The Guardian (21 page)

“Yeah, we were sure we were goners,” Brice said. “We were frozen in a sorcerer's time lock.”

“Luckily, his evil magic died with him,” Stephen said.

“It was close, too close for comfort.” Leland smacked Stephen on the back again.

“But I came through. Have I ever let you guys down?” Stephen looked over at Fala and mouthed the words
Thank you.

Fala merely smiled and nodded at him, her heart breaking at the softness in his eyes, no sign of the icy barrier he used to hide behind. His face almost glowed with affection for his brothers. She'd never been a part of a happier reunion.

Fala clearly detected the three reunited heartbeats of the brothers. Stephen's intimate thumps came to her louder than the other two, and she knew in that instant that his place was with his brothers. That she had to assume her role as Guardian and marry Akando. This was goodbye. She felt her heart breaking, but she knew it would mend and she could finally meld with Akando's spirit. They'd marry and bear a girl to take Fala's place as Guardian, and all would be as it was ordained and written in the Book of Life. She had to let Stephen go. Say her goodbyes no matter how much it hurt.

Brice saw her and said, “Who are you?”

“Just a friend.” She smiled at him.

Brice took her measure, an appreciative male grin spreading across his lips.

Stephen elbowed his brother, a protective jealous scowl on his face. “Back off, Casanova.”

“I was only looking.”

“She's taken.”

“Oh, I get it. She's yours.”

“No.” Sadness softened Stephen's harsh scowl as he said, “I'll be back in a minute.” He strode toward her. His eyes liquefied to a copper color as they drank her in. “I don't know how I can repay you. Maybe one day you'll forgive me.”

“Already done.” Fala smiled forlornly at him. “I know now why you did it.”

“God, I was so afraid he'd kill you.” He touched Fala's cheek.

Fala felt a shudder go through her and she was more aware of him now than she had ever been. She forced away the catch in her voice as she said, “We defeated him together.”

“This is goodbye, isn't it?” His velvety deep voice turned throaty and raw, as his wounded eyes dug into her face.

Fala nodded, unable to speak past the emotion choking her.

His strong arms wrapped around her and he hugged her until she couldn't breathe and she thought she could feel his spirit connecting with hers. He whispered, “If you ever need me, call me and I'll find you.”

“Back at you,” she murmured, feeling his steady heartbeat beneath her palm. Tears singed her eyes and a vise wrenched her chest.

His body stiffened with resolve. He shoved her away as if he couldn't suffer the contact any longer. Fala felt
the instant loss of his body heat and the cold dampness within the cave grate against her.

He turned toward his brothers and said, “Time to go home.”

Fala watched them hop over the trench and start up the path, Stephen's wide muscular back melting behind her tears. She knew she'd never see him again.

T
he next night, Fala strode behind Meikoda as they wove through the woods to the sacred marriage mound. The waning moon peeked down at her through a canopy of angular bare boughs. Her ceremonial wedding gown felt like it weighed a hundred pounds. The primitive smell of it wafted through her senses, the magic Thunderbird feathers brushing her bare legs beneath. It had taken a good two hours to get ready for her marriage. The elders had bathed her and braided her hair and said a prayer over her upcoming marriage.

She tried not to think of the last time she saw Stephen, but he kept walking through her thoughts. He and his brothers had piled into Takala's car, and she'd driven them back to his home in Old Town, Alexandria. When she thought of him the emptiness still gnawed at her, and would probably for some time to come. She'd never forget Stephen, but she had to move forward with her life, and
she couldn't lose her powers because she wasn't married to Akando. No, Stephen was a closed chapter in her life. For the umpteenth time, she put thoughts of him out of her mind.

Before they reached the opening of the sacred marriage mound, Meikoda paused and turned to look at Fala. The transfer of power seemed to lift a burden from her grandmother. She looked younger, less wrinkled, her shoulders straighter. An air of lightness flowed around her face. She touched Fala's cheek with a weathered hand, her expression softening. “I need to ask your forgiveness for something.”

