TheKnightsDruid (12 page)

“I saw it all happen, Simon, in here,” he touched a finger to his forehead briefly. “It all played out just the way I saw it up until that old woman jumped in front of us.”

“Your vision?” He bit off a curse at Darius’s slow nod. “I really hate that gift of yours. I see what they do to you and feel powerless to help you with them.”

“But you do help, Simon. Just being there gives me the strength to get through them. Knowing you’re on the other side of it pushes me through the other side,” Darius argued.

Pleasure at Darius’s words coursed through him. Whatever their future held they would face it together.

* * * *

Juliet stared out of the open window at the ocean churning up white frothy billows as it surged and crashed upon the sandy shore. The cry of gulls blended with the roar of the surf bringing with it a deep sense of calm. It was over, she was safe and Colin healed thanks to Viviane and her magic. It came as a bit of a shock to her when Viviane confessed she thought all Druids were lost to her. It seemed Mordred in one of his many incarnations had gone out of his way to annihilate every Druid he came across knowing that they were under the Lady of Avalon’s protection. The only reason he kept her alive was the darker aspect of her talents otherwise she would have gone the way of the Dodo Bird.

She could feel Colin at her back, his heat wrapping around her in a silky slide of awareness prickling her sensitized skin. Her pulse picked up speed, her gut churning with unease. They hadn’t spoken since the rescue, but she remembered vividly the look of horror in his eyes that nightmarish night on the beach when he witnessed firsthand what she was capable of. The talent she tried so hard to hide all her life.

Juliet kept her back to him staring sightlessly out at the vista before her. Terrified if she so much as glanced his way of what she would see. The ache in her heart grew to a sharp stabbing pain and she swallowed her mouth dry as ash.

“Thank you for allowing me to use your room, I will be leaving in just a few moments. Though I will be working for Templar Security and Investigation, there will be no need for us to have contact.”

Hands clamped down on her shoulders, turning her to face him against her will. Why couldn’t he just leave well enough alone? Did he have to gloat over the hurt she knew was written plainly on her face? She kept her focus on the floor and for a brief moment she hated him for putting her through this painful parting. She didn’t hold any animosity against Colin, after witnessing what her gift was capable of—the monster that dwelled inside her—how could anyone ever feel anything for her but repugnance?

“What’s this? Why are you running from me, Jules?” Colin’s Irish brogue thickened with the sharp edge of anger. She didn’t need to look up at him know his beautiful green eyes were dark with irritation.

“It would be best. I live only a short distance from here and can be called in if needed.”

“Best for whom, Jules?”

Juliet blinked hard doing her best to keep the tears at bay. It would only make things more difficult and she really didn’t need things between them to be more awkward than they already were. “For the both of us of course. Look, I’m giving you an easy out here the least you can do it take it,” she snapped her anger at the stubborn Irishman’s refusal to see what she offered, a painless out with no tears or histrionics. She would hold in all her pain until she was alone. Then she could break down and grieve.

Colin let one hand trail over her smooth cheek in a light caress ending underneath her chin. Gently he lifted her face to meet his. “Damn the easy out, Jules, I want you. In my life, in my bed and in my heart.”

“But I’m a monster, you saw what I’m capable of,” she argued, her control frayed allowing one tear to slide down her cheek unchecked. “I saw the horror on your face at what I can do.”

“Yes it was a bit of a shock, but that’s not all you are, Jules. I see so much more than your talent in you.”

She fell into eyes as cool and inviting as the woodlands which gently tugged on a part of her soul. Her heart skittered in her chest like a trapped bird fighting to get out. Could she dare to accept what he offered. Love and acceptance were there for the taking if she had the courage to grasp it. This gorgeous, stubborn warrior who stood by her did indeed want her. Her eyes caressed him, her knees a touch wobbly from the sheer sexuality coming off him in waves. Her body responded instantly, her pulse beating a heavy thrum through her veins as her nipples tightened and warmth pooled between her legs.

Colin’s head bent down, his lips captured hers in a searing kiss. His arms circled around her, pulling her flush to his hard muscled body. Her arms moved over his large biceps relishing the taut flesh beneath her fingertips. He deepened the kiss, hungry and demanding as his tongue clashed with hers. A low moan filled the silence of the room whether hers or his, she didn’t care. She just wanted…
more
. More of his bone melting kisses, more of everything she could have of him. She felt parched and only he could ease her thirst. Her fingers ran through the soft copper tinged locks of his hair as she dragged him closer still. His erection pressed against her lower belly in silent demand bringing a scorching heat to the juncture of her legs.

With a sudden growl he pulled out of the kiss, his gaze scorching her with its intensity her body turned into liquid heat. Shivers swept through her as her blood turned molten and only Colin could quench the need within her.

“You are mine, Jules, best for you to get used to the idea for I’m never letting you go.”

Her heart soared at his possessiveness infusing her with a happiness she never thought possible, “As you are mine.”

“Sweet darlin’ Jules, you are my heart and soul. You will forever be this Knight’s Druid.”

Epilogue

Vance stood looking over the darkened city streets. At four in the morning very little activity met his brooding gaze. Only the glow of red or green traffic lights and darkened windows kept vigil with his black thoughts. Once again, Arthur successfully wiggled out of his grasp, along with his prize. Fury at the loss of Juliet Boyd to the hands of his enemies pumped through his veins, the world around him shimmering in a red haze.

Control
, he reminded himself, breathing deeply, taking in the cool air offered up from the AC purring softly in the background. He heard the door swish open behind him as watched the reflection through the glass as Marco approached with a heavy urn in his arms. His heavy boots barely making a sound on the thick cream carpeting.

“So that’s it?” Vance asked cool as an artic breeze. His tone alone was warning enough to his hired muscle. Marco gave him a slow nod, his gaze wary, most likely gauging his mood.

Smart man.

“Yes, sir, it was right where you said it would be.”

“No witnesses correct.”

“I took care of the old man who owned it. Made sure it looked like an accident.”

Vance turned to look at the large ornate urn sitting on the polished table. Power thrummed from the vessel, old magic still as potent as the day it came into the world. His rage receded easing the vice like constriction in his chest.

“And the location of Carlotta’s niece?” Vance shot a look at Marco looking for any telltale sign of failure.

“Found it in that huge bag of hers. She had a phone bill, she probably was going to pay it after meeting with you.” The man replied, holding out a crumpled envelope in his hand.”

Vance took it reading the address a cold smile of satisfaction curving his lips. “It looks like it’s time to take a mini vacation up the coast.”

The time was now to step up his plans. The loss of Juliet- a setback true – but one he at least plotted contingencies for. Soon nothing would stand in his way. With Carlotta’s little witch in his possession and Morgan Le Fey’s ashes no one would stand in his way. Soon he would wield the power to bring hell on earth. He would rule with his mother, Morgana, at his side. Arthur and his meddling Knights were on a countdown to total annihilation.

Oh yes, right now it was good to be him.

About the Author

Shannan Albright lives in Las Vegas, NV with her husband, two dogs and two cats. When not writing she spends her time between oil painting and reading.  She loves writing paranormal romances because of the world building and rich characters she finds.  She loves dark, edgy heroes and heroines overcoming impossible odds internal and external. I am a “hopeful” Romantic and believe healthy relationships and strong partnerships are the key to a happy ever after.