Stolen Warriors
Page 23
Epilogue
Finley
“Izzy, I’m home,” I yell. I ran all the way back here, mostly so I don’t have to deal with the ramifications of what I told them. The other part to make them chase me. I feel Stolas will be the most enthusiastic about my revelation. Obsidian will be stoic, and Verkor will be somewhere in between. Izadora comes running down the hallway where our bedrooms are.
“Fin,” she screams as she barrels into me, hugging me tightly. I hug her back just as tight. I missed her, and my bed. She pulls back, her hands going to mine. “Oh my God, I can’t believe you’re home. Are you alright? Did everything go okay? Did you find the second part of the map? Where are your hunky mates at?” She rapid fires her questions at me. I chuckle. I don’t get to answer because my mates rush through the door, even Obsidian.
“You can’t...just drop a...bomb like that...and leave, you minx,” Stolas says between breaths.
“I don’t know what you speak of,” I say innocently.
“Bullshit,” Stolas replies. He’s smiling at me. I wink and smile back. I turn my attention back to Izzy, when arms come around me, lifting me off my feet. I get spun around, before being deposited back on my feet. I’m surrounded by my mates. “Just so you know, I love you too.” Stolas cups my face and kisses me. It’s over before I want it to be. He spins me to face Verkor.
“So, you’re more than just in deep like with me?” I roll my eyes. Somehow I knew he was going to mention that.
“Yes.”
“Good. I love you too.”
He leans down and places a quick kiss on my lips. He spins me to face Obsidian. He takes a step closer. His hand goes to the base of my throat, sliding it up my neck, lightly gripping my jaw. Obsidian leans down placing his mouth next to my ear.
“I love you too, doll.” He nips at my earlobe, making me gasp. He pulls back, my gray eyes meeting his amber ones. He crushes his mouth to mine. It’s a fast, bruising kiss. Obsidian lets go, taking a few steps back.
“Well, well, well,” Izzy says, interrupting us. “I can’t wait to hear all about this.” I feel my face get hot.
“Anyway.” I turn back to face Izzy. “To answer your previous questions, I’m fine, everything did not go okay, of course I got the map, and they are right here.”
“Can I see the map?” Izzy ask. I nod. I pull the folded up map from my pocket. There’s no way I was leaving it in my bag. It’s the most valuable thing I own. I hand the map to Izzy. I watch as she unfolds it. “Where’s the second piece?”
“Look closer.” It takes her a minute to see it. Izzy’s gaze whips up to mine. Her green eyes are wide, mouth slightly agape.
“How did this happen?”
“The map fused together when I aligned the pieces.”
“Holy shit.”
“I know, right.” Izzy looks back at the map; her fingers freeze inches from the surface. “Izzy?” I walk over to her and lean down to get a good look at her eyes. They’re completely white, meaning she’s in her trance having a vision. Hopefully, it’s about the next part of our journey.
“Is she alright?” Verkor asks. I right myself and look over my shoulder at my mates.
“She’s fine.” I wave my hand in a noncommittal gesture.
“Want to explain what’s going on?” Stolas questions. I turn and face them.
“This sometimes happens when she’s having a vision. You know, I never did ask if she sees the poem, or if it’s a vision of where the piece of the map is accompanied by a voice reciting the poem. I kind of just go with it. She should be coming out of it soon.”
“Does this happen often?” Verkor inquires.
“Not really. It’s been happening more since she received the first vision of the map.”
“Were you there when it happened?”
“No. I didn’t ask her what she was doing either. I was more focused on the fact that it seemed the myth was real, and the potential payout for this.” Obsidian grunts at my answer.
“I got it,” Izzy states from beside me. “I have the next part of the poem.” She has all of our attention now.
“Well?” Obsidian says impatiently.
“For the next piece that you seek, you will go down, down, far beneath the trees. Fire and brimstone is what you’ll find, but be wary of deceit and webs of lies. A date with the devil is what you’ll get, but you’ll have to be quick. For your gifts will only get you so far, and you’ll have to rely more on your wit.”
I share a look with my mates, because I’m pretty sure I know where we’re headed, but I need to hear it out loud.
“Well, shit,” Stolas exclaims. “It looks like we’re going to my realm. My home.” Stolas quickly meets all of our eyes. “Pack your bags, lady and gents. We’re going to hell.”
The End
To Be Continued in Stolen Fire, book 2 in the Gypsy Note Series.
Author Note
First, I hope you guys enjoyed the first book in the new series. There will be three more books in the Gypsy Notes Series. Second, I want to say how much I love and appreciate each and every one of you. I was disappointed in myself for having to move the preorder date back two weeks. After reading this book I hoped it was worth it, and that you love the storyline and characters as much as I do. I want to thank you for being so understanding and supportive. I seriously have the rest readers.
Next, I would like to thank my beta readers. You guys rock. You’re fast and efficient, and always reaching out and checking if I need anything. I couldn’t have asked for a better group.
Thank you to Rachael from Muddy Waters Editing. You push me to be a better writer. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into my books. Thank you for always being available to answer any questions I have. I love taking my writing journey with you.
Thank you to Consuelo Parra for the beautiful cover. I can’t wait to see what you come up with for the rest of the series. It’s been a joy to work with you.
To my father-in-law, we’re going to pretend the sex scenes never happened. I love you and thank you for your encouragement, love, and support. You are the best.
To Stacey, thank you for talking out some scenes with me. You will never know how much I value our friendship and your support. Love ya, girl.
To AJ, thank you for giving me the courage to quit my day job, so I can be a full-time writer. Love ya.
Lastly, be on the lookout for arc sign up sheet. I will be putting together an arc team starting with the second book in this series, Stolen Fire. I will post more on that on my facebook and group page when the time comes. Also, I now have a twitter, S. Dalambakis. I will be making a newsletter now that I have a logo. I promise not to spam you. I’ll send one to two letters a month. I’ll post more on that once it’s been set up. I’m also on the fence about maybe starting an Etsy account where signed copies of my books, postcards, and bookmarks would be available. If I decide to do this, I will post on my social media.
Again, thank you, everyone, for your support. Y’all are the greatest. Happy Reading.
Best,
S. Dalambakis
Playlist
“Desire”- Dommin
“Carol of the Bells”-Lindsey Stirling
“Sex on Fire”- Kings of Leon
“Kiss Me”- Lola James
“Tonight Looks Good on You”- Jason Aldean
“With or Without You”- Dope
“Tried To Tell Ya”- Brantley Gilbert
“Bodies” - Drowning Pool
“Just Let Me Be In Love”- Tracy Byrd
“My Heart Is Lost To You”- Brooks and Dunn
“Never Surrender”- Straight Line Stitch
“Insatiable”- Darren Hayes
“3”-Britney Spears
“Under Control”-Ellie Goulding
About the Author
Hi! I am S. Dalambakis. I am a thirty something mother of twins and a native Ohioan, who just recently moved to Florida. I have been married for 10+ years, to a loving and supportive husb
and. I graduated from Youngstown State University, with a degree in Criminal Justice and Biology. I have been an inspiring writing for years and finally have the courage to release my writing to the world. I have a love for books and all things Harry Potter and “nerdy”. I also have an unhealthy obsession with planners and pens.
Come and stop by my social media.
http://www.facebook.com/s.dalambakis/
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Happy reading!