Page 134 of A Bolt of Magic

A smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. “After your mother made me drink that vile poison and cast a spell on me, I was trapped inside my own body. I could see and hear everything, but I couldn’t move or speak. I was screaming inside, trying to break free, but nothing worked. Until I heard you tell me you loved me.”

My cheeks burn hotter. “You heard that?”

“Every word,” he says, his voice growing husky. “It gave me something to fight for, something to hold on to. I need you to know that I love you, too, McColl. I want to spend forever with you. I want you at my side when we take down Snow, and I want you beside me on the throne as my queen. I can’t think of anyone better suited. You’re kind, intelligent, not to mention selfless. You’re also very beautiful.”

The words steal my breath away. “Kian…”

“You should know that it won’t be easy,” he continues, his hands framing my face. “I know there will be challenges, people who won’t understand or accept us. But I can’t imagine my life without you in it. You were made for me, McColl. I truly believe that. I’d like to think that I was made for you. Will you have me? Will you let me spend the rest of my life trying to make you happy?”

“Yes,” I breathe, the word coming out as a breathless whisper. “Yes, of course, yes. I couldn’t think of anything I would want more. I welcome any challenges because I know we’ll face them together.”

His mouth brushes against mine. His lips taste like forever. I make a desperate moan as I hold on to him. I can’t wait to spend every day with him.

When we finally break apart, both of us breathing hard, I rest my forehead against his.

“I belong with you,” I whisper. “Wherever you go, whatever we face, I belong with you.”

“Always,” he murmurs back, his arms tightening around me. “Always and forever.”

Outside the window, the first rays of dawn are beginning to break through the darkness. A new day is beginning.

We have a war to fight, a queen to defeat, and a realm to save and we’ll do it together, as it should be.

44

McColl

The open field stretches endlessly around us, wild grass swaying in the gentle breeze. Behind me, Maya and Orion stand with their magnificent dragons.

“We’ll take good care of him,” Lydia says, her voice warm. She looks different now, carrying herself with the authority of her new position among The Seven. They decided it was time for a change. Time to allow a young representative to take a seat at the table. I have to say that Lydia was a great choice. “This should be a quick meeting, McColl. Word of how you and Kian took on Lilith and won has been making the rounds. How you two are together now. A witch and a fae.” She smiles. “You’re heroes among our kind, both of you.”

“I shouldn’t get any recognition for that,” Kian says.

“Of course you should.” I shoulder-bump him.

“Well,” Lydia goes on, “you especially, McColl, are a hero in the eyes of the covens…most of them, anyway. We’re working on the one or two who are reluctant to change.”

I nod, though my throat feels tight.Heroes.The word still feels foreign when applied to me.

Kian steps forward, his hands framing my face with familiar tenderness.

“I’ll be back before you know it, love,” he murmurs, then captures my lips in a kiss that is quick but scorching, leaving me breathless and wanting more. When he pulls away, his eyes hold enough love to make my heart race.

“I’m sure you won’t have to wait too long for your reunion.” Seraphina gives me a knowing smile.

“I hope so. Go on,” I urge them. “I’ll be fine.”

My stomach goes back to churning.

I watch as Kian, Lydia, and Seraphina, flanked by Blackthorn protectors, walk toward the distant buildings. Seraphina has grown into her role as High Mystic with grace. She deserves her new role.

Kian turns back once, throwing me that devastating smile that first made me fall for him. My heart skips not one but several beats, and I press a hand to my chest, feeling foolish for my reaction, even now.

“Don’t worry,” Maya says from somewhere behind me. “All will be well.” She winces, clutching her breasts with both hands for a few seconds. “I hope they hurry it up. I’m filling up with milk by the second. It’s almost time for Maxwell’s feed. I need to get back soon.”

“He’s just fine with Kyrie. Raila will fly fast when the time comes,” Orion tells her.

“I know. I hate being away from our boy, he’s only three moon cycles old. Far too young to be separated from his mother.”

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