“I love you,” he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotions.
He felt her freeze against him. He briefly contemplated what he would do if she didn't say it back. He needed her love. It wasn't something he was willing to do without.
“I love you,” he whispered again, his voice cracking. “God, Faye, love doesn't even begin to describe what you do to me, what I feel for you. You are my heart. My light. My Promise. I love you for the way you look first thing in the morning. I love how you hog the covers. I love how you get mad if I don't cuddle you when you wake up. I love how you scrunch your nose when your thinking. I love everything that is you . . .”
He was rambling as he anxiously wondered if it was too soon or maybe she didn't love him yet. Or maybe she never would.
“Would you shut up?”
Tears ran down her face again, and Wolfie eyed them exasperatedly as Colin gave up. Maybe she just felt like crying. Faye slid down his body until she was standing on her two feet and she stared into his honey gaze.
“I love you,” she said softly, “though I didn't think I was ever going to get a word in, edgewise, to tell you.”
Colin froze, his eyes widening. “Really?” he whispered, not realizing how vulnerable he sounded.
“I love you so much, Colin,” she smiled and then added, “You too, Wolfie.”
His gaze flickered completely gold for a moment as the wolf grinned, utter joy spreading across his face. Faye had seen Colin happy before, but he was positively glowing now. Her own cheeks hurt from smiling so much.
Then he whooped, grabbed her up, and spun her around while he yelled and howled triumphantly. He had persevered and overcame; he had won his lady love. She loved him. He had won his Promise.
CHAPTER twenty-six
Faye smoothed down the plain long-sleeved black knit dress she was wearing and stepped into her black heels. Colin strode out of the bathroom, barefoot with his shirt buttons undone and his tie hanging loosely around his neck. Faye smiled as he brushed past her and gently touched her arm. He reached for the black slacks she had just finished ironing and slid them on his long bare legs over his muscled thighs.
“Let me help,” she offered, buttoning up his shirt as he tucked it inside his pants and swiftly tying the dark blue tie around his neck with deft fingers.
He smiled down at her, somewhat distantly, and she pressed her lips to his cheek briefly, letting him know she was there. They were having a small ceremony in remembrance of William Byrd. Colin had not been at the funeral, and Faye was glad Martha suggested it. She knew Colin felt guilty for not being present at his father's burial.
He had been distant the past several days, spending time with his nephews and nieces and getting reacquainted with his family. As they slipped on their jackets, Colin tugged her close and murmured, “I want to go home, Faye.”
Faye was silent for a moment and then asked simply, “Why?”
He shook his head, looking intently into her eyes and willing her to understand. “I don't belong here anymore.” His voice was gruff and sincere. “I belong with you. And our place is at home.”
Faye nodded and said, “Alright. We'll go home soon. Just give it a few more days. Your mother needs to spend some more time with you.”
He smiled at the mention of his mother. “We can visit?” he asked hesitantly.
“Of course.” Faye stroked his hair. “Holidays, vacations . . . we will visit.”
He nodded, satisfied, and then asked, “Are you ready?”
She pinned him with her blue eyes and asked, “Are you?”
She understood him even better than he understood himself, and Colin was utterly grateful for that. Grateful to have her love and her care. In return, he would walk through fire for her. He tucked her arm under his and nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. “As long as I have you beside me.”
Faye bit her lip at the sincerity behind his words. He meant that with all of his heart, and she silently vowed to never shake that faith he had in her, no matter what.
“I love you,” she breathed and watched as his eyes lightened and he smiled.
“I love you more,” he answered, kissing her softly.
They stepped out into the backyard where everyone else was milling around. Martha clapped her hands and ordered everyone to follow her up the small winding path to the sacred meadow.
