Tempest Reborn (Jane True) - By Nicole Peeler Page 0,113

He’d started holding me like that when I was first pregnant, but considering our recent history, it had more meaning than the usual gesture.

‘I meant it, you know,’ he said. ‘Never again.’

I placed my small hand over his, snuggling closer against his side.

‘Anyan, I think the chances of me twice becoming the champion of the universe, chosen to battle an ancient force of evil, are pretty slim.’

‘I know. But still. Never again.’ His voice was steely, adamant.

I sighed. ‘I had to—’

‘I know you did,’ he interrupted. ‘I get that. And I was willing to do the same for you. I get that, too, now. But things are different. We have the girls—’

‘And we would both do anything for them,’ I said, my turn to interrupt.

‘Yes. But my point is that sometimes the ultimate sacrifice is to live. It’s to survive, despite what else we have to give up. That’s what I’m saying.’

I turned over on my side, pressing my body against his as I nuzzled his long, gorgeous nose with mine. ‘You’re a wise man, Anyan. Er, dog. Dog-man…’

‘Barghest,’ he murmured as his mouth found mine in a gentle kiss.

That gentle kiss quickly turned hungry, his tongue filling my mouth as his hands slipped under my nightie. He’d divested me of my clothing in seconds, and as he’d come to bed naked, we were now even. His hands roamed over my body as I did the same to him, loving the feel of us warm and solid against each other.

‘I love you, puppy,’ I told him, just because I could.

‘You just love my doggie style,’ he said, taking my wrists firmly in his. And then, suddenly, he flipped me, so I was lying on my stomach. He kept my wrists in his big hand, pinning them to my back, and me to the bed. His knees nudged my thighs apart and I gasped as his free hand knotted in my hair. He pulled my head back to whisper in my ear. I was expecting something delightfully dirty, but his voice was rough with more than just passion when he spoke.

‘I love you, too.’

That’s what I adore about my barghest. He’s like a box of chocolates: sometimes filled with something sweet, other times filled with pure filth.

Together, we may have saved the world – but we also knew how to save each other.

And have a damned good time doing it.

Acknowledgments

Writing acknowledgments is harrowing. I always worry I’ve forgotten somebody, and I usually do. But writing the acknowledgments for the last book in a series is especially daunting. After all, this series made me an author, something I’d never thought I’d become. And I have so many people to thank for that honor.

First of all, to my family. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: You let me become who I am. No matter how distant or daunting was my next adventure, you always supported me. All of my experiences have gone into my books, and I would definitely not have gotten where I am so early if it weren’t for your support.

Next up is my dedicatee, Rebecca Strauss, and everyone else at McIntosh and Otis. You have all been incredibly patient with an author who knew absolutely nothing about the business. You have guided me with patience and wisdom, and you have been not only a source of professional support, but a friend. I can’t begin to thank you, and I really do feel we’re a team.

I also owe a huge debt of gratitude to Orbit Books. To my editor, Devi Pillai, for buying my books and for telling me when they rocked and when they didn’t. To Jenn Flax and Susan Barnes for helping make my writing better. To Alex Lencicki, Jack Womack, and Ellen Wright for making sure my books reached as many people as possible. To Sharon Tancredi and Lauren Panepinto, who made Jane beautiful. To Tim Holman for leading the pack. And thanks also to the UK Orbit team, especially Anna Gregson, Rose Tremlett, and Joanna Kramer, for getting Jane overseas, where she belongs.

I must also thank all of my friends who supported me. James Clawson, Christie Ko, and Mary Lois White get special mention for all their readings of Jane. But there are so many of you who supported me, gave me inspiration, and answered questions on various bizarre subjects. To all of my author friends and the League of Reluctant Adults and the Pens Fatales, especially: Thank you for all of your support,