“What?”

“I dwelled upon your mother's weakness too much with you, and for that I am truly sorry.”

“You didn't want me to turn out like her. I understand.”

“I don't think you do. I see more and more of your mother in you. I never told you this, but that is a good thing. My daughter may have been weak but she was strong when it came to her convictions of the heart, and I have always admired your mother for staying true to her passion.”

“Doesn't it sadden you that she left and we never see her?”

“Yes, and I am sorry for it, but your mother left me a gift in her place.”

“What gift?”

“You.” Meikoda's blue eyes glazed and brightened with unshed tears, a tender expression Fala had never seen before breaking over her face. Then the elder embraced her.

Fala smelled the herbs and eucalyptus and baked bread that was so much a part of her grandmother and she kissed the leathery cheek. “Thank you,” Fala said.

Meikoda pulled back. “Now, are you ready to take your place beside your husband and give me many great-granddaughters to spoil?”

Fala nodded, steeling her courage as she followed Meikoda out into the open field. She could marry Akando now.

All of her people filled the open field, two hundred strong, waiting for her. When they saw her, the wave parted.

Fala noticed Nina and Takala waving at her. Why was Takala grinning from ear to ear? She should be upset that Fala was marrying Akando. She positively radiated happiness.

Then the elders separated and Fala saw the ceremonial mound for the first time.

Silver eyes met blue.

Stephen stood there, waiting for her, wearing the husband's marriage robe. He smiled at her, his eyes gleaming copper with happiness. Fala staggered at the handsome sight of him and Meikoda had to grab her arm.

“What is going on?” Fala could hardly form the words. “If this is another trial—”

“No.” Meikoda shook her head. “He is your intended mate.”

“This was known all along?” Fala felt her head swimming with confusion.

“Evidently not. I believe the spirit guides and the Maiden Bear were reconsidering their choice when your
spirit couldn't meld with Akando's. And of course they must have sensed your attraction to the warlock. Then he was being tested as well as you.”

“And he passed when he couldn't kill me?”

Meikoda nodded, setting the waddle beneath her chin flapping. “He proved his love was pure, greater than evil.”

“What about Akando?”

“Nursing his wounds, but Takala is helping in that department.”

Fala looked over at Takala. Her sister shot a thumbs-up sign as if she could read what was being said. Fala smiled back at her. Nina's face glowed almost as bright as Takala. Both her sisters partook in Fala's happy turn of events, and Fala felt closer to them than she ever had.

Then she noticed Brice and Leland standing behind Nina and Takala. They smiled at her, looking like younger versions of Stephen.

“Did you know Mr. Winter shares your same birthday down to the minute?”

Meikoda's voice captured Fala's attention. “He does?”

“The spirit guides showed it to me through a vision. Now go to your man with my blessings.”

Fala bent, kissed her grandmother, then her gaze was drawn to Stephen.

He opened his arms wide. As she looked into his overjoyed expression, she felt an overwhelming warmth and love for him. She thought she had put him behind her, but her love for him was as pure and as powerful as ever.

She couldn't hold back any longer, and she ran toward him.

Everyone cheered as Fala plowed into his arms. He lifted her up and swung her around, then he set her down.

“I can't believe this,” she murmured, squeezing him, unable to trust in her sudden fortune and happiness.

“I love you more than life itself. You belong to me now, Guardian.” His voice thick with possessiveness.

“Are you going to be happy living on the reservation?”

“I kinda lost my job when I told my boss what happened.”

“Oh.”

“And I'd be happy anywhere if I'm living with you, sweetheart. Marry me and let's make this official.” He captured her lips.

Fala felt the force of his passion down to her toes. Her knees buckled and her power shifted inside her body. Then magic blazed out from her and engulfed both of them in white light.

The crowd had to shield their eyes from the glow.

But Stephen reveled in it and held tight to the warmth of Fala's love. He knew his life was just beginning.