Devour, A Paranormal Romance (Warm Delicacy Series, Book 3) (39 page)

BOOK: Devour, A Paranormal Romance (Warm Delicacy Series, Book 3)

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“Nicolae? Is he here?” I asked, looking around.

“He just arrived, and at precisely the right time,” she answered. She glared at Bennett to obey her command and he jumped in place.

“Yes, my queen.” He bowed his head before leading one of the guards away. Arrick guided my father after them, allowing him a moment to drop a gentle kiss on my mother’s lips.

“Robin, Dmitry, can you two make sure the rest of the cases get distributed to all who need it?” I asked, hoping that giving them something to do would make them feel better. Dmitry seemed grateful, but Robin still looked petrified. When she wouldn’t respond, I took her under my arm allowing Dmitry to get to work.

“I don’t know what we would have done if you hadn’t shown up,” my mother commented, taking in the ruins of the throne room.

“I’m just glad we made it in time.” I tucked myself under her arm, holding onto Robin with the other. Rennek had begun ordering the remaining guards to form groups and sweep through the building and the city, killing any stragglers that might still be lurking about. A line of servants streamed into the room, carrying more and more cases of blood. Nicolae had kept his word. He might not have had the vampires to fight beside us, but he had the donors to heal our wounds. That was good enough for me.

The severely injured guards were being cared for by the group led by Dmitry. They were handing out small stainless steel canisters of blood. It would be enough to heal any minor injuries and sustain them until things could get organized. Leona soon strode in with Liz by her side. I smiled broadly, pulling my best friend into my arms for a bear hug.

“Is he dead?” she asked.

“Yes, he’s dead,” I answered, stroking her hair. She pulled away, a look of relief calming the worry lines on her brow. My mother wrapped her in a hug next, and I watched, smiling at them.

Leona nodded in our direction, marching her way toward my father and Titan. My father was looking better; he was sitting up and talking to Arrick who was nodding repeatedly. Ronon had made his way over to his father, kneeling over him as Leona approached. I watched as she pushed him out of the way and went to work on healing Titan. I wasn’t aware of the extent of his injuries, but I sent up a small prayer to Nyx that he’d be okay. That we’d all be okay.

We’d done it. The battle we had feared was finally over, and we survived. But, it wasn’t what I thought it would be. There were no cheers of victory. It felt good to know Baal was dead, but it had come at a cost. Many had lost their lives tonight, and we would honor their sacrifice forever.

I cast my eyes through one of the many shattered windows, watching the horizon begin to give way to the sun. Beautiful shades of red and gold were blossoming before me, as a tear rolled down my cheek. I pushed aside the fear I’d felt for so long. No longer was Baal hunting us. No longer did the Titan region have to live in hiding. We’d worked together, and overcame the impossible. Ana might be out there somewhere, but for now I would embrace our triumph. Those I loved were safe, and all human kind would be safe too. What more could I ask for?

Arrick joined me, pulling me into his strong arms as I snuggled against his chest. Our lips met, mingling with the tears trailing down my face. I knew I couldn’t have done it without him.

“I love you, Arrick.”

“I love you, too.”

The End.

For Now…

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