Legend of the Fae: A Highland Fantasy (The Dark Fae Saga Book 1) (15 page)
Read Legend of the Fae: A Highland Fantasy (The Dark Fae Saga Book 1) Online
Authors: April Holthaus
~ Chapter 23 ~
The warm sun shone over the castle, melting the bitter snow; the first sign of winter’s end. It had been three days since Galen returned. Three long and agonizing days, he reminded himself. Everything in the castle had returned to its normal order, and plans were already in the works for the new crop addition in the southern edge of their land. With the peace treaty with McGregor signed, everything was running smoothly; everything except Galen.
Like at the end of a lost battle, Galen aimlessly walked the halls, wondering what he could have done differently. But there was no going back; only forward. Though things had not worked out as he’d hoped, he was grateful that she’d come into his life when she had. She had opened his eyes and taught him patience and courage to face his past. For the first time, he now knew exactly what he wanted and felt ready to take on the world. There were so many things he had been putting off, and it was time to let go of his past and focus on his future.
Galen watched his men in the great hall for a moment before joining them. Well into their cups, they laughed and retold stories of battles and beauties they had conquered. Everything was exactly as it should be.
Sitting down among them, Galen grabbed a mug of whiskey and regaled them with an adventurous story about an unbelievable journey. He left it to them to decide whether he spoke the truth of it or told a simple fable, because in truth it was a little of both. Caught in a world between reality and fantasy, even Galen could not tell which was which. Up was down, left was right, but the one thing that remained constant in his story was that it was full of promise and love.
As Galen finished his story the men looked at him in utter dismay.
“That’s it? What happened to the witch? What happened to the lass?” Alex asked.
“Well, how does it end? Ye cannae tell a story wit’ no ending,” Brandon added.
Galen shrugged and gave them a vacant look. There was no end.
“The hero gets the lass, of course,” a sweet feminine voice answered behind them.
At the sound of her voice, Galen’s breath seized. The spoken words woke the depths of his soul. With his hands beginning to tingle, he dared a look over his shoulder at the angelic voice. Jolting from his chair, he stumbled and stared wide-eyed like a startled deer.
Ella!
Galen’s heart beat skipped. With a sly smile, he asked, “And did this hero and the lass live happily ever after?”
Galen moved around the table and took small steps toward her. He walked steadily and with purpose. He meant to claim her. Claim those lips that he often dreamt about.
“That depends.”
“On what?”
“If the hero loved the lass as much as she loved him.”
Closing the gap between them, Galen pulled her into his arms. He could never tire from seeing her smile. For the ten years they were apart, he dreamt of her often. But now in the flesh, those dreams could not compare. Ella dazzled his senses and warmed his heart. Embracing her dark past, he loved her unconditionally, despite her faults and flaws.
Cupping her face in his large hands, his thumb gently rubbed along her cheekbone. This moment, unlike any other, made his heart swell. The passion between them made him feel alive as if his soul had lain dormant until now. Everything in his life had led up to this very moment.
With a heated gaze, he replied, “With all his heart.”
Lowering his head, his mouth took hers. The searing kiss caused Galen to grow hungry with need. With little protest, he lifted her into the air and charged up the stairs to his bedchamber taking two steps at a time.
As soon as they entered his chamber, he set her down and pressed her against the closed door, urgently kissing her as if his need would consume them both.
With great demand, their bodies pressed closer as their arms entwined around each other. Allowing her to take a breath, Galen softened the kiss and trailed a line of kisses down the arc of her neck. Ella groaned in the back of her throat. She fervently ran her hands down his back, wanting him, needing him. The heat building inside of her was like a dragon ready to break free.
Ella felt Galen’s hand rub up against her bosom as he began to loosen the ribbon laced on the bodice of her gown while he recaptured her mouth. Her lips parted as Galen swept his tongue across them. Her tongue brushed alongside his as she breathed him in.
Galen broke the kiss and gazed at her. With their hands interlocked it was hard to tell whose was whose. Galen momentarily stood and removed his plaid tartan. He leaned over, scooped up Ella, and gently laid her down on top of the bed. Taking in a lungful of air, Ella could hear the whisper of his breath as he exhaled. Kneeling beside her, he placed his hand on her leg and slid it up her thigh.
Ella felt as if the world was spinning. Her heavy breathing and the tingling sensation from his touch sent her to a state of tantalizing bliss. Pulling her dress up over her head, she lay naked before him. Just at the sight of the look on his face, Ella had no need for his words. She could see the passion and love in his eyes. Straddling over her, his lips descended to hers. With a loud moan echoing throughout the room, they joined together as one in both mind and body.