Faye clutched Colin's arm. The pathway was paved, thank goodness. The sky shone brightly. There were a few clouds dotting the landscape, but for the most part, it was a clear sunny cool day. The wind whistled past their ears as they passed under the wrought iron gates that led into the family cemetery. There were a few other ancient looking tombstones. William Byrd's was a simple granite slab. It fit what Faye had heard of the silent man. Simple, neat, and quiet, just like he had been. They gathered around the grave as Martha said a few words, and then the boys took turns speaking to their father, almost sounding as if they were just having a friendly conversation with him.
Faye could almost feel Colin's pain. He buried his face in her neck for a moment, refusing to speak and shaking his head when he was asked to. She heard Wolfie whine in her ear before she felt something wet on her cheek. When he stood straight again, there was no emotion on his face, only in his eyes. His face was as hard as the craggy mountains pointing up to the sky. But she was sure that he had shed some tears.
Justin detached himself from the rest of the group, and Faye's heart went out to him as he stood alone, his shoulders hunched miserably. Gently, she tugged on Colin's arm and walked over to Justin, giving his arm a tender squeeze. The desolate look in his eyes as they met hers made tears spring to her own.
Colin nodded to his brother. “Brother,” he greeted in a low tone.
Justin nodded, and Faye felt him tremble underneath her palm.
“Are you cold?” she asked softly.
He shook his head, and she was surprised when his hand clasped hers for a second.
“I'm sorry,” he whispered in a broken tone. “I'm sorry.”
Then he turned and hastily left, disappearing down the path back to the house. Faye looked after him with worry, her gaze flitting around the large group who seemingly didn't even notice Justin had left.
“Colin,” she whispered. “Go after him. See if he's alright.”
Colin frowned, watching his brother disappear. “He's fine.”
“He is not.” Faye's voice was firm.
Colin looked at her uneasily.
“I'll come with you,” she said encouragingly.
He sighed and tugged her hand, following Justin down the path to the house.
They stepped through the back door, and Faye shed her coat as she walked into the kitchen, pouring herself a hot cup of coffee.
“Brother?” hollered Colin as he stepped into the living room. Faye listened to him shuffle around in there for a few moments.
He poked his head back in the kitchen a moment later. “Not here,” he huffed. “Probably in his old room upstairs.”
Faye nodded.
“Justin?” called Colin as he headed up the stairs.
Faye leaned against the counter, blowing on the hot coffee to cool it.
Not a minute later, Colin came clattering back downstairs. “He's not here.”
Faye's frown matched Colin's as she worriedly asked, “Then where is he?”
“His house?” guessed Colin, scratching his beard.
“Well, let's go.” She sighed, setting down her cup of coffee and snagging her coat.
Colin gave her a strange look, watching her button up her coat and wondering to himself. Justin was alphaless as were the rest of the family. Yet Faye had developed a special connection to his brother that she did not have with the rest of his family it seemed, and whether she realized it or not, she was exhibiting alpha tendencies, such as worrying about a family member. Colin grinned and followed her out the back door, contemplating when he should tell her. His grin got wider as he shook his head. It would be more
fun to watch her figure it out.
“Come on, Colin,” she prodded grumpily.
“Why are you so worried about Justin?” he asked, poking her.
Her frown deepened. “I just have a bad feeling. He seems so sad, Colin. And I don't know . . . I just want to make sure he's okay.”
Colin sobered as he remembered what he had been told of his brother and how he had lost his Promise. With a growl, he fastened his arms around Faye and held her tightly. The mere thought of something happening to her felt like his soul was ripping itself to shreds. She hugged him back, planting a quick kiss on his lips.
“Come on,” she coaxed. “Let's go.”
They walked down a winding path to Justin's small house, and Faye bit her lip anxiously as she waited for Colin to knock. The door was unlocked, and after several unanswered knocks, Colin pushed it open.
“Brother, where are you?” he called.
A clatter from the back room made Faye jump, and Colin clutched her hand tightly in his as they stepped inside.
“Justin,” he growled, somewhat frustrated.
