“Do you think Jase will want peace?” Amber asked, snuggling closer.
“Yes and no.” Kane slipped a hand down her bare back. “I’ll need to talk to Conn to figure out where we’d hold negotiations. This would be a military act.”
“So long as we find peace.”
Kane nodded, his hand dipping lower. “I love this dress.”
His wild vegan tilted her chin and smiled into his eyes. “I love you. Let’s go to the wedding.”
Conn paced the wall of windows of their house, his hands in his pockets. The sun glittered off the ocean waves. What a perfect day for a wedding. He needed to relax and put himself into party mode.
Moira swept into the room. “Sorry I’m late.”
“You’re fine.” He turned from the window and nearly swallowed his tongue. Talk about an understatement. “You’re gorgeous,
Dailtín
.”
She smiled, her green eyes lighting up. “Brenna made us all wear blue dresses, and I thought mine needed some sparkle.”
Yeah. Shimmering, sparkling, sexy-as-hell dress. “I totally agree.” He tugged his hands free. “Where’s your weapon?”
She lifted her chin, power dancing along her skin. “Which one?”
“You keep looking at me like that, and we’re never gonna make it to the wedding.” He wanted to tease her, but damn, he might be serious. Getting her naked and beneath him was far too appealing.
Delight flashed across her face. “While I love the thought of grappling in bed all day, your baby brother is marrying my baby sister. Our families would break down our front door looking for us.”
Now that was the truth. He studied his witch. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in three centuries.”
Her smile slid to sweet. “Aren’t you charming today.”
“Just thankful.” And he was. Thankful for her, for his family, for the fact that Jase was healing. Life held promise again. “I’d be lost without you, Moira Dunne-Kayrs. Sometimes I forget to tell you that.”
Her expression softened, and she approached him, hands flattening on his chest. “What’s going on?”
He grinned. “I give you a compliment, and you ask me what’s up?”
“No. I can feel something is up. You’re thoughtful—and wary.” Curiosity and understanding commingled in her eyes. “Is it the offer from the demons?”
He lifted his chin. “Maybe. You know how in battle, you can feel an opponent switch their approach?”
“Yes.”
“I feel like we should be looking over our right shoulders.” The instinct didn’t make sense, but it was one he trusted. “Something’s coming.”
“Aye. Something’s coming.” Moira slid her dress up her right thigh to reveal a gun tucked securely in place. “But not today. Today is for love and family.”
He glanced at the clock. “Love, huh?”
She let her skirt fall and backed away. “No. No time. No.”
“Oh, my little Irish beauty.” He stalked her, steering her toward the wall. “You know I don’t like that word.”
Blue danced on her skin, and she formed a plasma ball, her eyes lighting with fun. “Don’t make me blow you up.”
“You throw that, and I’ll be inside you within minutes.” God, he hoped she threw. One thing he knew without question was his witch couldn’t resist a challenge.
She kept retreating. “Blast it. We need to get to the wedding—you know that. Stop moving, damn it.”
“Moira, I’m going to have you before we leave this house. Easy or hard, it’s going to happen.” He loved the fire that lit her eyes as well as the dare that lifted her chin. “So stop moving and kiss me.”
Predictably, his woman threw the plasma.
He caught the fire and fizzled the flames out between his fingers. Then, with a grin, he lunged for his mate.
Chapter 33
B
renna smoothed down the Irish lace, appreciating the centuries of women who had worn the dress before her. Love and hope lived in the soft fabric. She stood in the small room of the lodge while the sun played across the ocean outside. She smiled at her older sister. “Moira, your hair needs work.”
Moira grinned and sat at the vanity to fix her hair. “Sorry I was late. ’Twas totally Conn’s fault.”
Aye. Brenna didn’t need a road map. “I figured.”
Moira turned. “Tell me you’re happy.”
“I’m happy.” Brenna smiled as she realized the truth of the statement. “I love him.”
“Good.” Moira patted wild curls into place. “Life as a Kayrs mate isn’t easy, but it’s well worth it. They’re good men.”
“I know.” Brenna nodded. “Jase likes me for me, and not for who the world thinks I should be.”