Mirroring his movement, Ella felt their bodies crash together like a tidal wave meeting the shore. She felt a flutter in her chest as a shiver of pleasure coursed through her. Closing the slightest distance between them, she held him tight against her bosom.
As Galen slowed his pace, she trembled beneath him. Her dry mouth became moist as Galen kissed her lips, sweeping his tongue inside her mouth. Her skin felt flushed as sweat beaded on her forehead.
As Galen thrust his hips, an urging demand threatened to explode inside of her as she matched his rhythm and tempo. Her heart hammered and pulsated in her chest. With each shudder her body made she felt weightless. She imagined herself in the midst of a storm, strong waves crashing against her body. Bellowing loudly to release the intensity of her climax, the storm lifted, and Ella sank to the bed,breathless. Her tired body rested in his arms though she felt not a bit of exhaustion
.
Her eyes became glossy as a surge of overwhelming happiness filled her heightened senses.
Panting to catch his breath, Galen kissed the top of Ella’s head and wrapped his arm tighter around her. As she lay in his arms, he lightly traced a finger down her supple, rosy cheek to her soft, plush lips. He took the time to admire and study each line and curve of her face. She was beautiful, from her dark green eyes to the freckles that danced along her cheeks. Even the small unnoticeable imperfections were perfect. In this moment, he made a promise to himself that he was never going to let her go.
Ella lay with Galen’s arm wrapped around her, resting her head on his chest, and listening to the soothing beats of his heart. Galen stirred. Lifting her head, she gazed up at him. Galen opened his tired eyes and looked down at her with sweet tranquility.
“I never thought I would see ye again. I am never letting ye out of my sight. I may never even let ye out of this bed,” Galen teased, as he pressed a light kiss to her forehead.
“That’s too bad because there was one place I wished to go.”
“And where is that?”
“Do ye no’ still visit the stones?”
“The stones?”
“Galen Lucius Graham, dinna tell me ye have forgotten about our secret place.”
As much as Ella tried to keep a straight face, the confused look on Galen’s caused Ella to burst into laughter.
“Ye remember?” he excitedly asked.
“Aye. I remember everything.”
Galen swung himself on top of her like a young playful lad. With a wide goofy smile, he showered her with a series of kisses.
Giggling underneath him, she whispered, “I love ye Galen.”
“I love ye too.”
~ ♥ ~
By midafternoon, Galen and Ella rode to the hilltop to visit their secret place. So many memories flashed in Ella’s head. It was almost overwhelming as her entire life’s story played out in her mind.
As they reached the stones, Galen helped Ella down off the horse. The weather had warmed and the sun shone brightly. Circling the stones, Ella stared at the familiar markings. With the ability to decipher what the markings read, Ella read each one out loud to Galen, telling him an ancient story about the past where humans were helped by magical human-like creatures. It was the legend of the Fae.
With curiosity, Ella placed her hands upon one of the stones to see if she could still hear the voices of the past, but all was silent. Not a word, nor a whisper.
Galen came to stand in front of her and wrapped his arms around her. His comfort and warmth was soothing. Ella closed her eyes. This place held so many memories. After ten years, the two of them were back together in the last place they’d seen each other. It was like their long, painful journey had led them back to where it all started, completing a full circle. Ella was grateful they were given a second chance at life and love. The thought was comforting.
“Do ye think ye will miss it?” Galen asked, lifting her chin so that he could look into her eyes.
“Miss what?”
“Yer home.”
Ella gently placed her hands on his rough cheeks and drew him closer to her.
In a quiet whisper, she replied, “I am home.”
The Legend continues…
Prophecy of the Fae
The Dark Fae Saga: Book Two
As Ella struggles to live a normal life within the mortal world, she quickly discovers that no matter what path she chooses, she cannot escape her destiny.
As the wicked Fae Queen Alaris returns with a new and powerful army, it is up to Ella to fight for the Fae world she knows by leaving the mortal world she loves.
Facing new enemies and new trials, join Ella and Galen as they embark on a journey about life, love and sacrifice.
Coming Summer 2015
Other books by this author:
The MacKinnon Clan Series
Book One:
The Honor of a Highlander
Book Two:
Escape to the Highlands
Book Three:
Highland Daydreams
Check out the author’s website, Twitter and Facebook page for updates on upcoming books, cover reveals and giveaways.
www.facebook.com/author.april.holthaus
About the Author
April lives in central Minnesota with her husband and son. She developed her passion of historical romances through her love of history and genealogy. Over the last several years she has compiled her family tree finding over 350 bloodline grandparents dating back to the 900’s from England and France.
When not working or writing, April enjoys spending time with her family, reading and being outdoors.