Faye followed Colin back to the bedroom and slowly watched as Colin pushed the door open, wincing as it creaked. The sound of a muffled sniffle reached their ears even as the ominous sound of something clicking into place resounded throughout the otherwise silent house. Colin felt the hair on the back of his neck prickle with the awareness that something was wrong. The door swung wide open, and he froze. His spine was rigid, and his eyes opened wide in absolute shock.
“Brother,” Colin whispered in absolute betrayal.
Faye paused, stunned, and her whole body trembled.
No, no, no, Faye thought. This couldn't be. No. Something was terribly wrong.
CHAPTER twenty-seven
Faye stared in horror at the gun aimed at Colin's head. She stood frozen, all the air in her body leaving at once.
“Justin.” Colin's voice was a mixture of confusion, betrayal, and anger. “What the hell is going on?”
“I'm sorry,” choked Justin, tears dripping down his face. “I'm so sorry. I can't . . . I can't.”
Faye stepped forward cautiously, earning a glare from Colin and a warning from Justin not to come any closer. His clothes were disheveled and his eyes were bloodshot, anguish written over his entire face. Faye was determined to know what demons he had in his head.
“It's okay,” she said, her voice shaky but placating. “What are you sorry for?”
Justin shook his head violently. His hand that held the gun trembled as he sniffled. He motioned to Colin. “They want him. I'm supposed to get him to them. Then they will be satisfied.”
He sobbed as he glared at Faye, his eyes filled with hate. Even though they were focused on her, she realized the hate was not aimed at her but something else or someone else entirely.
“Why did you bring him here? Why? Why couldn't you just stay away?” He dragged his free hand over his face, pulling at his beard before he muttered something under his breath.
Colin took a step towards Justin. “Brother,” he began, “who wants me? What's going on?”
“Stay there,” warned Justin, his eyes transforming fiercely between its normal warm brown and the black of his wolf. “Don't come any closer.”
“Justin,” said Faye sharply, irritated at the weapon aimed at her Wolfie. “Put the gun down.”
Justin's eyes snapped to hers as a strangled whine left his mouth. His eyes went completely black upon hearing the authority in her voice.
“Put it down,” hissed Faye as she stomped her foot.
The gun clattered to the floor and Justin knelt. His shoulders were shaking, and he continued to sob as he buried his face in his hands. Colin growled, swooping Faye into his arms and shielding her from his brother with his own body. He roamed his hands over her body to assure himself she wasn't injured. He started pushing her towards the door, but Faye resisted.
“Colin,” she whispered. “Stop. We have to help him.”
His chest rumbled as he snarled, clearly not liking her idea. Faye smacked his arm and wriggled away from him. Colin caught her arm in his hand in a vise-like grip. “I don't care if you are now his alpha, as well as mine.” He growled. “He threatened you.”
“Alpha?” Faye's eyes were round as saucers. “What?”
“He yielded to you,” answered Colin, his gaze moving to his brother.
Faye dismissed him with a wave of her hand. She approached Justin and touched his shoulder. As soon as he felt her touch, he clasped her hands in his, pleading her for forgiveness.
“Justin,” she said softly, “tell me what's wrong.”
Colin stood, his huge arms folded as he frowned down at them. Justin sucked in a large gulp of air as he shakily rose to his feet with Faye's help. She sat down on the bed beside him as he breathed heavily for a moment, trying to get himself together. Faye looked up at Colin, her eyes beseeching. He went to her, folding her up in his arms protectively.
“Who wants Colin?” she asked calmly even though her blood was boiling with anger that someone dared to take what was hers.
And Colin was hers, dammit.
“It's the council.” Justin's voice was sad and devoid of hope. “They found out years ago that Colin was still alive. So they sent her.”
“Who?” asked Faye, perplexed. “Who did they send?”
“My Promise,” he said, wiping at the tears flowing down his cheeks. “I didn't know at first. I thought . . . you know . . . I was so happy. I had finally found her, and we would spend eternity together.”
