but I think you have. Love looks good on you, girl.”
Thea laughed at the sparkle in Annie’s eyes. “Is it that obvious?”
“Yes,” Annie said, her face showing her disgust. It was wiped away quickly. “Not that I’m not happy for you. If anyone deserves it, it’s you.”
“And you.”
Annie shook her head. “No way. Men are good for sex, but I don’t really even need them for that.”
“I thought you and Noah might—”
“Not going to happen,” Annie interrupted. “When you took the time off, the band fell apart.”
Thea’s mouth fell open. “What? I don’t understand. They were together for over a year before I joined.”
“The crowds didn’t turn out without you. The guys started fighting until they weren’t speaking to each other. I agreed to go out with Noah, and then I found him banging some girl after one of the shows.”
“I’m so sorry.” Thea didn’t know what else to say.
Her friend waved away her words. “I quit working with the band a few days ago. I’ve had some others try to recruit me in the past, so I’m going to take a look at them. Or, I may do something else entirely. What about you? Other than the hunk you’re with.”
Thea laughed and found her gaze moving to Eoghan. Xaneth was gone, but Eoghan was now talking to Rordan. Thea returned her attention to Annie. “I’m not sure what’s coming next, but I’ll be with Eoghan.”
“I figured,” Annie said, forcing a smile. “Will you try to stay in touch though? I mean, really try?”
“I promise.”
Annie swallowed as she nodded her head. “Good.”
“And you’ll do the same?” Thea asked.
“You know me. I’ll pester you
until you let me know you’re alive.”
Thea smiled. “You’re a good friend.”
“Then perhaps you’ll tell your good friend what’s happened over the past few days since you disappeared.”
Thea glanced around. “I found out who my mother is.”
Annie’s blue eyes widened in surprise. “No way! How did it go? Was it wonderful or awkward?”
“It was horrible. She’s the one who had me kidnapped.”
“And hunky over there saved you,” Annie said as she glanced at Eoghan.
Thea couldn’t help but grin as she met Eoghan’s gaze. “Yes, he did.”
“The two of you make me want to gag. Now, back to mommy dearest.”
The reminder made Thea wince. “She was awful. I hope I never see her again.”
“So, as bad as the children’s home was, it was better than being raised by her?” Annie asked.
“Without a doubt.”
“Wow.”
Thea wrinkled her nose. “Oh, yeah.”
“That calls for a drink.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.” Thea turned toward the nearest pub. “I have a table waiting.”
* * *
Eoghan watched Thea and Annie walk into the pub with Aisling and Bradach veiled and following them.
“What now?” Rordan asked.
“Xaneth didn’t have to tell us anything about the Fae.” Eoghan ran his hand down his face. “I doubt it’s a trap, but be prepared either way.”
“You want me to check it out?”
“Unless you’ve no interest.”
Rordan’s silver eyes grew intense. “I’d like nothing more than to find this Fae Xaneth mentioned. He could be of interest. Or it could be nothing.”
“Take Cathal with you. I don’t want you going alone.”
Eoghan watched the Reaper walk away. No one had heard from Erith since her surprise appearance at the Light Castle. Robins continued to deliver names of those who had been judged, but no matter how many times Eoghan tried to contact Death, there was no answer. For Cael either.
As long as the birds brought those names, Eoghan would hold out hope that Erith was still well. But how much longer could that continue? How long until Bran either drained her of all her power, or the Reapers somehow found an advantage and killed Bran?
Eoghan ignored the rain as it began to fall harder. As long as he was alive, and as long as he was able, he would lead his team and fight for Death.
He made his way to the tavern and walked inside to where Thea and Annie awaited him. The women were laughing and had already finished half of their drinks.
His gaze was locked on Thea as he moved to her. When he neared, she rose and met him with a kiss.
“If you’re going to sit with us, you can’t do that,” Annie told him.
He quirked a brow at her. “Averse to displays of affection?”
“Only when I know it’s real, and then I can’t proclaim that love is a sham as I usually do,” she said. Her lips curved into a smile. “Sit, Eoghan. I owe you for finding Thea and keeping her safe.”
The three raised their glasses, clinking them together before drinking. Eoghan lowered himself beside Thea and looked at her in amazement.
Somehow, through the suffering and death, through eons of time while carrying the weight of the past, he’d found his way to something spectacular.
Thea met his gaze and smiled. Their love had been stated several times—and they would continue to do so. But it was also in every look, every word, and every touch they shared.
For they were joined now and forever.
“Oh, bloody hell. When’s the damn wedding?” Annie grumbled.
Eoghan grinned and raised a brow in question to Thea.
“Is now too soon?” Thea asked.