Moira laughed, her eyes sparkling. “That does sound familiar, you know. The world thought I should sit on the council and dictate policy. Only Conn knew that I belonged on the front lines dealing with witches misusing magic.”
“I like sitting on the council.” Glancing at the quiet street outside the window, Brenna leaned toward her sister. “Janie had a vision regarding the Prophecies of Arias and thinks she needs to read the book to end the current war.”
Moira blinked. “What did you tell her?”
“Just that the book didn’t exist, and if it did, I’d need to go through the proper channels to gain her access. But we should get her access, don’t you think?”
“Yes.” Moira slipped her feet back into the heels. “The book is in an ancient language, and I have no idea what it says. Do you think she’ll be able to decipher the pages?”
“Maybe.” Brenna touched up her makeup. “She deserves a chance to try.”
The door burst open, and Deb Stewart swept inside with the bouquets, her dress swishing. “Everyone is seated.”
Brenna reached for her arrangement of bluebells and green rosemary. “Everyone getting along?”
Deb grinned. “I didn’t say that. Your sisters are all in blue, as are the Realm mates, but everyone chose different blues.”
“That’s fine.” Brenna stretched her calves in the high heels.
“Yeah, I know. But some of the shifters wore blue, too.” Deb laughed. “And the younger Realm vampires are seriously flirting with a group of female wolf shifters out of Washington, and their Alpha is glaring.”
“Their Alpha is Terrent Vilks, and he’s an ally,” Moira said, reaching for her bouquet.
Brenna sighed. “Yeah, but Terrent is over-the-top protective of his pack.”
Deb nodded. “I think he’s with a very pretty shifter who knocked over a row of baskets?”
Brenna laughed. “Yes, Maggie is his mate, and she’s a bit . . . um . . .”
“Clumsy as hell,” Moira said flatly. “But we love her anyway. Speaking of shifters, have the lion shifters arrived?”
“Yes.” Deb patted her hair back into place. “Jordan and Katie were already busy chasing two energetic seven-year-olds around. Those cougar twins are just too cute for words.”
“I can’t wait to catch up with everyone,” Brenna said. “But, we do need to tell Garrett to watch out for the wolf cheerleaders. Terrent won’t let Garrett seduce one of those girls.”
“Seduce?” Moira coughed. “Garrett wouldn’t know how to seduce a sure thing. The kid is cute, but
seduce
? I don’t think so.”
Brenna glided toward the door. They’d better get a move on before all hell broke loose. “Garrett is a Kayrs who recently survived battle with both Kurjans and demons. He’s a hero, and he has the vampire’s charm. Plain and simple.”
Moira frowned. “Good point. Let’s get him occupied before the wolves declare war on us, too.”
Brenna chuckled. “Here I thought my wedding day would be calm.”
“To a Kayrs?” Moira shook her head. “Your life will never be calm. But let’s go get married.”
Brenna waited until her family and friends took their places before sliding her hand through her father’s arm. Doctor Dunne smiled down at her, and she nudged him. “Two daughters mating vampires, huh? You okay?”
Her father grinned. “My girls have found love and adventure. Of course I’m happy.” The music started, and he escorted Brenna into the main room of the lodge, which had been turned into a wedding venue for the day.
Brenna almost stumbled at seeing Jase. He stood up front with his brothers, a solid wall of strength and family. The scar on his face spoke of suffering, while the love in his eyes promised a future. A good future. She smiled, and his eyes flared.
So much power came with love from a man like that. She could handle it, and she could handle him. Sure, he was wounded, but he loved her. She felt the warmth of his love even across the room. As a mate, she could feel inside his skin.
She belonged there.
As she crossed the room, she ignored the young vampires, the giggling shifters, and all of their family and friends. Her only focus was on Jase Kayrs, the man she’d mated for survival and had ended up loving. She reached his side, and she tucked her arm through his.
When he dropped his head to press a gentle kiss on her forehead, she finally found her place in a crazy universe.
