Page 79 of Beer & Broomsticks

The more she watched the two of them, the more Bridget realized they actually worked as a couple. Dubheasa was fiercely independent and highly intelligent, the perfect foil for Ronan with his reluctant hero ways.

A smile curled Bridget’s lips, and she leaned back within the circle of Ruairí’s arms. “Sure, and she’ll make a badass Guardian. Better than I ever would.”

“I doubt anyone could be better than you,mo ghrá.But your sister would be a close second.”

Eoin was quiet as Dubheasa told her tale of being abducted by Ronan to be brought back here, and her brother meandered over to the set of French doors to stare out absently over the landscaped lawn.

“He’s the one I worry about,” Bridget said. “He’s lonely, I think. I wish I knew how to make him happy.”

“We’ll figure it out, Bridg. Together.”

“Together.”

He scooted her off his lap, stood, then clasped her hand tightly in his. “Let’s go to bed, yeah? It’s been a long day, and my arms ache to hold you while we sleep.”

Rising up on her toes, she looped her arms around his neck, drawing his head down for a taste of his lips. She sighed her pleasure. “Aye, it’s time for you to remind me how truly lucky I am, Ruairí O’Connor.”

“What are ya waitin’ for, woman? Take me to bed.”

With a light laugh, she visualized the room Damian’s wife had shown them earlier and teleported them with little effort. Sure, and she was going to love the gift of her magic. It remained to be seen what type of elemental she would be, but she didn’t care at the moment. Learning how to be a proper witch was for another day. Right now, she wanted to shag her forever man.

* * *

“It’s done.”

Anu watched the earthly proceedings in Isis’s favorite pond and nodded. “Aye. Loman O’Connor will live to fight another day. More’s the pity.”

“The Three believe it will mold Ronan into a better Guardian.”

With a dismissive scoff, Anu turned her back on the scene, a frown marring her normally smooth forehead. “There are other ways. The Fates can be brutal in their tasks, and I believe they enjoy it. Ronan has proved at every turn he’s worthy and shouldn’t need to suffer another test.”

Isis touched her shoulder. “Believe in the process, dear Anu. It will work out. It always does.”

“You are too optimistic.”

“Perhaps.” They shared a wry smile. “So, who’s next?”

“The easier of the two. Eoin O’Malley.”

Isis laughed. “He’s a temperamental artist. Do you truly believe he’ll be easier than his sister? Especially after the way she took on our new Guardian?”

“That’s exactly why,” Anu said with a laugh. “It will take twice as long for Dubheasa to forgive Ronan’s treachery. She was attached to her mortal job. As an artist, Eoin is ruled by his emotions. He’ll save the girl from the drudgery of her life.”

“Poor Brenna Sullivan won’t know what hit her.”

“Aye, her life is about to be upturned, but you have to shake a few trees to get the best fruit down. And Odessa Sullivan is the one bad apple spoiling the lot, but I believe Eoin O’Malley is clever enough to defeat her.”

EPILOGUE

“It’s done.”

Castor lay on his back, unblinking eyes staring at the sky.

“Are you going to lie there all day, or are you going to get up so we can return home?” Damian asked him.

“Shut up, Dethridge. I almost got my ass handed to me. I don’t need you to mock me at a time like this.”

“My bad.”

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