realization that he was outnumbered by women left him uncomfortably silent.
“It is nearly impossible, what you ask.” Tah Liah sounded as though she regretted her words. “The return of a life demands the balance of a human virgin sacrifice, one born of flames. You above all people should know that, Druid.”
His hopes fell with a heavy weight. Kylah would never allow the sacrifice of another innocent, not even to solidify their future together.
“What about me?” Kamdyn’s quiet voice permeated the somber cave. “I died in a fire, and was… am a virgin.”
Tah Liah’s silver eyes sharpened with interest.
“Kamdyn, no,” Kylah insisted. “You do not know what you are offering. These Fae, they are cruel and brutal.” She turned to Tah Liah. “I mean no offense, but my sister is young and impetuous, and after what happened to Daroch, I cannot allow this.”
“All those who are loyal to Cliodnah and Ly Erg will swiftly be dealt with.” Tah Liah gestured to Kamdyn. “I will be in need of a hand-maiden and you will be under my protection. I can promise no harm or degradation will befall you at the hands of the Fae, and you will only be set to tasks of the utmost importance. A high place, indeed, for someone who was once mortal.”
“Ye’re all mortal, now, Faerie.” Daroch couldn’t keep himself from reminding her. “I will ensure the use of Arborlatix is widespread and prevalent.”
Tah Liah speared him with an impatient, meaningful look. “I understand that, and it is more the reason to avoid humans in the future.” She turned to Kylah. “You would give up your new found immortality for this Druid?”
Daroch’s heart seized. He hadn’t thought of it that way. For the moment, Kylah was strong, immortal and he’d rid her life of her enemies.
Kylah glanced from her sister, who smiled and nodded, then to Daroch, and back.
“Without question,” she insisted, “I love him with all my heart. But… Kamdyn…”
“Stay with your Druid.” Kamdyn went to her. “Mother will have you and Katriona to look after her and as this ghostly Banshee, I can do nothing. I can have… no one.” She stole a shy look at Daroch. “Though I know I would have your love, I would truly be alone.”
A tear slid down Kylah’s cheek. “Oh darling, I didn’t even consider that.”
“What an adventure this will be for me.” Kamdyn’s soft green eyes began to sparkle with eager anticipation. “I want to do this, Kylah, for you, for your Druid, and for myself.”
Daroch’s heart swelled with gratitude, but he couldn’t think of a thing to say.
“You’re welcome,” Kamdyn told him with a smile and turned to kiss the air next to her sister’s cheek.
Kylah gave a soft sob, but returned the ghostly kiss.
Kamdyn drifted toward Tah Liah, and took the hand of her new Banshee Queen. It was the last they saw of either of them, as they faded into the nether.
Kylah gave one last sob, and then a gasp as her entire form began to tremble.
“Kylah? What’s happening.” Daroch clutched her to him, felt her body grow incrementally warmer as Fae flesh became human, fused with blood and mortal energy. He dared not hope. He dared not trust the word of a Faerie.
Suddenly, she pulled back, a radiant smile catching the tears that fell from her eyes. “Could you have imagined, Daroch, when this day dawned that we’d have your vengeance, and then be blessed with my life… our lives?”
Daroch felt a smile overtake his own mouth and, for once, he did not fight it. “It truly defies the odds.”
“I love you, Daroch McLeod.”
Daroch sobered. “I… meant what I said to the Faerie. I canna imagine one single day without ye in it. I feel this—perplexing and primitive drive to possess every part of ye. To be what no other man could possibly be in yer eyes. I want ye to belong to me and to tell me what to do. I want to be the answer to all yer infuriating questions. I want…”
Kylah stilled the movement of his lips by laying a gentle finger them. “If you said, ‘I love you, Kylah’, that would encompass all of that and save us a great deal of time that could be spent doing things other than talking.” Heat flared in her eyes and she made a gesture toward his antechamber.
“I love ye, Kylah.” Daroch tested the words and realized nothing he’d ever learned, studied, discovered, or confirmed ever felt more like the absolute truth.
About the Author
Kerrigan Byrne's stories span the spectrum of romantic fiction from historical, to paranormal, to romantic suspense. She can always promise her reader one thing: memorable and sexy Celtic heroes who are guaranteed to heat your blood before they steal your heart.
Kerrigan lives at the base of the Rocky Mountains with her husband and his three lovely daughters. She's worked in Law Enforcement for the better part of a decade.
*Kerrigan donates a percentage of all book sales to www.womenforwomen.org to help the innocent survivors of global war and oppression.
To find other books by Kerrigan, visit her website at: www.kerriganbyrne.com
Table of Contents
Dedication
Acknowledgements:
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
About the Author
Table of Contents
Dedication
Acknowledgements:
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
About the Author
Table of Contents
Dedication
Acknowledgements:
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
About the Author