Jase headed for the bar after dancing for a while with Brenna. The ceremony had been beautiful, but not nearly as lovely as the woman who was now his wife. She’d hustled off to take more pictures with her sisters, and he needed a drink. His brothers beat him there, and shot glasses were filled. He knew family, and he knew peace. It was a rare moment to feel both, and he took the time to just appreciate life. He glanced at the wall of vampires, his heart warming. “Thank you for not giving up on me.”
Conn slammed a hand down on his shoulder with a force that would’ve killed a human. “We’re brothers.”
That pretty much said it all.
“What now?” Kane asked, his intelligent gaze on the partygoers.
Dage sipped his drink. “Now we figure out what the demons really want.”
“They want Janie,” Talen said, his low growl a direct contrast to the smile he sent across the room toward his mate. She smiled back, her shoulders relaxing.
Jase nodded. “Yeah. That’s what I think, too.”
“They can’t have her.” Conn poured another round of shots while Max reached for more pretzels.
Jase eyed Garrett while he danced with a young witch. “How’s Garrett doing, anyway?”
“Fine.” Talen popped pretzels into his mouth. “He is unsure whether he should be grateful to Zane or whether he should’ve killed him.”
Sounded about right. Jase eyed Dage. “Have we found Zane? Might be a good ally.”
“No. My guess is he’s part of one of the warring shifting clans in Iceland. They’re brutal but well-funded,” Dage said. “I’m not sure if we want him for an ally.”
“We don’t,” Talen said flatly. “Next time, we kill him. We don’t need some vampire-shifter getting into Janie’s dreams. Period.”
Jase nodded. “I agree.” Brenna caught his eye, and he straightened. “If you think the war will really end, I’d support negotiations even with the demons.” Not that he wouldn’t get revenge someday. But for now, his family and people needed safety.
Dage nodded. “I appreciate that.”
“I’d bet my left arm the demons don’t really want peace,” Jase said quietly.
“I agree,” Dage said just as quietly. “Let’s worry about that tomorrow.”
Good plan. Jase smacked his brother on the back. “For now, I’m going to dance with my mate.” Stalking across the room, he swept her up just as the band belted out a new song. He twirled his bride around in a fast dance, enjoying the delight flashing across her classically lovely face. He’d been dancing for centuries but had never felt so free. The music slowed, and he tucked her close.
She snuggled in with a soft sigh. “I’m glad you’re not on fire about this treaty business.”
He slid a hand to her lower back, spanning her waist. “Peace would be good for the Realm.” If he could keep Garrett and his buddies away from a war, he’d negotiate in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, he knew Suri. Being tortured for years tended to give insight into the torturer. If Suri was offering peace, there was a huge price. Chances were, Dage would refuse to pay.
“So you won’t kill him?” Brenna asked softly.
“I’ll kill him.” Even if they found peace, a time would come when he and Suri would meet again. Destiny was ongoing, and fate could take eons. But in the end, they’d be fulfilled. “I’m in no hurry.” He eyed Garrett and a pretty wolf-shifter trying to slip away. Terrent Vilks was immediately in the vicinity, pointing them both to the cake table. Jase laughed. Nice try, Garrett.
Brenna glanced up. “What’s so funny?”
“Young love.” Frankly, his money was on Garrett. The night was early. He glanced down at his stunning witch. “Our love.”
Brenna smiled. “Did you think we’d end up like this?”
“No.” He tucked her close. “At my lowest, when I’d been tortured for so long, and Willa made her offer, I almost considered accepting her as a mate just to get out of hell. Until I looked up and saw your painting.”
Brenna tightened her hold. “My painting grounded you?”
“No. It made me think of you, and you saved me.” He tilted her head back, needing to explain. “You
are
kindness, class, and beauty. I knew if I ever had a chance to experience any of those things, I had to say no. So I did.”
A soft smile curved her lips. “You’re saying we saved each other.”
“Yes.” He closed his eyes and moved to the music. He’d never doubted fate, and he’d never been worried about destiny. Perhaps there was a bigger plan in place, perhaps not. Either way, he’d found his path home to the one woman who would always be his. She’d healed him, and he would protect her forever. In fact, she’d made him believe in forever. The brand pulsed on his hand in agreement. He glanced down at the Kayrs marking, finally understanding what it meant.
