Great Protector (66 page)

Her
smile broadened and she leaned down, kissing him sweetly. "I
promise."

"And
tonight - promise we will not sleep."

She
put her cheek against his, feeling his life and knowing he would live to see
another day. Knowing he would grow old beside her, loving and laughing and
living. She had ordered him to endure, and it was his pleasure to obey.

"We
will not sleep."

"Promise
I shall forget all of my pain."

Hot
tears found their way onto her cheeks and his, knowing his softly uttered plea
held a double meaning. She would make him forget his pain. As her guardian had
struggled to shield her from the worst in life, in turn, the charge would now
become the protector. She would ease his ache, his heart, and his weakened
body. She would give him the strength to live.

It
was the very least she could do for the man who had loved her enough to die for
her. A man who devoted his life to her protection eighteen years ago, risking
everything so that she might survive.

A
man she loved beyond the barrier of time. Even if he broke his vow and left her
this day, there would be no ending to their love. On the next plane in their
existence, she would still adore him with limitless devotion. She would always
be his charge, and he would always be her great protector.

"I
promise, my love," she murmured against his lips. "No more
pain."

I
promise.