Turning, they strolled toward the front porch, where they sank onto the steps, sitting side by side with their hips pressed together. Cliff kissed the back of her hand, then rested it on his knee.
The soft sounds of nature helped calm his chaotic thoughts as he absently stroked her fingers. Now that the trauma of thinking he would die today had passed, his mind quieted, needing a reprieve.
Birdsong floated on the cool breeze. Scuttling sounds arose as two squirrels chased each other around and around an oak tree at the edge of the yard.
Peace fell upon them as he and Emma leaned into each other and let it all gradually sink in.
A third squirrel joined the other two and drove the chase to another tree.
A crow caw, caw, cawed in the distance.
Cliff sighed, his lips curling up at the edges as happiness suffused him. “How would you feel about adding a picket fence?” he asked softly.
Emma surveyed the yard, her expression thoughtful. “I’d like it. If we had a dog, a fence would keep him from chasing after whatever wildlife happens by and getting into trouble.”
He squeezed her hand. “And keep the children from wandering too far?” His heart swelled as she looked up at him, her face filling with wonder at the realization that they could have children now.
She smiled. “That sounds perfect, honey.”
Dipping his head, he pressed a kiss to her lips. “I love you, Emma.”
“I love you, too.”
Releasing her hand, Cliff wrapped an arm around her and held her close as the two of them watched the sun rise.
Thank you for reading Cliff’s Descent. It’s a story I’ve wanted to tell for quite some time now. For the many Immortal Guardians fans who have asked me to please find a way to save Cliff, I hope you’re as satisfied with his happily-ever-after as Cliff is.
If this was your first time reading an Immortal Guardians book, I hope you enjoyed Emma and Cliff’s story and liked meeting some of the crew. Just a note: Cliff’s tale is more somber than others in the series because of his unique circumstances. You’ll find more humor sprinkled throughout the rest. Though their personalities and backgrounds vary, my Immortal Guardians are deeply loyal to each other and—despite the sometimes dark and violent lives they lead—love to laugh and tease each other. The men also all adore strong women. So if you appreciate heroines who kick ass, you’ll find a lot of them in my series.
Thank you again for reading Cliff’s Descent. If you enjoyed it, please consider rating or reviewing it at an online retailer of your choice. I appreciate your support so much and am always thrilled when I see that one of my books made a reader happy. Ratings and reviews are also an excellent way to recommend an author’s books, create word of mouth, and help other readers find new favorites.
As always, I want to thank Crystal. You’re amazing and such a pleasure to work with. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I also want to send hugs and a great big thank you to my fabulous Street Team. You all rock!! I hope you know how much your continued support means to me and how very much I appreciate it. More love and hugs go to the members of my Dianne Duvall Books Group on Facebook. I have so much fun in there with you and can always count on you to spark smiles and laughter.
Thank you, Kirsten Potter, for giving my characters unique and entertaining voices that continue to delight listeners. More thanks go to my editor, Anne Victory, who is such a joy to work with, as well as the other behind-the-scenes individuals who helped me bring you Cliff’s Descent.
And, of course, I want to thank the Immortal Guardians fans who requested this story and all of the other wonderful readers who have picked up copies of my books. You’ve made living my dream possible. I wish you all the best.
About the Author
Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the acclaimed Immortal Guardians paranormal romance series, the Aldebarian Alliance sci-fi romance series, and The Gifted Ones medieval and time-travel romance series. She is known for writing stories full of action that will keep you flipping pages well past your bedtime, strong heroes who adore strong heroines, lovable secondary characters, swoon-worthy romance, and humor that readers frequently complain makes them laugh out loud at inappropriate moments. Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and "wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews).
The Lasaran (Aldebarian Alliance Book 1) was a #1 Audible Mover & Shaker. The Segonian (Aldebarian Alliance Book 2) was a Barnes&Noble Top Indie Favorite. Audible chose Awaken the Darkness (Immortal Guardians Book 8) as one of the Top 5 Best Paranormal Romances of 2018. Her audiobooks have been awarded multiple AudioFile Earphone Awards for Excellence. One was nominated for a prestigious Audie Award. And her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards.
When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the psychotic vampires she creates in her books.
For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit www.DianneDuvall.com. You can also connect with Dianne online:
DianneDuvall Books Group • Newsletter • Blog • BookBub • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter • Dianne’s Street Team • Amazon Author Page • YouTube • Pinterest • Goodreads