Forever had teeth, and when it was right, it sank in. “I love you, Bren. Forever.”
Epilogue
J
anet Isabella Kayrs knew better than to dance all night in three-inch heels, but she’d been having so much fun, she’d forgotten to change her shoes. As she slid into bed, she tried to flex away the pain. Cramps escalated up her calves. Good thing she’d had plenty of wine, or it’d hurt worse. Her head spun. Yeah. Plenty of wine.
She breathed deep, sliding into the misty world between dreams and reality. There was a time she’d controlled the world, and now she needed to learn how to reclaim the power. For tonight, she drifted away and wandered inside the now empty ballroom.
Zane entered from the ocean side, his footsteps echoing in the empty room, his gaze taking in the remnants of the party. “Who got married?”
She glanced down at her heels and slipped them off. This was her dream, and her feet deserved a break. “My uncle Jase married Brenna Dunne.”
“Ah.” Zane brushed flowers off the bar. “Did you have a date?”
She tilted her head. “Maybe.”
“Hmm.” He moved closer, his gaze on her shimmering blue dress. “You look beautiful.”
So did he. In faded jeans and a dark T-shirt, Zane was the most handsome man she’d ever seen. Deadly angles made up his face, which highlighted eyes a deep green. Deeper than any river she’d ever seen. “Thank you.”
He traced a knuckle down her face. “Your birthday is coming up soon. What do you want?”
Heat flared through her at the gentle touch. She sighed at the approach of her twenty-fifth year. As a child, she’d known that was the year fate would be met. “I want to win.”
Zane nodded. “Me, too.”
“Speaking of which, thank you for saving Garrett.”
“Not a problem.” Zane’s eyes darkened. “Now you owe me one.”
Was that a fact? She was damn tired of waiting for destiny, and twice as tired of waiting for Zane. So she stepped into him and tilted her head. “What exactly do you want?”
His nostrils flared. “Don’t play, Janie Belle.”
She kept still. “What in the world makes you think I’m playing?” Her frown narrowed her focus. “I’ve always known how this would end, and I’ve never considered it a game.”
“None of us knows how the war will end.” His lip twisted as his hand slid around her neck. “We know the players, but do you really know who wins? Are we together or on opposing sides?”
“Together.” Heat cascaded off him, even in the dreamworld. But no smell. She’d always wondered about his scent.
“Is that your heart or brain talking?” His lids dropped to half-mast. “What do you really know?”
“I know the good guys.” She kept her face set in honest lines. Was it possible to have fallen in love as a child? To have known her destiny since she was four years old? “Without a doubt, I’ve always known the Realm wins. So you might want to get on board.”
“Ah, Belle. You don’t know the final outcome, and there are no true good guys in this war.” His fingers tightened on her nape. “I’d like to think you’ve never lied to me.”
“I haven’t.”
“Then tell me the truth. Tell me about your vision. You owe me.”
Yeah, she did. “Why did you save Garrett?”
“Because he’s your brother, and I could.” Zane lowered his head closer to hers. That close, she could see tiny flecks of darker green in his irises. His lips covered hers.
Warmth flushed through her along with an intriguing edge of need. She’d never felt it with anybody else. Only Zane. Her knees weakened and her spine tingled. He swept inside her mouth, taking claim.
She’d always known he’d stake a claim. He lifted his head, and the desire swirling across his strong face gave her strength.
He licked his lips. “Now talk.”
The man was right—she did owe him. The need to trust him, to have him trust her, became stronger than the desire to be strategic. “The end to the war comes this year, when I’m a quarter of a century old. You, Kalin, and I end up in the same place at the same time. At least one of us doesn’t make it out.”
“At least one?” Zane asked.
She closed her eyes and exhaled. “My feeling is only one of us will be left standing.” Frankly, she’d never truly believed it would be her. “I’ve always hoped you lived, Zane.”
He made a noise low in his gut. “Don’t be sweet. Please, don’t be sweet.”
She couldn’t help the smile as she opened her eyes. “You didn’t think this would be easy, now, did you?”