So I thought the best way we might try to reconcile is by offering to visit you in Satorala, saying that's permitted. If not, I'd like to invite both of you over whenever you're in town, if only to have dinner. I want to know more about what you're doing now, and more about Mikail.
So if he's in accordance, perhaps we can give each other a second chance.
I truly hope you'll write soon to let me know, and that you'll forgive me.
With all my love,
Mom
Kivsey read over the note a second time just to be sure she'd understood correctly the first, and her heart swelled with appreciation to know her mother was at least trying to take her choices seriously. Whether it would ultimately change the woman's mind was up in the air, but the sentiment was certainly appreciated.
Still, while stuffing the letter back into its envelope, she couldn't help but mutter in amusement, “I'm living a world away now, and she's still inviting me to dinner parties.”
Looking up to see Mikail grinning, she took his hand with a returned smile and added, “But at least she invited the right man this time.”
Her heart warmed when his fingers threaded through hers, his expression proving he agreed with the sentiment completely. “I'd be willing to offer her a second chance as well, if that's what you want.”
Kivsey regarded him quietly, taking in his glowing, crimson eyes, pointed ears, snowy hair, and most of all, his warm, sensual smile. His willingness to give Joan a second chance wasn't surprising, but his understanding was still touching, making it hard to imagine how she'd ever found someone like him.
And he loves me.
Somehow, after reading her mother's letter, the thought seemed miraculous. Kivsey had the life she wanted in the palm of her hand, her mother actually wasn't disowning her, and she'd earned the love of a good man.
“Kivsey? Are you okay?”
Mikail's question came when a tear streaked down her cheek, so many emotions overwhelming her that she hadn't even realized she'd started to cry until he brushed it away with his thumb.
In turn, she nodded to answer his question, then grabbed him in a tight hug and whispered, “I'm just really damned happy. Everything's going so well, and to be honest, I can't stop wondering how I ever got so lucky.”
Wrapping her in his arms, Mikail asked uncertainly, “Lucky? I'm not sure luck had anything to do with it.”
“Why not?”
“Because you accomplished this through the merit of your own determination,” he answered simply. “You're resourceful, love, and that shouldn't be written off as some random stroke of fortune.”
The confidence in his voice had a smile curling her lips in recalling a time not terribly long ago when he'd believed her to be an inept human. But after their trails together, he no longer doubted her abilities, and she had every faith in his, to say nothing for her certainty that the life they were building was definitely worthwhile.
So she nuzzled his neck until a groan rumbled from his chest and replied, “Maybe, but it doesn't really matter how I got here. I'm just glad I did, and that I have you to share it with.”
Kissing her temple, Mikail murmured sincerely, “As am I, love.”
A contented sigh rushed through her parted lips as she rested against him, satisfied with the knowledge that she was precisely where she needed to be and, at the moment, their most serious concern was making up for lost time.
So it came as no surprise when he added more suggestively, “I also won't deny my eagerness to continue our reunion, and as for testing the rooms … ”
As he trailed, she glanced up to see him looking around in suggesting, “Perhaps we should try the stairs next, or the kitchen table.”
A devious smirk curled her lips over the options named, and she couldn't resist asking, “The kitchen table? Are you sure you can make it that far, big guy?”
With an amused glint in his crimson eyes, Mikail gave a scrutinizing look. “Are you insinuating I lack stamina? Or discipline?”
“Maybe both,” she implied teasingly. “Why?”
Lifting her from the chaise to carry into the kitchen, he answered pointedly, “Because I'll have to take it personally.”
Kivsey snickered on the way, and didn't resist the urge to lovingly nuzzle the crook of his neck with her retort.
“I think I can handle it, as long as you give me the proper response … .”
AUTHOR'S NOTE
♦
Thank you so much for reading Cast Into Shadow! I truly hope you've enjoyed it, and if you have a moment to spare, please let others know in a review!
For any questions or comments, or to learn more about The Crucible Series and books available, please visit my website at www.angelacolsin.com, or follow me at:
Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Blog
Cast Into Shadow Page 32
