“Cherub, what are you doing here?” All in her fae village knew her people’s guardian. Cherub was an immortal time-walker and the faerie king’s daughter, had lived over a thousand years and during that time had aided so many of her fae-blooded kind who walked this Earth, although she was only seen from time to time, and usually always with her mate, Kirk. This night though, Kirk remained nowhere in sight.
“I’m here to ensure you and Duncan are reunited.” Her sparkly skin caught the lantern light and reflected it back with such stunning brilliance.
“He’s in denial of our bond.”
“Then work your wonders on him and ensure he listens to you well. ’Tis time for me to whip up an even fiercer storm that will bring him here and keep him here. Kirk is missing out on all of this fun.”
“Where is he?”
“My mate is visiting his brothers at Stirling Castle, although I’ll return to him the moment I’m done here and let him know all that’s happened.” Grinning, Cherub lifted her hands to the air and with a twirl, the wind roared louder and the storm churned into a raging mess. She motioned toward the hefty swell of the sea where a galley’s large square sail came into view with one very familiar man standing at the stern.
Duncan’s dark war coat studded with steel whipped about his legs and grim anger slashed his face. “He comes.” She clutched her chest. “He really comes.”
“Aye, your chosen one does and I’ll ensure he cannae leave until I deem the time is right. Remember, I’m always here should you have need of me. Simply call out and I’ll answer your summons.” Cherub blew her a kiss then shimmered away, disappearing just as quickly as she’d come.
“Thank you, Cherub.”
Aye, their fae princess always stood so firm beside her people, and now ’twas time for her chosen one to stand firm beside her side. She would do as Cherub had said and challenge her chosen one as never before.
Through the cloying dark, the storm worsened and the rain pummeled into Duncan. Finding Ella this night was imperative, and he damn well hoped she no longer sailed these seas but had sought protection from the elements.
Ahead, a secluded bay beckoned with a quaint wattle and daub inn sitting a hundred feet inland, one surrounded by towering pine and elm trees. He’d search this inn for her then continue on should he have no luck. “Lower the sail, and all to oars,” he commanded his men.
As they glided into shore, he bounded over the bow, hit the knee-deep waters and surged through the waves. He jogged up the broken-shell pathway toward the front door then slowed at the sight of an ethereal vision appearing out of the dark before him. With her brown hair swaying to her waist and her beautiful eyes fixed on him, Ella stood in a stunning blue gown and he could barely breathe at the renewed sight of her. He’d finally found her. “Are you truly here or just a figment of my imagination?”
“I’m truly here.” The velvet of her gown hugged her sensual curves, from the upper swells of her breasts to her cinched waist and flowing hips.
“I’ve been searching for you all day.” Palms planted on the wall either side of her head, he caged her in.
“And now you’ve found me. It also appears you’ve arrived just in time to join me for the evening meal.” An impish grin lifted her lips. “Unless of course you’re chasing another lass, other than me.”
“You compelled me, forced me to allow your leaving. You even demanded I see you as naught more than an annoyance until I chose to see the truth and accept it.”
“That I did.”
“If you ever try to compel me again in such a way again, I’ll, I’ll—” Anger and frustration collided deep within him. All he wanted to do was toss her over his shoulder and cart her to a private room where he could ensure she understood exactly how much he wanted her, only they needed to talk before they ever took that next step. “You’re a handful, my grumpy one, but you’re still my handful all the same. I cannae lose you.”
“What of the secrets you hold?”
“We’ll speak of them.”
“That sounds promising.”
“Your voice also sounds stronger. There’s barely any rasp at all.”
“I just enjoyed a hot cup of tea with honey and ’twas a most soothing drink.” She ran a finger down the front of his chest and molded his damp blue tunic to his skin, her gentle touch searing him like a brand and making fire race across his flesh. “I found Ethan and spoke to him.”
“Where? When?”
“Here, and no’ long after my arrival. Come inside and we’ll speak all about what’s happened.” She ducked under his arm, opened the front door and walked inside.
He followed her as she weaved around the screened tables holding patrons, the main room lit by a roaring fire and candles flickering atop the tables. In the far darkened corner where little firelight reached, she sat on the bench seat and wriggled along to make more room for him. He eased in next to her, a screen at their back and the two corner walls forming the other two sides of their booth.