At Colin's sharp inhale, Justin looked up. “Father's death was no accident,” he mumbled miserably. “The council did it. I didn't know until it was too late.”
Colin cursed. He let go of Faye and slammed his fist into the sheetrock wall, tearing a hole in it as result. Faye ignored him for the moment, too intent on getting the truth out of Justin.
“What happened to your Promise, Justin?” she asked softly.
He closed his eyes, his expression pained. “She left me.” His voice was hoarse. “One night. I found out that she had been sent to kill father after . . . after . . . our fight. I found out that she was a member of that damned council. They didn't know where Colin was, and I was surprised when she told me you were alive. We all thought you dead.”
Justin paused, holding Colin's gaze. “I must have been spotted somehow.” Colin growled. “My wolf was not too careful in the last several years we were feral.”
“Regardless,” continued Justin, “they knew. She was working for them all along. The afternoon I found out she was a member of the council, I was so angry. I didn't know why she hadn't been honest with me. And I told her she had to choose. Me or the council. I went out for a run, and when I came home, she was gone.”
“I waited.” Justin's voice broke.
Faye wrapped her arm around his shoulders, feeling her eyes fill with tears at his pain and loss. She felt him lean into her touch, taking the comfort she offered. He took a deep breath, and Faye locked eyes with Colin who was standing across the room.
“Eight hours and forty minutes later, I heard something thump on the front porch.”
Faye bit her lip, having a terrible feeling she already knew what had happened next.
“I opened the door.” Justin shivered at the memory. “And her head was laying on the porch. My Diane's head was just laying there.”
“Shhh,” Faye quieted the man as he broke down again. Colin moved swiftly to Faye, his eyes pure gold at the thought of that happening to his Promise.
A few minutes later, Justin spoke again, his voice exhausted. “A letter they left with her on the porch informed me that they killed her because she had failed to execute my father. And that if I told anyone about what happened or failed to comply with exactly what they wanted me to do, they would kill my baby.”
“What?” gasped Faye.
Justin turned his miserable eyes to Faye. “Diane was pregnant,” he whispered.
&n
bsp; “So,” began Colin furiously, raking his fingers through his hair.
“They have my daughter,” finished Justin.
Colin swore. “How long?”
“Past seven years,” answered Justin. “I've been searching for you. Trying to find you. They want you dead. The other day, when father was killed, marked exactly seven years since they took my daughter. It was a message to me—that I hadn't been doing what they wanted me to.”
Colin let out a shaky breath and sank down on the bed. He grabbed Justin's shoulder and said, “I am so sorry, brother. Father should have killed me all those years ago. It would have saved a lot of trouble.”
“I should think not,” screeched Faye, eyes wide. “This is not your fault, Colin!”
“If I had died the way I was supposed to,” muttered Colin sadly, “none of this would have happened.”
“Exactly,” said Faye, sinking down to her knees in front of him. “Which means I would have never met you. And I'm not okay with that. I love you. And this is not your fault. It's the council's. They're seriously screwed up.”
Colin pulled her up and cradled her on his lap, burying his face in her hair.
“What are we going to do?” Faye's voice was soft.
Colin pressed his lips to her forehead lovingly, breathing in deep her scent. “We are going to give them exactly what they asked for.”
CHAPTER twenty-eight
It had been a tense few days. For everyone, not just Justin. He was grateful for the constant comfort from Faye and the steady resolve that emanated from Colin. They had decided that it would be best to keep the rest of the family in the dark about what was happening. No one else deserved to get hurt. Justin had been depending on just himself for too long. It was nice to have someone share the burden with him.
He raked his hands through his dark hair, muttering savagely under his breath. They were going to get his daughter. The Elder was going to die. The man's protégée was not nearly as violent or wicked and would be able to be a good replacement—a good strong leader the Council has not seen in years and far from the tyrant that was currently the Head Elder. Justin paced the forest floor as he waited, his work boots crunching the dead leaves. It was getting close to dusk.
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