Shadows of the Past Read Free

them, even more to destroy them.” Her eyes fluttered shut. She needed a rest before they went on to Xenu’s home.
    The rough bark at her back jolted her awake as Toryn’s mouth closed over hers in a desperate kiss while his hands worked her skirt up around her waist.
    He entered her hard, his tongue caressing hers, and she drank in their shared pleasure, letting his passion rejuvenate her.
    “I could help,” Aeremaius called.
    There was a thump, and then Xenu snarled, “You will come with me, and leave Toryn to revive Sapphire.”
    She focused on the feel of Toryn moving deep inside her. It was hard and fast, but gave her the strength she’d lost while battling the Shadows.
    They found their release together, and Toryn held her pinned as his forehead lay against hers. “Don’t scare me like that, Saph.”
    Her hand came up to caress his face. “You, my dear, are the very best kind of friend. Though we should catch up to them before Xenu complains we are wasting time.”
    Toryn chuckled. “Let him. You are worth the wait.”
    “ Mmm, my sweet. Come on, we should arrive at his home soon. I am sure he will let us have a stay at the inn before we leave again.”
    He licked his lips as he let her down and tucked himself back into his buckskin pants.
     
    * * * *
     
    Finally, Xenu’s home was in sight after two days of travel. He hurried up his steps and through his door. He found the love of his life in the old rocking chair next to the fireplace. She had a tiny bundle in her arms.
    Rowan smiled up at him. Her mahogany hair was tied up messily. She looked tired, but wore a radiant smile as her gaze locked with his.
    Before she could get up , he was in front of her and bent down for a quick kiss. “May I?” he asked as he smiled down at his little boy.
    “Of course. Hayden is your son, Xen.”
    He scooped his babe into his arms, and warm brown eyes found his. The boy was sturdy and solid, even as tiny as he was. His small hand wrapped around Xenu’s pinky and squeezed tight.
    “You will be a strong man one day. Won’t you, little one?”
    “Hello, Rowan,” Sapphire said as she walked in behind him. “I’m sorry to intrude, but if you wouldn’t mind, I have a gift for you and your son.”
    Xenu’s head snapped up, worried that Rowan may assume the worst.
    Rowan embraced Sapphire as she did everyone welcomed into their home. “I need no gift. You’ve seen that my spouse has come home alive and well.”
    Sapphire dipped her head. “I will do everything in my power to see him in your arms again, but our mission is not yet done.”
    “If you r first success is any indication, then I trust he is in safe hands.”
    “ Please, I insist on blessing your family.” Sapphire smiled and held out her hands. “I will need both of you close.” She looked up at Xenu and then back to Rowan who wound her arm around his waist, and leaned into his side.
    Sapphire took Rowan’s hand, placing it over Xenu’s heart. He felt the nymph’s magic flow through him, grasping onto his love as she wound it around both his spouse and their tiny babe. He heard the words she chanted, but he did not know the water language. It felt as if Sapphire wove he and Rowan’s love tight, binding them even further to each other and their son.
    Sapphire stepped away and Toryn took her hand as they left quietly.
    Rowan took a deep breath and slowly opened her eyes. “Why do I feel as if nothing can harm me?”
    “Her gifts are healing and protection. You and Ha yden will be safe from the Shadow’s corruption.” He kissed her head.
    “And you?” She asked softly.
    “She is not worried about me, love. She wanted to protect you and our boy. Is that not enough?” He felt it was.
    “I still believe you to be the strongest fae alive, so I trust you will find your way back to me. Come, I have missed you.” She pulled him toward the kitchen where he knew she would feed him, and later, once their boy was asleep, he would have her.
     
    * *