Annie let out a loud moan and dropped her head back for a moment. “Have I taught you nothing? You need to plan.”
Thea shrugged. “I think our hearts have already said it all.”
“Aye,” Eoghan agreed.
Annie looked away with a loud sigh. “I don’t think I can be around the two of you.”
Eoghan shared a laugh with Thea as they linked hands. Their hearts and souls were already connected, but Eoghan would happily say the words if that’s what Thea wanted and needed.
Because he couldn’t imagine a day without her. She was his, the music of his spirit, the one who’d saved him from the darkness and gave him life.
Epilogue
The beautiful O’Byrne land was now destroyed. When Erith hid her sword deep beneath the soil, she’d never once thought that there would come a time when she would need it again.
But she was back.
She didn’t know if Seamus had learned anything from Bran yet. For all she knew, the Dark Fae had turned on her. But she didn’t think so. In the time she’d held Seamus in her realm, she had come to know him well.
If he were born to the Light instead of the Dark, his life would have turned out much differently. He truly regretted accidentally freeing Bran. In an attempt to make up for it, Seamus was going to spy for her. It might very well end the Fae’s life.
Erith didn’t bother to veil herself as she walked across the land. None of Bran’s men could kill her. Yet. And Bran was occupied elsewhere for the moment.
She walked through the rubble that was the O’Byrne home and regretted what had befallen Ettie and her sisters. Erith had sworn never to pick up her sword again, not after the havoc she’d wrought during that period of her life.
It wasn’t in her nature to sit back and allow her life and magic to be drained from her, but she was nearly to the point where it no longer mattered. She’d waited too long to come to her senses and want to fight.
Mostly because she feared what holding the sword would do to her.
Again.
But if she didn’t, she would die. Her Reapers and allies would be slaughtered. The mortals would be enslaved, and there was no telling what would become of the Fae.
This was no longer just about her. It was about everything—and everyone—else.
She halted and briefly closed her eyes as she prepared herself for what was about to happen. Several millennia had passed since she’d last wielded the sword, but she could still recall the power that ran through the black metal and into her hand.
Would she be strong enough to return the sword to the ground once she ended Bran? She really hoped she was.
Erith opened her eyes and held out her palm over the field. The earth shook and trembled beneath her feet before the weapon shot up from the ground.
Her fingers wrapped around the hilt, catching it.
* * *
Cael hadn’t known what had brought him back to Killarney until he spotted Erith slowly walking the land, the hem of her black skirts getting muddy from the recent rain.
She didn’t notice him despite the fact that he wasn’t veiled. Her attention seemed to be elsewhere. He didn’t approach her. Instead, he remained at a distance, watching.
It wasn’t long before she stopped and held out her hand. He frowned when the ground started to shake, and then the black sword Ettie had wielded against Bran—the very weapon Bran had wrecked the land searching for—flew straight into Erith’s hand.
Cael took a step back when her eyes briefly glowed. His mouth fell open when the ball gown she usually wore was replaced by a short, chainmail shirt covered in strips of black leather and a leather breastplate. Then that too faded when the ball gown returned.
A gust of wind suddenly whipped through the glade and swirled around Death, lifting her blue-black locks and her skirt.
Her head swiveled to him, their gazes locking. Then, she was gone.
Cael stared at the now-empty spot for several minutes, trying to comprehend what he’d just seen. There was no mistaking the weapon. Erith was finally going after Bran.
Read all of the Dark Kings Novels
Darkest Flame (Volume 1)
Fire Rising (Volume 2)
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Burning Desire (Volume 3)
Hot Blooded (Volume 4)
Night’s Blaze (Volume 5)
Soul Scorched (Volume 6)
Passion Ignites (Volume 7)
Smoldering Hunger (Volume 8)
Smoke and Fire (Volume 9)
Firestorm (Volume 10)
Blaze (Volume 11)
Heat (Volume 12)
Torched (Volume 13)
The Dark Warriors Series
Midnight’s Master (Volume 1)
Midnight’s Lover (Volume 2)
Midnight’s Seduction (Volume 3)
Midnight’s Warrior (Volume 4)
Midnight’s Kiss (Volume 5)
Midnight’s Captive (Volume 6)
Midnight’s Temptation (Volume 7)
Midnight’s Promise (Volume 8)
Midnight’s Surrender (Volume 8.5)
About the Author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant has been praised for her “totally addictive” and “unique and sensual” stories. She’s the author of more than thirty novels spanning multiple genres of romance including the bestselling Dark King stories. The acclaimed series features a thrilling combination of dragons, the Fae, and Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her two children, a dog, and four cats in Texas.
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Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five