Ryder on the Storm (24 page)

Lucian clapped him on the shoulder and took one of the bags, “Do not worry about me, Brother. Enjoy your woman and when you get back we will talk. Thank you for allowing me to stay on here. I will try my hand at this, for the sake of the Emerald and our friendship. Understand that it may not stick.”

“I understand. I will be glad to have you here. Especially now, I do not know how the council will take Storm or her news.” Ryder and Storm had agreed to keep things quiet for the time being, for very different reasons. She did not want people to think they married because of her condition. He had far darker concerns, besides the council there were several supernatural factions who would be gunning for Storm just for being the Emerald. If they found out she was with child - Ryder suppressed a shudder.

Lucian looked at him, “Brother, she is safe. They will both be fine. I assure you. No mother-to-be has been more thoroughly protected than your Storm will be. Please, enjoy your woman and we will worry about everything else when you return. Nobody knows yet, we will keep it that way as long as possible.”

“Thank you, Lucian.”

“Anytime, Brother.” Lucian opened his mouth and then closed it. Ryder knew there was more.

“Just ask.”

“Are you going to ask her? I mean, are you going to have her strip it from you?” Lucian stared at him, a rather earnest expression on his face, more than unusual.

“I honestly do not know.” Ryder shrugged. He truly had not decided. He thought about the prospect for so long but now it seemed the farthest thing from his mind. They walked silently to the limo. Lucian studied him as the driver opened the trunk.

“Don’t do anything rash, brother.” Lucian dropped the suitcase in the trunk, tipped the driver, and clapped Ryder on the shoulder once more before heading back to the house. Ryder shrugged and passed his other bag to the driver.

The drive to Willow Wood went fast and he found Storm in the study staring into the hearth flames. Her auburn hair shimmered in the firelight. Ryder did not think he would ever grow tired of just watching her.

“Yes you will. When I am fat and swollen.” Storm turned to look at him, circles under her lovely emerald eyes.

“You will still be the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.” Ryder walked over to her and knelt. He took her hands to his lips and smiled, “Storm, you can read my thoughts, lovely. You know what I think of you.”

“It is still nice to hear you say it.” Storm smiled, that sexy, sarcastic smirk that drove him wild.

“I will always say it.” Ryder kissed her hands once more. “Are you ready?”

“Where are we going?”

“I honestly have no idea. Angeline planned it all. Damarra packed your belongings according to Angeline’s instructions and we have a flight in an hour and a half. That is all I know.” Ryder smiled up at his wife, frustration played out across her face. “Gotcha. Now, let’s go.”

As they slid into the back of the limo, Storm started giggling. She paused and pointed at a speaker, Ryder got it. He wrapped an arm around her gently shaking body and smiled as Jim Morrison’s throaty voice surrounded them.

Stay tuned for the next installment in the Emerald Seer Series –

Light My Fire

The saga continues with Storm Sullivan delving into her past in the midst of an unheard of pregnancy, Ryder contemplating mortality while protecting his new family, and Lucian’s inner flame comes to light. Can he save the Emerald and himself?

About the Author

Violet Patterson lives in Washington State with her family. She grew up in the Midwest and attended college there before starting her family and moving to the Pacific Northwest. Violet works full time in an office but has aspirations to open a bakery. To that end, she keeps busy preparing recipes, writing, and playing with her children.

Ryder on the Storm is Violet Patterson’s first release.